The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which is made up largely of people of Indian origin from Gujarat, came out strongly endorsing the candidacy of Kashyap Patel as Director of the FBI, saying he would be an asset to programs like preventing sex trafficking which the organization has worked on with the federal agency.

The organization which estimates it represents more than 60% of all hotels in the United States, said in a press release Jan. 31, 2025, that it supports President Trump’s nominee, who faced a combative US Senate hearing Jan. 30, but has the support of the Republicans in the Upper House.

According to AAHOA, Patel’s extensive experience in public service and national security positions him to take on the evolving challenges facing both the FBI and industries like hospitality.

“Kash Patel’s nomination is a significant moment,” AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel, is quoted saying in the press release. “His background in counterterrorism and public service provides valuable expertise for addressing complex security issues.”

AAHOA describes itself as the largest hotel owners’ association in the world, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. The organization says its 20,000 members own 36,000 hotels in the United States, employing more than 1 million people earning $47 billion annually, supporting some 4.2 million jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry, and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP.

“AAHOA has been active in fighting human trafficking through educational programs, certification initiatives, and partnerships with organizations like BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking),” the organization said.

These efforts align with the FBI’s mission, AAHOA said, adding it believes “Kash Patel’s expertise in counterterrorism will bring valuable insights to this critical work.”

(Used with permission)

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