I want hotel owners to win the future!

So I've worked non-stop for better profits through advocacy, industry leadership, and professional development, notably for women and young hoteliers. I don't just make promises; I make things happen.

• Ambassador, 3 years
• Multiple committees: Government Affairs; Strategic Planning; Education & amp;
• Professional Development; Bylaws & amp; Governance
• Multiple ad-hoc committees: Insurance (chair); E-Commerce; Revenue Generation
• (chair, raising $1.8 million in new funds)
• Louisiana Economic Development Corporation Board
• Lafayette Travel, Chair Board of Directors
• Achieved 50% reduction of commercial real estate taxes in Lafayette & Martin
• parishes during COVID, still effective today

Since immigrating to the U.S. at age 21, I've owned both branded and independent hotels.

My experience, skills, and perspective are unmatched by any other candidate. I humbly ask for your support - because in running for Secretary, I am running for YOU, for YOUR bottom line, for YOUR vision of the American Dream.

I get things done! That’s why I’m running to be your next South Pacific Region Director:

To prevent or eliminate devious and unnecessary new brand fees. To stop legislation and regulations that do more harm than good for hoteliers. To help us better navigate rising operating costs, tight labor, property insurance obstacles, and inflation. To pursue lower OTA commissions and more effective local advocacy.

I probably can’t solve all these issues, but I can make many of them better – and that will put more money in the pocket of every owner.

I’m committed and energized -- and I’m prepared:

Ambassador -- 7 years

FAIR Committee member -- 2 years

Rodeway Owners Association (Choice) -- 14 years (Chairman; Director; Executive Director)

Hands-on owner since 1999

Some candidates run to reach their personal ambitions; I’m running so you can reach YOUR ambitions. Give me the opportunity and I’ll give you the results!

As a seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of industry experience, I am honored to announce my candidacy for the AAHOA regional director position for Southeast Texas. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for hoteliers' interests and promoting sustainable growth within the hospitality sector. With a strong background in hotel technology and a track record of leadership within the community, I am dedicated to serving as a proactive voice for our members in Southeast Texas. My priorities include fostering collaboration among local hoteliers, advocating for policies that support our industry's success, and providing valuable resources and support to ensure the prosperity of our businesses. If elected, I pledge to work tirelessly to represent the needs and concerns of our region, driving positive change and growth for all AAHOA members in Southeast Texas.

Hospitality is the motivating factor that makes me get out of bed each morning. I have Energy, Experience and Entrepreneurship to serve as a Regional Director. As a hands-on operator, I truly understand the big issues and I am willing and able to address them head on, namely the rising cost of Insurance, labor costs / shortages and the problem of rising homelessness. I am in the prime of my hospitality career – young, forward thinking, and passionate. I have great communication & leadership skills and have the capability to connect hotel owners to the Legislative teams – where the big decisions are made. If we collectively focus on making progress together on these issues, then we would have a big impact for our business in our region. With my experience and passion in the hotel industry, I believe that I could be a great leader for the North Florida region.

With my experience and involvement in serving the local community organization; and four years of dedication as an AAHOA Ambassador in two regions; I am announcing my candidacy to run for the Southeast Texas Regional Director. I am a second-generation hotelier who is passionate about making a difference to move forward in the right direction for our members and to continue the momentum where AAHOA was born, both of my home states, The Carolinas. The hospitality industry is rapidly changing course on how to do business with an increase in competition, preferences, and unnecessary mandates becoming the new norm. Together we will proactively address continuous efforts for the challenges faced and with my expertise we will overcome the obstacles making pathways to solutions. I hold onto promises and will deliver goals to the membership. I humbly ask for your vote and support to be your voice, and representation of Southeast Texas.

Shetal Zina Patel is a passionate leader in the hospitality industry, dedicated to creating positive change within AAHOA. In her first year on the Board, she has championed diversity and women’s empowerment, ensuring all voices are heard.

With a corporate background as the Chief Financial Officer of a law firm, Shetal managed over 30 employees and millions in attorney-client trust accounts, demonstrating her leadership and financial expertise.

Her hands-on experience running hotels, along with her work on franchise advisory councils, gives her real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities facing hoteliers today. As a board member of the India Association of San Joaquín Valley, Shetal brings a valuable cultural perspective, reflecting AAHOA’s diverse membership.

Her vision: unite AAHOA members with fresh ideas, collaboration, and community-building, grounded in transparency, communication, and a commitment to elevating the association.

Vikash ‘Vic’ Patel, a second-generation hotelier, is looking for your support to serve as AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Director.

Vikash has three decades of experience in developing and managing hotels. He has worked with all major brands, positioning himself as a strong negotiator.

He believes in service, whether on various local boards, local community organizations, or past 4 years as AAHOA Ambassador. Vikash believes in AAHOA’s mission to bring awareness and ownership representation within the hotel lodging industry. His efforts will focus on:

• Franchising:Negotiating more equitable agreements between franchisors and franchisees.
• Members First policy:Deliver goals for AAHOA members first and foremost.
• Advocacy:Amplify voice of hoteliers at federal, state, and local levels. Our region makes up about half of the U.S. – Mexico border, putting us unique position nationally.

Please vote for Vikash ‘Vic’ Patel and make a difference in moving AHHOA forward in the right direction.

Please consider the future of our industry & the importance of supporting women in leadership roles. Together, let’s build a stronger, more prosperous AAHOA that uplifts & celebrates the contributions of all its members.

Vote Shetal Zina Patel as your next Women Hoteliers Director - West

• Leadership Advocate:Red Roof Womens Commitee. Championed initiatives to empower women in business, fostering growth & innovation.
• Entrepreneurial Success:Red Roof Inn - Operator of the Year Award, demonstrating leadership & business acumen.
• Franchise Advisor:7 yrs Red Roof FAC, advocate for hoteliers bottom line revenue & ensure their success.
• Community Engagement:Board member of India Assoc. of SJV, fostering cultural exchange & community development.
• Financial Expertise:Chief Financial Officer at law firm, financial budgeting & forecasting expertise, ensuring fiscal stability & prosperity.
• AAHOA Ambassador:Advocate for Hoteliers, work with mayor & police dept to uphold a secure business environment for hoteliers.

Even at the relatively young age of 31, Tejal has an impressive record of achievements. A third-generation hotelier, she is CEO of Neem Tree Hospitality, a Houston-based company she founded in 2019 that operates three branded hotels.

Her leadership in AAHOA has included serving as an Ambassador for eight years and as Women Hoteliers Director, Western Division since 2021.

Tejal has advocated fiercely toward two important goals – achieving a more inclusive industry and favorable consideration of hotel issues by federal, state, and local governments. She was instrumental in launching AAHOA’s innovative HerOwnership program for women hoteliers.

Tejal “pays it forward” beyond AAHOA. She currently serves on the BOD of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association and the League City Convention & Visitors Bureau, and she served on the BOD of LPS of USA from 2017 to 2020.

Now she is running for re-election so she can continue serving AAHOA members.