San Antonio, TX – October 6, 2014 – U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today toured Grand Hyatt San Antonio to hear from employees directly how boosting trade, travel and tourism will foster continued economic growth in the area. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio is not only one of San Antonio’s premier hotels located along the famed San Antonio Riverwalk but is also a driver for job growth in the area.

Rep. Cuellar participated as part of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s “heart of house” hotel tour and saw first-hand how polices in Washington, D.C. impact job growth in his district. On the tour, Cuellar commended the work accomplished so far, and listened to concerns regarding issues facing the industry.

“I had the opportunity today to speak to the men and women who are the heart of the Grand Hyatt San Antonio – the individuals who show up every day to work hard and achieve the American Dream,” said Rep. Cuellar. “Texas attracts people from around the country and all over the world. Congress must continue to do all it can to support the industry and ensure that travel and tourism remain a top priority.”

A supporter of boosting trade, especially to Texas, Rep. Cuellar heard about the hotel industry’s contributions to the local, state and national economies. The hotel industry is a major contributor to Texas’ economy, generating $3.9 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. This segment of the economy is responsible for 46 percent of jobs in the state, and is reflective of the industry as a whole, a significant number of hotels are small businesses.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, is working together with state associations engages with Members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” hotel tours to provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available within the hotel industry, as well as the economic impact the lodging industry has on the local, state and national economies.