On November 12, 2025, AAHOA’s advocacy efforts took a hands-on approach in Elk Grove, California, as North Pacific Ambassador Niraj Dhanani hosted a Back of the House Tour for California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen at a local Marriott hotel. This unique visit offered an in-depth look at hotel operations and fostered important dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.
A Firsthand Look Inside Hospitality
The tour wasn’t a typical facility walkthrough — it was an opportunity for Assembly Member Nguyen to see firsthand how hotels operate behind the scenes. Ambassador Dhanani guided the visit, explaining the daily functions that keep a property running smoothly and the many complexities hoteliers manage every day.
Key Challenges Discussed
During the visit, the discussions focused on several critical issues affecting hotels and the broader hospitality sector:
- ADA Compliance and Accessibility: The importance of meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and the challenges that come with implementing and maintaining these requirements.
- Rising Insurance and Labor Costs: How escalating costs — especially for insurance and staffing — are putting increased financial pressure on hotel owners.
- Homelessness in the Community: The impact of local homelessness on hotel operations, guest experience, and overall community wellbeing.
These issues are not just operational concerns — they affect a hotel’s ability to remain compliant, safe, and financially sustainable.
Bridging the Gap Between Hoteliers and Policymakers
By bringing a state legislator directly into a working hotel environment, AAHOA created a valuable platform for education and mutual understanding. The tour gave Assembly Member Nguyen the opportunity to observe the realities hoteliers face and to consider how legislative and economic decisions impact small business owners in California’s hospitality industry.
These kinds of events are part of AAHOA’s broader mission to build constructive relationships with elected officials, promote informed policy discussions, and ensure that hospitality voices are heard in decisions that affect local communities and the economy.
