Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently assistant editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to account for a change in time perspective and to include additional tributes to Rama.
FUNERAL SERVICES WERE held Saturday in Orlando for Manhar P. “MP” Rama, AAHOA past chairman and co-founder of Greenville, South Carolina-based Auro Hotels. Friends, family and colleagues are remembering Rama, who passed away July 7 at age 74, as a man with a big heart.
The funeral was at Faith Assembly on Curry Ford Road. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Mandala Foundation Inc. at 9036 Mayfair Pointe Drive, Orlando, FL 32827.
Rama was born in Africa and raised in India, according to Auro Hotels. He completed high school in Gurukul Supa, Navsari, and graduated from M.S. University of Baroda with a degree in civil engineering. In 1973, he came to the U.S. and attended California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, where he earned a master’s degree in engineering. He worked with the city of Pomona before entering the hotel business.
Rama is survived by his wife, Surekha, and children, Sima and Vinay Rama, along with his two brothers, HP and Raman “RP” Rama, and his sisters, Madhu Vivek, Hansa Deva, Pushpa Lala and Pravina Thakor.
Other leaders in the industry shared their condolences with the Rama family:
Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts president and CEO
“[Rama was a] kind, caring person with ‘an awful big heart.
“I've been close to the Rama family for years. They're part of the founding fathers of AAHOA, incredibly giving, caring, powerful, thoughtful forces of what we've been supportive of for all these years. [His family] has our hearts and prayers.”
Krishna Paliwal, president of Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham and head of architecture, design and construction for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
“The Ramas are a great family, some of the founding fathers of AAHOA, who have done great things for the hotel industry and for our company.”
Hemant Patel, AAHOA past chairman 2011-2012
“I had the distinct pleasure to serve on AAHOA board with MP Rama. M.P. Rama was truly a gem of a person. He played the role of mentor to me. His loss is a personal loss to me as I lost a near and dear friend. He was a very humble, giving and grounded person. He always wanted to help others. The lodging industry has lost an Icon. His charity work in his Malawi, Africa, helped a lot of poor and needy people. MP will be missed, and his memories will be in our heart forever.”
Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group president and CEO
“MP Rama's passing marks the loss of an exceptional individual whose influence extended far beyond his achievements in the hospitality industry. As a family friend, I witnessed firsthand his unwavering dedication and commitment to his family, community and this industry. He was always so personable, generous and supportive of young people in our industry.
“MP Uncle’s journey from Africa to India and finally to the United States, where he co-founded JHM Hotels is a testament of perseverance. His leadership roles as past Chair of AAHOA, the Marriott Advisory Council, the University of Central Florida Foundation, and numerous other organizations reflect his profound impact and service.
“His efforts laid the foundation upon which many of us now stand, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations. M.P. Uncle’s life was one of perseverance, leadership, and community service. His memory will forever be cherished, and his contributions will never be forgotten.
“Our hearts go out to Surekha Aunty, Sima, Vinay and the entire Rama family during this difficult time. May we honor his memory by continuing to build upon the foundation he and his family have created.”
Mit Shah, Noble Investment Group president
“MP Uncle always honored the bonds of family while leading a life that mattered to so many. May God rest his beautiful soul.”
Sunil “Sunny” Tolani, The Prince Organization CEO
“I have been his and his family’s fan since 2006, reading about them and following them in hospitality news. He also urged new hotel owners and young people to get involved in AAHOA and the industry. That is why I started to bring my own two sons to hotels, meetings and conferences since they were less than a year old. Looking up to them, we are constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves, staying true to our values.
“One time, I read, despite his huge success, no task was beneath him. He would often make beds or conduct repairs in his hotels and will be remembered for his lasting contribution to AAHOA, his honesty and integrity and his commitment to his family. MP Rama was a true leader. He and his brothers HP and JP are iconic examples for all of us. They worked incredibly hard and accomplished many wonderful things. I have no doubt that their family will continue the great work and help grow the legacy.”
Jay “Jimmy” Patel, AAHOA past chairman 2016-2017
“There have been only a handful of individuals who we can truly point to as individuals who have played a significant role in forming AAHOA. Most of us in the industry have all heard about the Rama Family and how they have been influential in making in-roads for the Asian American Hotelier Community. MP Rama was one of the key Rama brothers who helped us form AAHOA and took a leadership role in the organization. MP Rama had been involved from AAHOA’s infancy and in 2005 he served as AAHOA chairman after serving the board for several years.
“MP was from Malawi in Africa and was an Indian educated engineer who earned a post graduate degree in the United States prior to his involvement in the Lodging Industry. He also had received many awards and accolades as he had served on the Marriott advisory council, the University of Central Florida Board, the Vedic Center of Greenville Board, the Advisory Council for Hampton by Hilton, the Greenville CVB and the South Carolina Hospitality Association Boards.
“As I became a regional director in 2009 and the chairman of 2016, I did not get the opportunity to serve AAHOA alongside MP, I had over the past decade consulted with MP for advice from his industry knowledge. As an AAHOA Past Chairman, he continued to remain involved with the organization and severed on several committees over the last decade. There have been many times where we discussed processes that could be implemented that could help continue AAHOA’s positive trajectory. Prior to the last convention in Orlando, we had a specific discussion regarding AAHOA’s finances and the specific needs and direction needed and we brought those discussion points to our last PCC meeting in Orlando. MP always wanted the best for the organization and wanted to secure AAHOA’s future by staying involved.
“MP also played a significant role in helping the Leuva Patidar Samaj (LPS) of USA. MP helped organize the LPS of USA Convention in Orlando several years ago and further often attended and participated with the organization. In 2019, when I became President of LPS of USA, we were honored with his attendance at our conference in Dallas. We had several discussions regarding how best to serve the organization. Just last month, we met at the Marriott Connect conference in Orlando and had an opportunity to further catch up and discuss the industry.
“MP Rama will definitely be missed and as Asian Americans we all thank him for being such a significant and impactful leader. MP and the Rama family have and continue to be true pioneers within our Leuva Patidar community and they continue to leave their mark on the Lodging Industry.”
Kalpesh Joshi, AAHOA Upper Midwest regional director
“MP Rama was a great human being and always available to help others, particularly during the pandemic. He was one of the first hoteliers to offer free rooms for Indian students who had no place to go. May his soul rest in peace.”
HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.
THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
Student teams must prepare a financial analysis, a recommended solution and an executive summary for board review, HAMA said in a statement.
“Each year, the education committee looks forward to the solutions that the next generation of hotel asset managers bring, applying their own experiences to issues in ways that reveal new directions,” said Adam Tegge, HAMA Education Committee chair. “This competition demonstrates that the future of hotel asset management is in good hands.”
The two winning teams will each receive a $5,000 prize and an invitation to the spring 2026 HAMA conference in Washington, D.C. HAMA will cover travel and lodging.
Twenty industry executives on the HAMA education committee will evaluate submissions based on presentation quality, the statement said. HAMA mentors volunteer from September through November to assist teams seeking feedback and additional information. Schools will select finalists by Jan. 15, with graduate and undergraduate teams reviewed separately.
The competition has addressed topics in operating and owning hospitality assets and HAMA consulted university professors to update the format for situations students may encounter after graduation, the statement said.
This year’s participants include University of Denver, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Boston University, Florida International University, Michigan State University, Columbia University, Morgan State University, Howard University, New York University and Penn State University.
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Stonebridge Cos. added the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, to its managed portfolio.
The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group.
The property is near Main Street Garden Park, the Arts District and the Dallas World Aquarium.
STONEBRIDGE COS. HAS contracted to manage the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton in Dallas to its managed portfolio. The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group, led by Mehrdad Moayedi.
It has an outdoor pool and more than 26,000 square feet of meeting space, Stonebridge said in a statement. The downtown Dallas property is near Main Street Garden Park, the Arts District, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Deep Ellum, Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas World Aquarium.
“The Statler is an extraordinary asset with a storied history in Dallas, and we are thrilled to welcome it to our managed portfolio,” said Rob Smith, Stonebridge’s president and CEO. “Its blend of modern hospitality with timeless character makes it a natural fit within our lifestyle collection. We look forward to honoring the property’s legacy while enhancing performance and delivering an elevated guest experience.”
Stonebridge, based in Denver, is a privately held hotel management company founded by Chairman Navin Dimond and led by Smith. The company recently added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
G6 Hospitality and the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association will support Texas hotel advocacy.
G6 adds an economy-brand perspective to policy and support discussions.
The two will co-host workshops for market education and talent development.
G6 HOSPITALITY, PARENT of Motel 6 and Studio 6, recently joined the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association to expand a statewide coalition on advocacy, public safety and market growth for its Texas franchisees. The company brings an economy-brand perspective to discussions that influence policy, operations and guest experience across the state.
The two will co-host workshops, forums and tech showcases to support market education, best-practice sharing and talent development statewide, the duo said in a statement.
“As we join THLA, our goal is to contribute to a stronger Texas lodging ecosystem—advocating smart policy, elevating safety and guest experience and providing collaborative learning opportunities for our franchisees and employees statewide,” said Sonal Sinha, G6 Hospitality's CEO. “We’re proud to add our voice and scale to THLA’s efforts while equipping our franchisees with Texas-specific resources to operate confidently and grow.”
The company will support discussions on competition, consumer protection, tourism promotion and workforce initiatives for independent and branded hotels, the statement said. OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal is chair of G6 Hospitality.
“G6 Hospitality’s membership strengthens our initiatives that help advance Texas hotels," said Scott Joslove, THLA's president and CEO. "Their reach in the economy segment brings valuable insights to policy development, workforce initiatives and community safety programs that benefit properties in every market and price point."
THLA works with state and local leaders to promote business growth, protect consumers, and support hotels with legal guidance, policy insights and education, the statement said. The association will provide Texas-specific compliance and operations training for G6 owners and teams alongside G6’s standards.
Peachtree secured EB-5 approval for a Florida multifamily development project.
The 240-unit community in Manatee County is backed by $47 million in construction financing.
It is Peachtree’s fourth EB-5 project approval since launching the program in 2023.
PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY secured EB-5 approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Madison Bradenton, a 240-unit multifamily development in Bradenton, Florida. It also raised $47 million in construction financing with a four-year term for the project on a 10.7-acre site in Manatee County.
The approval allows the company to advance its EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which directs foreign investment to U.S. job creation, Peachtree said in a statement.
“Madison Bradenton reflects the strong demand for high-quality multifamily housing in growing markets,” said Adam Greene, Peachtree’s executive vice president of EB-5. “This project underscores our ability to pair EB-5 financing with secured lending, delivering attractive opportunities for investors while meeting critical housing needs.”
The project will include five four-story apartment buildings with elevators, a two-story carriage building and a clubhouse, with residences averaging 1,027 square feet and featuring private patios or balconies. The location provides access to employment centers, healthcare facilities and Siesta Key Beach.
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel, principal.
This is Peachtree’s fourth approved I-956F application, following projects such as Home2 Suites by Hilton in Boone, North Carolina; SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, California. In May, Peachtree secured USCIS approval for four regional centers—South, Northeast, Midwest and West—allowing it to sponsor EB-5 projects in those territories.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates jobs, the statement said. Investors who contribute at least $800,000 to a project that creates or preserves 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers are eligible for permanent residency.
Separately, Peachtree launched the $250 million Special Situations Fund to invest in hotel and commercial real estate assets affected by capital market illiquidity.
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.