AAHOA
AAHOA is a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 20,000 Asian American hotel owners who own 60% of U.S. hotels, providing advocacy, education, collective buying, and technology partnerships through a network spanning 27 U.S. regions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersAtlanta, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What AAHOA does
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1989 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It represents nearly 20,000 hotel owner members who collectively own and operate more than 36,000 hotels with 3.2 million guestrooms, accounting for approximately 60% of U.S. hotels and contributing $371.4B to U.S. GDP. The association operates 27 regional organizations across the United States and serves as the foremost advocacy, education, and procurement resource for hotel owners.
AAHOA's product portfolio spans the AAHOA Marketplace (a collective-buying platform now powered by Folio, featuring AI-powered accounting and cash back rewards), the official Mews Property Management System partnership, Today's Hotelier magazine (monthly, 20,000+ readers), the Hotel Owners Academy with certificate programs (CHO, CHIA, Sanitization), sub-brand initiatives including HerOwnership and HYPE, advocacy via the AAHOA PAC and 12 Points of Fair Franchising, and a large-scale event business anchored by AAHOACON (6,500+ attendees) and 20+ regional conferences plus 150+ total annual events. Technology infrastructure includes the MyAAHOA member portal, a mobile app, email/newsletter distribution (Hotelier Weekly, Vendor Digest, AAHOA Broadcast), and an official WhatsApp channel.
AAHOA's business model is a two-sided nonprofit association. Hotelier membership is free for qualifying hotel owners; revenue is generated primarily from vendor and industry partner memberships (six tiers ranging from Allied at $5,000 to Club Blue at $115,000+ annually), event registration and sponsorships, advertising in Today's Hotelier and digital properties, and educational program fees. The association serves SMB hotel owners as its primary member segment, while vendor partners (including Chase, ADP, Avendra, Mews, Folio, and Inspire Brands) represent the principal revenue-generating customer base.
AAHOA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AAHOA
- Legal name
- Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Inc.
- Website
- https://aahoa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AAHOA is a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 20,000 Asian American hotel owners who own 60% of U.S. hotels, providing advocacy, education, collective buying, and technology partnerships through a network spanning 27 U.S. regions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AAHOA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hospitality Trade Association
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Traveler Accommodation (7211), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Membership Clubs (Category-Focused) (CRAEADAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Homeowners Association (HOA) Management (BPAJAHAB)
Keywords
Where AAHOA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Atlanta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AAHOA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Vendor/Industry Partner Membership Dues: AAHOA generates revenue through tiered membership programs for vendors and industry partners. Tiers include Club Blue ($115,000+), Platinum+ ($85,000), Platinum ($65,000), Silver ($30,000), Bronze ($15,000), and Allied ($5,000) annually. These partners gain access to AAHOA's nearly 20,000 hotel owner members at over 100 events annually.
- Event Registration and Sponsorship: Revenue from AAHOACON (annual convention), regional Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows, Town Halls, Charity Golf Tournaments, and specialized conferences (HerOwnership, HYPE). Vendors pay for exhibitor booths, sponsorships, and registrations.
- Publication and Advertising: Revenue from Today's Hotelier magazine (monthly publication distributed to 20,000+ readers in print and digital), advertising in digital and print properties, sponsored email blasts, and website advertising.
- Member Services: Revenue from educational programs, certificate programs (CHO, CHIA, Sanitization), AAHOA Hotel Owners Academy, and virtual learning programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Club Blue - Premium industry partner tier with maximum exposure and benefits |
| Subscription | Annual | Platinum+ - High-tier partner with extensive event presence |
| Subscription | Annual | Platinum - Mid-high tier with strong brand visibility |
| Subscription | Annual | Silver - Mid-tier partner with core benefits |
| Subscription | Annual | Bronze - Entry-level partner tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Allied - Base-tier partner for smaller vendors and service providers |
| Freemium | Annual | Hotelier Member - Free membership for hotel owners |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
AAHOA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AAHOA is a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 20,000 Asian American hotel owners across the United States who collectively own approximately 60% of U.S. hotels. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the association provides advocacy, networking events, educational programs, publications, and an online marketplace with exclusive vendor discounts for its members and industry partners.
Product overview
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is the world's largest hotel owners association representing over 20,000 members owning and operating more than 36,000 hotels with 3.2 million guestrooms across the US. The organization operates as a membership-based association with a portfolio of member services including the AAHOA Marketplace (powered by Folio), the official Mews Property Management System partnership, Today's Hotelier Magazine, the Hotel Owners Academy with certificate programs (CHO, Sanitization, CHIA), HerOwnership and HYPE programs for women and young professionals, human trafficking prevention training, and event programming including AAHOACON, regional conferences, and charity golf tournaments. AAHOA also operates an advocacy arm through its PAC and government affairs initiatives, serving as the foremost resource and advocate for America's hotel owners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HerOwnership: Initiative launched in 2022 to foster, promote, and empower women entrepreneurs in hospitality through networking and educational opportunities.
- Today's Hotelier
- AAHOACON
Products and services
- AAHOA Marketplace Online marketplace platform that connects AAHOA's roughly 20,000 hotel-owner members with vetted vendor partners offering products and services at exclusive member-only discounts. Built for hotel owners seeking group purchasing and cost savings.
- Today's Hotelier Magazine Trade publication (print and digital) covering hospitality industry news, AAHOA advocacy, and member-focused content for Asian American hotel owners and industry partners.
- AAHOA Hotel Owners Academy Online and in-person education platform providing hospitality training, certification programs, and professional development for hotel owners and operators.
- AAHOACON Annual Convention AAHOA's flagship annual convention and trade show where thousands of hotel owners, vendor partners, and industry leaders gather for networking, education sessions, and a vendor exhibit hall.
- Regional Hotel Owners Conferences Smaller regional conferences hosted throughout the year that bring together AAHOA members in specific U.S. regions for networking and educational programming.
- HerOwnership Program Initiative supporting and developing women hoteliers within the AAHOA community, including women hoteliers directors for the Eastern and Western divisions (e.g., Purnima Patel and Arti Patel).
- HYPE (Young Professionals Program) Program engaging next-generation hoteliers and young hospitality professionals within the AAHOA community, providing networking, mentorship, and development opportunities.
- Vendor / Industry Partner Membership Program Tiered partnership program offering hospitality vendors preferred-vendor status, marketplace placement, event sponsorship access, and advertising in Today's Hotelier in exchange for membership dues.
Quantifiable outcome
- Members contribute $371.4B to U.S. GDP, representing 1.4% of overall U.S. GDP
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use AAHOA
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
AAHOA technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability2 records
Feature3 records
AAHOA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- HFTP AI CollectivecoreTen prominent hospitality associations joined HFTP's AI Collective, a nonprofit collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing responsible AI adoption across the hospitality industry. AAHOA joined alongside AHLA, BLLA, CHTA, CMAA, HSMAI, HTNG, ICHRIE, iHITA, and JHTA, bringing geographic reach and sector diversity to the initiative. The Collective serves as a central forum for industry stakeholders to align on standards, share emerging insights, and drive practical AI implementation strategies.
- Travel PortlandminorAAHOA collaborated with Travel Portland to support women's career advancement in hospitality through the Women's History Month forum, which facilitated networking, mentorship, and community-building among women in the industry.
- FoliocoreFolio has been named the official technology platform for AAHOA Marketplace. The updated marketplace launching later this year will feature improved usability, mobile optimization, cash back rewards, and AI-powered accounting capabilities while remaining free for members. The partnership was unveiled at AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia.
- MewsflagshipMews has been selected as the official Property Management System (PMS) for AAHOA, representing over 60% of hotels in the United States. The partnership aims to help hotel owners enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profitability by providing access to modern technology and support. AAHOA's nearly 20,000 members receive exclusive member pricing, fast onboarding support, and access to Mews' revenue management solution.
- Inspire BrandscoreAAHOA added Inspire Brands as its newest Club Blue Partner, making it the first restaurant company to join this elite group of eleven industry partners within AAHOA's Industry Partner program. The partnership grants Inspire Brands direct access to AAHOA's 20,000 qualified member hotel owners at more than 100 events annually, including AAHOACON and Hotel Owners Conferences.
- Women in Hospitality Leadership AlliancecoreAAHOA and the HerOwnership initiative are proud participants in the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, which has reached a milestone of more than 2,000 women leaders featured in its Speaker Directory.
- ChasecoreChase is listed as a Club Blue Industry Partner and strategic partner, providing financial services and payment solutions to AAHOA's hotel owner members through the AAHOA Marketplace and exclusive member benefits.
- ADPcoreADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a Club Blue Industry Partner providing human resources and payroll solutions to AAHOA hotel owner members through the association's vendor partner program.
- AvendracoreAvendra is a Club Blue Industry Partner and strategic partner providing procurement and supply chain management services exclusively to AAHOA members through the AAHOA Marketplace.
- Bridge, M3, Lowe's Pro, MacroTechcoreThese companies are listed as Club Blue Industry Partners providing various products and services including technology solutions, financial services, building materials, and hospitality supplies to AAHOA members.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AAHOA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): The largest U.S. hotel industry trade association representing all segments of the lodging industry. Direct comparable to AAHOA in mission (advocacy, education, member services for hotel owners/operators), though broader and not demographically targeted.
- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): International nonprofit association for finance and technology professionals in hospitality. Comparable to AAHOA in non-profit association model serving hospitality, and a fellow member of HFTP's AI Collective with overlapping technology and education programs.
- Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI): Global hospitality trade association focused on sales, marketing, and revenue optimization. Comparable membership-based association serving hospitality professionals, with overlapping education, certification, and event programs; also a member of HFTP's AI Collective.
- Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG): Nonprofit trade association that facilitates technology collaboration across hospitality. Directly comparable association model serving hotel technology adoption; co-member with AAHOA in HFTP's AI Collective on AI standards.
- American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI): Educational arm of AHLA providing certifications and training for hospitality professionals. Comparable to AAHOA's Hotel Owners Academy and certificate programs (CHO, CHIA) in delivering hospitality education and certifications to members.
- Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA): Membership-based association representing boutique and luxury lodging properties. Comparable association model with member services, advocacy, and events focused on a hotel-owner segment; also part of HFTP's AI Collective.
- Club Managers Association of America (CMAA): Professional association for club management professionals. Comparable nonprofit membership-association model offering education, certification, advocacy, and events; fellow HFTP AI Collective member with overlapping member-service structure.
Broad incumbents
- U.S. Travel Association: National non-profit representing all components of the U.S. travel industry. Overlaps with AAHOA on federal advocacy and industry research, but serves the broader travel ecosystem rather than hotel owners specifically.
Regional players
- Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA): Regional hospitality trade association representing hotels in the Caribbean basin. Comparable membership-association model with advocacy, education, and events, but focused on a different geography than AAHOA's U.S. base; fellow AI Collective member.
Others
- STR (a CoStar Group company): Hospitality data and benchmarking provider used by hotel owners and operators for performance insights. Adjacent ecosystem participant — supplies data that AAHOA members use, paralleling how AAHOA's Today’s Hotelier and marketplace provide intel to members.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AAHOA social profiles
Digital presenceAAHOA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AAHOA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
AAHOA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AAHOA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AAHOA
What does AAHOA do?
AAHOA is a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 20,000 Asian American hotel owners across the United States who collectively own approximately 60% of U.S. hotels. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the association provides advocacy, networking events, educational programs, publications, and an online marketplace with exclusive vendor discounts for its members and industry partners.
Is AAHOA a public or private company?
AAHOA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was AAHOA founded?
AAHOA was founded in 1989. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AAHOA based?
AAHOA is headquartered in Atlanta, United States, in the North America region.
How does AAHOA make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Vendor/Industry Partner Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Registration and Sponsorship, publication and Advertising and member Services.
Who are AAHOA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) and Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). U.S. Travel Association is listed as a broad incumbent. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is listed as a regional player. STR (a CoStar Group company) is listed as an others.
Does AAHOA have an API?
No public API is recorded for AAHOA.
What industry is AAHOA in?
AAHOA's product category is Hospitality Trade Association. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAEADAI, Specialty Membership Clubs (Category-Focused), with a secondary code of BPAJAHAB, Homeowners Association (HOA) Management. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.