Dear Members, Dear Friends

I wish to covey to everyone my very best wishes for 2011!

In the past few months, many Sections have experienced everything from an upturn in business to the unforseen natural disasters like the floods in Australia and Brazil. In times like these, must always remember to show our continued support to all our Members.

Autumn has been most eventful. In October, the Executive Committee, together with Zone Directors and Committee de Sages, held the annual Face to Face meeting which was graciously hosted by the Dubai Members of the UAE Section. I was able to experience first-hand the Capital City of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, met with members of the local Tourism Office and had site visits to many of our Members' hotels. The International Herald Tribune was a great partner for the events of such a busy week and we share many great memories of Dubai's Burj Khalifa and the exhilarating sand-dune evening under the stars. Thank you to our UAE Members for the wonderful hospitality you have shown us.

In late November, I had the heartfelt honour of attending a Memorial Service for Andras Gunst, our dear friend and Member of our Committee de Sages. Andras was the cornerstone of our Hungarian Section and Founding Member of Les Clef d'Or Hungary. His sudden passing was an unexpected shock and very difficult for all of us and his family. I must thank Tamas Ungar, Hungarian President, along with the Members of LCD Hungary, for organizing a beautiful and reverent tribute to Andras which celebrated his many life achievements. Andras is sadly missed and will ever live in our hearts.

In early December, I was delighted to join Aldo Giacomello, Claudio Caser, John Sun Dong and the Members of LCD China for the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Les Clefs d'Or China in Chongqing. It was a wonderful week and we had an amazing visit to the geological wonders of the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong County. Prior to our arrival, we had the pleasure of spending an amazing evening in Hong Kong with Fred Lui, President of the Hong Kong Section and his Executive Board of Directors. Thank you again, Fred, for such great reception and sumptuous meal.

Whilst in Chongqing, I had the opportunity to meet with the local Minister of Tourism and also members of the local Press who showed great interest in Les Clefs d’Or and the professionalism that we represent. A big “Thank You” goes to Daniela Cerboni from American Express for her continued support of this Meeting and the many other American Express sponsored meetings during 2010. We are indeed grateful for Daniela's generosity and enthusiasm for our Association..

I wish you all the best and I am looking forward to seeing you at our next International Congress in the great City of Toronto in April 2011. The Congress Programs and Workshops are insightful and promise to be of great professional benefit to us all. See you there!

Very best personal regards,

Robert Watson
International President