Wrapping up 2023 - HoteliersGuild Review

"2023 Unwrapped: A Year of Triumphs and Trials in HoteliersGuild"

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Allow me to begin this review with a rather personal note. In a recent interview, the gracious host bestowed upon me the title of 'A true Visionary.' While flattering, I find myself contemplating this accolade. Am I truly a visionary? In all honesty, I see myself more as an enabler. My role at the HoteliersGuild, as I perceive it, is to enable the visions of others. To me, being an enabler is not just about providing the necessary tools, guidance, and support for others to achieve their dreams. It also involves a rather curious ability I seem to possess - convincing even the most renowned and wiser professionals from around the world to devote their part of their time and expertise to our noble cause. This ability to persuade and inspire, often leading experts far more knowledgeable than myself, has been a key factor in turning visions into realities. In harnessing their wisdom and experience, we’ve been able to craft a collective vision for the future that is far more expansive and inclusive than anything I could have imagined alone. Together, we've shaped a path forward that is enriched by diverse perspectives and expertise.

Embracing this role with both humility and pride, I acknowledge that my part in this journey is less about being a visionary and more about being a catalyst - someone who brings together different elements and watches as something greater than the sum of its parts begins to take shape. This, I believe, is the true essence of the HoteliersGuild, and it is a role that I am both honoured and delighted to fulfil.

Now, as we look back on the year 2023, it's customary - and perhaps rightly so - for reviews to shimmer with tales of incredible successes. Yet, the truth is, the measure of our strength lies not just in our victories, but also in how we unite and inspire others towards a common good, and in how we face and learn from our defeats. So, let me start with a candid admission of setbacks in two projects very close to my heart.

The BEYONDCUISINE initiative, born from a deep-seated desire to uplift and celebrate black female chefs in the culinary world, embarked on a challenging journey this year. With its ambitious vision and the backing of experts from both the hospitality industry and international academia, the initiative held the promise of heralding a new era. It was a vibrant tapestry woven with the talents of both established and emerging black female chefs – individuals who have long been overlooked and underrepresented, yet brimming with unmatched skills and rich culinary and cultural narratives.

We had rallied a formidable team of black expert educators, ready to lend their wisdom and experience. The enthusiasm was palpable, the commitment seemed unwavering. However, the path to change is often strewn with unforeseen hurdles. Our steadfast stance against certain rating institutions, criticised for their lack of racial sensitivity, unexpectedly led to a withdrawal of support from key allies. This included some of the very chefs we sought to elevate and, perhaps more surprisingly, a retreat by the academic personalities that had initially pledged their wholehearted support.

This series of events served as a profound reminder of the intricate and often challenging dynamics within the hospitality industry. It underscored the need for more strategic, nuanced advocacy that can navigate these complexities without losing sight of the core mission.

Yet, amidst these challenges, BEYONDCUISINE has emerged as a poignant learning experience. It has taught us the importance of balance – balancing the act of championing underrepresented talent with the ambitious task of addressing deep-seated systemic issues in the culinary world. It has reinforced the notion that our strength lies in our collective action and resolve.

This journey, though marked by obstacles, is far from over. It is a pledge from us that we will not give up. We remain firm in our commitment to these incredible chefs and educators. We recognize that every setback is not a signal to retreat but a call to reassess, regroup, and forge ahead with renewed vigour and refined strategies. BEYONDCUISINE is more than an initiative; it's a symbol of our resolute dedication to diversity, equity, and excellence in the culinary arts. We are determined in our mission, learning from the past and looking towards a future where every talented chef has the spotlight they deserve.

On another front, our LeadingHôtelières Chapter, which shone brilliantly during the challenging Covid period, seems to have lost some momentum. The chapter emerged as a beacon of resilience and strength, brilliantly illuminating the path for women in hospitality. This vibrant group, predominantly composed of self-employed and indomitably spirited ladies, navigated the stormy seas of the pandemic with admirable fortitude and grace. However, as the world transitions into the post-Covid landscape, this remarkable chapter has encountered new challenges, seeing a slight wane in the momentum that once propelled it forward.

This pivotal initiative, crafted with the core mission of empowering women within the hospitality industry, now stands at a crucial juncture. As we step into 2024, there's a palpable need for a fresh surge of energy and inspiration to revitalise the LeadingHôtelières Chapter. The task ahead is not just about regaining lost ground but about rekindling the same fiery passion and unyielding determination that were the hallmarks of its success during the pandemic.

Fast forward with a focus on the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts: I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone achieved by the SIRIUSACADEMYCAMPAIGN in 2023. In a remarkable effort to empower the next generation of hospitality leaders, 20 talented female students from Uganda and Kenya have been successfully enrolled in Bachelor Courses for hotel management at the IU International University of Applied Sciences. This achievement was made possible through the meticulous vetting process conducted by our strategic partner Study Access Alliance, in collaboration with our NGO partners Mully Children's Family and Artsy Africa. To further celebrate this achievement, we are in the process of preparing a new instalment of the VoicesOfAfrica video series. This series will feature our students directly addressing their esteemed sponsors, providing updates on their academic and personal growth, and extending their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities afforded to them. This initiative not only underscores our commitment to fostering global talent but also brings to light the profound impact of our collective efforts in shaping the futures of these promising young individuals. Additionally, we extend our congratulations to IU International University of Applied Sciences for its remarkable acceptance into UNICEF’s Global Educational Coalition, a major achievement that significantly bolsters our ongoing efforts and collaboration Lastly, the integration of HoteliersGuild into the CHC-CoutureHospitalityConcept collaborative holds immense promise. This partnership is a strategic alignment that brings together our expertise in luxury hospitality with CHC's renowned prowess in creating bespoke hospitality experiences. The synergy between our organisations is poised to set new benchmarks in the industry and create unparalleled experiences for our guests and clients.

In 2023, HoteliersGuild maintained its commitment to exclusivity and high standards, with membership remaining highly selective. This year, we proudly welcomed only four new members, two of them lady hôtelières, into our esteemed community, each bringing unique insights and valuable contributions to our guild. In keeping with our tradition of upholding the highest standards in the hospitality industry, we continue to stand firm in our decision not to accept unsolicited applications. This selective approach ensures that our guild remains a distinguished assembly of the most dedicated and innovative leaders in the field, fostering an environment of excellence and mutual growth."

As we move forward, we embrace both our successes and the lessons learned from our setbacks.

Each step, whether forward or backward, is a valuable part of our journey towards excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.

And as we now close this chapter on 2023, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks, on behalf of both the HoteliersGuild and the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts, to all of our esteemed members, donors, and supporters around the globe. Your unwavering commitment and generous support have been the cornerstone of our success and progress throughout the year. Special thanks go out to: •

Lindsey Ueberroth of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hon. Co-founder of the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts, curator of the SIRIUSACADEMYCAMPAIGN and first generous donor for our scholarships drive.

•

Dr. Jeffrey O and Prof. Dr. David Rempel, Chair and Co-chair respectively of the Academy

•

Tea Colaianni of WIHTL, Aradhana Khowala of APTAMIND PARTNERS and Peter Ricci for their generous individual sponsorships

•

Ya s m i n e M a h m o u d i e h a n d A r i P e r a l t a f o r t h e i r d e s i g n o f t h e m a g n i fi c e n c e SIRIUSADADEMYAWARD winner trophy

•

Sven Schuett of IU International University of Applied Sciences and Luise Wittmann of Study Access Alliance for their amazing collaboration

•

Eddie and Basha and their amazing NGO team

•

The great teams of Lobster Experience and 80DAYS for their unwavering support to promote our cause

Your dedication to our noble cause has been nothing short of inspirational. It is because of your collective efforts and belief in our mission that we have been able to make such significant strides in the hospitality industry.

As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited to further deepen and strengthen these invaluable relationships, continuing our journey towards excellence and innovation in hospitality education and practice. Your support in giving back to the industry we all cherish is not just appreciated; it is fundamental to our continued success and impact.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!

Warmest personal regards!

Frank Frank M. Pfaller Founder President HoteliersGuild

2024 SIRIUSACADEMY

CAMPAIGN

Join our

go.fundme

Donation Initiative https://gofund.me/abbf3a37