Today, AAHOA expressed support for the Los Angeles City Council's move to potentially delay implementation of the city's proposed hotel and airport worker wage mandate. AAHOA Members own more than 1,100 hotels in Greater Los Angeles. The Council voted Wednesday to advance an ordinance that would potentially postpone implementation of the $30 minimum wage timeline from 2028 to 2030, while allowing continued negotiations among city leaders, labor organizations, and hospitality industry stakeholders.

This week, the inaugural Asian Hospitality Awards in Atlanta served as a testament to the leadership and entrepreneurial spirit within the hospitality community. With many of the night’s honors going to AAHOA Members – including several Young Professionals and Lifetime Members – the event highlighted AAHOA's significant impact across the hospitality industry. Congratulations to all the award recipients on their well-deserved success!

More than 150 attendees gathered in Fort Myers, FL, on May 8 for the AAHOA South Florida Town Hall, where members engaged in meaningful discussions surrounding advocacy and key industry issues. Hosted by South Florida Regional Director Meghna Patel, the event featured AAHOA leadership including Chairman Rahul Patel, Past Chairmen Hemant Patel and Bharat Patel, as well as guest speakers Jonathan Martin and Anisha Patel. Vendor sponsors and industry partners also helped foster valuable networking opportunities and business connections throughout the event.

On Monday, June 15, AAHOA Members and vendor partners will come together for a cause at the AAHOA Washington DC Area Charity Golf Tournament in Ashburn, VA, at Belmont Country Club. We look forward to a great day on the course, connecting with fellow attendees, and supporting local charities and the AAHOA Charitable Foundation.

The 2026 Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show (HOC) season might have kicked off in March, but we're about to hit the ground running with this year's schedule! Between May and November, we'll host more than 20 HOCs across the country. Between a trade show featuring regional vendors, networking, education opportunities, and the latest industry updates, these are events you don't want to miss. Check out the schedule and register for an HOC in your region!

The City of East Point, GA, hosted a National Travel and Tourism Week Kickoff Event ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which begins in June. East Point – a suburban city outside of Atlanta – is poised to be a hospitality hub during the World Cup events scheduled in the Atlanta metropolitan area. During the event, AAHOA was recognized for its contributions to the hospitality sector – 17 of East Point's 19 hotels are owned by AAHOA Members. Georgia Regional Director Nilesh (Nelly) Patel was in attendance.

Photo: Courtesy of Vanguard

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 that the quality of the harvest is determined by the depth and strength of its roots.

When Patel came to the United States in 2004, that mindset came with him, and it’s guided every decision he has made since, including now as the 2026–2027 Chairman of AAHOA. His theme for his Chairmanship is “Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA.” In the latest issue of Today's Hotelier, we hear more from Patel on how he plans to cultivate AAHOA's roots in the year ahead.

In an industry built on caring for others, it’s important that we also care for ourselves. During Mental Health Awareness Month, AAHOA encourages hoteliers and hospitality professionals to make space for wellness, balance, and meaningful conversations around mental health. Whether it’s checking in with a colleague, taking time to recharge, or seeking support when needed, every step matters. Strong leaders build strong teams – and that starts with well-being. Check out this article from the July 2025 issue of Today's Hotelier that covers supporting employees under pressure.