Vijay Patel

President

A-1 Hospitality Group

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

Over the past year, our company has continued to strengthen performance across our hotel portfolio, invest in our people and deepen partnerships with brands and communities. Equally important, we’ve remained disciplined in a changing market while continuing to grow responsibly.  

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Invest in your people – if you do it right, success will follow.” That advice has guided how I lead, hire, and grow our organization.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

After moving to the United States from London in 1993, my first job was managing a motel in Klamath Falls, Oregon. It taught me the fundamentals of hospitality and service – hard work, accountability and the importance of treating every guest and employee with respect.

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I believe in long-term relationships, integrity and giving back to the communities where we operate and industry we work in. Success means very little if it isn’t shared.

What is your favorite Tri-Cities restaurant and what do you order there?

Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar, Caesar salad with blackened chicken.

What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry?

I’m excited about the continued growth of hospitality in the Tri-Cities, driven by tourism, innovation and strong collaboration between public and private partners. The expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center, along with thoughtfully developed new hotels – including our AC Hotel by Marriott with a rooftop restaurant and the soon-to-open Home2 Suites by Hilton at the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco – will elevate the region’s ability to attract visitors, events and business travel. Together, these investments are helping reshape the tourism landscape and create lasting benefits for the community.