The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) will present the 23rd Lifetime Achievement Award to David Kong, former CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts at IHIF 2022.
Kong, who served 17 years as president and CEO before retiring last year, will receive the honour in recognition of his leadership at the helm of Best Western Hotels & Resorts and his unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive hospitality sector.
During his 17-year tenure as CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Kong grew the company from one brand to 18 and under his leadership the company saw unprecedented RevPAR and EBITDA growth.
On receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, David Kong said: “It is a tremendous honor to receive this year’s International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Lifetime Achievement Award, after serving in an industry that is so near and dear to my heart.
“I have spent my entire career in the hospitality industry, and the last 17 years serving as the President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts have been supremely rewarding, as we achieved record breaking results in brand growth, revenue delivery, as well as guest and hotel satisfaction.
“As one of only a few people of color to lead a major American-based hotel company, I know firsthand the importance of a diverse workforce. As I look to what’s ahead, I’m excited about continuing my work in increasing diversity, equity and inclusion by ensuring women and minority groups have equal opportunities to achieve their career aspirations within this rewarding industry.”
The award will be presented to Kong at IHIF in Berlin on 5 May where he will also take part in a Q&A.
Organized by Questex Hospitality Group, IHIF is the leading event in the global hotel industry calendar, attracting senior leaders and top brands from over 80 countries, including global investors, asset managers and leading hoteliers.
With a core focus on people, planet and profit, this year’s program will feature 180 world class speakers across three days of thought-provoking content.
Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Questex Travel and Hospitality, said: “The IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the hospitality sector and David Kong more than qualifies for this. Having spent his life working in hospitality and championing a more diverse and inclusive working environment, he is a beacon for hotel leaders of the future and a worthy recipient of this accolade. Congratulations.”
For more information and to register for IHIF (3-5 May 2022) visit www.ihif.com.
Questex Hospitality Group, a division of Questex LLC, represents a senior audience of $650 billion in hotel assets, reaching one in two hotel owners and operators across the globe. With a portfolio of both media and live events, including Hospitality Insights, The Annual Hotel Conference (AHC), The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), and The Resort & Residential Hospitality Forum (R&R), Questex Hospitality Group brings together leaders in hospitality investment, development and operations to make the deals that shape recovery and growth in the sector.
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