How AAHOA’s Back of the House Tours advanced advocacy in 2025
By Olivia Story
In 2025, AAHOA’s Back of the House (BOH) Tours continued to demonstrate their value as one of the Association’s most effective advocacy tools. By inviting legislators into member-owned hotels across the country, these tours created opportunities for policymakers to engage directly with hoteliers, understand operational realities, and address issues that shape the industry’s future. The result: Stronger relationships, clearer policy impacts, and measurable momentum on key priorities.
A Year of Meaningful Engagements
The year’s tours spanned multiple regions and levels of government, each offering a distinct perspective into the challenges and contributions of hotel owners.
In California, North Pacific Ambassador Niraj Dhanani hosted Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen at a Marriott in Elk Grove, where they discussed ADA compliance pressures, rising insurance and labor costs, and community issues such as homelessness. The visit reinforced how regulations intersect with day-today operations in ways often unseen by policymakers.
In Houston, Southeast Texas Regional Director Bhavik Patel welcomed Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman for a behind-the-scenes look at a Comfort Inn & Suites. Their conversation centered on short-term rental enforcement, public safety, and the city’s preparation for major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup – an economic opportunity for the entire region.
In Missouri, AAHOA Central Midwest Lifetime Members welcomed Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) to thank him for his sponsorship of the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act and to affirm the importance of increasing Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and 504 loan limits for hotel owners.
AAHOA’s Southeast Texas leadership, including Bhavik Patel, Immediate Past Chairman Miraj S. Patel, Paresh Patel, Mahesh Patel, Devan Patel, Ambassador Babu (Jerry) Patel, and Ambassador Bhavin Patel, also hosted Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) at a member-owned Hampton Inn & Suites. Discussions focused on SBA loan limits, the Visa Integrity Fee, workforce needs, and the impact of changing federal regulations.
In North Texas, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) toured a property owned by Anil Patel, guided by Young Professional Director, Western Division Pavaan Patel and others. Legislative priorities, such as the Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act and the Credit Card Competition Act, took center stage, along with growing concerns over tariffs and rising insurance costs.
Turning Insight Into Action
Several tours resulted in immediate commitments. In Manassas, VA, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) – guided by Washington DC Area Regional Director Priyank Patel and Ambassadors Roshan Patel and Bhavin Patel – pledged to address property-level safety issues with local law enforcement, examine real estate tax burdens, and support the Credit Card Competition Act.
Additional engagements included a Phoenix tour with Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), led by Southwest Regional Director Dharmesh Ahir, reinforcing the essential economic and community role of hotels.
Why These Tours Matter
BOH Tours transform abstract policy into tangible understanding. For legislators they illuminate the operational, financial, and regulatory pressures hoteliers navigate daily. For AAHOA Members, they create trusted relationships with decision-makers and strengthen the Association’s advocacy voice.
In 2025, the impact was unmistakable: When lawmakers step into the back of the house, they leave with clearer insight, and often with commitments that move the industry forward.
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