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Rep. Ruiz Recognizes Importance of Hotel Industry on Tour of Hilton Palm Springs

October 11, 2016

Palm Springs, CA – October 11, 2016 – Today, Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), visited the Hilton Palm Springs Hotel as part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) “Heart of the House” hotel tour to see firsthand the issues that matter most to hotels and their employees.

As the most populous state in the United States, California hotels are an important segment of the state’s economy, generating nearly $8 billion dollars in tax revenue. Additionally, many properties are small businesses, making up half of the jobs in the state. The hospitality industry intersects with so many other industries, including transportation, restaurants, agriculture, manufacturing, and recreation, supporting nearly $40 billion in total sales throughout the state. Review the facts and figures on how California contributes to the economy and local jobs here.

Indeed, tourism in Greater Palm Springs alone serves as a lifeline for more jobs, economic development and business growth as nearly 13 million visitors traveling to Greater Palm Springs spent $5 billion in 2015, which generated $6.4 billion in total business sales. The local industry also generated $952 million in tax revenues in 2015, including $538 million in state and local revenues and nearly 50,000 jobs -- 1 in 4 -- were sustained by visitors to Greater Palm Springs in 2015, with a total income of $1.5 billion.

“Supporting and growing tourism is essential to the economic future of the Coachella Valley,” said Dr. Ruiz. "Today I heard from some of our local and state leaders in travel and hospitality about opportunities to expand hospitality training programs, create more well-paying jobs, and increase tourism to our beautiful desert. I’m proud to join them as we work to expand the community's economy for years to come.”

The tour was led by the Hilton Palm Springs’ General Manager, Aftab Dada, and accompanied by AH&LA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Craig Kalkut.

“It was a pleasure introducing Congressman Ruiz to many of our employees who are the backbone of this hotel and our great industry,” said Aftab Dada, General Manager of the Hilton Palm Springs. “We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our efforts to be dynamic community partners in our beautiful vacation town of Palm Springs as well as discuss some of the important policy issues that matter most to our industry.”

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) hosts “Heart of the House” hotel tour programs across the country to connect hotels with members of Congress from their districts or states to discuss how the industry provides pathways for upward mobility, offers long-term career opportunities, and contributes to the local community.

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