In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it is a way of life. From boardrooms to classrooms, ballfields to board service, countless individuals quietly give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen the communities they call home. This Mission Monday column shines a light on those difference-makers. Each week, we spotlight a philanthropic leader or volunteer whose passion for service is creating real, lasting impact across the state.
Today, we welcome Stan Kantowski, managing director of Enchantment and Mii amo. He serves as the 2026 chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Resort Committee, board chair of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association’s Membership and Events Committee for Northern Arizona, and vice chair of the Resort Hotel Association.
What inspired you to get involved with these organizations, and why have their missions remained important to you?
Being part of the hospitality industry comes with a responsibility to give back to it. Our industry has given all of us tremendous opportunities, and I believe it is our obligation to stay engaged, support one another, and help strengthen the future of hospitality. These missions matter because our industry needs strong advocates and committed leaders. By working together, we can address challenges, protect what we have built, and create opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the core missions of the nonprofits and the communities they serve?
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the national voice of the hotel industry, representing more than 33,000 members nationwide, including global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 15 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA advances the industry through advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs.
The Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AzLTA) is the leading statewide public policy organization advocating for Arizona’s hospitality, sports, lodging, and tourism industries. Founded in 1938, it represents hotels and resorts, attractions, destination marketing organizations, sports teams, airlines, airports, and related business partners. Its advocacy, collaboration, and education efforts increase awareness of the industry’s impact on Arizona jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth.
The Resort Hotel Association (RHA) is a nonprofit founded in 1987 by resort owners and managers to address the insurance and risk-management needs of independent hospitality properties. Today, it represents independent resorts, hotels, spas, and private clubs across North America. Through collective buying power, specialized insurance programs, risk-management expertise, loss-prevention resources, claims support, education, and peer networking, RHA helps members protect their people, properties, and businesses. Its model is rooted in independent hoteliers helping and protecting one another.
What is a program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact these nonprofit organizations are making right now?
AHLA recently commissioned a report from Oxford Economics examining the Valley’s hotel industry. The findings were striking: Hotel operations and visitor spending generate more than $7 billion in economic activity, support more than 42,000 jobs, and contribute more than $1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
The report also highlights how Valley hotels fuel small businesses and local employment. Hotel guests spend more than $4 billion annually in the Phoenix area, or the equivalent of $641 per room night. Beyond hotel jobs, that visitor spending supports restaurants, retail, arts, and entertainment. Tax revenue from hotel operations and guest visits helps fund essential public services, from schools and infrastructure to first responders.
The AHLA Foundation is AHLA’s philanthropic arm. It invests in people, promotes the industry’s reputation, and creates lasting impact through scholarships, training, and career-development programs. It also leads initiatives that equip hotel employees to prevent human trafficking and provides grants to organizations supporting survivors.
Are there any upcoming or recent events, campaigns, or initiatives you are especially excited about?
On Sept. 1, we celebrate National Hotel Employee Day and honor the more than 2 million people who work in America’s hotel industry.
This year’s theme, “A Place to Start. A Place to Grow,” reflects the heart of hospitality: a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can begin, grow, and build meaningful careers. Know a hotel employee? Give them a shoutout on Sept. 1.
How do you balance your professional life with your commitment to giving back, and what advice would you offer to others who want to do the same?
Giving back is not separate from my professional life; it is part of being a leader in hospitality. It requires time, commitment, and sometimes personal sacrifice, but I see it as an investment in our industry and the people who make it successful.
Be intentional with your time and support causes that align with your values and where you can make a meaningful contribution. Get involved, start somewhere, and do not wait until you have more time. We are all busy, but important work does not get done if everyone waits for someone else to step forward.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
I would choose “Concierto de Aranjuez,” the extraordinary composition for classical guitar and orchestra by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. The piece has a depth and emotional richness that I find meaningful. It requires virtuosity and discipline, while remaining deeply human and expressive. To me, philanthropy is much the same: It brings together individual talents, passion, and commitment to create something greater than any one person could accomplish alone.
Outside of your work with these organizations, what are three local Arizona spots that you especially love?
I love Arizona for its landscapes and the opportunity to escape into nature. As an avid hiker, one of my favorite Sedona places is Broken Arrow. There is something special about being surrounded by red rocks, away from the noise and distractions of everyday life.
The Grand Canyon never gets old. Its scale and beauty are extraordinary, and every visit offers a different perspective.
And while it may not be a traditional “spot,” stargazing in Sedona is one of my favorite daily activities. On a clear night, seeing the stars against the red rocks is incredibly peaceful and a reminder of how fortunate I am to call Arizona home.
