WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 1, 2026) – Today, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) celebrates National Hotel Employee Day by recognizing the more than 2.2 million hotel employees in the United States whose service creates welcoming experiences for guests and drives economic opportunity in communities nationwide. The organization was joined by members of Congress, governors, mayors, and state lawmakers to mark the occasion.

As part of National Hotel Employee Day, AHLA also released a new report, “A Place to Start, A Place to Grow. The Modern Hotel Job is a Launchpad for Career Growth, Powering Local Communities” spotlighting how hotel professionals across the country broke into the industry and advanced their careers in hospitality. 

The report revealed several notable findings, including:

• Three out of four hotel employees moved into a management role within five years of starting their first hotel job.
• More than 200 distinct career pathways are available across the hotel industry.
• Each hotel job supports approximately 4.25 jobs across the U.S. economy, equaling over 9.1 million jobs in total.

“There are tremendous opportunities in the hotel industry. We offer more than a job. There are multiple pathways to a rewarding and meaningful career, and National Hotel Employee Day serves as an opportunity to recognize that,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “A career in hospitality can begin with an entry-level job and grow into a lifelong profession, with a chance to develop new skills, take on new responsibilities, and become a leader or owner." 

Through AHLA Foundation programs, hotels invest in recruiting, training, and advancing the workforce. Registered apprenticeships developed with the U.S. Department of Labor combine on-the-job learning with classroom education, while industry-recognized certifications help employees build skills and advance their careers. The Foundation also supports the next generation of hospitality leaders through the FORWARD movement, scholarships, mentorship, and partnerships with high schools and universities.

“The AHLA Foundation is committed to making sure a first job in hospitality can be the start of something much bigger,” said Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. “Through our workforce development programs, we help people build the skills, gain the experience, and access the opportunities they need to grow their careers. National Hotel Employee Day is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the amazing people who make our industry strong and reaffirm our commitment to investing in their success.”

Since AHLA launched National Hotel Employee Day in 2022, communities across the country have joined in recognizing the contributions of hotel employees. This year, dozens of elected officials joined in the celebration by honoring hotel employees across the country including recognition from:

• U.S. Senator Ashley Moody
• U.S. Representative Jack Bergman
• Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
• Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
• Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
• Indiana Governor Mike Braun
• Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry
• Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
• Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
• Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
• Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
• Boston City Council
• Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
• New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and City Council 
• Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

View the full report here.

About AHLA

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

About AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry’s greatest asset – our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.