Immigration and travel policy remained a flashpoint. On Dec. 16, President Donald Trump expanded U.S. travel restrictions to include 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority, with full bans on some and partial limits on others. The White House cited security concerns, but travel and hospitality groups warned the restrictions could reduce international tourism, limit labor pipelines, and hinder global connectivity essential to hotel markets.
Trade tensions between the U.S. and India rose when Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, effective Aug. 27, affecting billions in trade, including sectors linked to hospitality and travel. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to adopt “Vocal for Local” and Swadeshi policies during his Independence Day address. With U.S. imports from India totaling $87.3 billion in 2024, industry leaders warned of ripple effects on tourism, investment and cross-border business.
Another major policy debate focused on Trump’s tax package, dubbed “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” Hotel associations such as AAHOA supported provisions to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, but a remittance tax in the legislation raised concerns among overseas Indians who send money to or invest in India. AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh “KP” Patel said the bill could benefit hotel owners, but community advocates continued to push for revisions. The bill was signed into law on July 4.
Amid policy turbulence, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the “No Tax on Tips” Act on May 20, allowing workers to deduct up to $25,000 in reported tips from federal income taxes. Supported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the legislation eased financial pressure on frontline employees.
Three Indian-origin hoteliers—two in Charlotte, North Carolina and one in Pittsburgh—were killed within 72 hours in early October. The incidents came a month after motel manager Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed at his workplace in Dallas. At least seven Gujaratis owning or running motels have died this year, India Today reported.
Industry optimism was on display in April at the “AAHOA Convention & Trade Show” in New Orleans. More than 6,000 members, family and vendors gathered under the theme “New Ideas, New Opportunities, New Orleans.” KP Patel assumed office as AAHOA’s 35th chairman and Vimal “Ricky” Patel was elected secretary. The event featured more than 500 exhibitors and keynote speakers, including Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and branding expert Rohan Oza.
Global brand OYO remained a focal point throughout the year. OYO’s parent company, Oravel Stays Ltd., announced it had rebranded as PRISM, aligning its identity with an expanding international presence and a hospitality portfolio spanning more than 35 countries. It recently received shareholder approval to raise up to $742.04 million through a fresh equity issue as part of its proposed initial public offering.
Founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal spoke with Asian Hospitality for its Leadership Series about leadership and the key to success.
The year began with the industry reflecting on the Dec. 29 passing of former President Jimmy Carter, whose legacy continued. For Georgia hotelier Sharad Patel, the loss was personal. Patel, a former owner of The Windsor Hotel in Americus, remembered Carter for his connection to local businesses and as a symbol of integrity and service for many hoteliers in the region.
Near the year’s end, AAHOA Past Chairman Jayantilal “JK” Patel in October at age 85. A pioneer of Asian American hotel ownership, Patel was remembered for his vision, leadership and generosity. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1979, he built a hospitality empire and left a lasting mark on AAHOA and the industry.
During AAHOACON25, Asian Media Group USA unveiled its inaugural “Women of Color Power List,” honoring 51 women shaping the U.S. hospitality industry. The announcement highlighted leadership and innovation among women of color in a sector long dominated by men.
