About AAHOA

AAHOA'S

History

The story of AAHOA is the story of Indian Americans pursuing – and achieving – the American Dream. It is a story of immigrants who came to the United States with only a suitcase and the hope for a better life.

Asians have a rich tradition of entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and family values. After India's independence in 1947, many of that country's young people immigrated to the United States to pursue their education and "the American Dream."

The first AAHOA Board of Advisors in 1989.

Mart Motel in San Francisco is generally considered the first property owned by a member of AAHOA.

Many of these new immigrants arrived in America with backgrounds as entrepreneurs and business owners.

During the 1970s, Indian Americans saw tremendous opportunities for prosperity in the hospitality industry, and many began to save their money in order to purchase hotels. Word quickly spread throughout the community about the potential of the hotel industry as a niche market, and the Indian American influence in hospitality began.

These new hoteliers faced discrimination within the industry, particularly from banks and insurance companies. To overcome these obstacles, hoteliers collaborated to form various groups, culminating in the creation of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) in 1989.

Today, AAHOA members own 60% of all hotels in the United States. Many of the original “accidental hoteliers” have passed the baton to their U.S.-educated children. These second-generation and third-generation of sophisticated, professional hotel owners and developers are positioned to build on the foundation established by their immigrant parents.

September 2023

Today's Hotelier

Today’s Hotelier is the trusted monthly magazine exclusively serving hoteliers, brought to you by AAHOA, the organization representing the voice of America’s hotel owners.

Today’s Hotelier, the official monthly magazine of AAHOA, offers a deep dive into industry news and issues. It explores hospitality’s most critical issues, from minimum-wage adjustments and drive-by lawsuits to tax reform and workforce relations. It also offers thoughtful examinations of our dynamic and ever-changing industry.

Today’s Hotelier also provides a wealth of practical guidance on everyday life as a hotel owner. Each month, industry experts weigh in on everyday ownership concerns, such as financing, F&B, OTAs, and interior design. Today’s Hotelier is the go-to publication for all hospitality industry professionals.

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12 Points of Fair Franchising Educational Webinar Series

A Deeper Dive on AAHOA's 12 Points
AAHOA's 12 Points Webinar Series brings you the information you need related to the12 Points of Fair Franchising, which continue AAHOA's mission to support the long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between industry Franchisors and Franchisees.

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Mission

AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.