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Covington County resident and United States Navy veteran Neil Patel was recently appointed as the regional director for the Alabama chapter of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

With approximately 20,000 members, the AAHOA is a trade association that represents hotel owners and 60 percent of hotels across the United States. Patel found out of his selection when he attended a gala reception event by the AAHOA in New Orleans in April.

“I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the AAHOA’s regional director for Alabama. It is a significant responsibility, and knowing my peers placed their trust in me to fulfill this role and represent them is a feeling I do not take lightly,” Patel said. “I am incredibly grateful to serve because it allows me to meaningfully contribute to an industry I am passionate about. It will allow me to support hard-working hoteliers who play a key role in our state’s economy.”

Patel has been the owner and operator of the Best Western in Opp for 30 years. He has served as an AAHOA Ambassador for two years and the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber Board of Directors for seven years. In addition, he served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy during the Persian Gulf War.

He has served several roles with Best Western Hotels over the years. Patel was a District IV governor for 12 years, an Alabama/Georgia co-op chairman for two years, and a member of the Quality Assurance Advisory Committee for five years.

“Being a part of the hospitality industry for so long had a lot to do with me taking on this role. I have seen the impact AAHOA has on supporting hoteliers firsthand,” he said. “I want to be able to give back to an industry, which has given me so much and to serve my fellow hoteliers here in Alabama.”

As the regional director, Patel’s primary responsibilities will revolve around being a dedicated advocate for AAHOA members across the state.

“I will represent their concerns and interests at both regional and national levels and facilitate communication between members and AAHOA leadership. My role will be listening to members and understanding their unique challenges and opportunities,” Patel said.

Patel’s term will be for a one or three-year term depending on the amount of votes he receives.

“I would just like to reiterate my sincere thanks to my fellow AAHOA hoteliers in Alabama for their confidence in me. I am looking forward to working closely with you all and representing you to the best of my ability,” he said.

AAHOA provides support to its members through advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, along with education and networking opportunities. According to Patel, diversity and inclusion are important in the hospitality industry.

“These two factors are fundamental to the strength and success of our industry, and they are core values for AAHOA. I support this by working with AAHOA to ensure our programs are accessible and beneficial to all members. I also mentor individuals from all backgrounds, whether interested in pursuing different careers or entrepreneurship within hospitality,” he said.

According to Patel, he hopes to see several exciting opportunities for hotel owners occur over the next few years.

“A huge one will be technology. Adopting new technologies to enhance guest experiences will be a game changer. I also see more opportunities to implement eco-friendly practices, which not only benefit the environment but will also appeal to the world growing more and more eco-conscious,” Patel said.

Patel described having the support of his family and friends as “invaluable.”

“Taking on a role like this requires dedication and time. Their encouragement and understanding provide me the foundation and strength I need,” he said.

He and his wife Binita Patel reside in the Straughn community and have two boys, Taj and Dhilan.

For more information visit aahoa.com.