Vinay Patel named to tourism advisory board

THE Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) vice chair Vinay Patel has been appointed to the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

The board advises the secretary of commerce on issues facing the travel and tourism industry.

Current Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross appointed Patel for a two year term to the 32-member board to join representatives from companies and organizations connected to the industry.

Patel is the president of Fairbrook Hotels in Chantilly, which owns and operates 11 properties. He is also on the advisory board for ‘She Has a Deal,’ an organization that promotes hotel ownership for women through education, networking, and mentorship.

Commenting on his latest appointment, Patel said: ‘I am honored to serve on the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board during this critical time for our country and our industry’.

‘Travel and tourism will play a vital role in jumpstarting our economy as our nation begins its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic’.

Patel also serves on the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s board of directors and is the president of the Herndon Hospitality

Association. Previously, he served on the boards of directors of AHLA and the Loudoun, Virginia, Convention Visitors Bureau, his bio notes.

Cecil Staton, AAHOA president and CEO said: ‘AAHOA applauds Vinay’s appointment to the Board. His experience and insight are a valuable addition to discussions about the role travel and tourism will play during the recovery and beyond’.

‘The hotel industry felt the impact of Covid-19 from the onset of the pandemic. The catastrophic declines in occupancy rates and revenues make it increasingly likely that the industry will not recover until 2023’.