INDIAN PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi’s steadfast dedication to economic reform, environmental concerns, technological advancements and foreign policy has cemented his position as a respected and esteemed leader, said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. Patel and other AAHOA officers attended Modi’s recent visit to the White House and his address to Congress, and he said plans were laid to increase AAHOA’s connections to India with programs supporting more trade with Indian companies and a worker training program.
Modi's state visit June 21 to 23 significantly strengthened bilateral relations between India and the U.S., Patel said. The Indian prime minister received a warm welcome from the American diaspora community.
"Americans wholeheartedly recognize him as a crucial ally and genuine friend to the U.S.,” Patel said.
“While the nature of each visit may differ, Modi's visit to the U.S. is universally acknowledged as carrying immense significance for both democracies, representing a strong and evolving relationship between the U.S. and India.”
From left, AAHOA member Rakesh Patel, Secretary Rahul Patel and Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman, during the state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners’ association in the U.S., with 20,000 members who own 60 percent of the nation's hotels. The association’s leaders actively lobbied Congress for PM Modi’s address to the House and Senate during his state visit. It also cosponsored “We the People: Celebrating the U.S.-India Partnership,” a special appearance by Modi and other officials and business leaders at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Their delegation included Bharat; Miraj Patel, vice chairman; Kamalesh “KP” Patel, treasurer; Rahul Patel, secretary; and Nishant “Neal” Patel, immediate past chair. They participated in the White House welcome ceremony and Modi's address to Congress, underscoring AAHOA’s dedication to robust Indian-U.S. relations.
"As two of the world's leading democracies, the U.S. and India share a remarkable number of similarities," said Bharat. "Amidst the intense scrutiny that world leaders endure on the global stage, Prime Minister Modi has garnered substantial support in the U.S. Many Americans appreciate his focus on economic development, initiatives such as 'Made in India,' and efforts to enhance India's global standing.”
Meanwhile, the prime minister also praised Indian Americans for their significant contributions to the host nation and the India-U.S. relationship during the state dinner. He highlighted their pride in values, democratic traditions, vibrant culture, and notable achievements in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, research, and logistics.
“Be it hospitals or hotels, universities or research labs, gas stations or logistics management, they are making their mark everywhere,” Modi said.
Enhanced bilateral relations
Modi’s visit acted as a catalyst for enhancing bilateral relations, offering a platform to discuss and advance cooperation in key areas such as trade, defense, security, technology, artificial intelligence, and cultural exchanges.
Bharat emphasized that Modi's visit signifies the strengthening ties between the two nations as they collaborate to address global challenges like climate change, AI advancements, defense and security, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Prime Minister Modi met with President Joe Biden during the visit and addressed a joint session of Congress.
He highlighted that the opportunity to attend a state dinner at the White House is universally recognized as an extraordinary honor.
“It serves as a prominent platform for diplomatic exchanges, bolstering bilateral relations, and celebrating international cooperation in a remarkable manner,” Bharat said.
AAHOA's properties make a substantial contribution to the U.S. economy, representing 1.7 percent of the U.S. GDP. Bharat said the association plans to step up its participation in the “Buy Indian” program.
“So many people of Indian origin do business in America, but they're not able to buy textiles for different reasons,” Bharat said. “We want to work with brands and hotel operators just to buy more textiles from India. I think that's a win-win for everybody.”
Past Chairman Neal Patel gave details on the need for cooperation with India.
“After COVID the cost of our expenses when it comes to FF&E and even soft goods, they've doubled and for some hotels, it's even tripled,” he said. “The idea was, how can you increase competition to drive the cost down or increase the quality of the products that we’re receiving in our hotels? And when you look at the hotel industry, mainly, their supplies are coming from either Pakistan or Bangladesh. Our goal is, how can we give India and the companies that are based there a platform to increase competition, lower the costs and hence increase our ROI on our assets.”
Neal said AAHOA previously sent a delegation to India to discuss plans for how the association can increase trade between its membership and Indian companies.
“The idea was very simple, to promote AAHOA and the hospitality industry by partnering with the Indian government,” Neal said. “The challenge that we saw that was happening is that the companies in India do not know the specs that are needed in our industry. So, what AAHOA’s role will be is to provide those specs, be the person in the middle, and provide the specs to the new companies and increase competition.”
Neal said the goal is to have 50 percent of AAHOA members buying products for their hotels from India in the next five years.
The AAHOA delegation to India also met with India’s minister of education to discuss a program that would help address U.S. hotels’ ongoing labor shortage.
“The idea would be for the Indian government to train hospitality students in AAHOA certification. Once they're trained, they'll provide us up to 50,000 students part time to work in our members’ hotels, and the cost will be very, very low compared to what we would pay here,” Neal said. “This helps us because right now, we can barely survive when it comes to labor and building a team. This will help us building a global team.”
U.S. tribute to PM
Bharat Patel described the atmosphere as Indian-Americans, influential figures, and dignitaries gathered for the momentous occasion.
“The White House paid a fitting tribute to Modi's visit by offering a delectable selection of vegetarian Indian cuisine, a splendid display that not only celebrated India's vibrant culture but also highlighted its global influences,” he said.
AAHOA officers were invited to participate in Indian Prime Minister Modi’s recent state visit.
According to Bharat, the relationship between the U.S. and India encompasses a wide array of dimensions, ranging from strategic and economic to diplomatic and cultural ties.
“With the U.S. recognizing India as a major global power, the acknowledgement extends beyond Asia, considering India's growing influence as the world's most populous country, even surpassing China.”
Patel emphasized that the U.S. and India share fundamental values, rooted in a steadfast commitment to democracy and individual freedoms.
"These shared values strengthen the enduring bond between our nations," he said.
Neal Patel said the AAHOA officers did have a brief meeting with Modi himself.
“It wasn't an official meeting, it was just in passing ‘Hello,’” Neal said. “Unfortunately, we weren't able to take our phones there, but it was a very good experience for us. AAHOA is now recognized on with the India-America partnership and we were invited to be part of the delegation.”
North America recorded a 10 percent decline while Central America dropped 12 percent.
THE GLOBAL TRAVEL and tourism sector recorded an 8 percent year-on-year decline in total deal activity during the first half of 2025, according to market data firm GlobalData. Reduced investor appetite was seen across major deal types: mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture financing.
GlobalData’s analysis shows venture financing deals fell by about 25 percent and private equity deals dropped by around 20 percent compared to the same period last year. M&A activity proved more resilient with a smaller 3.5 percent decline in volume. North America saw a 10 percent decline while Central America saw a 12 percent decline.
“The overall decline underscores a broader trend where macroeconomic factors and investor sentiments are reshaping deal-making strategies within the industry. The subdued activity suggests that dealmakers are becoming increasingly cautious, likely due to macroeconomic challenges and volatile market conditions,” said Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData. “The decline in venture financing and private equity deals, suggests a dent in investor sentiment, emphasizing a trend of reduced risk appetite.”
The Asia-Pacific region posted growth, with deal volume rising 11 percent in H1 2025, driven by increased activity in Japan and India. In contrast, Europe saw a 19 percent drop, the Middle East and Africa fell 39 percent and South and Central America declined 12 percent.
Among major markets, the US, China and Germany all recorded declines in deal announcements while the UK maintained deal volumes at similar levels to last year.
GlobalData notes that historical figures may change if additional deals from earlier months are disclosed later.
Last year saw a 12.6 percent decline, with a total of 347 mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture financing deals reported in the global travel and tourism sector during the first half of 2024.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Asian Media
Group USA Inc. and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Vision held its Red Sand Project to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
It fights trafficking through partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support.
Tennessee reported 213 human trafficking cases in 2024, involving 446 victims.
VISION HOSPITALITY GROUP held its fourth annual Red Sand Project with WillowBend Farms to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event brought together organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Health Department.
“We were honored to stand with our partners and our community to bring attention to this issue,” Patel said. “Together, through awareness and action, we are working toward a future where every individual is safe, seen and supported.”
The Red Sand Project is a symbolic initiative to raise awareness and promote action on human trafficking, the statement said. Participants poured red sand into sidewalk cracks to represent victims who have fallen through the cracks of society. This year’s event came as the Chattanooga community reported progress in prevention and survivor restoration over the past year.
“The Red Sand Project reminds us that human trafficking continues to be a pressing public health issue and a devastating reality in every state,” said Jenelle Hawkins, Vision's director of operation excellence. “As members of the hotel industry, we understand our unique position to help identify and prevent trafficking. We are proud to be part of a community that is not only raising awareness but also driving real solutions. As we mark our fourth year, our commitment is stronger than ever.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 213 reported human trafficking cases in Tennessee in 2024, involving 446 victims. Events like the Red Sand Project raise awareness, promote education and encourage community action.
Vision Hospitality Group combats trafficking through community partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support. In 2024, it donated $100,000 to the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund, which provides housing and job placement services to survivors nationwide.
If you know someone who needs help escaping trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. To report a suspected victim, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722.
In June, Vision broke ground on a 150-key Hilton dual-brand in Lookout Valley, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Choice Hotels International reported Q2 net income of $81.7 million.
Domestic RevPAR fell 2.9 percent due to macroeconomic conditions.
Extended-stay portfolio rose 10.5 percent YoY, with a domestic pipeline of 43,000 rooms.
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported second-quarter net income of $81.7 million, down from $87.1 million a year earlier. Its forecast for the year remained positive, but was downgraded some to account for changes in macroeconomic conditions.
The company’s global pipeline exceeded 93,000 rooms, including nearly 77,000 in the U.S. Its global system size grew 2.1 percent, including 3 percent growth in the upscale, extended-stay and midscale segments, Choice said in a statement.
“Choice Hotels delivered another quarter of record financial performance despite a softer domestic RevPAR environment, underscoring the successful execution and diversification of our growth strategy,” said Patrick Pacious, president and CEO. “We are especially pleased with our strong international performance, where we have achieved significant growth and accelerated global expansion through a recent strategic acquisition, the signing of key partnerships, and entry into new markets. With more diversified growth avenues, enhanced product quality and value proposition driving stronger customer engagement and a leading position in the cycle-resilient extended-stay segment, we remain well-positioned to deliver long-term returns for all our stakeholders.”
Domestic RevPAR declined 2.9 percent, reflecting macroeconomic conditions and a difficult comparison with 2024 due to the timing of Easter and eclipse-related travel, the statement said. Excluding those effects, RevPAR fell approximately 1.6 percent. Meanwhile, the domestic extended-stay portfolio outperformed the broader lodging industry by 40 basis points in RevPAR, while the economy transient portfolio exceeded its chain scale by 320 basis points.
Adjusted EBITDA rose 2 percent to $165 million, or $167 million excluding a $2 million operating guarantee related to the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 4 percent to $1.92, the statement said.
Expansion and development
The domestic extended-stay portfolio grew 10.5 percent year over year, with a pipeline of nearly 43,000 rooms as of June 30, Choice said. The combined domestic upscale, extended-stay and midscale portfolio grew 2.3 percent. WoodSpring Suites expanded 9.7 percent to nearly 33,000 rooms and ranked first in guest satisfaction among economy extended-stay brands in the J.D. Power 2025 study. The domestic economy transient pipeline increased 8 percent to more than 1,700 rooms.
Choice acquired the remaining 50 percent interest in Choice Hotels Canada for approximately $112 million in July, funded through cash and credit. The deal expanded its Canadian brand portfolio from eight to 22 and added 327 properties and more than 26,000 rooms. The business is expected to contribute approximately $18 million in EBITDA in 2025.
International activity included a renewed master franchise agreement with Atlantica Hospitality International in Brazil for more than 10,000 rooms; a direct franchise deal with Zenitude Hotel-Residences in France, which nearly tripled room count and two agreements with SSAW Hotels & Resorts in China. These include a 9,500-room distribution deal for 2025 and a master franchise agreement projected to add 10,000 rooms over five years.
Global net rooms for upscale brands increased 14.7 percent year over year, the statement said. The pipeline for these brands rose 7 percent since March 31 to nearly 29,000 rooms.
2025 outlook
Choice revised its RevPAR outlook to reflect more moderate domestic expectations due to macroeconomic conditions, the statement said. The adjusted EBITDA forecast includes a $6 million contribution from the Choice Hotels Canada acquisition for the remainder of 2025. It also reflects the $2 million Radisson-related operating guarantee payment incurred in the second quarter.
Net income guidance was lowered to a range of $261 million to $276 million, down from $275 million to $290 million. Adjusted net income remains at $324 million to $339 million.
Domestic RevPAR growth was revised to between negative 3 percent and flat, compared to the earlier range of negative 1 percent to positive 1 percent. The global net system rooms growth projection remains at approximately 1 percent.
In May, Choice reported 2.3 percent year-over-year growth in domestic RevPAR for the first quarter.
G6 Hospitality and Galaxy Hotels Group are expanding Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the U.S.
Galaxy said G6 brands outperform others in guest satisfaction and value.
One Galaxy hotel generates $8–10M annually; the full G6 portfolio is expected to reach $50M.
G6 HOSPITALITY AND Galaxy Hotels Group are now working to expand the Motel 6 and Studio 6 footprint in the U.S. About 10 Galaxy-managed hotels, totaling more than 1,300 rooms, will operate under the G6 brands, with more to follow.
G6 brands consistently outperform others in guest satisfaction and value, said Galaxy, which rejoined the G6 network after a short break.
“This partnership marks a new chapter in our mission to deliver modern, value-driven hospitality, as we now proudly rejoin G6 Hospitality," said Carlos Cuevas, Galaxy Hotels' COO. "Having previously moved from Choice Group/Park Inn by Radisson, we’ve closely compared the performance of various franchises. Our experience and data show that G6 brands consistently outperform others in guest satisfaction and value. This is why we’re back."
Recent additions include Studio 6 Suites Las Vegas with 308 rooms, Motel 6 Las Vegas – I-15 Stadium with 139 rooms and Motel 6 Las Vegas – Boulder Highway with 160 rooms, the companies said. Studio 6 Suites Las Vegas on the Strip, with more than 300 rooms, will be one of the largest Studio 6 hotels in the U.S., while Motel 6 Las Vegas is also near the Strip and Allegiant Stadium. The portfolio also includes Motel 6 hotels in Modesto, San Jose and Santa Rosa, California and Lakewood, Fort Collins, Thornton and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Texas-based Galaxy Hotels Group, founded in 1999 and led by CEO Jagmohan “Jag” Dhillon, operates more than 41 hotels in the U.S. One Galaxy hotel in the G6 network generates $8 to 10 million in annual revenue. The full G6 portfolio is expected to reach about $50 million.
OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal is chair of G6 Hospitality and Sonal Sinha is its CEO. OYO added more than 150 hotels to its U.S. portfolio in the first half of 2025 and plans 150 more by year-end.
Marriott International ended Q2 with a record pipeline of about 3,900 properties and more than 590,000 rooms.
Global RevPAR rose 1.5 percent, including a 5.3 percent gain in international markets.
Net income slipped 1 percent to $763 million; 17,300 net rooms were added.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S GROWTH continued in the second quarter, according to the company’s recent earnings report. Along with its active pipeline, the company saw rising revenue and launched a new brand.
Marriott’s global development pipeline stood at approximately 3,900 properties with more than 590,000 rooms at the end of the second quarter. The company added about 17,300 net rooms, signed nearly 32,000 and reported more than 70 percent of signings and 8,500 of added rooms in international markets.
“Marriott delivered another solid quarter, highlighted by strong financial results and robust net rooms growth despite heightened macro-economic uncertainty,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott president and CEO. “Global RevPAR increased 1.5 percent in the second quarter, primarily driven by the leisure segment. International RevPAR rose more than 5 percent, with strong growth in APEC and EMEA. In the U.S. and Canada, RevPAR was flat year over year with continued strength in the luxury segment offset by a decline in select-service demand, largely reflecting reduced government travel and weaker business transient demand. Adjusting for the Easter holiday shift, U.S. and Canada RevPAR increased by nearly 1 percent.”
Base management and franchise fees rose nearly 5 percent to $1.2 billion, driven by RevPAR growth, room additions and co-branded credit card fees, the statement said. Reported operating income increased to $1.236 billion from $1.195 billion, while net income declined 1 percent to $763 million. Reported diluted earnings per share were $2.78, up from $2.69.
Adjusted operating income rose to $1.186 billion from $1.120 billion, Marriott said. Adjusted net income increased to $728 million from $716 million and adjusted diluted EPS rose to $2.65 from $2.50. Adjusted EBITDA grew 7 percent to $1.415 billion.
Pipeline and brands
Marriott added about 17,300 net rooms in the quarter, including over 8,500 internationally, bringing its global system to more than 9,600 properties and around 1.736 million rooms. It signed nearly 32,000 rooms, over 70 percent in international markets. Conversions made up about 30 percent of signings and openings in the first half. Full-year net rooms growth is expected to approach 5 percent.
Marriott Bonvoy membership also reached nearly 248 million by the end of June, the statement said.
“Development activity remained robust,” Capuano said. “We signed nearly 32,000 rooms, more than 70 percent of which were in international markets, and our quarter-end pipeline stood at a record of more than 590,000 rooms. Conversions continued to be a key driver of growth, representing approximately 30 percent of our room signings and openings in the first half of this year. We still expect full year net rooms growth to approach 5 percent this year.”
The development pipeline included 3,858 properties and more than 590,000 rooms, with 234 properties and over 37,000 rooms approved but not yet under contract, the statement said. The pipeline included 1,447 properties with more than 238,000 rooms under construction or conversion. Over half of the pipeline rooms were outside the U.S. and Canada.
The company launched Series by Marriott, a regional collection brand for midscale and upscale segments, and announced its first agreement to affiliate India’s Fern portfolio. Marriott also completed the acquisition of citizenM. However, the citizenM and Series by Marriott additions were not included in the pipeline total.
Capuano said both brands are expected to support international expansion.
2025 outlook
Marriott’s outlook assumes no major shifts in macroeconomic conditions. The company expects RevPAR to be flat to up 1 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and grow 1.5 to 2.5 percent for the full year. Net rooms growth is projected to approach 5 percent in 2025.
Gross fee revenues are expected to total $1.310 billion to $1.325 billion in the third quarter and $5.365 billion to $5.420 billion for the year. Adjusted EBITDA is forecast at $1.288 billion to $1.318 billion for the third quarter and $5.310 billion to $5.395 billion for the full year.