Corpus Christi, Texas – August 15, 2016 – U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-TX) toured the Embassy Suites Corpus Christi today as part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) “Heart of the House” hotel tour, which connects members of Congress to a hotel in their district to learn more about the hospitality industry’s contributions to creating jobs and supporting local communities, while also hearing firsthand about the challenges the industry faces. 

Texas generates nearly four billion dollars in tax revenue and plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy. As a popular tourist destination, Texas provided 112,373 lodging jobs in 2014 and many of its properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for 45% of jobs in the state. Review the facts and figures on how Texas contributes to the economy and local job by clicking here. 

“Touring the Embassy Suites, I met some of the great employees and was able to hear about the challenges the hospitality industry is facing today,” Congressman Blake Farenthold said. “Hotels are community partners, serving local residents, out-of-town guests and boosting the economy.”

Today’s tour was led by the Embassy Suites Corpus Christi’s General Manager, Melody Nixon-Bice, and was accompanied by AH&LA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Maryam Cope, and General Counsel for the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, Justin Bragiel. A roundtable discussion with local hoteliers and Representative Farenthold on the hotel industry’s top issues followed the tour. 

“While Corpus Christi is a small part of the great Lone Star State, we are honored to show Congressman Farenthold the work the Embassy Suites and this industry provides to his hometown,” said Embassy Suites General Manager Melody Nixon-Bice. “We are fortunate our hotel is centrally located, allowing guests and locals alike to gain the full experience of Corpus Christi and all it has to offer.” 

AH&LA engages with members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” hotel tours to provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available as well as the economic and community impact of the lodging industry.
 

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Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 2 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry of more than 54,000 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.