Four industry leaders have been inducted into the Global Travel Hall of Fame at a ceremony in London.
The event took place at Red Carnation Hotels’ The Chesterfield hotel and was hosted by Travel Weekly parent company Jacobs Media Group in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council and The Travel Corporation’s Treadright Foundation.
The 2023 inductees were:
Puneet Chhatwal, chief executive of Taj Hotels owner The Indian Hotels Company, who was hailed for leaving “an indelible mark on the sector worldwide, consistently delivering exceptional results and pioneering innovation in various leadership roles”.
Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, who was honoured for “his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic. Recognised by President Joe Biden and organisations such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation, he is celebrated as a global hospitality titan and a transformative, visionary and inclusive leader”.
Darrell Wade, co-founder & chairman of Intrepid Travel, who since 1989 has operated Intrepid “as a way to explore the world in a sustainable and authentic way that gives back to the communities visited”.
Ibrahim Osta, senior advisor for economic growth & trade and chief tourism advisor at economic development specialist Chemonics International, who was praised for “aiding various governments in tourism policy reform to build resilience, attract investment and embrace culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism practices”.
The event also included the presentation of a sustainable business award, won by Radisson Hotel Group, and the individual contribution to sustainability award, which was awarded to responsible tourism pioneer Harold Goodwin.
Speaking at the event, Jacobs Media Group chairman Clive Jacobs (pictured) said: “For the past quarter of a century, the Global Travel Hall of Fame has recognised those who have had a profound impact on the travel, hospitality and tourism sectors.
“Membership is bestowed on only the most successful and exceptional individuals, and it is a huge honour for Jacobs Media Group to have been the custodian of this great institution since its acquisition in 2014.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners and inductees whose careers we celebrate this evening.”
He added: “There can be no doubt our industry faces many challenges, from geopolitics and the need to ensure sustainable operations to the implementation of emerging technologies.
“But as we have proven time and again, we are a resilient, innovative and influential sector, and I have no doubt we will continue to evolve and thrive under the leadership of the people and brands present here tonight.”
The 2023 Global Travel Hall of Fame was supported by Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority and Intrepid Travel.