Press Releases

2022 Press Releases

AAHOA Members Successfully Rally to Maintain Oversight of Arkansas Short-Term Rentals

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Mar. 30 – Members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners association in the world, applauded a vote by the Arkansas House Committee on City, County, and Local Affairs not to advance legislation that would have weakened oversight of short-term rentals in the state.

AAHOA Members Testify in Support of New Jersey Bill Advancing Fair Franchising Principles

TRENTON, NJ., Mar. 21 – Members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association testified in support of New Jersey Assembly Bill 1958, which advances several key components of AAHOA’s 12 Points of Fair Franchising to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship between Franchisors and Franchisees.

North Carolina Hotel Safety Act Signed into Law

RALEIGH, NC., Mar. 20 – After years of advocacy, SB 53 – the Hotel Safety Act became law last week. On behalf of hotel owners across the state, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), alongside the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) led efforts to clarify when a hotel guest has rights under the landlord-tenant act.

AAHOA Welcomes Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India

ATLANTA, Ga., Mar. 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.

AAHOA’s Spring National Advocacy Conference Brings Together Lawmakers and 200+ AAHOA Members Strongly Advocating for the Hospitality Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 10 – Hundreds of Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Members and leaders from across the United States flew into Washington D.C. for AAHOA’s Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) earlier this week to discuss critical issues impacting America’s hotel owners.

AAHOA Welcomes Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India

AAHOA’s Spring National Advocacy Conference Brings Together Lawmakers and 200+ AAHOA Members Strongly Advocating for the Hospitality Industry

AAHOA Urges Confirmation of Dilawar Syed as SBA Deputy Administrator

ATLANTA, Ga., Mar. 8 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents the majority of U.S. hotel owners, is urging the U.S. Senate to confirm Dilawar Syed as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Facing Economic Headwinds, AAHOA Members Urge Continued Support of Hotel Industry

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 10 – Laura Lee Blake, President & CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), released the following statement in response to ongoing reports that economic headwinds could force more hotel owners into serious financial challenges, including bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings this year:

AAHOA Announces Largest Trade Show in 34-Year History

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 8 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners association in the world with nearly 20,000 members, announced today that it has already secured a record level of booth sales for the Trade Show at AAHOACON23, April 11-14, 2023, making it the largest in AAHOA history.

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Growth of Private Equity Among Franchisors Underscores Need for Fair Franchising

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 2 – Laura Lee Blake, President and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), released the following statement in response to a New York Times story about the ongoing challenges in the franchise industry and the effect on small businesses, their owners and customers, including the growth of private equity firms acquiring more of the country’s iconic franchise brands.

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AAHOA Commends Red Roof® for Its Collaboration on Fair Franchising Initiatives and Education

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 10 – AAHOA leadership, which represents the largest hotel owners association in the world with nearly 20,000 members, recently met with leaders of Red Roof®, a global brand leader with more than 680 properties in the U.S., Brazil and Japan, including President George Limbert; Matthew Hostetler, Chief Development Officer; and Fouad Malouf, SVP Franchise Operations.

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AAHOA Commends Best Western ® Hotels & Resorts for Being Collaborative and Open-Minded with Respect to Fair Franchising Initiatives and Education

ATLANTA, Ga., Dec. 7 – AAHOA leadership, which represents the largest hotel owners association in the world with nearly 20,000 members, recently met with leaders John Kelly, Board Chairman; Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer; Danny Lafayette, Board Vice-Chairman; Phil Payne, Board Secretary-Treasurer; Mike Merchant, Board Director; Ishwar Naran, Board Director; Viral (Victor) Patel, Board Director; and Stephen Wahrlich, Board Director, from Best Western ® Hotels & Resorts, a global brand leader with a portfolio of 19 brands, and approximately 4,500 hotels across all chain scale segments.

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AAHOA Commends G6 Hospitality’s Official Response and Feedback on its 12 Points of Fair Franchising

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 30 – Leadership from G6 Hospitality LLC, which franchises 1,400 economy lodging locations under the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada, recently responded to AAHOA with a summary of the organization’s best practices related to AAHOA’s 12 Points of Fair Franchising.

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AAHOA’s Inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat Empowers Hundreds of Women Hoteliers

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 7 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, held its inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat at the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront on October 26 and 27. The HerOwnership Conference & Retreat was far from your typical women’s event. While this event was women-centric, it focused specifically on women who are interested in owning their first hotel, or learning about owning hotels in general.

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AAHOA Statement on the Impact of Hurricane Ian

ATLANTA, Ga., Sept. 30 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, recognized the widespread devastation Hurricane Ian has caused throughout the state of Florida. AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake issued the following statement in response to the catastrophic hurricane that pummeled the West Coast of Florida this week and is barreling towards South Carolina this afternoon.

AAHOA Meets With Senator John Hickenlooper

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29 – On Tuesday, September 27, AAHOA leadership met with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) in Washington at his Capitol Hill office. Senator Hickenlooper, who sits on both the Small Business Committee and the
Senate Commerce Committee, met with AAHOA to discuss SBA loan limit increases, and to promote fairness and transparency in the franchise industry.

AAHOA Statement on IHG Security Breach

ATLANTA, Ga., Sept. 19 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) today released the following statement in response to the recent IHG ransomware attack.

AAHOA Leadership Meets with Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya to Address Industry Issues and Franchise Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 16 – On Thursday, September 15, AAHOA leadership met with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya in our nation’s Capital. The Commissioner included FTC staff involved with oversight of franchising, including Consumer Protection Bureau Director Sam Levine.

AAHOA Hosts Advocacy Conference with Top U.S. Senators and Representatives to Address Key Legislative Points Impacting the Hotel Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15 – AAHOA Members and leaders from all over the country flew into Washington D.C. for AAHOA’s Fall National Advocacy Conference this past Wednesday to make their voices heard and shed light on the issues that matter most to America’s hotel owners. Hoteliers met and built relationships with more than 100 offices and 40 U.S. Senators and Representatives to push our policy priorities forward.

AAHOA Commends Florida Attorney General Crackdown on Vacation Rental Scams

ATLANTA, Ga., July 22 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, commends Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s crackdown on vacation rental scams.

AAHOA Statement on Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Uvalde, Tx., May 24 – Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the mass shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. We cannot express how deeply saddened we are that another senseless tragedy has occurred in our country.

AAHOA Announces 2022 Award Winners

Baltimore, MD, Apr. 15 – On the third day of the 2022 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, the association recognized achievement and excellence in the hospitality industry with its annual awards. Each year, AAHOA honors hoteliers who go above and beyond in service to the hospitality industry.

AAHOA Reflects on the Impact of the American Rescue Plan One Year Later

ATLANTA, Ga., Mar. 11 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, recognizes the widespread impact the American Rescue Plan has had in the nation’s economic recovery, notably for the millions of small businesses still in operation across the country. The ARP, a $1.9-trillion stimulus package, allocated billions of dollars toward state and local recovery grants and enhanced policies to combat COVID-19, and it reinvested in vital economic relief programs.

AAHOA Statement on the Passing of Jayanti P. (JP) Rama

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 17 – AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel issued the following statement on the passing of one of AAHOA’s Past Chairs, Jayanti P. (JP) Rama.

AAHOA Hosts Advocacy Conference with Top U.S. Senators and Representatives to Address Key Legislative Points Impacting the Hotel Industry

AAHOA Announces Two New, Key Senior Leadership Positions to Help Propel the Association Forward

ATLANTA, Ga., July 11 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, announced today the promotion of Heather Carnes to EVP, Communications, and Chief Strategy Officer, and the hiring of Phelps Hope as its new EVP, Operations, and
Chief Development Officer.

AAHOA Statement on A1958 Hearing Before the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee

Princeton, NJ, May 22 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the world’s largest hotel owners association, supports Assembly Bill 1958 to make welcomed changes to New Jersey Franchise Practice Act for the hospitality industry.

Nishant (Neal) Patel Becomes Youngest Chairman in AAHOA History

Baltimore, MD, Apr. 15 – Texas hotelier Nishant (Neal) Patel, CHO, CHIA, is the new Chairman of AAHOA’s Board of Directors.

AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel Issues Statement on Russia’s Premeditated, Unprovoked, and Unjustified Invasion of Ukraine

ATLANTA, Ga., Mar. 10 – Two weeks ago, Russian military forces under the guidance of President Putin began an unprovoked and unjustified attack on the Ukrainian people. Today, more than two million people have fled Ukraine, with as many as five million expected to be displaced as Russian troops continue to advance toward major cities.

AAHOA Statement on New Jersey Assembly Bill 6246 Being Signed Into Law

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 21 – AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel issued the following statement in regards to Gov. Phil Murphy signing Assembly Bill 6246 into law.

AAHOA Launches HerOwnership: Opening Doors for Women in Hospitality Initiative to Highlight and Support Women Hoteliers and Leaders in the Industry

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 9 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, with nearly 20,000 members who own
60% of the hotels in the United States, announced today the launch of HerOwnership: Opening Doors for Women in
Hospitality, an initiative aimed at elevating, educating, and empowering the women hoteliers of AAHOA and across the industry.

AAHOA Response to CDC Lifting Test Requirement for Travelers Entering U.S

ATLANTA, Ga., June 10 – Negative COVID test no more – for international air travelers to the United States, that is.
The CDC is lifting the negative COVID-19 test requirement for international air travelers as of midnight on June 12.

AAHOA Celebrates the Retirement of J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., with Lifetime Achievement Award

ATLANTA, Ga., May 6 – Today, AAHOA celebrates the career of J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., as he retires as Marriott International Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. As stated by Marriott International, “he leaves the company after 66 years of unparalleled service and leadership.”

AAHOA Announces New Secretary and Board Members

Baltimore, MD, Apr. 15 – Kamalesh (KP) Patel of Santa Cruz, CA, is the new AAHOA Secretary. Patel is the CEO of Aarav Hospitality, LLC, and AKS Hospitality, LLC. AAHOA Members also elected the following ten members to the Board of Directors.

AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel Praises President Biden’s State of the Union Speech

ATLANTA, Ga., Mar. 2 – AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel praised President Joe Biden’s comments made during his State of the Union Speech:

President & CEO Ken Greene to Depart AAHOA

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 17 – AAHOA today announced that President & CEO Ken Greene will leave the organization in February to pursue another opportunity. The AAHOA Board of Directors will immediately begin its search for his replacement.

AAHOA Statement on Los Angeles City Council Hearing Hotel Land Use and Replacement Housing Requirements Ordinance

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 5 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, commends the Los Angeles City Council’s vote on the controversial land use ordinance.

AAHOA Statement on Secretary Raimondo’s Strategy to Reenergize U.S. Travel and Tourism

ATLANTA, Ga., June 6 – AAHOA applauds the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy that was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC).

AAHOA Names New President and CEO

ATLANTA, Ga., May 3 – Following a vote by the AAHOA Board of Directors, Laura Lee Blake, Esq., will be the new President and CEO of AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, effective May 16, 2022.

AAHOA Announces Release of its Updated 12 Points of Fair Franchising

ATLANTA, Ga., Apr. 1 – Today, AAHOA announced that it has released its updated 12 Points of Fair Franchising in the form of a new resource guide for AAHOA Member-Franchisees, “An Educational Primer: A Best-Practice Approach to Designing, Developing, and Implementing Best-in-class, Mutually Beneficial Franchise Systems.”

AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel Echoes SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman’s Comments on the Biden Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen America’s Supply Chains

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 28 – AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel issued the following statement in response to the SBA’s commendation of the Biden Administration’s efforts to bolster America’s supply chains.

NJRHA, AAHOA, and AHLA Statement on New Jersey Assembly Bill 6246 and Senate Bill 4295

Trenton, Jan. 7 – The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, along with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), have issued the following statement regarding Assembly Bill 6246 and Senate Bill 4295.