BIRAN PATEL
AAHOA CHAIRMAN (2020-2021)
AAHOA has always been there for America’s hotel owners, and, as we’ve seen over the last three months, our association is more important than ever. AAHOA is working diligently to guide our members through the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful to Jagruti Panwala, the AAHOA Board of Directors, ambassadors, and the countless members who volunteer their time to advance AAHOA’s mission. I extend my sincere thanks to Jagruti for her years of service on behalf of America’s hoteliers.
The pandemic continues to affect every single part of our industry, and the only way we can weather this storm is by doing so together. The spirit of hospitality that binds us all will help ensure that we remain united and come through this crisis stronger than before. For over three decades, AAHOA has been growing and evolving as an association. When faced with adversity, be it discrimination, 9/11, or the 2008 financial crisis, we persevered. That’s why I am confident that we will make it through this pandemic.
Despite the challenges of the past few months, hope is on the horizon. AAHOA is in direct communication with lawmakers, the brands, and our vendor partners so we can address the challenges of reopening and recovering together. People are getting accustomed to a new normal, and occupancy rates are beginning to creep back up. AAHOA’s goal is to bring the travel industry and our workforce back. We want to make sure hoteliers’ businesses survive this crisis and that they are prepared for our industry’s revival. By working together, hoteliers will ensure that the health and safety of our employees, guests, and communities remain our number one priority.
I am proud of AAHOA’s amazing work to help our members over the past three months. We are continuing to find new ways to tap into our potential as an association. AAHOA is here to serve our members because our members come first. Thank you for the trust and for the opportunity to serve you as chairman.
There is a lot of uncertainty in our industry and in our country right now, but you can be sure that AAHOA will continue to do right by America’s hotel owners. The road to recovery may be long, but we’re all heading in the same destination. We are all in this together.
