Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Indian PM Modi invited to address Congress

He is expected to visit the U.S June 21 to 23, his first state visit since taking office in 2014

Indian PM Modi invited to address Congress

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi is returning to the U.S. for his first time since his “Howdy Modi” tour in 2019. On June 21 to 23, Modi is scheduled to visit the White House and address a joint session of Congress during his first official state visit since becoming prime minister in 2014, and Indian American hoteliers hope the visit will bring more attention to their needs.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries send Modi a letter last week inviting him to speak, according to the Washington Post.


“Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow,” the congressional leaders wrote. “During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India’s future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face.”

AAHOA sent its own letter to McCarthy and the other lawmakers thanking them for inviting Modi.

“The hotel industry is a vital part of the U.S. economy and a ladder of opportunity for thousands of first- and second-generation immigrants, particularly from India,” said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman in the letter. “As the most populous country in the world and the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific region, India is a critical player on the world stage and an important U.S. ally. As members of the Indian diaspora, we look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States and to strengthening the relationship between our countries.”

More than 50,000 people attended the Hello Modi event in Houston sponsored by the Texas India Forum. Then President Donald Trump also attended.

Citing congressional records, AAHOA said 128 foreign leaders have addressed Congress, including Modi in 2016.

“Inviting Prime Minister Modi to speak during a joint session of Congress will further strengthen the relationship between our two nations by offering a venue to provide constructive dialogue on ways the United States and India can cooperate on key issues,” they wrote.

Modi will be the third head of state whom President Biden has invited on an official state visit. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Modi at the White House, which will include a state dinner, on June 22.

In their letter to Speaker McCarthy, Patel and Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA’s  president, said that AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the U.S. with member-owned properties representing 60 percent of U.S. hotels, responsible for 1.7 percent of the nation’s GDP.

Earlier this year, a delegation of AAHOA Members joined Indian dignitaries and leaders for a series of business meetings in an effort to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and India.

More for you

Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Launches 20th Student Case Competition in USA
Photo Credit: iStock

HAMA launches 20th student case competition

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stonebridge hotel management expansion
Photo credit: Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge adds Statler Dallas to managed portfolio

Summary:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less