Aspen, Colorado – May 23, 2016 – U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) toured The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, on Saturday, May 21, to meet its employees and hear about the hotel’s involvement with the local community. In its fourth year running, the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) “Heart of the House” program connects members of Congress with local hoteliers and their employees to showcase how the hotel industry impacts job creation, economic growth and community development.
The hotel industry plays a vital role in strengthening Colorado’s economy. Generating $921 million in tax revenue for local governments across the Centennial State, hotels are an important segment of the state’s economy. Additionally, many of Colorado’s properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for nearly half of jobs in the state. Review the facts and figures on how Colorado contributes to local jobs and the economy here.
“I am grateful to The Little Nell and AH&LA for giving me ‘Heart of the House’ access to meet with the exceptional staff and see firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into operating a Colorado legend,” said Senator Gardner. “Coming from a family-owned business myself, I understand the triumphs and challenges that come with running an independent property. The Little Nell’s success remains critical to attracting travel and tourism year-round, which correlates to jobs and economic growth high in the Centennial State’s mountains to regions across the state and beyond.”
The tour was led by The Little Nell’s hotel manager, Jonathan Fillman, accompanied by AH&LA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Brian Crawford.
“Colorado attracts avid sportsmen, athletes and outdoorsmen to leisure travelers, and The Little Nell underscores the best Aspen has to offer,” said Fillman. “I am fortunate to share with Senator Gardner this hotel’s 26-year history and the many employee stories that contribute to the great success of The Little Nell and our industry.”
AH&LA engages with members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” hotel tours to provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available as well as the economic and community impact of the lodging industry.
###
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.9 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry of more than 53,000 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.
The Little Nell
Aspen's only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel, offers luxury services and unparalleled access to America's most famous mountain town. Guests of The Little Nell – a Relais & Châteaux - enjoy a cosmopolitan yet intimate ambience, haute cuisine, superior wine and exclusive adventures and amenities designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. 675 East Durant Avenue, 970.920.4600, www.thelittlenell.com.