The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has issued a statement supporting Indian American hoteliers in response to recent remarks made by Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin about Indian Americans in Florida.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, addressed the comments: “Recent comments targeting Indian Americans do not reflect the values of our industry or our state. Indian American hoteliers are not only part of Florida’s hospitality story – they are vital to its success, owning and operating nearly 65% of all Florida hotels. Their investment, hard work, and leadership support nearly 460,000 jobs and strengthen communities across our state. We stand united in celebrating their contributions and in rejecting division. Florida’s future is built on respect, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members including independent hoteliers, restaurateurs, franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The association was established in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association and merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. Its mission is to protect, educate, and promote the state’s hospitality industry—an industry valued at nearly $112 billion that employs close to two million people.
FRLA provides legislative advocacy for its members’ interests as well as regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff and its subsidiary RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation also offers career-building high school programs developed by the industry throughout Florida.
