Mitch Patel, president and CEO of Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Vision Hospitality Group, just recently consulted with LODGING concerning his objectives as AHLA vice chair, existing difficulties and favorable elements of the accommodations landscape, and his outlook for the market.
What at first attracted you to the hospitality market?
My moms and dads concerned this terrific nation with little in their pockets, attempting to pursue the American Dream. They rented an 11-room motel where my household lived and worked. Since I matured in the “motel” company, that’s the last thing I wished to pursue as a profession, so I ended up being an engineer. After working 3 years as a traffic engineer, I understood I didn’t want engineering, so I started and entered into this market with $3,000 in cost savings. I constructed that very first hotel as a basic professional and opened the hotel as a basic supervisor. It took a bit, however I fell for every element of this organization, specifically individuals. Most notably, I discovered my enthusiasm where I never ever anticipated to.
How and why did you choose to take an active function within the AHLA?
I’ve been gotten in touch with Chip Rogers for many years, so when he signed up with AHLA, my interest in the company naturally peaked. I thought in him, his management, and his program, so when he connected for me to get included, I could not withstand. While they were regrettable situations, throughout the pandemic, I saw the incredible worth of AHLA and AAHOA. These companies were our assisting light throughout the darkest of hours. I am honored to represent this terrific company as a hotel owner, operator, and business owner to secure and move our market forward.
As the vice chair, what are a few of the methods you prepare to support Kevin’s objective in 2024?
Advocacy and member services are at the heart of whatever AHLA does. Kevin is an incredible leader, and I anticipate dealing with him and the rest of the executive committee and board to stop burdensome policies for hoteliers and advance favorable legislation that assists our members operate and build on AHLA’s tradition.
What do you forecast to be a few of the larger problems and obstacles for the market in 2025 when you end up being chair?
The future of the hospitality market is continuously altering, however I want to see an environment where functional obstacles like labor scarcities, regulative overreach, inflation, and the present rates of interest environment are much less of an element than they are today and provide hoteliers more freedom to concentrate on enhancing and growing their companies instead of browsing these obstructions. We have actually made significant strides in our battle versus human trafficking in our market in current years. We are going to double down on that battle moving forward. Success is never ever last. We will continue to defend our market.
With 2024 being an election year, how might that affect the accommodations market? » …
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