7 March, 2007

Berlin, Germany - Today Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) was awarded the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) Pioneer Award.

As the European hotel investment community came together for the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Patricia Monteson, ISHC President and Angelos Loizou, member of the board of directors and ISHC treasurer presenting the ISHC Pioneer Award to Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

Each year ISHC recognises a industry leader for their outstanding contribution, vision and improvement to the hospitality industry. Previous winners include Regis Bulot in 2004, Costakis Loizou in 2005 and Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou in 2006.

At the official presentation Angelos Loizou said "Jean-Claude Baumgarten exemplifies the pioneering spirit in a multitude of ways stemming from his active involvement in the airline industry to today through his work at the Council."

Accepting the Award Jean-Claude Baumgarten said, "It is a great honour for me to receive this Award. Travel & Tourism has a significant impact on economies and society. Bringing people and communities from different cultures together is a noble mission and I am proud to be a part of it."

ENDS

About the World Travel & Tourism Council
WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.
WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing approximately 230 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.
About the ISHC
The International Society o Hospitality Consultants is a professional society of leading consultants in the hospitality industry. For additional information please visit the ISHC web site at www.ishc.com.

For further information please contact WTTC at enquiries@wttc.org.