AAHOA Members gathered on Thursday, February 16, in Austin, TX, for Texas Hotel and Lodging Association’s “Converge on the Capitol” event. With the 2023 Texas legislative session in full swing, the 400 hoteliers who participated in this advocacy event urged state senators and representatives to support the travel and lodging industry. 

AAHOA has a 23-year partnership with THLA, representing the pinnacle of any state and federal relationship AAHOA has. That’s why AAHOA was proud to have Chairman Neal Patel, Vice Chairman Bharat Patel, Treasurer Miraj Patel, North Texas Regional Director Dhiren Masters, South Central Texas Regional Director Kiran (Kevin) Patel, and members from across Texas worked alongside THLA to shed light on issues of top importance to the industry, including: 

• Full funding for Texas tourism promotion

• Statewide short-term rental (STR) preemption

• Oppose repeal of the 30-day hotel tax exemption

• Oppose proposals to use local hotel tax for non-tourism purposes

You can read more about the issues here. 

“Our impact at the state capitol is a testament to the long-standing relationship between AAHOA and THLA,” Chairman Neal Patel said. “It is also important to note that for the last two decades, THLA has had a 100% success rate with the Texas Legislature, meaning that the result of any bill that THLA supported or opposed was in favor of hotel owners.”

“AAHOA had successful advocacy events last week in Florida and Tennessee, and this week, hotel owners proudly walked the halls of the Texas Capitol to advocate for tourism and hospitality,” Vice Chairman Bharat Patel said. “It was an honor to participate in one of THLA’s largest “Converge on the Capitol” events.”

“As a lifelong Texan and second-generation hotelier, it was important to let lawmakers in Austin know the driving force that hotel businesses are to the state and local economy,” Treasurer Miraj Patel said. “I thank everyone who took the time to understand our policy priorities, including Senator Borris L. Miles, Representative Christina Morales, Representative Jacey Jetton, Representative Shawn Thierry, and Representative Hubert Vo.”

The hotel and lodging industry represents a significant part of the economy in Texas. In fact, AAHOA Members own nearly 90% of the hotels in Texas, contribute $3 billion in annual capital investment, and support more than 490,000 jobs. Additionally, Texas is the third most popular destination in the U.S., behind only California and Florida. According to data maintained by the Office of the Texas Governor, spending by travelers to and within Texas was estimated at $76.1 billion. 

“This advocacy event made it clear that the travel and hotel industry go hand in hand,” North Texas Regional Director Dhiren Masters said. “Hotel businesses play an active role in Texas, creating jobs, bringing visitors to the heart of our communities, and generating tax revenue and local growth.”

“We are leaving the Capitol with the confidence that our voices were heard, and that state senators and representatives will keep our policy priorities front and center this legislative session,” South Central Texas Regional Director Kiran (Kevin) Patel said.

Check out some of the photo moments from this advocacy event: