Lodging Industry: Latest Obamacare Delay Causes Added Uncertainty for Hoteliers
Washington, DC - November 27, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, issued the following statement subsequent to today's announcement that small business enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) SHOP exchanges has been delayed until 2014:
“Today's announcement regarding online enrollment with federally-facilitated SHOP exchanges provides even greater uncertainty for small businesses attempting to both comply with the new healthcare law and focus on their operations,” said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. “The hotel industry, 55% of which is made up of small properties of 75 rooms or less, will find it harder to provide affordable coverage for their employees. And while we appreciate that hoteliers and other small business operators will be able to file with paper applications or through insurance brokers, this delay also has implications for their eligibility for the ACA's small business tax credit. The lodging industry urges the Administration to quickly address all outstanding issues with ACA enrollment so that hoteliers can provide coverage for their employees and return to focusing on driving economic growth and job creation.”
About 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 sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.
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 
