Hospitality at large - Tarun Patel, AAHOA Chairman 2009

Asian Ameican Hotel Owners Association is the leading force for Hotel Owners in the Hospitality Industry. It provides a forum for advocacy, professional development and business development. All kinds of help is provided, from resolving disputes with franchise companies to promoting the hotel owners positions in legistative activities and providing forums to increase development in the hotel industry. Exhibitor Registrations are on for AAHOA Annual Convention & Tradeshow 2009. For membership information and more log onto: http://www.aahoa.com/

Vice Chairman of AAHOA 2008, Mr Tarun Patel talks to SATimes:

1) A lot has been done to enhance professional development in Hospitality by AAHOA. What are the chief programs and benefits?

CHO (Certified Hotel Owners) is a program that is now certified by both Carlson Hotel and Choice hotels in lieu of manager training. It also offers a solid perspective of all aspects required as a Hotel Owner

We have also partnered with NYU (New York University) to build a leadership curriculum that is offered to our members free of charge. The subjects range from Revenue Management to Leadership.

2) What is your role/key responsibilities?

I am the Vice Chairman of the Association; will be Chairman in April 2009. My role is to promote and protect the interests of our membership in the general industry as well and communicate the progress we are making on our long term plans to our membership.

3) Does the Asian Hotel Industry hold a major share in the America's Hotel Industry?

AAHOA just surpassed membership of 9,000. The 9,000 members of AAHOA own close to 22,000 to 25,000 hotels of the approximate 50,000 hotels in the US. So yes, the Asian Hoteliers own close to half of the lodging in this county.

4) What are some future policy changes that can/should be made in AAHOA?

Over the past few years, we have been working on a new AAHOA governance policy which guides us how to run the organization. This work that has been done is amazing and we just need to make sure that it is implemented. We also need to make the organization more relevant for the younger hoteliers so that their involvement increases. This is the only way to ensure that the organization continues to thrive in the coming years.

5) Tell us more on the ALB Magazine.

ALB is our official magazine which has information from the leadership along with information from some industry experts on the trends and opportunities in the lodging industry.

6) What is a typical day in the life of Mr. Tarun Patel?

Since my involvement in AAHOA, no day has been typical! (says laughingly) I travel close to 45 weeks a year attending AAHOA Regional Events, meetings with franchise companies, going to Washington DC to talk to legislators regarding issues, Industry events, AAHOA Board Meetings, etc. etc. We have a high touch engagement model with our membership and that requires us to be on the road a lot.

7) How does is feel do make the American Dream possible for many?

I have been blessed to have a family that supports me and provided me a foundation to build upon. I am very passionate about leaving a legacy of political involvement so that my children can enjoy the foundation that I will leave for them.

8) Any message for the readers, expecially for Diwali?

I want to wish everybody "Saal Mubarak and Happy Diwali" I trust that the new year will bring you happiness and good luck.

By Nikki Rattan/SATimes