Advocacy Overview
The word "advocacy" often brings to mind writing letters or contacting a legislator in support or opposition of a proposed law.
While that is true, at ALP, "advocacy" simply means this: your concerns are our concerns!
We focus on your issues, and your challenges as an independent lodging property owner in an ever-changing travel and legal landscape.
We advocate for a "level playing field". All lodging properties are to comply with the applicable regulations /licensing, be adequately insured to protect the business and guests, and pay the appropriate taxes, including ‘lodging’ taxes.
Not sure who your legislators are? Find your legislators!
ADA Compliance & Big Tech
Do you know that even if your lodging property may be exempt from ADA, your website must still be ADA-compliant? What does that mean? Can you be sued if it is not compliant? (YES!!) ALP’s informational resources provide guidance.
Big Tech causing you headaches? Not getting results – or a reply – when you try to get your problem solved? ALP is working for you. When a major OTA took the names/images of lodging properties without permission and then posted "no vacancy" in the listing (to divert customers to their listings), we participated in a lawsuit banning this … and won!
Accessing More Information
Members of ALP have access to many resources in regard to building accessibility, service animals, website accessibility, and more. The Advocacy Committee is continually on the watch for new issues that arise in the lodging industry.
Relationships & Partnerships
In response to the pandemic, the government developed several financial relief programs for the severely impacted lodging industry. Once again, ALP’s resources assisted lodging professionals in applying and procure needed assistance.
ALP, in partnership with the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) alerts members to proposed legislation that affects our industry, with easy-to-use (if desired) tools to let your voice be heard.
ALP’s Advocacy Committee, whose members are experienced and are interested in issues impacting our industry, is a valuable resource for sharing ‘hands-on’ successes.
ALP's Advocacy Committee
Please provide us with your key lodging issues and concerns at advocacy@alplodging.org
Chair: Keith Hammons, Equinox Inn at Canyon Lake, Canyon Lake, TX
Vice Chair: Tomas Ramirez, Combate Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Kathleen Panek, Gillum House B&B, WV
Linda Smith, Rachael’s Dowry B&B, MD
Jeffrey Haskel, TX
Susan Cherry, Cherry House B&B, Johnsbury, VT
Advisor: Elizabeth Robinson, Inn Reflection of You, NC