Asian Hospitality Awards will be the first to honor the entrepreneurs who built America's hotel industry, on May 12 in Atlanta.
WHEN YOU CHECK into a hotel in America, there's a better than even chance an Asian American family built it, runs it, and will be there to greet you at the front desk. Yet for decades, that quiet dominance of one of the country's largest industries went largely uncelebrated. That changes this spring.
Asian Hospitality magazine will host the inaugural Asian Hospitality Awards 2026 on May 12 in Atlanta — the first awards program dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Asian American hotel owners, operators and industry leaders across the U.S.
"This initiative is about giving long-overdue recognition to a community that has played a transformative role in shaping the U.S. hospitality landscape," said Kalpesh Ramniklal Solanki, group managing editor at Asian Media Group which publishes Asian Hospitality. "For decades, Asian American hoteliers have quietly driven growth, created jobs and built thriving businesses. Through these awards, we want to celebrate their journeys and bring their achievements into the national spotlight."
A community that built an industry
Asian American hoteliers own more than 60 percent of U.S. hotels and motels, yet their stories have rarely made headlines. Asian Hospitality — North America's leading bilingual publication for the U.S. hospitality industry — is the first media platform to change that, creating a formal, nationally recognized stage for a community whose entrepreneurial contributions have reshaped American travel and tourism.
The awards were designed with two convictions at their core: that excellence deserves recognition, and that storytelling has the power to inspire. "We are looking beyond numbers to identify stories of resilience, innovation and leadership," said Aditya K R Solanki, Asian Media Group chief operating officer. "The goal is to ensure that every winner represents a benchmark for excellence in their respective domain."
What's being recognized
Nominations for the Asian Hospitality Awards spanned ownership, leadership and innovation, with winners reflecting both the traditional strengths and the evolving dynamics of the hospitality sector:
Best Guest Experience or Service Initiative recognizes outstanding efforts to improve service and operations, including technology-led solutions. Entrepreneur of the Year honors founders and owners who have demonstrated exceptional vision and business growth, while the Emerging Leader Award spotlights professionals under 40 — or with fewer than 15 years of experience — who are already making their mark.
The Community Impact Award celebrates contributions to local communities and social initiatives, and Family-Owned Business Excellence recognizes the multi-generational businesses that have sustained growth through sound governance and family values. The Hospitality Innovation Award highlights new concepts and operating models that are improving efficiency and the guest experience, while Best Management Company recognizes firms delivering strong operational performance and long-term value.
Rounding out the program are Best Female Hotelier of the Year and Next Generation Hotelier of the Year — two categories that speak directly to leadership diversity and the next wave of talent shaping hospitality culture and innovation across the country.
More than a trophy
Organizers are clear that the awards are designed to do more than honor individuals. They represent a platform for brand-building, guest trust, industry benchmarking and, perhaps most importantly, inspiration for the next generation of hoteliers.
"This is not just about handing out trophies; it's about building a movement that celebrates excellence and encourages continuous improvement," said Jaimin K R Solanki, Solanki Family Office managing partner. "We want attendees and nominees to leave feeling inspired and connected. The event will bring together some of the most influential voices in hospitality under one roof, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth."
A legacy behind the launch
Asian Hospitality is published by Asian Media Group — a company with roots stretching back to April 1, 1968, and the launch of its flagship title, Garavi Gujarat, in the United Kingdom. Over more than five decades, AMG has grown into a diversified global media company, with digital platforms attracting millions of monthly users and publications reaching more than 1.3 million readers across the U.K., U.S. and India.
For 37 years, AMG has organized black-tie events, conferences and roundtables across sectors including business, diversity and inclusion, pharmacy, grocery, property and the arts. The Asian Hospitality Awards build on that tradition, bringing the group's event expertise to the American hospitality industry for the first time.
The awards follow Asian Hospitality's launch of the Women of Color Power List 2025 at the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans last April, which honored 51 women leaders in U.S. hospitality — another signal of the magazine's commitment to visibility and recognition within the community it serves.
For more information on categories and the awards program, visit awards.asianhospitality.com.
