Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AAHOA’s Hospitality Insurance Forum addresses hoteliers’ challenges

Topics included lowering insurance premiums, enhancing access to resources and increasing accessibility

AAHOA’s Hospitality Insurance Forum addresses hoteliers’ challenges

AAHOA RECENTLY HOSTED the Hospitality Insurance Forum in Arkansas, addressing insurance challenges faced by hoteliers. The forum, attended by more than 30 hoteliers, focused on devising strategies to lower insurance premiums, enhance access to resources and increase accessibility.

Alan McClain, Arkansas's 24th insurance commissioner, was among the attendees.


"The prevailing insurance crisis continues to pose significant challenges for hoteliers and their businesses, requiring action by government officials," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA’s chairman. "AAHOA, representing nearly 20,000 members nationwide, remains committed to championing the interests of its members and advocating for solutions that promote sound policy and growth across the hospitality industry. Our recent meeting with commissioner McClain showcases AAHOA's resolve to address industry challenges head-on."

The forum participants included Katie Beck, CEO of the Arkansas Hospitality Association; Kelley Erstine, executive director, independent insurance agents of Arkansas; and David Beck and Matt Soto of First Arkansas Insurance.

Bharat Patel, AAHOA’s immediate past chairman, and Danny "Chintu" Patel, AAHOA Arkansas’ regional director, also attended.

"I'm proud to witness the proactive measures taken by AAHOA and its members in tackling the urgent insurance challenges confronting hoteliers, locally and nationally," said Danny Patel. "AAHOA members' significant economic contributions to the Arkansas economy underscore the imperative need for long-term solutions to protect the viability of our industry."

AAHOA continues to collaborate with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to tackle the insurance crisis plaguing the industry, the statement added. The association strives for impactful change, safeguarding the long-term success and resilience of the hospitality sector.

"In Arkansas alone, AAHOA members own nearly 90 percent of the hotels, contributing $2.4 billion to the state's gross domestic product," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA’s president and CEO. "There is a long way to go in addressing the insurance crisis, especially the inequities faced by smaller properties with obtaining affordable insurance, and we recognize the vital role AAHOA members play in ensuring economic sustainability in our industry.”

AAHOA recently rebranded its Regional Conferences and Trade Shows as "Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows", highlighting initiatives such as HerOwnership and HYPE roundtables. The association anticipates these platforms will facilitate connections, collaboration, and drive positive change, empowering women and the next generation of leaders.

More for you

FIFA Club World Cup Boosts Hotel Occupancy in U.S. Cities
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Report: CWC drives hotel gains in some U.S. cities

Summary
  • The FIFA Club World Cup is boosting hotel occupancy in several host markets.
  • Occupancy increases vary by market and by match within markets.
  • The tournament may be hit by falling international arrivals.

THE FIFA CLUB World Cup is driving hotel occupancy increases in some of the tournament’s 11 host markets, according to STR. The tournament, which began June 11, serves as a precursor to next year’s World Cup in the U.S.

The Club World Cup includes matches in Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati; Los Angeles; Miami; Nashville, Tennessee; New York City; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group's Residence Inn by Marriott under construction in downtown San Antonio, topping out milestone reached, June 2025

Peachtree tops out San Antonio Residence Inn

Peachtree Hotel to Open in Summer 2026 with 117 Extended-Stay Rooms

PEACHTREE GROUP HELD a “topping out” for its Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown San Antonio, Texas, marking completion of the structural phase of the 10-story, 117-room hotel. The property, co-developed with Austin-based Merritt Development Group, is scheduled to open in summer 2026.

The extended-stay hotel will be owned by Peachtree and managed by its hospitality management division, the company said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India plane crash 2025
Photo by Sam PANTHAKY / AFP

Air India reducing flights after deadly crash

AIR INDIA WILL reduce international service on widebody aircraft by 15 percent through at least mid-July, according to media reports. The decision comes less than a week after the June 12 crash of an Air India airliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members in Ahmedabad, India, that killed 246 but left one survivor among the passengers.

The airline said the reduced service due to the safety inspection of aircraft and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted operations, resulting in 83 flight cancellations over the past six days, according to ABC News. Passengers can either reschedule their flights at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

Keep ReadingShow less
hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
ICE Raid Resumes in Hotels & Farms After DHS Reversal
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Reuters: ICE resumes hotel immigration raids

ICE Reverses Decision to Pause Raids on Key Industries

U.S. IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS have reversed enforcement limits at hotels, farms, restaurants and food processing plants days after issuing them, following conflicting statements by President Donald Trump, according to Reuters. ICE leadership told field office heads on Monday it would withdraw last week's directive that paused raids on those businesses.

ICE officials were told a daily quota of 3,000 arrests—10 times the average last year under former President Joe Biden—would remain in effect, two former officials said in the report. ICE field office heads raised concerns they could not meet the quota without raids at the previously exempted businesses, Reuters reported, citing a source.

However, it was not clear why the directive was reversed.

Keep ReadingShow less