EXPLORE OUR
FEDERAL LEVEL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (AzLTA) works closely with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the U.S. Travel Association to protect and advance Arizona’s hospitality and tourism sectors at the federal level. Through these partnerships, we engage with policymakers, federal agencies, and allied organizations to shape national policies that support a healthy, competitive, and resilient tourism economy.

AzLTA supports AHLA’s 2022–2026 strategic vision, which centers on five pillars of advocacy at the federal level:

PROTECTING HOTELS FROM ONEROUS WORKPLACE RULES

We oppose federal policies designed to unfairly target or harm hotels through excessive regulation, labor mandates, or litigation abuse. AzLTA supports balanced workplace standards that protect employees while preserving operational flexibility for businesses.

HIGHLIGHTING HOTELIERS’ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Hotels are more than places to stay—they are job creators, community hubs, and local economic engines. We work to educate elected officials and stakeholders on the positive social, civic, and economic impact of the lodging industry in communities large and small.

RECRUITING AND RETAINING A STRONG WORKFORCE

We advocate for policies that grow the hospitality talent pipeline, support legal workforce access (including improvements to the H-2B visa program), and promote the industry as a career—not just a job. We are committed to fostering diverse leadership and inclusive hiring practices across the industry.

FIGHTING FOR A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

AzLTA supports efforts to ensure short-term rentals, online platforms, and alternative accommodations operate under the same rules, taxes, and health/safety standards as traditional lodging providers. Fair competition protects consumers and helps sustain local tax bases that fund tourism promotion and city services.

LEADING ON SUSTAINABILITY, SAFETY, & DIVERSITY

We are proud to support national leadership on human trafficking prevention, environmental sustainability, and workforce diversity. These values aren’t just good policy—they reflect our industry’s long-term commitment to ethical operations, employee well-being, and corporate responsibility.

PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

In collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association, we also champion broader tourism-related issues including:

Streamlining visa and travel processes
Securing federal funding for travel promotion
Supporting business and international travel
Advancing transportation and infrastructure that supports tourism

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Nomination Criteria

Application Guidelines

All honorees must be employed by hotels, attractions, tourism businesses, hospitality or other supporting businesses that are of the Arizona hospitality industry.

Who can enter?

The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all Arizona hospitality businesses, hotels, and tourism employees.

Who can nominate a Star?

Anyone! A nominator can be an employer, a manager, a friend, regular customer, or anyone else who knows a Star in Arizona’s hospitality industry who deserves recognition.

What does it cost to enter?

Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.

What do nominees receive?

All nominees will receive an AzLTA Stars of the Industry Recognition Certificate. The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on June 16, 2023 and receive an engraved plaque at the awards presentation. All winners will be announced in AzLTA’s Industry Insider newsletter, by a press release, and on the AzLTA website. Winners will automatically be entered in the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s national Stars of the Industry Awards program. It is AzLTA’s privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of all the nominees and winners presented each year.

Nominations and Eligibility

The nomination process begins in April and we’ve made it easy. Simply complete the online nominee application form and email the application to AzLTA explaining why the nominee deserves the Star award in their category.

Rules & Judging Criteria

Nominees must have served in the industry for a minimum of two years (please state total number of years in description) and will be judged on performance beyond normal job responsibilities, professionalism, and outstanding and unusual service to the property, guests and the community.

Using no more than three double-spaced pages, describe why your nominee should be honored. Give examples of:

Extraordinary support to fellow employees.
Specific event(s) that best describes the nominee’s exceptional service.
Outstanding leadership qualities, heroic deeds or actions that consistently add to the general well-being of guests.
Other great accomplishments to the industry or community.

Include photos and any materials substantiating the award entry, such as letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings and other support materials received during 2021-2023 for the judges’ consideration.

EXPLORE OUR FEDERAL LEVEL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA