Cover Story
A Ripple Effect
Sumit Dalwadi’s philanthropy reverberates locally and globally By Cathleen Draper When Sumit Dalwadi visited his grandmother at her home in India as a child, he witnessed something remarkable. Often, people knocked on his grandmother’s door, seeking something to eat. She’d do more than serve them leftovers from the previous day. Instead, she’d prepare them a fresh, hot meal, the same food her family would gather to eat that day. He saw her love for her community firsthand. That legacy of care was passed to his…
Featured
The Declarations of Independents
Building and communicating a brand beyond the visual By A.D. Thompson Coca-Cola ties itself to nostalgia, simplicity, happiness. Apple, meanwhile, remains something of a status symbol, its cutting-edge rep still inspires loyalty that has fans lining up on new product release day. Patagonia lives and breathes sustainability, appealing to the environmentally minded. And yet, there are plenty…
The Business of Belonging
Building guest loyalty through inclusive marketing By Amy King A recent Expedia study found that 70 percent of underserved travelers are more likely to plan trips when they see themselves portrayed in travel promotions. But only 15 percent of underserved travelers feel that they are authentically represented. When these travelers feel seen, they are more likely to…
Who’s Prepared to Step Up?
Succession planning brings stability and peace of mind By Nick Fortuna Successful independent hoteliers built their businesses on their willingness to go the extra mile, whether it’s for guests, employees, or the reputation of their properties. But what happens when hardworking hoteliers are no longer around to provide expertise and elbow grease in equal measure? Without a…
Columns
Your Business Vision vs. Your Mental Barriers
Why it’s a good practice to revisit your absolutes By Anne Lackey Most businesses carry invisible scars from past wounds, which are evident in phrases like: “That’s just how we do things.” “We tried that once.” “I learned my lesson about that.” Those words are uttered as absolutes – things that aren’t to be questioned. But…
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Gone Independent
A moment with AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers Committee members By AAHOA Staff AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers Committee represents independent hoteliers across the nation, helping to shape strategies and drive innovations that support independent owners and those seeking to strike out on their own. We sat down with two committee members to learn more about the advice that’s…
Make Your Voice Heard
The value of advocacy for independent hoteliers By Aaryan Patel and Jin Laxmidas Independent hoteliers represent entrepreneurial resilience, community engagement, and personalized guest experiences that branded chains often cannot replicate. Yet, despite their contributions, they often face outsized challenges – particularly when navigating legislation, regulatory frameworks, and public policy. Advocacy is the bridge that ensures…
From Pioneers to Hoteliers
Preserving the legacy of Asian American hotel owners By AAHOA Staff Independent hoteliers are the backbone of our industry, and their story is inseparable from the legacy of the early Asian American Indian pioneers who first carved a path into hospitality. These families arrived in the United States with few resources but an extraordinary work…