Orlando, Florida – June 19, 2015 – Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL 10) praised the job growth in the Florida hotel industry today on a “Heart of the House” hotel tour of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The tour of the 498-room property focused on the thousands of jobs generated by the hotel industry in Florida and the millions of dollars it contributes to the local and state economy.

The property tour was led by Waldorf Astoria Orlando General Manager John Carns. The “Heart of the House” hotel tour provided Congressman Webster and his staff an opportunity to walk through the property, meet with employees and get a deeper understanding of the impact the hotel industry has on the local economy.

“Hotels are a critical component to Florida's tourist economy. The Orlando region is not only a destination, but an experience which attracts worldwide attention year-round,” said Congressman Webster. “Since my first days serving Central Florida, I have remained focused on finding ways to create jobs and grow our economy. Hotels like Waldorf Astoria Orlando are great partners in promoting these priorities and helping create a welcoming environment that enhances the travel and tourism experience.”

Hilton Worldwide last month hosted their annual Careers@Hilton Live: Youth in Hospitality Month, which is a global initiative to showcase career opportunities in the hospitality industry and to engage young people with the range of opportunities available.

Florida’s hotels are an important segment of the state’s economy with some 13 percent of all jobs in the state directly or indirectly related to the lodging industry and generate $5.3 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. Many of our properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for 43 percent of jobs in the state. Florida’s hotel industry reaches far beyond simply providing guests with comfortable rooms or convenient meeting spaces—these hotels are interlinked with many other industries, such as transportation, restaurants, agriculture, manufacturing, and recreation supporting $23.5 billion in total sales throughout the state.

“Congressman Webster understands how important the hotel industry is to job growth and economic opportunities in Orlando and across our state,” said Waldorf Astoria Orlando General Manager John Carns. “We applaud Congressman Webster on ensuring that businesses like Waldorf Astoria Orlando continue to revitalize the long-term sustainability of our economy through jobs and economic development. We are passionate about raising awareness of the opportunities the hospitality industry offers and are grateful for his participation at the Waldorf today and believe that his voice in Congress will help grow the tourism industry, which is so vital to the country’s economic growth.”

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