AAHOA is at an inflection point. How will it respond? By Rahul Kapoor Every great organization reaches a point where success is no longer the goal – sustainability and legacy are. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association stands at such a moment. With nearly 20,000 members and a presence that influences over half of the U.S. hospitality landscape, AAHOA is not … [Read more...] about The Legacy Curve
Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA
By Rahul Patel, AAHOA Chairman (2026-2027) A Moment of Reflection Standing in Philadelphia at AAHOACON26, surrounded by thousands of AAHOA Members, I found myself reflecting on an unlikely journey. It’s hard to believe that my professional path began with an agricultural degree and a life connected to farming. When I first came to the United States, I could not … [Read more...] about Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA
Momentum and Mission: Leadership for the Year Ahead
By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Lessons from Philadelphia Hosting AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia carried special meaning. As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial, gathering in the birthplace of American democracy offered a fitting backdrop for conversations about leadership, service, and legacy. Throughout history, moments of transition have … [Read more...] about Momentum and Mission: Leadership for the Year Ahead
Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA
For new AAHOA Chairman Rahul Patel, strong foundations drive lasting success By Cathleen Draper & Olivia Story Long before Rahul Patel became a hotelier, he was a farmer. He woke before dawn in Surat, India, tended soil that didn’t always cooperate, and learned the particular discipline that agriculture demands: You cannot rush what is not ready. You plant. You … [Read more...] about Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA
Excellence in Action
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 … [Read more...] about Excellence in Action