Worldhotels Leadership Forum draws 100 industry leaders

The group honours its best hotels with Performing Excellence Award 2010.

Steffen Weidemann (ifh), Robert Hornmann (Worldhotels, Petr Beranek (GM Grand Hotel Bohemia)
© Worldhotels

September 13, 2010 – 100 hoteliers and travel industry leaders from around the world, gathered at the prestigious “Worldhotels Leadership Forum 2010” themed “Building Bridges” which was held in Prague from 9 to 11 September 2010.

As a highlight of the conference, Worldhotels presented the annual “Performing Excellence Awards” to the hotels with the best scores in its annual anonymous quality tests. Winning properties in the region EMEA were the
Hotel de France in Vienna and the Grand Hotel Bohemia in Prague. The Lakeview Xuanwu Hotel in Nanjing, China, scooped the award for best hotel in the region Asia Pacific and the Hotel Madero in Buenos Aires was honoured for the region The Americas.

In addition, the group presented Joan Gaspart, President of Husa Hotels Group, with the Leadership Award to honour his outstanding achievement and engagement in the tourism industry. Gaspart is not only the head of the family owned Husa Group, which is operating 157 hotels and 50 restaurants, but he is also president of Barcelona Tourist Consortium, an institution promoting tourism in the city. Previous winners of the prestigious award were Olav Thon, owner of the Olav Thon Group with 400 properties in Norway and 20 worldwide; Sir Rocco Forte, CEO of the Rocco Forte Group operating 13 hotels and resorts within Europe; and Bernard Lambert, CEO of Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) which is owning the majority of Monaco’s most distinctive assets, among which are hotels, casinos and restaurants.

Robert Hornman, managing director of Worldhotels, also took the opportunity to present the group’s branding strategy going forward. In his opening speech he announced that the group will complement the existing Affiliation Model with a new Full Licence Model. This will allow hotels to use the Worldhotels brand more prominently in signage and at various points of their property.

Also during the conference were series of speeches and networking opportunities bringing together presidents, owners, and the senior management of the international hotel group with leaders and experts from the tourism industry and other areas of commerce. Eminent speakers at this two day event included Simon Johnson, Director of CBRE Hotels EMEA; Ong Tze Boon, Chairman of Ong&Ong Pte Ltd Architects; Nathan Clapton VP and General Manager of TripAdvisor; Tobias Ragge, Managing Director of HRS; Adam Wallace, Director of Digital Marketing of the Roger Smith Hotel in New York; Cédric Michaux, Sales Manager Prestiges Range and Public Relations of Groupe Vranken-Pommery; Nenad Pacek, Founder and President of Global Success Advisors GmbH and Drs. Sander M. Allegro, owner of Allegro INN OvationS and lecturer at Hotelschool the Hague.

The Leadership Forum took place at the Boccaccio Ballroom of the Grand Hotel Bohemia and was hosted by the Art Deco Imperial Hotel, the Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague and the Grand Hotel Bohemia.

Contact:

other hotels...

HOTELS in Wien:

HOTELS in Baden:

Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf

HOTELS in Prague and Brno:

Hotel De France, Schottenring 3, 1010 Vienna

The elegant Hotel de France is an exceptionally beautiful hotel in direct proximity to the Stephans Dome – the landmark of the city of Vienna. In this exclusive hotel in Vienna's city centre no wish stays unfulfilled! Complimentary high-speed Internet is available at the hotel.

Tel.: +43 1 31 368 - 0
E-mail: defrance@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Kummer, Mariahilfer Strasse 71a, 1061 Vienna

The multifaceted Hotel Kummer**** is situated in the heart of Mariahilfer Strasse, one of the most important shopping streets of Vienna in Austria. Visitors travelling on business or pleasure appreciate the excellent location as well as the comfort offered by this fine hotel. Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas.

Tel.: +43 1 588 95 - 0
E-mail: kummer@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Prinz Eugen, Wiedner Gürtel 14, 1040 Vienna

The Viennese Hotel Prinz Eugen**** is one of the most tradition-rich hotels within the Austria Hotels International Group and is located in direct proximity to Belvedere Castle and Belvedere park. For over 50 years this elegant town hotel has welcomed guests from all over the world. Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas.

Tel.: +43 1 505 17 41
E-mail: prinzeugen@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Bellevue, Althanstrasse 5, 1090 Vienna

The traditional Hotel Bellevue**** is a popular address for Vienna visitors, who appreciate the central location of this hotel. Numerous Viennese sights, including the Vienna States Opera, the Museum of the History of Art and the Museum of Natural History. Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas.

Tel.: +43 1 313 48 - 0
E-mail: bellevue@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Kavalier, Linzer Strasse 165, 1140 Vienna

The fascinating Hotel Kavalier**** lies in the west of Vienna close to Schönbrunn Castle. The service is especially attentive at this charming Viennese hotel: every guest will feel optimally looked after all around.

Tel.: +43 1 910 02 - 0
E-mail: kavalier@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Alpha, Buchfeldgasse 8, 1080 Vienna

The modern Hotel Alpha*** lies in one of the most beautiful districts of Vienna. Many landmarks and Viennese sights are easily reached on foot from this contemporary Viennese hotel. Its excellent location makes Hotel Alpha a favourite destination. Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas.

Tel.: +43 1 403 52 91
E-mail: alpha@austria-hotels.at

Passauerhof, Cobenzlgasse 9, 1190 Wien

The Passauerhof – the Viennese event location is located in Grinzing, the Viennese district which is famous for its wine bars and Heurigen restaurants. The rustic Passauerhof is a popular event location due to its idyllic garden, the rustic arches and the homely Heurigen parlour.

Tel.: +43 1 320 63 45
E-mail: passauerhof@gerstner.at

Hofburg Vienna, Heldenplatz, 1014 Vienna

The Hofburg is, as the former imperial residence, not only the first address within Vienna city but also undoubtedly one of the first establishments within Europe. The historic premises of the Hofburg build an impressive frame for extraordinary events.

Tel.: +43 1 743 44 22-7859
E-mail: hofburg(at)gerstner.at

Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf, Schlossgasse 9-11, 2500 Baden

The impressive Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf**** is located in a Renaissance castle and has a modern hotel wing. With its more generous wellness area of 1,000sqm it is a popular hotel for holidaymakers who want to enjoy pure relaxation.

Tel.: +43 2 252 483 01 - 0
E-mail: weikersdorf@austria-hotels.at

Hotel Caruso, Trostgasse 23, 2500 Baden

The stylish Hotel Caruso**** lies in an elegant Baden residential area in the middle of a generous garden facility. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar and a large wellness area with pool, sauna, steambath, squash and massage.

Tel.: +43 2 252 886 62 - 0
E-mail: caruso@austria-hotels.at

Grand Hotel Bohemia, Králodvorská 4, CZ – 110 00 Prague

The elegant Grand Hotel Bohemia in the heart of the Prague’s old town is the ideal place for guests with the highest demands. Here the committed employees make sure that every detail of your Prague stay is perfect – 24 hours a day.

Tel.: +420 234 608 111
E-mail: office@grandhotelbohemia.cz

Crowne Plaza, Koulova 15, CZ 160 45 Prague

The impressive Hotel Crowne Plaza® Prague**** is located right beside the famous Prague Castle. The enchanting atmosphere of this part of Prague will amaze you for sure, as well as the multifaceted culinary offering of the hotel’s restaurant.

Tel.: +420 296 537 111
E-mail: stay@crowneplaza.cz

Grand Hotel Brno, Benešova 18 -20, CZ - 657 83 Brno

The Grandhotel Brno****, in the centre of the town, lies opposite the main train station only a few minutes from the exhibition centre and the historic sights and monuments.

Tel.: +420 542 518 111
E-mail: reservation@grandhotelbrno.cz