PRESiDENT’S
LETTER
In the past two years since the International Luxury Hotel Association
evolved from the Luxury Hoteliers community, we have been
quickly growing and steadily moving towards our goal of becoming
the preeminent organization unifying, advancing and promoting
luxury hospitality worldwide. Luxury Hoteliers Magazine now has
an audience of over 30,000 worldwide, while ILHA Smartbrief is
considered the leading daily news source for luxury hospitality.
As our industry adapts to wave after wave of change brought
by globalization and new technologies, we strive to help our
membership network stay competitive.
Last month we hosted our 2nd annual conference and exhibition
in Orlando. Over 250 attendees gained valuable insights and
actionable tactics from leaders of the most recognized brands in
luxury hospitality, while connecting with their peers from around the
world. They also enjoyed the opportunity to experience food and
festivities while discovering the world of wellness and medical travel
in the exhibit hall, which saw over 3,000 visitors. Highlights included
a visit from Roxy the elephant, live Florida alligators and Universal
Studio’s Blues Brothers band.
Next year we return to Washington D.C. in late Sept for our 3rd
annual conference and exhibition (ILHA Pinnacle Summit) to explore
the latest industry trends, wellness programs that work, delivering
luxury through technology and much more.
By the time you read this article the ILHA LinkedIn group, called the Hospitality & Travel Forum, will have passed a quarter
million members in 90+ countries. In 2016 we also plan to host our first events outside the US. I would like to use this
opportunity to ask our hoteliers abroad to contact us if they are interested in becoming a host site.
In the first quarter of 2016 we will also be launching our luxury service certification program which is headed up by Dr.
Lily Lynn who has been involved in course development for many years at the renowned Hague Hotel School in the
Netherlands.
It’s going to be an exciting year in 2016 but we don’t expect to accomplish great things in a vacuum, we need to hear from
you. Send us suggestions on how we can help you and your business be successful.
Thank you,
Barak Hirschowitz,
President, International Luxury Hotel Association
ILHA 3