MIAMI, Fla., July 25 – In remarks delivered at a joint town hall event hosted by AAHOA, the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD), AAHOA Chairwoman Jagruti Panwala stressed the importance of unity and cooperation amongst associations and the need for greater diversity at all levels of the industry. Members of all three associations as well as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association composed most of the audience. In remarks delivered at the 2019 LHA Conference, AAHOA Treasurer Vinay Patel echoed similar sentiments.
“When it comes to advancing the interests of the hospitality industry, we are stronger together. As hotel owners, vendors, and advocates for travel and tourism, we are at the forefront of the struggle to create an industry where everyone has an equal opportunity to create their own success. When we work together, as hoteliers, we are helping others achieve the American Dream. I look forward to our continued efforts to build strong and diverse businesses where hard work is recognized and rewarded, and where we all have a seat at the table,” said Panwala.
Speaking at the 2019 LHA Conference, Vinay Patel touted the efficacy of AAHOA, LHA, and NABHOOD when it came to challenging discrimination faced by minority hoteliers. “We all know that, despite being capable businesspeople, our members often had to prove themselves in the hospitality industry to overcome discrimination from lenders, insurance companies, franchisors, and even guests. The dream of small business ownership has not always been accessible – but our associations are helping to make it a reality,” said Patel.
Both Panwala and Patel also encouraged attendees to join them and other hoteliers at the Legislative Action Summit (LAS) in Washington, D.C. on September 10-11. LAS, hosted by AAHOA and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), brings hoteliers, brands, industry leaders, and elected officials together to discuss important policy issues facing the industry.
