The Leading Hotels of the World announced the winners of a series of prestigious awards during its 2006 International Convention, held in Barcelona, Spain.
Commitment to Excellence AwardsNew this year were the Commitment to Excellence Awards, acknowledging hotels whose concept of service extends beyond their immediate walls, and whose exceptional efforts exert a positive impact on our world in the areas of the environment, community outreach and cultural support. The respective winners for 2006 were:
- Uppal's Orchid, New Delhi, India, for its status as an Ecotel, and for its activities and policies which help to support and sustain the well-being of its surrounding environment.
- One Aldwych, London, England, for its community activism through programs supporting Save the Children; StreetSmart homeless outreach; Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross and The Old Vic Theatre.
- Bauer Il Palazzo, Venice, Italy, for its commitment to maintaining and promoting its local cultural heritage through its tireless international efforts on behalf of Save Venice.
Commitment to Quality AwardsThe winners of the Fifth Annual Commitment to Quality Awards were also announced, recognizing Leading Hotels and Leading Small Hotels in five regions: Africa/Middle East, Asia/Pacific, Europe, Mexico/Caribbean/South America, and the United States of America/Canada. The winners were those properties which achieved the highest scores during their most recent Leading Hotels' anonymous inspections. A special award was also given to the hotel that achieved the highest inspection score overall.
The 2006 winners of the Commitment to Quality Awards were:
Africa/Middle EastOne&Only Le Touessrok, Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa *
Asia/PacificThe Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia
One&Only Kanuhura, Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives *
EuropeHotel Savoy, Florence, Italy
One Aldwych, London, England, United Kingdom *
Mexico/Caribbean/South AmericaCopacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carlisle Bay, Antigua *
United States of America/Canada The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows, Beverly Hills, California, USA
Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California, USA *
Highest Score Overall Hotel Savoy, Florence, Italy
* denotes a Leading Small HotelLeaders Club AwardsThe winners of the Eighth Annual Leaders Club Awards were revealed. The principal criteria in determining the winners were the appreciation letters received by the Leaders Club Services Department from Club members themselves.
Taking the Gold Award this year was
The Hay Adams in Washington, DC; the Silver Award was presented to
Langham Hotel London; and the Bronze Award went to
Villa d'Este on Lake Como in Italy.
Juan Gaspart ScholarshipAnd finally, the winner of fourth Annual Juan Gaspart Scholarship, recognizing an outstanding employee of a Leading Hotel pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, was announced. Ms. Isabella Brusco, assistant to the general manager of Villa d'Este, was the author of the winning 500-word essay on the topic of "The effects of non-monetary employee benefits on employee motivation," selected from dozens submitted from around the world.
Paul M. McManus, president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., said, "Throughout our company's history, our hotels have set the standards for excellence in hospitality and service. It is our pleasure to recognize their numerous achievements in not only in providing their guests with the ultimate luxury experience, but also for their efforts to promote responsible tourism."
