Washington, D.C. — As the United States of America elected its 47th President, Donald J. Trump, Dr.
Ruby Dhalla, CEO and President of the Dhalla Group of Companies, was honored to be invited to Capitol
Hill weeks before the election to meet with elected officials to advocate on behalf of hotel owners.
As Woman Hotelier of the Year as the first woman of Indian origin elected as a Member of Parliament in
Canada and one of the youngest women elected to Canada’s parliament. Dr. Ruby was honored to use
her experience as a former politician to advocate on behalf of hotel owners and the hospitality industry.
Dr. Ruby used the feedback from fellow hoteliers and her insights to discuss issues impacting hoteliers in
both the US and Canada. She was the only Hotelier from Canada invited to join hotel owners at the
National Advocacy Conference of the largest hotel association, AAHOA, in Washington.
During her visit to Capitol Hill Dr. Ruby met with various elected officials and their staff including Senator
Ted Cruz, Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, Congressmen Byron Donalds,
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart
Dr. Ruby’s advocacy on Capitol Hill with both Senators and Congressional leaders highlighted crucial
issues impacting hotel owners, including reduced credit card processing fees, expanded access to loans
for small businesses, and enhanced financial support for entrepreneurs. Her meetings underscored the
vital role of the hospitality industry in the economy and the need for policies that empower hoteliers to
thrive. While Congress grapples with pressing national challenges, Dr. Ruby remains optimistic that the
industry will continue to advocate for its interests, united in their commitment to their employees,
businesses, and the future of the hospitality sector.
“The meetings with elected officials to advocate on behalf of fellow hoteliers helped to raise awareness
and impact positive change for the hospitality industry, hotel owners, and entrepreneurs. The meetings
were productive and resulted in a greater understanding of the challenges that hoteliers as entrepreneurs
encounter. I am hopeful that under the leadership of President-Elect Trump, the next administration will
ensure some policies will provide greater opportunity for both new and existing Hoteliers in America to
create jobs and contribute to building and growing of a robust economy,“ said Dr. Ruby.
AAHOA’s 2024 Fall National Advocacy Conference is an annual event that invites hoteliers to
communicate directly with lawmakers and decision-makers in the nation’s capital. These discussions with
lawmakers allow hoteliers to share how Congressional decisions influence their businesses, employees,
and the hospitality industry at large.
About Dhalla Group of Companies
The Dhalla Group of Companies is one of Canada’s fastest-growing businesses, with a diverse portfolio in
healthcare, real estate, and hospitality both in Canada and the US under the visionary leadership of Dr.
Ruby Dhalla who is navigating the business landscape with resilience and unwavering commitment. From
her groundbreaking achievements in politics to her accomplishments as a Hotelier Dr. Ruby’s journey is
an inspiring testament to the power of faith, vision, determination, and innovation.