[The Economic Times] Patels dominate US hospitality landscape, says Indian American author

Indian American author Mahendra K Doshi’s book “Surat to San Francisco” highlights the influential role of Patels in the US hotel and motel industry. The Patels, who originate from Gujarat, have become synonymous with the hotel and motel industry in the US over the past three decades.

Doshi’s book documents the phenomenal struggle and rise of this small but highly influential community. He interviewed 165 Patels for the book, which is the first-ever documentation of the story of Patels in America’s motel industry.

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), founded in 1989, represents more than 36,000 properties, employs over 1.1 million workers, contributes over 1.5% to the US GDP, and their collective annual spending is over USD 50 billion. They own properties worth USD 1 trillion.

Doshi, a former journalist with India Abroad, an ethnic Indian American publication, now lives in San Jose, California. A movie is now being made based on his book.

Source: Conversation with Bing
Patels dominate US hospitality landscape, says Indian American author.
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