Meet this year’s AAHOA Awards recipients
By Cathleen Draper
Vijay Patel
AAHOA Award of Excellence
Like many in the hospitality industry, Vijay Patel comes from humble beginnings.
Born in Uganda, Patel first moved to India, then London, then the United States.
When he first arrived in the U.S. in 1994, he managed a family-owned motel, and in 1997, he acquired and renovated a Travelodge in Pendleton, OR. That same year, he founded A-1 Hospitality Group, which drives community growth and strengthens local tourism through strategic development, investments, and partnerships.
Since A-1’s founding, Patel and his family have expanded their portfolio to include major brands and the independent Columbia Gorge Hotel, a thoughtfully restored historic property.
“My journey in hospitality has been one of perseverance, learning, and continuous growth to fulfill the American Dream for the family,” Patel said. He is “driven by the belief that hard work, integrity, and relationships are the foundation of long-term success.”
Patel remains actively involved in the industry, holding leadership roles in the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and AAHOA over the years.
His contributions have earned him numerous honors. He received the AHLA MVP Award, was recognized as the Lodging Operator of the Year by ORLA, and received the Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award for Lodging from the Washington Hospitality Association. Last year, he was also named the Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year by Visit Tri-Cities.
As this year’s AAHOA Award of Excellence recipient, Patel demonstrates strong leadership, holds high standards of excellence, and makes significant contributions to the industry. Like the five other AAHOA Awards recipients, AAHOA has played a vital role in his journey.
“Being involved with the association has provided opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute to the broader hospitality community,” he said. “It is a powerful platform that brings owners together and advocates for our industry.”
When he learned he would receive the AAHOA Award of Excellence, Patel was deeply humbled and grateful.
“This award represents much more than personal recognition – it reflects the collective efforts of my family, our team at A-1 Hospitality Group, and the many mentors and partners who have supported us along the way,” he said. “It is also a reminder of the responsibility we have as industry leaders to continue contributing, mentoring, and helping elevate the next generation of hoteliers.”
Helen Zaver
Outstanding HerOwnership Award of Excellence
Receiving the Outstanding HerOwnership Award of Excellence feels especially personal to Helen Zaver.
“It recognizes women who have built, sustained, and advanced ownership within the hospitality industry,” Zaver said. “It was a moment of reflection on how far the industry – and women within it – have come.”
Growing up in a family of hoteliers, Zaver saw the realities of ownership from an early age, shaping her understanding of the business and guiding her career. Her experience spans ownership, operations, and brokerage. Today, she serves as Executive Vice President and Principal at Colliers International, National Hospitality Group & Capital Markets.
Zaver is actively involved with AAHOA, calling it “a cornerstone” of her professional and personal journey. She previously served on the Board of Directors and currently serves as a Georgia Ambassador and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.
“AAHOA plays a critical role in empowering owners – especially women and young professional hoteliers – by providing a platform for learning, connection, and representation,” Zaver said. “I am proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen ownership, promote best practices, and ensure that owner voices are heard at both the regional and national levels.”
After forging her own path in hospitality, Zaver hopes women recognize the value of their perspectives. She encourages them to get involved, seek mentors, and support one another.
“Most importantly,” she said, “believe that you belong at the table – because the industry is stronger when women are part of shaping its future.”
Aaryan Patel
Outstanding HYPE Award of Excellence
Under his father’s wing, Aaryan Patel learned everything about running a hotel, from how to move HVAC units as a child to the complexities of tax policy and financing.
As a teenager, he attended his first AAHOACON in 2019. He left especially impressed by the young developers building properties and franchises at a high level.
Within a few years, he became the youngest person ever to be appointed to the AAHOA Young Professional Hoteliers Committee. He earned that distinction again as the youngest member of the Independent Hoteliers Committee; he is currently serving a threeyear term. He also serves as an Ambassador for the Northeast Region.
During his tenure on the Independent Hoteliers Committee, Patel has become a prominent voice for hoteliers, engaging with local and state government officials to advocate for the industry. He’s also developed analytical tools for evaluating hotel acquisitions and streamlining financial statements analysis, building upon the knowledge his father imparted on him.
“I believe the younger generation is uniquely positioned to combine our parents’ experience with new technology, and I am excited about the future of the industry,” Patel said.
Receiving the Outstanding HYPE Award of Excellence, which is awarded to hoteliers under the age of 35 who exemplify the spirit, dedication, and achievement of professional hoteliers, Patel recalls his roots and the first AAHOACON he attended.
“It is difficult to put into words, but earning the same recognition as the role models I looked up to back then is a deeply rewarding feeling,” he said.
Rishan Patel
Cecil B. Day Community Service Award
When Rishan Patel was 14, he co-founded Alley-Oop Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing youth sports equity.
What started as an effort to collect unused sports equipment has since grown into a global initiative. Through more than 300 Lending Lockers, Alley-Oop Kids has provided free equipment for more than 200,000 children across eight countries.
The Cecil B. Day Community Service Award recognizes individuals committed to serving the community – one of several accolades Patel has earned, including the Diana Award and an ESPY, specifically the Billie Jean King Young Leadership Award.
“This award represents something bigger than personal recognition,” said Patel, who is currently a student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. “To me, it reflects the values I’ve grown up around, that hospitality – and particularly this community – are ultimately about a passion for service and creating meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
A fourth-generation hotelier, Patel watched his parents build their business from a collection of small properties into a purpose-driven hotel company. He learned from his parents’ hard work and consistency, carrying those values into his service.
“Small actions, how you show up, how you treat people, how you follow through, add up over time,” Patel said. “I see the opportunities I’ve been given as a responsibility to create value for others and contribute in ways that extend beyond myself.”
Hasmukh (HP) Rama
AAHOA Charitable Foundation Outreach Award
The AAHOA Charitable Foundation Outreach Award honors an individual dedicated to impactful philanthropic and charitable efforts – one who transforms compassion into impact. Hasmukh (HP) Rama exemplifies that mission.
Alongside Mike Leven and other Indian American hoteliers, Rama helped to found AAHOA and served as the association’s first Chairman. He also founded Auro Hotels, a hospitality management firm.
As a leader, Rama has spent decades investing in education. In 1998, the Rama family established scholarships to support students pursuing higher education, particularly those seeking to work in hospitality. More than 800 students have benefited from over $1.4 million in scholarship support.
Auro Hotels’ O.N.E. initiative encourages employee volunteerism by providing resources, space, and paid time off for community service. And in 2025, Auro announced the Rama Legacy Scholarship, a $2 million endowment dedicated to the children of Auro associates.
Rama’s generosity extends beyond hospitality. In Greenville, SC, where Auro Hotels is headquartered, the company has provided scholarship support for the children of first responders. In 2011, Rama founded Auro University in India, expanding access to higher education for underserved students.
Rama has built a legacy through his service, outreach, and charitable leadership.
“The hospitality industry has provided great opportunities to realize my American Dream from humble beginnings,” Rama said. “It has been a great journey of fulfilled life purpose.”
Receiving the AAHOA Charitable Foundation Outreach Award, Rama said, recognizes his contributions to the industry, the association, and future generations.
“This award is a validation of selfless work done for common good and becoming an inspiration for many members of AAHOA to do service above oneself,” Rama said.
Rest & Relax Inn & Suites
IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year Award
Mitesh (Tish) Patel got his start in hospitality at age 7, helping out at his parents’ motel in Pensacola, FL.
Over the years, his family owned a branded hotel, built a property from the ground up, and owned a major flag. Today, Patel is focused on independence.
“Now, the dream is to have successful independent hotels that my kids can be proud of, love to manage, and see the fruits of their labor,” Patel said. “That is what excites me now; that is where the passion is.”
That passion fuels Patel’s service on AAHOA’s Independent Hotelier Committee. He created a WhatsApp group focused on independent and boutique properties and encourages members to engage others and help them achieve their goals of going independent. His aim is to set future members up for success, so they can carry the independent torch to new heights.
As the owner of the independent Rest & Relax Inn & Suites in Florida, Patel has learned many lessons since he was a 7-year-old helping at his parents’ property.
Most importantly, that pressure, setbacks, and uncertainty are par for the course.
“How you respond to them is what defines you,” Patel said. “Find the positive in every lesson learned, stay humble, and never stop improving.”
Learn more about the AAHOA Awards here.
Image: Anna Efetova/stock.adobe.com
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