President John F. Kennedy once said, “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” As I look at the young professionals entering the hotel industry today, I am reminded of his words—of bold ideas, fresh energy and a new way of seeing the world.
We are witnessing a pivotal generational shift in hospitality. The next wave of owners, developers and entrepreneurs is emerging—not to replicate what came before, but to create something new. This shift deserves our attention, and more importantly, our encouragement.
From Daily Operators to Strategic Builders
Many of today's young professionals were raised in hotels. They watched their parents and grandparents build businesses from the ground up, working long hours and managing every detail. For many immigrant families, especially within the AAHOA community, hotel ownership represented not just a livelihood but the fulfillment of the American Dream.
But for this generation, the dream looks different. They are not necessarily drawn to the day-to-day operations. Instead, they think about the long game—investments, development, branding and portfolio growth. They see opportunity in revitalizing properties, flipping assets and building value in new ways.
This is not a departure from commitment. It is a shift in focus. These emerging leaders are just as passionate, but their approach is more strategic. And if we create space for their vision, the results could redefine the future of our industry.
Innovation as a Mindset
The next generation brings digital fluency and an entrepreneurial mindset that challenges convention. They prioritize flexibility, innovation and purpose in their work. Sustainability, social responsibility and storytelling are not trends to them—they are business essentials.
As a result, hospitality is evolving. Hotels are becoming more than just a place to stay. They are turning into lifestyle destinations and community anchors. Young hoteliers are using design, technology and guest data in inventive ways that were unimaginable a generation ago.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” And that wisdom applies here. Change can be uncomfortable, but these young professionals are not disrupting hospitality out of restlessness. They are shaping what is next with intention and clarity.
Our Role: Invest, Mentor, Empower
So, how do we support this transformation? First, we must invest—boldly and deliberately. That means improving access to capital, creating ownership opportunities and building inclusive pipelines into leadership. Indeed, this is one of the reasons for AAHOA's strong support for critical pieces of federal legislation to raise SBA 7(a) and 504 loan limits from $5M to $10M—so our young professionals have the resources they need to lead the way.
Second, we need to mentor. Experience is one of the greatest gifts we can offer—but only when it is shared. At AAHOA, we are proud to support initiatives like HerOwnership and HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Evolve), which create meaningful connections between seasoned hoteliers and the next generation.
Finally, we must empower. This requires letting go of assumptions about what leadership should look like. We can honor the legacy of previous generations while championing fresh ideas and new strategies.
The Future Is Bright
As we celebrate this year's Hotel Management “Thirty Under 30” honorees, I am filled with optimism. These young professionals are already leading and expanding what it means to succeed in hospitality.
They are not waiting for permission to change. They are launching brands, reshaping guest experiences and building companies with purpose and agility. They remind us that success has no definition and that the path forward is not a straight line.
This generation does not want to run hotels the way they have always been run—and that is a good thing. Their vision and courage may be exactly what the industry needs to move into a new golden age.
Let us hand over the torch with pride, knowing these leaders are prepared to carry it forward and light the way for an even stronger, more innovative hospitality industry.
Laura Lee Blake is the president and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA).
This article was originally published in the September edition of Hotel Management magazine. Subscribe here.