To what do you attribute AH&LA’s influence and membership growth since you joined?
It’s been a dynamic and fast-paced three years at the helm of AH&LA. We advanced a new model that has nearly tripled our membership [to 24,000] and created a grassroots army; changed our governance structure to build alignment and support among the leaders of all facets of the industry; developed a three-year strategic plan; and sharpened our focus on advocacy and offensive communications in telling the industry story. [We now represent] more than half of the industry’s five million guestrooms.
What do you love about hospitality?
The great men and women who are the heart of our industry, and the strong commitment that the leadership of our industry makes in fostering development, upward mobility, and exciting lifelong careers.
What are the biggest challenges the American lodging industry faces today?
We are seeing a troubling trend of a rise in unregulated commercial lodging facilitated by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. All too often, individuals or entities use these platforms to operate illegal hotels. Further on the distribution front, we are seeing the evolution of the online distribution landscape that is changing the way consumers book travel and hotel rooms. It’s crucial that we raise awareness among consumers on how to avoid online booking scams.
How is AH&LA responding to the opening of the Cuban market?
AH&LA has joined Engage Cuba during this period of dramatic change in U.S. policy toward Cuba. Significant progress has already been made toward allowing U.S. hotel companies to operate on the island as the U.S. government continues the normalization process with Cuba, but there is more work to be done.
What’s next?
We’ve only just started. With momentum on our side, we will continue to grow our membership, tell our story, strengthen our political muscle, and advance our policy agenda with focus and purpose. Through our foundation, we are redoubling efforts to provide scholarships to foster a strong pipeline of talent for the future.
