Each year, we get up close and personal with the current AAHOA Officers, hosting a discussion that covers an array of subjects. For the past few years, understandably, much of the focus has been on the pandemic, its affects on the industry, and where hoteliers go from here. However, more than three years from the pandemic’s full-scale onslaught, are we closer to life as normal, or will COVID’s shadow loom large for years to come? This year, we focus on those concerns while exploring other issues, such as the labor market and new industry trends.
Nishant (Neal) Patel, CHO, CHIA
Chairman
AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF UNPREDICTABILITY AND UPHEAVAL IN THE INDUSTRY, CAN WE FINALLY SAY WE’RE BACK TO NORMAL?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant challenges in the hospitality industry, leading to unpredictability and job losses. Although some hotels have started to recover, and most have job openings, it’s too early to say if the industry is back to normal. The pandemic and changes in consumer behavior will continue to impact the industry, and there may still be challenges with staffing, regulations, and demand. The recovery will be gradual, and the industry’s future growth and stability rely on continued investment and support.
WITH BUSINESS TRAVEL (STILL) YET TO FULLY RETURN, HOW CAN HOTELIERS MAKE UP FOR THAT LOST REVENUE?
Hoteliers can explore alternative revenue streams and pivot their business strategies. This can include expanding their focus on leisure travel, offering more local and regional experiences, such as staycations, and creating attractive packages for families. They can also invest in technology and digital marketing to reach new guests and improve their online presence.
WHAT CAN AAHOA MEMBERS DO TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP?
Implementing what they have learned from AAHOA events, programs, and resources can help members stay current on industry trends and best practices and drive success for their businesses. Additionally, members can take advantage of AAHOA’s advocacy efforts, as well as its resources for professional development, training, and education.
WHAT INDUSTRY TREND ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE PLAY OUT IN THE COMING YEARS?
I’m most excited to see the adaptation of technology in the hospitality industry. This will help with labor, and reduce operational costs to improve efficiency and streamline operations. The increase in guest-facing technology will enhance the customer experience and create a more personalized and seamless stay for guests. Additionally, the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, helping hotels better understand and meet their guests’ needs.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE STARTING THEIR JOURNEY IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?
Thinking outside the box and trying new approaches can help you stay ahead of the competition and drive success for your business. Do not be afraid of failure, as it can be a valuable learning opportunity. Embrace challenges and be open to new ideas, and you will be well on your way to a successful career in the hotel industry.
Bharat Patel, CHO, CHIA
Vice Chairman
AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF UNPREDICTABILITY AND UPHEAVAL IN THE INDUSTRY, CAN WE FINALLY SAY WE’RE BACK TO NORMAL?
It’s a new normal. What’s currently happening in the industry is that we have some serious headwinds post-COVID. We have inflation, supply-chain issues, interest rate hikes, economic uncertainty, and a war on the global stage. So, how do we meet these challenges? The best way is to be united.
WITH BUSINESS TRAVEL (STILL) YET TO FULLY RETURN, HOW CAN HOTELIERS MAKE UP FOR THAT LOST REVENUE?
Business travel is coming back. That’s a given. But it’s good to think about what incentives you are offering that matter to business travelers. You should also consider what you want to offer leisure travelers. Maybe for leisure travelers, it’s more flexibility in booking their hotel stays. Maybe for busy business travelers, it’s providing something extra if they are traveling with families, something that will make them want to travel and stay.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR FRANCHISEES IN TODAY’S MARKET?
Profitability. The members I meet are concerned about the future. It comes to this: How much investment do you make in your hotel property? The future generation has to see that this industry is worth investing in. We knew there would be economic upturns and downturns, but no one expected a great recession or a global pandemic. I don’t think people expected the fast interest rate increases. These challenges are compounded, and it’s up to us to stick together to figure out what to do next.
WHAT CAN AAHOA MEMBERS DO TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP?
Please get involved. Your AAHOA membership is just the start of your journey. The unique thing about our convention, or even our regionals, is meeting hoteliers from other markets that share details and best practices to help you get a better handle on your business and protect your investments. I’d also like to encourage members to look at the resources available on the AAHOA website and learn more about how they can make a difference.
LABOR REMAINS A PRIMARY INDUSTRY CONCERN. DO YOU SEE THAT CHANGING ANYTIME SOON?
Prior to the pandemic, we did a survey, and 90% of hotels had at least one open position. Post-pandemic, I can almost guarantee you that there’s at least one position open at every hotel in America. The question is, how do we deal with it? We’re really going to have to leverage technology better. It could take the form of a kiosk or start hiring people that are cross-trained. Investing in my team is important.
Miraj Patel, MBA, CHO, CHIA
Treasurer
AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF UNPREDICTABILITY AND UPHEAVAL IN THE INDUSTRY, CAN WE FINALLY SAY WE’RE BACK TO NORMAL?
Consumers feel slightly more confident than in 2021 and 2022. We’ve seen revenue increase, showing us that travel is also increasing. But, there’s still going to be some time before things go back to pre-pandemic levels.
WITH BUSINESS TRAVEL (STILL) YET TO FULLY RETURN, HOW CAN HOTELIERS MAKE UP FOR THAT LOST REVENUE?
They’re going to have to get more creative when operating a hotel, especially taking advantage of technology and revenue management. It’s important to ensure your occupancy and ADR stay up to par with the market. Many hotel owners are finding ways to get contracts from other market segments and stay up to par with the consumer group traveling.
WHAT CAN AAHOA MEMBERS DO TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP?
We’re always pushing the membership to get involved and stay engaged. I think if we do a better job at promoting the things that are included in the AAHOA membership, then I think the membership will be more motivated to take advantage of it. But, the number one key is for members to be engaged.
LABOR REMAINS A PRIMARY INDUSTRY CONCERN. DO YOU SEE THAT CHANGING ANYTIME SOON?
Labor is something that every single hotel owner agrees is a problem. It was a problem even before the pandemic, and the only way I see anything changing is if we start getting more creative. We want to see how we can get this addressed with visa programs and other initiatives. If we start working on some of these things, then we’ll see the labor pool increase.
WHAT INDUSTRY TREND ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE PLAY OUT IN THE COMING YEARS?
Simplification. When it comes to operation, we need to start simplifying our offerings to guests. Before the pandemic, we started to make the hotel industry so complicated by offering so much that we almost over spoiled the consumer. If we just start simplifying operations and offerings, then not only will it make us more money, it’ll save us more money. I think it will be a win-win situation for operators and consumers.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE STARTING THEIR JOURNEY IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?
AAHOA provides countless educational webinars and opportunities, panel discussions, and roundtable discussions. You should also read Today’s Hotelier magazine and check out what industry leaders have to say about the latest industry topics.
Kamalesh (KP) Patel
Secretary
AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF UNPREDICTABILITY AND UPHEAVAL IN THE INDUSTRY, CAN WE FINALLY SAY WE’RE BACK TO NORMAL?
We’re progressing forward as an industry. Are we back to normal? I consider this the new normal. And like every other AAHOA Member, we are quick to adapt and move forward.”
WITH BUSINESS TRAVEL (STILL) YET TO FULLY RETURN, HOW CAN HOTELIERS MAKE UP FOR THAT LOST REVENUE?
AAHOA Members are quick to adapt to situations. My advice to AAHOA Members would be to understand your market, understand what’s available, and continue moving forward.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR FRANCHISEES IN TODAY’S MARKET?
AAHOA Members need to have an open dialogue with their franchisors and the brands. We want to ensure that franchisees understand and ask the correct questions regarding their franchise contract. At the end of the day, I want to send one message: know your value.
WHAT CAN AAHOA MEMBERS DO TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP?
AAHOA has a lot of membership perks. I encourage members to attend the Town Hall Meetings in their region and ask their regional director how they can help him or her. AAHOA has resources available to help hotel owners thrive.
LABOR REMAINS A PRIMARY INDUSTRY CONCERN. DO YOU SEE THAT CHANGING ANYTIME SOON?
We’re going to have to adapt to the new normal. The labor force is not what it used to be. We have to utilize technology to take the burden off our industry.
WHAT INDUSTRY TREND ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE PLAY OUT IN THE COMING YEARS?
The acceptance of technology in general. At first, our membership, and even a lot of the brands, were kind of resistant to using technology in certain areas. We’re now seeing kiosks for check-ins and various other mobile check-in options. Guests can skip the front desk completely and go straight to their hotel room because their cell phone is now the key.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE STARTING THEIR JOURNEY IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?
We have been a part of the hotel industry for decades now. We’re coming up on our third- and fourth-generation hotel owners. I encourage future hoteliers to reach out, talk to those who have been there, and ask questions. We are all here to help you, and we want to make sure anybody who wants to be a part of the industry will be successful.
