House Passes Bill Reauthorizing Brand USA Recognizing the Program's Benefits for the Economy
Washington, DC - July 24, 2014 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, issued the following statement commending passage of the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act (H.R. 4450) by the House of Representatives on a vote of 347-57:
"Brand USA has yielded tremendous dividends for our nation and our economy - millions of new visitors coming to our hotels, restaurants, and shops, billions of dollars in added sales and revenue, and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs across the U.S.," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "Today's vote was a very strong signal that Congress sees the benefits of this program, and that it only makes sense to have it continue. From the beginning of this process, Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Peter Welch have been strong champions for Brand USA and have been vocal in touting its track record and the competitive edge it has given to the U.S. Our industry and the nation's economy will be stronger because of their efforts and those of thousands of small businessmen and -women across the country. We now ask the Senate to take equally swift action on their version of this legislation."
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)
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 1.8 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry generating $163 billion in annual sales from 4.9 million guestrooms.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
