2013-07-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — GTAC provides key input on per diem, travel regulations and policies The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) commends the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for today’s appointment of several influential members of the lodging industry to the Governmentwide Travel Advisory Committee (GTAC). Instituted in December 2012 as part of the federal government’s plan to implement transparent travel regulations, GTAC draws its members from corporations, local, state, and federal governments, and the travel and convention industries.
Paul Somogyi, director sales, middle market, government & affinity segments, Marriott International, Inc., has been appointed as a primary member. Mark Carrier, president, B. F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, and Mark Langdon, general manager, Homewood Suites by Hilton Dayton South, have been appointed as alternates. All three individuals were recommended to GSA by AH&LA.
“The selection of these individuals to GTAC provides hoteliers with an important seat at the table during examination of key government travel policies impacting our industry,” said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president and CEO. “These executives from the lodging industry will bring their cumulative experience and personal insights to the committee and will provide a valuable voice in these critical discussions.”
Among the issues to be reviewed by GTAC is per diem methodology, an area in which AH&LA works closely with GSA to ensure fair rates for the lodging industry while respecting the need of the federal government to conservatively use taxpayer money. The group will also study travel policies from the private sector and government, and makes recommendations on best practices to ensure efficient, cost-effective government travel. The next meeting of the committee, at which Somogyi will participate for the first time, is anticipated to take place later this month.
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Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.