AAHOA MEMBERS IN the U.S. will now have access to more workforce training opportunities and products from India under the new “Made in India” agreement made with that country. The agreement came about as a result of meetings between a delegation of AAHOA board members and Indian officials.
Bharat Patel AAHOA chairman, Treasurer Kamalesh “KP” Patel and others met with the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel to discuss the partnership, AAHOA said in a statement. It includes:
- Partnering with India-based educational institutions to implement training programs and skill-development initiatives that will equip young individuals to pursue successful and global careers in hospitality.
- Actively promoting, prioritizing and providing support for the sourcing of “Made in India” products, including textiles, furniture, and plumbing fixtures, for U.S.-based hospitality businesses.
“With strong family ties and a significant footprint in the United States encompassing more than 36,000 properties, the AAHOA community is uniquely positioned to showcase the best of India to the world,” said Bharat, who mentioned the program in June when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the U.S. “Our new initiatives aim to not only fuel economic and workforce development and progress, but to create a stronger platform for the exchange of ideas and innovation between the world’s leading democracies.”
AAHOA’s statement cited reports from S&P Global Ratings that India will be the fastest-growing major economy for at least the next three years and could become the world's third-largest economy by 2030. The association said the partnership “capitalizes on India’s growth and influence in ways that provide mutually beneficial outcomes for both the U.S. and India.”
“As the world’s largest hotel owners association, and with the anticipated explosive growth of the Indian economy, AAHOA continues to expand its influence onto the global stage,” said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. “AAHOA’s extensive network and influence in India create an ideal environment to build upon trade and workforce development initiatives that further support our vibrant community of Indian-American entrepreneurs, providing them with resources and solutions that will meaningfully impact their businesses.”
Red Roof President Zack Gharib, far right, participates in a panel discussion at AAHOA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show.
