A well-deserved honor. Visit Tri-Cities has recognized AAHOA Lifetime Member Vijay Patel, President of A-1 Hospitality Group, with the Kris Watkins Tourism Champion Award—celebrating leaders who elevate the visitor experience and strengthen the region’s tourism economy.
Why it matters
Since founding A-1 Hospitality Group in 1997, Patel has helped shape the growth of Tri-Cities and surrounding communities through:
- Strategic development that attracts visitors and drives economic vitality
- Collaborations with municipalities that bring shared value to residents, guests, and employees
- Long-term investment in projects that strengthen the region’s tourism landscape
Patel’s impact
Patel’s career journey began overseas, working at ASDA Supermarket in the UK before moving to the U.S. in 1994. After managing a family motel in Klamath Falls, he launched A-1 Hospitality Group with the renovation of the former Longhorn Motel.
Today, his company manages a portfolio of 20 hotels across five states, representing major brands like IHG, Marriott, and Hilton.
Patel has also been a dedicated industry advocate, serving in roles including:
- Vice President and Chairman of the Oregon Lodging Association
- Member of the Oregon Lodging & Restaurant Association
- AHLA Most Valuable Volunteer Award recipient
- Member of the Tri-Cities Hotel-Motel Commission and other advisory boards
- Current member of the IHG Owners Association Global Board of Directors, and Chair of the Americas Regional Committee
Being named a Tourism Champion is both an honor and a responsibility,
Patel said. It validates the effort to uplift local communities, support small businesses, and create memorable journeys for visitors—while preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the destination.
He added, This award inspires me to continue advocating for innovation and collaboration within the tourism industry, ensuring sustainable growth that benefits everyone—travelers and residents alike.
About AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
