NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Orlando, FL, April 8, 2024: The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) appointed Miraj S. Patel, MBA, CHO, CHIA as the Chairman of the AAHOA Board of Directors for the term 2024-25. Patel is the youngest individual to hold this position in the association’s 35-year history.
The announcement came at the conclusion of the 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show held in Orlando, FL, which witnessed a record-breaking number of exhibiting vendors and nearly 6,500 attendees. Patel, a second-generation hotelier with a rich background in hospitality, expressed his gratitude and commitment upon assuming his new role.
“It is an honor to serve America’s hotel owners as the newest AAHOA Chairman,” Patel remarked. “I am committed to helping solve some of the industry’s toughest challenges with simple and straightforward solutions and to putting our members at the center of every decision we make.”
Patel’s journey in the hospitality industry began at a young age, growing up in his family’s initial 30-room independent property. His dedication to the field led him to volunteer service at AAHOA, eventually culminating in his election to the AAHOA Board of Directors in 2019 as the Young Professional Director for the Western Division.
“Serving as the youngest Chair in the association’s history further demonstrates AAHOA’s commitment to fostering the growth and success of the next generation,” Patel emphasized. “I’m always encouraging young professionals not to let age determine success. If you never try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of achieving.”
Currently serving as President of Wayside Investment Group, a Texas-based firm specializing in lodging and hospitality real estate investments, Patel brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is deeply involved in various industry associations and charitable organizations, embodying a spirit of giving back to the community.
Laura Lee Blake, President & CEO of AAHOA, congratulated Patel on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the association forward. “Miraj has an incredible passion for serving the industry and members of AAHOA,” she stated. “We look forward to working under his leadership to continue to advance the industry and position AAHOA as the only true voice of hotel owners in the nation.”
In his concluding remarks, Patel reiterated his commitment to shaping a future that addresses the needs and challenges of today’s hotel owners. “I am where I am today because of AAHOA, and it’s incredibly reassuring to know the same is true for so many other AAHOA Members,” he affirmed.
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association globally, representing member-owned properties that constitute a significant portion of the U.S. economy. With 20,000 members owning 60% of the nation’s hotels, AAHOA plays a pivotal role in the hospitality industry. The association’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
