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AAHOA Mourns the Loss of Hospitality Icon Harris Rosen

ORLANDO, FL, November 26, 2024 – AAHOA joins the hospitality community in reflecting on the remarkable life and legacy of Harris Rosen, who passed away on Monday at 85. As the founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Rosen was an iconic industry figure known for his entrepreneurial vision, philanthropic efforts, and steadfast support of organizations like AAHOA.

"Harris Rosen was not only a trailblazer in hospitality but also a tremendous supporter of AAHOA and our members," said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. "During our preparations for AAHOACON24 in Orlando, Harris personally joined us for a site visit. I had the privilege of pinning him as an AAHOA Honorary Member in recognition of his industry contributions and support for our association."

Rosen Hotels & Resorts played a vital role in the success of AAHOACON24 Convention & Trade Show, hosting attendees in two of its properties in Orlando.

"His willingness to collaborate and ensure AAHOACON24's success exemplified the spirit of partnership and hospitality that defined his career," said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. "Harris Rosen's leadership and generosity have left a lasting impact on AAHOA and the hospitality industry as a whole, and we extend our prayers and thoughts to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him."

Beyond his work with AAHOA, Rosen was a visionary whose influence extended far beyond his portfolio of hotels. His advocacy for education, including initiatives like the Tangelo Park Program, and his commitment to creating opportunities in underserved communities demonstrated his belief in the transformative power of hospitality.

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About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation's GDP. More than 1  million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.