Visit Tri-Cities has recognized AAHOA Lifetime Member Vijay Patel, President of A-1 Hospitality Group, with the Kris Watkins Tourism Champion Award—celebrating leaders who elevate the visitor experience and strengthen the region’s tourism economy.

In Your Corner: Advocacy Updates Hoteliers Need to Know In Your Corner is AAHOA’s advocacy update column, keeping members informed on what’s happening in Washington, at the state level, and across the hotel industry—issues that could impact your business.

ATLANTA, GA, December 10, 2025 — AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), representing nearly 20,000 hotel owners and supporting 60% of all U.S. hotels, has joined more than 100 business, advocacy, and diversity organizations in signing a coalition letter led by the International Franchise Association (IFA) calling on Congress to support the bipartisan American Franchise Act (AFA), H.R. 5267.

ATLANTA, GA, December 9, 2025 — The countdown is officially underway. In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, AAHOA—the largest hotel owners association in the world—will bring the hospitality industry together in Philadelphia for AAHOACON26, April 8–10.

ATLANTA, GA, November 25, 2025 — The AAHOA Charitable Foundation (ACF) today announced the adoption of its new Charter, establishing a clear mission, governance framework, and financial stewardship principles designed to amplify the Foundation’s impact through four key pillars of giving: Education & Scholarships, Women & Youth Advancement in Hospitality and Beyond, Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Relief, and Anti-Human Trafficking

ATLANTA, GA, November 12, 2025 — AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) welcomes the reopening of the federal government following passage by Congress and the President's signature on Wednesday.

ATLANTA, GA, November 12, 2025 —In response to growing pressure on hotel profitability amid rising costs and slow growth, AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) and Kalibri, the hospitality industry's leading Profit Platform, have formed a strategic partnership to equip hotel owners and operators with the technology, data, and training needed to strengthen profit margins and long-term asset performance.

ATLANTA, GA, October 29, 2025 - AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel issued the following statement on the passing of one of AAHOA's Past Chairs, Jayantalil (JK) Patel, who died Tuesday, October 28, at the age of 85: