General Services Administration Raises FY2027 Per Diem Rates

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 4, 2026) - American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Rosanna Maietta released the following statement after the General Services Administration (GSA) announced its fiscal year 2027 per diem rates for federal workers. GSA's per diem guidelines govern reimbursement for federal employees' lodging and meals expenses for official government travel.

"We applaud the GSA for raising its FY2027 per diem rates. Fair, market-based federal per diem rates that reflect current operating costs are essential to sustaining hotels, supporting local jobs, and generating community investment. Government travel is a critical economic driver, making it imperative that per diem rates keep pace with increased costs. A strong economy requires a thriving hospitality sector and this increase will help achieve that goal."

Background

Starting October 1, 2026, the standard daily lodging allowance for most of the continental United States will increase by $3.00 to $113.00 per day. The standard meals and incidental expenses allowance will remain $68.00 per day.

Each year, the GSA sets per diem rates to reimburse federal employees' lodging and meals expenses for official travel within the continental United States. Typically, the rates are calculated based on the average daily rate for lodging and meals from a trailing 12-month period, minus 5%. AHLA works closely with the GSA to ensure per diem rates are fair to both hoteliers and the government.

More information about the FY2027 per diem rates can be found on the GSA website.

About AHLA

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide - including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.