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The independent hotelier’s to-do list never seems to get shorter. But how much time are you making for the issues that could affect your business tomorrow? We caught up with the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Travis McKie to talk about advocacy, peer connections and why going it alone may be costing independent owners more than they realize.
—Interview by Jennifer Glatt, edited by Bianca Prieto
Image courtesy American Hotel and Lodging Association
What’s keeping you busy these days, and what conversations are you having most often with independent hoteliers?
A big part of my role at AHLA—the largest hotel association representing every segment of the hotel industry—is helping independent hotel owners and operators connect with the advocacy, resources and initiatives they need to succeed in a rapidly changing business and policy environment. The conversations I hear most often revolve around workforce challenges, rising operating costs, insurance affordability, regulatory requirements, technology adoption, and finding new ways to drive revenue while preserving the unique identity that makes independent properties stand out.
I’m also seeing a significant desire among independent hoteliers to learn from one another. Owners and operators are looking for practical solutions and best practices from peers who understand their challenges firsthand. That’s why creating opportunities for peer collaboration through AHLA committees, peer networks, webinars, and events has become more important than ever.
Independent hotels have their own set of challenges and advantages. What do you think independents do particularly well, and where could they use more support from the broader industry?
Independent hotels excel at delivering authentic, personalized guest experiences. They are often deeply connected to their local communities and have the flexibility to make decisions quickly, adapt to changing market conditions and create truly distinctive experiences that guests remember.
Where independents can benefit from additional support is in the areas of broader industry intelligence, advocacy and peer networking. Unlike larger hotel companies with dedicated departments tracking legislation, workforce trends and regulatory developments, many independent owners wear multiple hats. Having access to industry research, educational resources, best practices, and a strong collective voice helps level the playing field and allows independents to focus on what they do best: operating exceptional hotels.
“For many independent operators, it’s nearly impossible to monitor every legislative and regulatory development while simultaneously running a hotel. That’s where industry advocacy becomes critical.”
What’s one issue affecting independent hoteliers right now that you think isn’t getting enough attention?
While labor and inflation continue to dominate headlines, there are a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues that can impact their businesses, such as labor mandates, tax policies, sustainability requirements, accessibility regulations, data privacy, and short-term rental legislation can create significant operational and financial challenges.
For many independent operators, it’s nearly impossible to monitor every legislative and regulatory development while simultaneously running a hotel. That’s where industry advocacy becomes critical. AHLA works on behalf of hoteliers at the federal, state and local levels, helping ensure that the perspective of independent hotel owners is represented and taken into account in policy discussions that directly affect their businesses.
For an independent hotel owner who hasn’t tapped into AHLA’s resources, where would you suggest they start, and what could they gain from getting involved?
I’d encourage them to start by getting plugged into the AHLA community. One of the best ways to do that is through our member-only committees, which provide independent hoteliers with direct access to industry peers, thought leaders and timely discussions on the issues impacting their businesses. For many owners and operators, the Independents & Boutiques Committee is the natural starting point. Depending on their role and property type, many also find value in the Resort Committee and the General Manager Committee. These committees are exclusive, invitation-only opportunities available to AHLA members, designed to foster meaningful peer-to-peer conversations and industry engagement.
Beyond committee involvement, AHLA helps independent hoteliers stay informed and connected. One resource I always recommend is our Independent Hotels Newsletter, which is distributed every other month specifically for independent hotel owners and operators. It provides updates on the advocacy issues affecting independents, key industry news and trends, member resources, upcoming events, and ways to get involved in AHLA initiatives.
In addition to advocacy representation at the federal, state and local levels, members gain access to industry research and benchmarking, educational webinars, workforce and operational resources, discounted training and certifications, and valuable networking opportunities with hotel leaders across the country. Many independent hoteliers initially joined AHLA for the advocacy and business resources, but what they often tell me is that the relationships they build through the association become just as valuable. Having a trusted network of fellow hoteliers to exchange ideas, solve challenges, and learn from one another can make a tremendous difference in today’s operating environment.
What’s giving you the most optimism about the independent hotel segment, and what advice would you share with owners navigating the year ahead?
What gives me the most optimism is the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of independent hoteliers. Independent properties have always been innovators. Whether it's creating unique guest experiences, embracing local partnerships, adapting to changing traveler preferences, or finding new revenue opportunities, independents consistently demonstrate their ability to evolve and thrive.
My advice is simple: stay connected. Participate in industry conversations, engage with your peers and take advantage of the resources available through organizations like AHLA. The owners who remain informed, engaged and connected to the broader hospitality community will be best positioned to navigate challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Independent hotels are an essential part of our industry’s success. They bring innovation, entrepreneurship, authenticity, and local character to communities across the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing independent hoteliers come together through AHLA to learn from one another, advocate for the industry and build meaningful connections with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Mint Pillow’s Take
Independent hotel owners have plenty on their plates. But if you’re so busy running the business that you’re missing what’s happening around it, you could be leaving yourself at a disadvantage. McKie makes a strong case for getting connected and tapping into the collective knowledge of the industry. Start by exploring AHLA’s resources. You don’t need to have every answer yourself; sometimes the best next move comes from a conversation with someone who’s been in your shoes.
