Local Hotel Owner Nupen Patel Calls for Stronger Support for Houston’s Hospitality Sector
K & K Hotel Group founder urges community-driven investment in tourism, workforce, and accessibility
THE WOODLANDS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 /In response to ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector, local business owner Nupen Patel, founder of K & K Hotel Group, is speaking out about the importance of sustained community support for the hospitality and tourism industry in the Greater Houston area.
"Hospitality is more than a business," says Patel. "It 's a gateway to our city. Every visitor that checks into a hotel is someone choosing Houston-whether for work, family, or leisure. What happens next shapes how they see us."
Patel, who has operated hotels in Houston since 2008, is calling on business owners, local leaders, and residents to recognize the vital role hospitality plays in the regional economy. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, tourism and hospitality contribute over $23 billion annually to the local economy and support nearly 140,000 jobs.
But Patel emphasizes that the industry 's future depends on more than just visitor numbers.
"We need to make hospitality accessible-for travelers and workers," he says. "Affordable lodging, better transit, and job training all matter. If we invest in that, we invest in Houston 's future."
Patel also points to the labor side of the industry. Entry-level hotel roles are often the first jobs for many young adults and immigrants. But staffing shortages and rising living costs threaten the long-term stability of that workforce.
"We need to rethink how we support people who work in hospitality," Patel explains. "That means education, housing, and health access. When workers succeed, the industry thrives."
Patel recommends local businesses get involved by offering incentives for tourism partnerships, joining local visitor bureaus, and supporting hospitality training programs. He also urges individuals to be more intentional when choosing where to stay, eat, and spend time in Houston.
"Choosing a local hotel or restaurant over a chain makes a real difference," he says. "It keeps dollars here. It supports families. It builds pride in our city."
With many hospitality properties still recovering from pandemic-related losses, Patel believes now is the time to act-not with sweeping legislation, but with practical steps.
Patel encourages residents and business owners to:
Support local tourism campaigns and events.
Collaborate with nearby hotels and venues to create shared value.
Help train the next generation of hospitality workers by offering internships or mentorships.
Choose local accommodations and services when hosting friends, family, or work guests.
"We all play a role," Patel says. "If we want Houston to grow, we need to take care of the people and places that welcome the world here."
Media Contact
Nupen Patel
info@nupenpatelentrepreneur.com
https://www.nupenpatelentrepreneur.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nupen-patel-1154b12b
SOURCE: Nupen Patel K&K Hotel Group
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