Latest news with #WilliamHeinecke
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
FHS Africa 2025 honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany
FHS Africa 2025 will honour William Heinecke, David Green, and Hala Matar Choufany for transformative leadership and impact in global hospitality. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time – and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development – supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. 'Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,' Green reflected. 'It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.' Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation – principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. 'True leadership is not about titles or accolades,' she said. 'It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.' All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry – visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.' FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Pioneering Entrepreneur William Heinecke Inducted into School of Hotel and Tourism Management Gallery of Honour
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr William HEINECKE, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on 16 May 2025, the same day he was bestowed the esteemed SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honour. At the gala dinner, Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, said, 'As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr Heinecke's name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in the region and around the world. He is a stellar role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all.' A trailblazer and an accomplished entrepreneur, Mr Heinecke's exemplary achievements have not only played an important role in raising the level of the hospitality business in the region and globally but also helped transform it through his distinctive vision. As a passionate advocate for hospitality and tourism education, he has ardently supported the SHTM and is truly deserving of this award. Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the SHTM. For me, hospitality is so much more than offering a place to stay – it is about creating transformative experiences that bring people together, spark positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of every destination. I hope this honour will encourage the next generation of hospitality leaders to push boundaries, embrace lifelong learning, and strive for excellence at every turn. Mr William Heinecke Mr Heinecke's leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small start-up into one of the world's largest hospitality groups. His career began at the young age of 17, when he launched his first company while still in high school. In the years that followed, he expanded what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group to embrace a range of brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection and Tivoli. Under his visionary leadership, Minor Hotels – which now boasts over 600 hotels in 63 countries – was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development. In his role as Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Mr Heinecke also oversees Minor Food, one of Asia's largest restaurant companies with more than 2,500 outlets globally, and Minor Lifestyle which operates nearly 400 retail stores. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively engaged in philanthropic endeavours including setting up the Heinecke Foundation to support education for less fortunate children, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to seek to improve the welfare of elephants, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help rejuvenate the turtle population in the Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand. He has also been involved in the annual St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala and Auction, contributing to the fundraising for nominated organisations under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. Highly regarded for his exemplary accomplishments in hospitality, Mr Heinecke was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022 and HOTELS magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2013, he authored the book The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. He was also the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and sat on the Prime Minister's Foreign Investment Advisory Council. Mr Heinecke's contributions continue to inspire and transform the industry, making him stand out as a beacon of excellence. The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism. Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr William Heinecke. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this dynamic global industry. Dean Chon The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the world's most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, recognising the true leaders who have helped define the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry. About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality and Tourism Management" category in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for the eighth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the "Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services" category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2023/2024 for seven years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism" subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the "Hospitality and Leisure Management" subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism. The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School's groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry. Website: Kelly Wang Assistant Officer +852 3400-2639 Hong Kong PolyU
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minor Hotels announces Avani+ Fujairah Resort
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates over 560 hotels in 58 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, has signed a deal for Avani+ Fujairah Resort in the UAE. Set to open in 2028, the new-build property will mark the debut of the Avani brand in the emirate of Fujairah and represents the brand's first resort product in the country. The signing further strengthens Minor Hotels' strategic presence in the UAE and underscores the group's commitment to expanding its Avani portfolio in key leisure destinations across the region. Located on Fujairah's eastern coastline along the Gulf of Oman, the beachfront resort comprises 232 contemporary hotel rooms and 16 expansive villas ranging from three to five bedrooms. Designed to cater to both families and couples, select accommodation options will include private pools and direct lagoon access—unique features within the Fujairah hospitality landscape. Developed in collaboration with Al Fahim, one of the UAE's most respected family-owned conglomerates and long-time partner of Minor Hotels, the new resort builds on the successful relationship between the two groups, following the opening of Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. Through its hospitality investment arm, Emirates Property Investment Company (EPICO), Al Fahim continues to drive growth and innovation within the UAE's real estate and hospitality sectors. William Heinecke, Chairman & Founder of Minor International, commented: 'The signing of Avani+ Fujairah Resort is a key step in our continued growth across the Middle East reflecting the rising strength of the Avani brand. We're pleased to expand our valued partnership with Al Fahim Group and bring new energy to one of the UAE's most exciting destinations.' 'We're pleased to announce the launch of Avani+ Fujairah Resort, marking a key milestone for the Avani brand in the UAE and our first resort in the emirate,' said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International. 'Fujairah's potential as a leisure destination aligns perfectly with Avani's focus on stylish, experience-led hospitality. We're also proud to strengthen our valued partnership with Al Fahim through this project.' Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim, added: 'We are proud to partner once again with Minor Hotels to bring Avani Hotels to Fujairah. Our continued investment reflects our confidence in its strong positioning and guest appeal. With Fujairah's natural beauty and growing tourism profile, the resort is well placed to be a standout addition to our portfolio.' Avani+ Fujairah Resort will feature a range of dining and leisure facilities designed to elevate the guest experience, including an AvaniSpa, a rooftop grill restaurant, a vibrant poolside bar and restaurant, an all-day dining destination, and The Pantry, Avani's signature grab-and-go concept. Additional amenities will include an AvaniFit fitness and wellness centre, a swimming pool, and dedicated AvaniKids and teens' facilities, including a splash pool and club space. For business and bleisure travellers, the resort will also offer MICE facilities, including meeting rooms and function space for banquets and special occasions. The resort is tailored to offer a seamless blend of relaxation, recreation, and productivity for a wide variety of travellers, from multi-generational families to couples and professionals seeking a coastal escape. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Minor Hotels announces Avani+ Fujairah Resort
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates over 560 hotels in 58 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, has signed a deal for Avani+ Fujairah Resort in the UAE. Set to open in 2028, the new-build property will mark the debut of the Avani brand in the emirate of Fujairah and represents the brand's first resort product in the country. The signing further strengthens Minor Hotels' strategic presence in the UAE and underscores the group's commitment to expanding its Avani portfolio in key leisure destinations across the region. Located on Fujairah's eastern coastline along the Gulf of Oman, the beachfront resort comprises 232 contemporary hotel rooms and 16 expansive villas ranging from three to five bedrooms. Designed to cater to both families and couples, select accommodation options will include private pools and direct lagoon access—unique features within the Fujairah hospitality landscape. Developed in collaboration with Al Fahim, one of the UAE's most respected family-owned conglomerates and long-time partner of Minor Hotels, the new resort builds on the successful relationship between the two groups, following the opening of Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. Through its hospitality investment arm, Emirates Property Investment Company (EPICO), Al Fahim continues to drive growth and innovation within the UAE's real estate and hospitality sectors. William Heinecke, Chairman & Founder of Minor International, commented: 'The signing of Avani+ Fujairah Resort is a key step in our continued growth across the Middle East reflecting the rising strength of the Avani brand. We're pleased to expand our valued partnership with Al Fahim Group and bring new energy to one of the UAE's most exciting destinations.' 'We're pleased to announce the launch of Avani+ Fujairah Resort, marking a key milestone for the Avani brand in the UAE and our first resort in the emirate,' said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International. 'Fujairah's potential as a leisure destination aligns perfectly with Avani's focus on stylish, experience-led hospitality. We're also proud to strengthen our valued partnership with Al Fahim through this project.' Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim, added: 'We are proud to partner once again with Minor Hotels to bring Avani Hotels to Fujairah. Our continued investment reflects our confidence in its strong positioning and guest appeal. With Fujairah's natural beauty and growing tourism profile, the resort is well placed to be a standout addition to our portfolio.' Avani+ Fujairah Resort will feature a range of dining and leisure facilities designed to elevate the guest experience, including an AvaniSpa, a rooftop grill restaurant, a vibrant poolside bar and restaurant, an all-day dining destination, and The Pantry, Avani's signature grab-and-go concept. Additional amenities will include an AvaniFit fitness and wellness centre, a swimming pool, and dedicated AvaniKids and teens' facilities, including a splash pool and club space. For business and bleisure travellers, the resort will also offer MICE facilities, including meeting rooms and function space for banquets and special occasions. The resort is tailored to offer a seamless blend of relaxation, recreation, and productivity for a wide variety of travellers, from multi-generational families to couples and professionals seeking a coastal escape. - TradeArabia News Service
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Minor Hotels announces launch of Avani+ Fujairah Resort in 2028 in UAE first
Minor Hotels has announced a new agreement to develop Avani+ Fujairah Resort in the United Arab Emirates. The beachfront property, set to open in 2028, will be the first Avani-branded resort in Fujairah. The new-build resort will feature 232 hotel rooms and 16 villas with three to five bedrooms. Some accommodation options will include private pools and direct lagoon access, which the company notes are unique offerings in the Fujairah hospitality market. Minor Hotels grows presence William Heinecke, Chairman & Founder of Minor International, said: 'The signing of Avani+ Fujairah Resort is a key step in our continued growth across the Middle East, reflecting the rising strength of the Avani brand. We're pleased to expand our valued partnership with Al Fahim Group and bring new energy to one of the UAE's most exciting destinations.' The project represents a continued partnership between Minor Hotels and Al Fahim, a UAE-based conglomerate. The two organisations previously collaborated on the Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, added: 'We're pleased to announce the launch of Avani+ Fujairah Resort, marking a key milestone for the Avani brand in the UAE and our first resort in the emirate. Fujairah's potential as a leisure destination aligns perfectly with Avani's focus on stylish, experience-led hospitality. We're also proud to strengthen our valued partnership with Al Fahim through this project.' The resort will be located on Fujairah's eastern coastline along the Gulf of Oman. Facilities will include an AvaniSpa, several dining venues including a rooftop grill restaurant and a poolside bar, and The Pantry grab-and-go concept. The property will also feature fitness facilities, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for children and teens. For business travellers, the resort will offer meeting rooms and function spaces for events. 'We are proud to partner once again with Minor Hotels to bring Avani Hotels to Fujairah. Our continued investment reflects our confidence in its strong positioning and guest appeal. With Fujairah's natural beauty and growing tourism profile, the resort is well placed to be a standout addition to our portfolio,' Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim explained. The development expands Minor Hotels' presence in the UAE, where it currently operates over 560 hotels across 58 countries in various regions including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.
