Virtual Forum: Courageous Conversations
April 6, 2026
AHLA Statement on the Passing of Kirk Kinsell
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2026) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today mourns the passing of Kirk Kinsell, former CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and President of the Americas for IHG Hotels & Resorts. A respected industry leader, Kinsell was also a dedicated champion of AHLA and the AHLA Foundation.
AHLA Applauds Mullin on Confirmation as Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2026) – Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), today issued the following statement concerning the confirmation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
AHLA Welcomes New Leaders in Hospitality to Premier Partner Program
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced the addition of 11 new companies into its Premier Partner program, which offers opportunities for top hospitality industry suppliers and service providers to engage with AHLA members in areas of common interest. The latest additions include Silver Partners Deloitte, PwC, and Quore, and Associate Partners Amazon Web Services, ConnexPay, EDS Service Solutions, Enseo, Hapi, MindClick, PepsiCo, Purchasing Management International, and Signal Restoration.
AHLA issues statement on the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 18, 2026) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the leading voice representing all segments of the hotel industry, today issued the following statement from President & CEO Rosanna Maietta on the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus.
AHLA Warns NYC Budget Proposal Could Raise Costs for Hotels, Threaten Jobs in Testimony Before City Council
WASHINGTON, D.C. [March 17, 2026] — In testimony submitted to the New York City Council’s Committee on Economic Development, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) raised concerns that provisions in the city’s proposed FY27 budget could increase costs for hotels and threaten jobs across New York City.
AHLA urged policymakers to consider the cumulative impact of proposed tax increases and policy-driven costs on the hotel industry – one of the city’s most important economic drivers.
Rising Cost, Staffing Challenges Persist for Hotels as Travel Demand Expected to Hold Steady
WASHINGTON, D.C. [March 17, 2026] — Rising operating costs and ongoing staffing challenges remain top concerns for hotel owners nationwide, even as most expect travel demand in 2026 to remain steady compared with last year, according to a new survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
The survey of hotel owners and operators across the country highlights continued pressure from higher supply, labor, insurance, and energy costs as the industry prepares for major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
