AHLA members discussed key tax and workforce provisions to protect small businesses and promote industry growth
May 20, 2025
More than 250 members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) convened in Washington, D.C. this week to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislative priorities aimed at strengthening the U.S. hospitality industry. Amid ongoing federal budget and tax discussions, AHLA members underscored the critical need for tax reforms, labor policy adjustments, and workforce development measures to protect small businesses and support industry growth.
Key takeaways
- Broad industry representation: Over 250 AHLA members met with Senate and House leaders to share firsthand insights and urge action on hospitality-related policies.
- Tax policy advocacy: AHLA called for:
- Permanent Small Business Tax Deduction
- Extension of Bonus Depreciation
- Preservation of Like-Kind Exchanges
- Reinstatement of Expanded Business Interest Deductibility
- A second round of Opportunity Zones
- “No Tax on Tips” initiative to benefit hospitality workers
- Labor and workforce focus:
- Support for increasing the H-2B visa cap to address labor shortages
- Advocacy for protecting the franchise model, which supports over half of U.S. hotels and 2.8 million jobs
- Emphasis on workforce development and upskilling
- Bipartisan recognition: AHLA presented its Spirit of Hospitality Award to several lawmakers from both parties for their efforts to champion tourism and reduce regulatory burdens.
- Industry urgency: AHLA leadership emphasized that Congressional and Administration awareness of the hotel sector’s needs is growing, but action is critical to maintain momentum in recovery and growth.
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