At the close of its 51st Congress, IH&RA acknowledges Hospitality Industry Pioneers

In a memorable evening at the Versailles Room of the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, the IH&RA held a Gala Dinner closing its 51st Annual Congress. "It gives me great pleasure to thank all our guests, participants, sponsors, IH&RA staff and my colleague executive committee and board members for making this congress a success", said Casimir Platzer, IH&RA President in his dinner opening speech.

He added: "There are people with us today who have had their fingerprints and are still

generously contributing to the development of the industry", said Platzer as he presented the IH&RA Award for Legendary Leadership to Mr. Kurt Ritter and the IH&RA Lifetime Award to Mr. Emanuel Berger.

Mr. Emanuel Berger was the General Manager of the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel for 37

years, one of the flagships of the Swiss hospitality sector, while Mr. Kurt Ritter was President and CEO of the Rezidor Hotel Group. Under his leadership Rezidor grew to more than 430 hotels with 95'000 rooms. Both gentlemen are acknowledged as hospitality industry pioneers.

"This award honours me a lot. I will support IH&RA in its mission to unite the hospitality

industry worldwide. Associations, brands and chains have to join forces to fight for their interests", said Mr. Ritter.

International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA)

Founded in 1859 in Koblenz (Germany), the IH&RA is the only business organisation representing the hospitality industry worldwide. Its members are national hotel and restaurant associations throughout the world, and international and national hotel and restaurant chains representing some 50 brands. Officially recognised by the United Nations, IH&RA monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of this industry, estimated to comprise 300,000 hotels and 8 million restaurants, employ 60 million people and contribute 950 billion USD annually to the global economy.

Casimir Platzer
IH&RA President
IH&RA