Dear Friends,

It is already December and I cannot help but reflect on. Where has the year gone ? It was just like yesterday that we were together in Hangzhou.

During my travels this year the message I received from our colleagues was very much the same regardless of what Country or Continent they came from, the message was that 2009 has been a “Challenging Year”, the Hotel industry has suffered, however 2010 will be a year of recovery, let us hope it is a fast and long lasting one.

On the second half of this year I have twice visited our HeadQuarters on Rue Cambon, Paris. Together with members of the Swiss section I met with the Mayor of Vissoie, this meeting was in regards to the project to making Vissoie “The Village of Friendship”. Vissoie is the village in Switzerland that two of our forefathers, Ferdinand and Jean Gillet were born.

Together with Emmanuel Vrettos and Shujaat Khan I visited Lisbon, where the 57th International Congress will take place from January 14th to January 19th. The Lisbon Congress promises to be a memorable one and I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible.

In early November the Executive Board met in Las Vegas for our yearly Face to Face meeting.

In late November I attended the 80th Anniversary celebrations of Les Clefs d’Or France under the auspices of the Paris region. This was a very well attended and orchestrated weekend, and I thank all the French section for their Hospitality and Friendship.

I would like to wish you and all your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays as well as a very Happy New Year.

Yours in Friendship

Robert Watson
International President