The AAHOA Arkansas Region recently held its inaugural "Advocacy Week," a two-day initiative designed to strengthen relationships between Arkansas hoteliers and state leaders while advancing key policy priorities for the hospitality industry.

The week began with AAHOA leaders and members meeting with Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge, Interim Insurance Commissioner Jimmy Harris, Arkansas Senate Chief of Staff Brian Bowen, and policy advisors from the Governor's Office—including Josh Stewart, who leads on insurance, parks, and tourism.

AAHOA Past Chairman Bharat Patel (2023-2024), Arkansas Region Ambassadors, and AAHOA Director of State Government Affairs Almario Duehart led discussions on critical issues, including lowering insurance rates for small business owners, ensuring tourism tax revenues are reinvested into the tourism industry, and advancing member-led initiatives to combat human trafficking across the hospitality sector.

"These meetings highlight the power of partnership between Arkansas's hotel owners and our state leaders," said Arkansas Regional Director Danny (Chintu) Patel. "By engaging directly with policymakers, AAHOA Members are helping shape a stronger future for our industry and the communities we serve."