The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has called on Congress to pass key legislation that addresses transparency in lodging fees, labor shortages, and anti-human trafficking measures before the current congressional session ends on January 3, 2025. These reforms could significantly impact the hospitality industry, consumers, and federal workers.
A central focus of AHLA’s advocacy is the passage of the No Hidden FEES Act and the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, which aim to standardize how lodging fees are displayed. These bills would ensure that travelers receive clear, upfront pricing across the lodging industry, covering hotels, short-term rentals, and booking platforms. Transparent pricing has long been a concern for travelers frustrated by surprise fees during booking.
In addition to consumer protections, AHLA is pushing for the HOTEL Act, which encourages federal employees traveling for business to stay in hotels with anti-human trafficking programs. This aligns with AHLA’s ongoing “No Room for Trafficking” initiative, which has been in place since 2019 to help hoteliers identify and combat trafficking activities.
Another major challenge facing the hotel industry is workforce shortages. AHLA is urging Congress to pass the Closing the Workforce Gap Act, which proposes replacing the current cap of 66,000 H-2B temporary work visas with a needs-based system. This change could address labor gaps, ensuring that hotels can meet growing demand while supporting workers with fair opportunities.
Finally, AHLA is advocating for the Red Tape Reduction Act, a proposal designed to create a level playing field between hotels and short-term rental providers. By accounting for unreported income within the short-term rental market, the act could reduce unfair competition and streamline operations for hoteliers.
AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta emphasized the broad benefits of these reforms, stating, “From growing the workforce, to protecting consumers, preventing human trafficking, and cutting red tape, these commonsense, bipartisan policies are a win-win for hoteliers, employees, and consumers.”
The hotel industry plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, supporting 1 in 25 American jobs. In 2024 alone, hotels are projected to generate $83.4 billion in tax revenue while paying employees a record $123 billion in wages and compensation. With these proposed changes, AHLA believes the industry can continue to grow while protecting consumers and fostering ethical practices.
As Congress considers these bipartisan bills, travelers, workers, and hoteliers alike could benefit from a more transparent, equitable, and efficient lodging industry.
