PHILADELPHIA—Six AAHOA Members were recognized at the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), for excellence within the hospitality industry.
“These honorees represent the very best of hospitality—owners who lead with integrity, invest in people, and give back to the communities they serve,” AAHOA Chairman Rahul Patel said. “Their commitment strengthens our industry and sets a powerful example of what it means to be an AAHOA member.”
AAHOA’s annual awards highlight individuals for their contributions in service, leadership, and community engagement in hospitality. An independent awards committee selected recipients for their exemplary contributions to the industry.
Moving the Industry Forward
“Each of this year’s award recipients has helped move our industry forward through leadership, service, and resilience,” AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said. “Their impact extends beyond their own businesses, reinforcing the values that unite and elevate the entire AAHOA community.”
The following award recipients were celebrated on the main stage:
AAHOA Award of Excellence—This award recognizes a hotelier who has demonstrated strong leadership, has high standards of excellence, and is making a significant contribution to the lodging industry. Vijay Patel, President, A-1 Hospitality Group, Kennewick, Wash., Lifetime Member.
Cecil B. Day Community Service Award—Named in honor of Cecil B. Day, the founder of Days Inn, known for his commitment to community service, this award recognizes members who have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving their community. Rishan Patel, CEO & Co-Founder, Alley-Oop Kids, Menlo Park, Calif., Lifetime Member-Future Hotelier.
AAHOA Charitable Foundation Outreach Award—This award honors an individual dedicated to impactful philanthropic and charitable efforts, embodying the mission of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation. Past AAHOA Chairman (1991-92) Hasmukh P. (HP) Rama, Chairman, Auro Hotels, Greenville, S.C., Lifetime Member.
Outstanding HerOwnership Award of Excellence—This award recognizes a woman hotelier for strong leadership, a commitment to lodging excellence, and significant contributions to the industry and community. Helen Zaver, Executive Vice President, Principal, Colliers, Atlanta, Ga., Lifetime Member.
Outstanding HYPE Award of Excellence—This award is for young hoteliers under 35 who have exemplified the spirit, dedication, and achievement of a professional hotelier. Aaryan Patel, Private Equity Associate, Blue Chip Hotels, Wells, Maine, Lifetime Member.
IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year Award—This award honors an independent hotel that sets a high standard of excellence in quality, service, and guest satisfaction. This award honors a specific hotel rather than an independent hotelier. Rest & Relax Inn & Suites, Pensacola, Fla., represented by Mitesh (Tish) Patel, President, Pinnacle Management & Investments, Cantonment, Fla., Lifetime Member.
