WASHINGTON (July 14, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced it has welcomed Preferred Hotels & Resorts℠ as a new member. 
 
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries—including 190 properties in the United States. 
 
Independent hotels are unique and important fixtures in the U.S. hotel landscape and make up nearly one-third of the nation’s hotel rooms. Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ AHLA membership further strengthens the voice of independent hotels within the industry and deepens AHLA’s presence in this key segment.
 
Preferred Hotels & Resorts joins an AHLA membership roster that includes more than 30,000 members, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 10 largest hotel companies in the U.S. In addition to hoteliers, AHLA membership includes state and local lodging associations, leading hospitality associations, industry service providers and suppliers, universities, and hospitality students.  
 
“AHLA’s second-to-none advocacy, affiliate services, and communication capabilities are precisely why we decided to join,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “As a champion of hoteliers and hospitality groups operating across the United States, and an influential voice within the industry, we look forward to working closely with AHLA’s team to generate new opportunities and greater visibility of our member hotels nationwide.” 
 
“On behalf of the growing AHLA family, we’d like to extend a warm welcome to Preferred Hotels & Resorts,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “As the world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts will bring a host of important perspectives to AHLA, and we look forward to elevating the voices and priorities of independent hoteliers on their behalf.”
 
Today’s announcement builds on AHLA’s strong membership growth trajectory over the past two years, during which AHLA achieved record membership and overall satisfaction levels and has expanded via strategic partnerships and mergers with leading hospitality organizations, including the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) and Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), respectively.