The rise of the next generation of upscale Indian American hotel owners

As the first generation reaches retirement age, it may be easy to assume that the role of Indian-Americans in the industry may wane. On the contrary, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the powerful organizational body representing Indian-Americans hoteliers, is growing, thanks in no small part to the influx of the second generation…the basic trajectory of scaling up from small-scale, independent properties to operating sophisticated management companies with multiple brands, often upscale ones, is quite common in their ranks.

The young Turks of their fold not only grew up with the hospitality business in their blood, but also come armed with degrees in management, hospitality, and finance. Educational grooming in the U.S., coupled with their life-long exposure to the business, has provided them a competitive edge that their parents did not have.