By Kamalesh (KP) Patel, AAHOA Chairman (2025-2026)
A Stronger Voice in Washington
Advocacy is not a buzzword. It’s an action. In mid-September, AAHOA Members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for our Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). We showed up in full force, with hundreds of hotel owners meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and policymakers to share our stories, highlight our challenges, and fight for the future of our industry.
The presence of Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler underscored the importance of the small business community and the influence AAHOA Members have when we speak as one. Every conversation, every meeting, and every handshake reminds us that when hotel owners come together, our voice carries weight.
Advocacy Is Our Responsibility
Being an AAHOA Member means more than running hotels. It means having a stake in the policies that shape our businesses, our employees’ livelihoods, and our communities. That’s why advocacy is a top priority this year. I was incredibly proud to stand behind President Trump as he encouraged the passing of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a bill poised to significantly benefit hotel owners. It’s about protecting your investments, securing fair opportunities, and making sure our elected officials understand the role hoteliers play in America’s economy.
As Chairman, I’m proud of the progress we have made, but there is always more work to do. From labor and workforce issues to access to financing, taxation, and regulatory reform, AAHOA is leading the way.
FNAC was a powerful reminder that advocacy is not something we leave to others. It’s something we own. With your involvement, we will continue to ensure that hotel owners are heard and respected.
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