UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai (right) and IH&RA’s President Casimir Platzer (left) — Photo by IH&RA
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai (right) and IH&RA’s President Casimir Platzer (left) — Photo by IH&RA
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai addresses the audience at the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA) 51st Annual Congress — Photo by IH&RA

UNWTO and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA)

have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, consolidating their partnership in matters related to hospitality (Interlaken, Switzerland, 10 March 2014).

The MOU aims to enhance the cooperation between UNWTO and IH&RA, a UNWTO

Affiliate Member, in a number of initiatives related to the hospitality industry related to the hospitality industry, including employment, sustainability, investment and research.

The MOU was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai and IH&RA's President

Casimir Platzer, on the sidelines of IH&RA's 51st Annual Congress, coinciding with the 1st World Hospitality Day.

"The hospitality industry is a fundamental part of the global tourism sector and a key

vehicle for economic growth and job creation around the world. IH&RA has long been a strategic partner to UNWTO and this MOU will allow us to cooperate even closer towards our common goal of driving positive changes in tourism." said Mr. Rifai.

"This partnership agreement marks a new milestone for IH&RA and will serve as the

umbrella for the potential joint cooperation between both the private and public sectors for the best interest of the hospitality industry. Our role as the world's hospitality association is further strengthened by this UNWTO endorsement." said Casimir Platzer.

A trade association exclusively devoted to promoting and defending the interests of the

hotel and restaurant industry worldwide, IH&RA is officially recognized by the United Nations and monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of the industry.

Useful links:

Casimir Platzer
IH&RA President
IH&RA