International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA)

Welcome to the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA)


Become a Member? Founded in 1946 in Paris, France and move to Geneva, Switzerland as of January 2008. The IH&RA is the only business organisation representing the hospitality industry worldwide. Its members are national hotel and restaurant associations throughout the world, and international and national hotel and restaurant chains representing some 50 brands. Officially recognised by the United Nations, IH&RA monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of this industry, estimated to comprise 300'000 hotels and 8 million restaurants, employ 60 million people and contribute 950 billion USD annually to the global economy.


The New IH&RA “EMERAUDE HOTELIER OF THE YEAR” Award 2008

Starting in 2008, IH&RA has the pleasure to introduce this new green award.
The new EMERAUDE HOTELIER OF THE YEAR 2008 award was won for the first time by Mr. Richard Duvauchelle, Director of the Hotel Palais Stéphanie in Cannes. more information...

46th Annual IH&RA Congress in Monterrey, Mexico

The IH&RA Annual Congress during the 20, 21 and 22 october 2008 has Finished. On the congress web page, a new section call "EVENT REVIEW" was creat for your information. watch the review...

The IH&RA Video Movies Events

Watch the video movies of the past conferences and events.
The IH&RA President, Dr. Ghassan AIDI, was filmed during different seminars such as the UNWTO Davos Conference in Switzerland or the WTO General Assembly. The video shows different aspects and visions of IH&RA’s taken positions on a different topics in the hospitality industry. watch the movies...

Letter from the IH&RA President - September 22th, 2008

Dear friend and member of IH&RA,
Since I became Vice president, few years ago I did recognize the importance of ethics and social responsibility for our Hospitality Industry. My two hotels chain was the first member of IH&RA to sign and adopt the UNWTO Code of the protection of children in tourism... more information...
’’ DON’T LET CHILD ABUSE TRAVEL ! ’’


Letter from the IH&RA President - August 15th, 2008

Dear friend and member of IH&RA,
Sustainable tourism is on the rise : consumer demand is growing, travel industry suppliers are developing new green programs, and governments are creating new policies to encourage sustainable practices in tourism. But what does sustainable tourism really mean and how can it be measured and credibly demonstrated to build consumer confidence, promote efficiency... more information...