The Leading Hotels of the World Hosts 2011 Annual Convention at Hotel Okura Amsterdam
The Leading Hotels of the World recently hosted its Annual Convention, the most important global gathering on the company's calendar, at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam, from November 17 to 20. The theme of this year's meeting was 'Collaborative Innovation.' Attendees comprised an impressive group of proprietors, managing directors, general managers, and sales and marketing executives from the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas. Event participants were welcomed by Mr. Andrea Kracht, Chairman of Leading Hotels and owner of the Baur au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland. The attendees were collectively hosted at two Leading Hotels: Hotel Okura Amsterdam and De L'Europe.
Commenting on the significance of the convention, Leading Hotels President and CEO Ted Teng stated, "The convention underscores the partnership between LHW and its member hotels -- we leverage our scale by collaborating. I think this is the true founding principle of our company. The original 38 members did not meet to contract out some work and create an outsourced company. They said let's work together to help each other. They saw the benefit of unity and the power of togetherness. Our aim is to grow that spirit even stronger."
Among the notable speakers this year were William C. Taylor, Author and Founding Editor of Fast Company; Henry H. Harteveldt, Co-Founder of Atmosphere Research Group; Jean-Francois Van Boxmeer, Chairman Executive Board/CEO of Heineken N.V.; James Wallman, Editor of LS:N Global; Marije Vogelzang, Founder of Eating Design; and Drew Nieporent, Owner of Myriad Restaurant Group. Among the headliners leading lively interactive break-out sessions were Melissa Biggs Bradley, Founder of Indagare; and Peter Maulik, COO and Head of Commercial Strategy, and Rony Zibara, Partner and Innovation Director of Fahrenheit 212.
Additionally, awards for outstanding achievement and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience were presented to hotel members. Each honoree was presented with a handsome watch offered by long-time Leading Hotels supporter Blancpain, as well as a crystal trophy from Tiffany & Co.
Hotels that ranked number one in each of their categories were honored on the closing night of the convention at a gala black-tie dinner at the Scheepvaart Museum, the Netherlands maritime museum housed in a stately 17th-century building overlooking one of the city's numerous, picturesque canals. During this glittering evening, additional awards were presented to the hotels that ranked the highest among the Commitment to Quality and Leaders Club Award winners.
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AWARDS
This award is presented to one hotel in each of five regions that ranked highest on its most recent anonymous Leading Quality Assurance inspection. The winners by region were:
*GRAND PRIZE: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace - Montreux, Switzerland
Le Touessrok - Trou D'Eau Douce, Mauritius
Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
The Hay-Adams - Washington, D.C., USA
Miraflores Park Hotel - Lima, Peru
LEADERS CLUB AWARDS
The 13th Annual Leaders Club Awards were determined based upon responses to post-stay questionnaires and letters the company received from Leaders Club Members, who have consistently complimented the hotels for their exceptional welcome and attention extended to all guests, and to Club Members in particular.
This year's winners were:
*GRAND PRIZE: Excelsior Hotel Ernst - Cologne, Germany
Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva - Geneva, Switzerland
Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa - Baden-Baden, Germany
LEADING LEGEND AWARD
Undoubtedly the highlight of the gala was the announcement of the winner of the second annual Leading Legend Award who was selected based on nominations submitted by members of The Leading Hotels of the World, to recognize to acknowledge the men and women who have made meaningful contributions to the preservation and advancement of independent luxury hotels. This year's winner was Jean-Marc Droulers, of Italy's renowned Villa d'Este, which he joined as Executive Director in 1967 and became President and CEO in 1977.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)
In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW which now comprises more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, making it the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. Since its inception, the Company has carefully curated a selection of distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps, from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is made of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every travel experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. It is these authentic, individualized moments, combined with the warm high-touch service these hoteliers and their team provide, that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW's collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and unique experiences, enhanced by LHW's tiered guest loyalty program, Leaders Club. From converted former palaces and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – travelers are invited to explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworldRETURN TO PRESS CENTER
Jennifer Oberstein
Director of Communications
(1-212) 515-5782
LHW
