Regulations
Fertitta advances Caesars acquisition process, but obstacles remain
Fertitta Entertainment is advancing its acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, with two executives passing suitability review by the Nevada Gaming Commission, but the deal still faces obstacles including antitrust issues, shareholder approval, and competition from Icahn.
Builder of dual-branded Philadelphia hotel faces legal trouble
On July 1, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas issued an additional $42.4 million judgment against Tutor Perini, finding multiple material breaches during construction of the W and Element dual-brand hotel in Philadelphia. Earlier in April, the company had been ordered to pay approximately $174.6 million for concrete defect delays on the same project. Tutor Perini stated it will appeal.
LA City Council votes to delay $30 minimum wage for hotel workers
The Los Angeles City Council voted on Tuesday to delay the implementation of the $30 per hour minimum wage under the Citywide Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance, also known as the "Olympic Wage" ordinance, by two years to 2030. The ordinance was originally set to take effect on July 1, 2028, just before the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Hotels are still required to pay workers $25 per hour starting this July, with annual increases thereafter until 2030. The vote was 11 in favor and 4 against.
LA’s $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers could be delayed
The Los Angeles City Council voted 9 to 6 to advance a motion that could delay the implementation of the citywide minimum wage order for hotel workers. The order was originally set to raise the minimum hourly wage to $30 by 2028, but the new proposal suggests postponing it to 2030. The hotel owners' association expressed support, while worker representatives strongly opposed it.
US hotel bookings for World Cup ‘tracking below initial forecasts’: AHLA
A report released Monday by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shows that although ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surpassed 5 million, nearly 80% of US hotel operators report bookings 'below initial expectations.' Based on a survey of hotel operators in 11 US host cities, the report indicates that domestic traveler demand exceeds international demand, primarily due to geopolitical conflicts and visa barriers. Additionally, cancellations of FIFA room reservations and rising labor, insurance, and utility costs have also weakened demand.
Travel associations react to end of record-setting partial government shutdown
U.S. President Trump signed a bill to fund most agencies of the Department of Homeland Security, officially ending a 76-day partial government shutdown. The shutdown caused airport security chaos, flight cancellations, and hotel business losses. The American Hotel and Lodging Association and the U.S. Travel Association criticized the damage caused by the shutdown in statements and urged Congress to ensure such events do not happen again.
LA hotels face financial strain exacerbated by city policy shifts: report
A market report released by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) in April shows that the Los Angeles hotel industry is facing increasingly severe financial and operational pressures, with the local policy environment being cited as exacerbating the industry's difficulties. The report is based on a survey of AHLA members in the Los Angeles area, covering hotel owners, operators, and brand representatives. The survey shows that 55% of respondents have lower market confidence than last year, and 86% cite rising labor costs as the primary challenge. The Citywide Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance passed in 2025 requires hotels to pay $25 per hour starting July 1, 2026, and 88% of respondents say they have already reduced staffing or work hours as a result. Additionally, 97% of respondents believe that burdensome labor policies have reduced Los Angeles's attractiveness for hotel investment, and 80% consider the city unsuitable for long-term hotel investment. AHLA has called on the Los Angeles City Council to reconsider relevant policies.
What are AHLA’s top 2026 policy priorities? Its chief advocacy officer explains.
In 2026, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) will focus on improving hotel operating conditions, revitalizing international travel demand, strengthening the workforce, and addressing industry-specific regulations. Chief Advocacy Officer Brett Horton details the association's legislative strategies at the federal, state, and local levels to tackle challenges such as rising costs, declining inbound visitors, and labor shortages.
Hospitality industry urges end to partial government shutdown as travel woes mount
The partial U.S. government shutdown has lasted 42 days, with TSA employees working without pay, leading to long airport lines and flight cancellations. A hotel industry association survey shows 45% of consumers may adjust their travel plans, urging Congress to act immediately.
New York hoteliers face tax pressure as operating costs continue to rise nationwide: AHLA
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) submitted testimony to the New York City Council on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the FY2027 budget proposal, stating it could increase hotel costs and threaten jobs citywide. The proposal aims to raise corporate taxes and adjust pass-through entity taxes, which, combined with Mayor Mamdani's proposed 9.5% property tax increase, would pose severe challenges to the hotel industry. Meanwhile, hotel owners nationwide generally rank rising operating costs as their top concern.