ATLANTA, Ga., March 17 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents the majority of U.S. hotel owners, welcomed former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India, where many AAHOA members have cultural and economic relationships.
After 26 months of the key diplomatic post remaining vacant, the Senate confirmed Garcetti in a 52-42 vote on Wednesday.
“As entrepreneurs with enduring cultural and economic ties to India, AAHOA Members look forward to working with Ambassador Garcetti on strengthening the relationship between the United States and India and on promoting mutually beneficial commercial relationships,” said AAHOA Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel, who emigrated to the United States from India. “As the second-most-populous country in the world and as the ancestral home of 4.5 million Americans, including most AAHOA members, India is a vital partner. We are pleased that after leaving the Ambassadorship vacant for the longest stretch in the history of the U.S.-India relationship, the Senate finally has confirmed Eric Garcetti to this important role. Many of our members know him from his time as Mayor of Los Angeles and look forward to building on that relationship.”
