Exploring the industry’s future with the AAHOA Board of Directors
In this edition, we bring you exclusive insights into the accomplishments and perspectives of the distinguished members of the AAHOA Board of Directors. From the historic success of AAHOACON23 to their impactful collaborations with state leaders, each Board Member showcases the dedication and resilience that characterize their commitment to advancing the interests of both AAHOA Members and the industry they passionately serve. We invite you to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic hospitality landscape through the eyes of AAHOA’s influential leaders.
Bharat Patel
AAHOA Chairman
In my relentless dedication to the AAHOA Political Action Committee fundraising, I’ve witnessed a remarkable surge this year, with our passionate members contributing half a million dollars – the highest since 2019. Notably, Florida has emerged as a standout contributor, leading all regions in PAC contributions. What truly sets this milestone apart is the unity demonstrated by every member of the Board of Directors, symbolizing a collective commitment to shaping the future of the industry. As the AAHOA PAC expands, so does our capacity to advocate effectively on behalf of America’s hotel owners. By cultivating strong relationships with policymakers, we position ourselves to champion the interests of hotel owners and advocate for policies that foster a thriving business environment. This commitment extends beyond individual contributions; it embodies a shared belief in the significance of our industry’s voice in the halls of power.
Miraj S. Patel
AAHOA Vice Chairman
I am truly honored to have attended numerous AAHOA events, spanning not only my home state of Texas but also the entire U.S. Each event serves as a powerful reminder of the cohesive strength within the AAHOA community and the extraordinary platform we have built. It is a platform that empowers America’s hotel owners, providing them with the essential resources to thrive as entrepreneurs. These events showcase the innovative products and services of exhibitors, propelling hotel businesses to the next level. Equally significant are the enduring partnerships with influential organizations such as the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association and the launch of HYPE Ownership, a forward-thinking initiative to empower the industry’s young professionals. I take great pride in contributing to an organization that consistently elevates itself, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in hospitality.
Kamalesh (KP) Patel
AAHOA Treasurer
As the Treasurer of the AAHOA Board of Directors, I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the fiscal health and stability of AAHOA, fostering an environment conducive to growth and impactful initiatives. It’s also been rewarding to connect with hundreds of AAHOA Members at regional events, charity golf tournaments, advocacy events, AAHOACON, HerOwnership Conference & Retreat, and more. Meeting them face-to-face has been an enriching experience, providing valuable insights into the diverse challenges and successes within our dynamic membership. It is an honor to be part of an organization where financial acumen meets the passion of dedicated individuals. It is what makes these events and initiatives possible. I look forward to continuing this collaborative journey, advancing both the fiscal health of AAHOA and the dreams of our resilient and enterprising 20,000 members.
Rahul Patel
AAHOA Secretary
Florida hotel owners must always be prepared and have a plan in place during hurricane season. When Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, AAHOA took proactive measures to ensure Florida hoteliers were well-informed about the storm’s dangers and directed them to available resources. Shortly after the hurricane, AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel and I scheduled a Town Hall with U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds (FLR-19) and numerous local AAHOA Members to discuss the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian’s ruinous effects on their communities. AAHOA is a collective voice. Because of AAHOA, we were already in communication with [Florida Attorney General] Ashley Moody’s office, and we were already in touch with the governor’s office. In Florida, AAHOA has strong relationships with the local and state levels of government. This robust network has proven to be instrumental, enabling us to swiftly navigate challenges, coordinate relief efforts, and serve as an unmatched resource for hotel owners during times of crisis.
Sanjay M. Patel
Alabama Regional Director
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations between AAHOA and state leaders in your regions?
In September 2023, AAHOA Member Viral Patel and I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Katie Britt in Tuscaloosa, AL, to discuss critical economic issues at the national and state levels. The meeting touched upon the Department of Labor’s proposed overtime rule and its potential impact on hotel businesses. Senator Katie Britt has a demonstrated history of support for AAHOA. More than two years ago, she attended an AAHOA women’s event in Birmingham, driven by a phone call from a local Ambassador. During that event, Senator Britt spent more than an hour with AAHOA women hoteliers, engaging in meaningful conversations about her vision for supporting Alabama businesses.
Naresh (ND) Bhakta
Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
I was proud to address the Los Angeles City Council on various issues detrimental to the hospitality industry, including proposals to move unsheltered residents into hotels, rising wages, police department aggression, and more. We also enjoyed numerous networking opportunities with lawmakers regarding issues surrounding local unions and city ordinances.
Vimal Patel
Gulf Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
I helped create the AAHOA Charitable Foundation, which will support disaster relief and charitable initiatives across the country. AAHOA Members already contribute to their communities by supporting charitable organizations that provide services ranging from education and disease research funding to humanitarian efforts. Thanks to the generosity of vendor partners, members, and sponsors, AAHOA has been able to donate millions of dollars to charities that touch lives and make the world a better place. AAHOA adopted the Foundation and will give all members a new outlet to continue supporting communities.
Harikrishna (HK) Patel
Mid South Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
As an AAHOA Board Member in 2023, one of my most significant achievements was successfully visiting every region for the regional meetings. During these visits, I had the opportunity to meet with our membership and engage in discussions about the day-to-day challenges they face in their businesses. By actively listening to their concerns, I was able to find effective solutions. Additionally, as the chair of the E-Commerce Committee, I collaborated with the committee members to implement various strategies tailored to benefit our independent and branded hotel members. We are excited to roll out these initiatives in the coming months.
Pinkesh Patel
North Carolina Regional Director
What advice or insights would you offer AAHOA members looking to take up a volunteer leadership role to help them make the most of their experience and contribute effectively to the association’s mission?
If you’re capable of running your business successfully, and if you have a passion for helping others to become successful businesspeople, that means you’re a leader already and should join AAHOA to further your journey and broaden your leadership skills.
Ankit Panchal
North Pacific Regional Director
Are there any unique strategies or programs you’ve implemented or plan to implement to address labor challenges and ensure exceptional service quality in your hotels?
I was able to attract more applicants by offering daily pay. We partnered with a payroll company that allows employees to get pay advances daily after they clock out. Also, we signed up with a virtual in-room tip technology company, allowing consumers to use electronic payments to tip the staff, creating motivation to provide exceptional service. These initiatives have been very successful for us.
Dhiren Masters
North Texas Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
I’m proud to have built greater transparency by hosting more back-of-the-house tours for our members to speak to Congressional reps about key issues occurring in our industry.
What is the one word that you think will summarize the hotel industry in 2024 and why?
Perseverance, as the industry will come out stronger from the down market.
Taran Patel
Northwest Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
We’ve had quite a few momentous moments in the Pacific Northwest in the past year, including establishing a partnership with the Washington Hospitality Association, where AAHOA will have a designated seat at the table. Another highlight would be successfully testifying to the Portland City Council to stop the removal of a cap on the Transient Accommodation Tax. This would have been another blow to a market where our members are still recovering post-pandemic. Our members also successfully testified and stopped a measure in Seattle, WA, where there was an attempt to increase the minimum wage in King County to $20.65/hr starting in 2025.
Mike Riverside
South Pacific Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
The most significant achievement I’ve had as an AAHOA Board Member was to introduce a change to governing documents that that stated that Eastern and Western Director at Large positions be only voted on by members of that region. This gives more voice to the members of that region in selecting who represents them on the Board. Voting is an important aspect of being a member of any association and integrity in voting helps all achieve favorable results in the end.
Dharmesh Ahir
Southwest Regional Director
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
Being a part of the Government Affairs Committee, we were able to make the necessary changes to make our PAC funds more accountable. Now when we give PAC funds to an elected official, the regional director is now responsible to give it to the elected official. Prior, the AAHOA DC team would give the funds directly.
Kalpesh Joshi
Upper Midwest Regional Director
What do you anticipate will be the most significant challenge facing hoteliers in 2024?
Insurance and labor will be the key challenges. AAHOA is working to get a combined insurance rate, which may help us continue to work with existing team members and make them feel comfortable.
Deepak Patel
Washington DC Area Regional Director
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations between AAHOA and state associations in your regions? How have these partnerships contributed to the success of your events and advocacy efforts?
While AAHOA is advocating at federal level, it’s extremely important to stay informed and take action quickly at the state level since many regulations change at this level. Partnerships with state associations are crucial and play an important role in helping AAHOA Members.
Pinal Patel
Director at Large Eastern Division
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations between AAHOA and state associations in your region?
Partnering with TNHospitality opened doors to a wider network of professionals within the hospitality and tourism sectors in Tennessee. This collaboration has facilitated joint networking events, conferences, and trade shows, fostering connections between AAHOA Members and other industry stakeholders in the state.
Nalin (Neil) PatelDirector at Large Western Division
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
We have held strong in the face of adversity. There was pressure from brands to give up on the path for the voice of our members to be heard but continued to work toward equal partnership.
Tanmay Patel
Young Professional Director Western Division
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations between AAHOA and state associations in your regions? How have these partnerships contributed to the success of your events and advocacy efforts?
THLA, along with AAHOA, has a 100% record for legislation relating to the hospitality industry. I don’t think anything else needs to be said.
Dylan Patel
Young Professional Director Eastern Division
What do you anticipate will be the most significant challenge facing hoteliers in 2024?
Financing capabilities and loan maturities. Financing has been tremendously difficult for hoteliers with lender appetite for hotel loans decreasing. Asset values can no longer be priced at previous levels due to properties not being able to meet their Debt Service Coverage Ratios at current mortgage rates thus causing a huge spread between a seller’s asking price and the price at which the buyer is able to finance the deal. Many hoteliers will be faced with the challenge of their loans maturing in 2024 as well. It will be a tough decision to make on whether they should refinance with rates more than double their current rates or if they should sell the asset.
Purnima PatelWomen Hoteliers Director Eastern Division
What has been your most significant achievement as an AAHOA board member in 2023?
The most successful achievement has been the HerOwnership Conference & Retreat, which was a huge success. I was honored to be in attendance and see women in the industry get together to network together and attend two successful masterclasses at this conference. Also, attending AAHOA’s advocacy efforts in D.C. where we got to meet and greet our local leaders on some issues our industry is facing.
Abraham Tieh
Industry Partner
What do you anticipate will be the most significant challenge facing hoteliers in 2024?
Lately, the biggest concern for hotel owners is that it’s increasingly difficult to get a refinancing loan when a loan is maturing. Due to high mortgage rates, hotels are operating with a smaller margin and some of them may not be qualified for a new loan. Hoteliers may be forced to choose between a lower loan ratio, or simply walk away. We’re seeing hotel foreclosures are on the upswing.
