In Paris, we met in the historic boardroom of our French. Member UMIH (Union des Métiers et des Industries de l’Hôtellerie) at the kind invitation of UMIH President André Daguin. This return to the UMIH boardroom was quite an historic moment for the Association, which was founded in Paris just over 60 years ago, as André Daguin reminded us in his words of welcome. IH&RA, in turn, is delighted to have André Daguin back on the Board as Restaurant Representative.

In this newsletter you will find a brief report on the Board meeting and key decisions taken, updates on our work with the international organisations, news from and about our Members and a special focus on Security - which remains a key issue for our industry.

My recent travels gave me an opportunity to meet privately in Geneva with the Secretary-General of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Mr Alan Bryden, and key members of his staff, to review how hospitality industry concerns would be addressed in the future work of TC 228. As a result of this meeting, Mr Kevin McKinley attended the Board meeting in Paris to make a presentation on ISO, its structure and activities, and answer the many questions raised by Board Members. Also attending from the UN World Tourism Organisation was Mr Eugenio Yunis, Head of Programmes & Coordination, who addressed the issue of Climate Change - focusing on how it impacts and is impacted by the Tourism industry – and what we as hospitality professionals can do about it.

I also has opportunities to speak with Francesco Frangialli, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation, both at the Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities held in Hammamet, Tunisia and again in Cairo, at the UNWTO Conference on Safety & Security in the Middle East where I gave a presentation on behalf of the Hospitality industry (see special “Focus on Security” section to access the full presentation).

Before closing, I would like to renew my congratulations to the British Hospitality Association which has just celebrated its Centenary in London on 27 June. It was an honour to represent IH&RA at this illustrious industry event.

There will be no newsletter in August – so I look forward to renewing contact in September. In the meantime, make sure you register as soon as possible for the IH&RA Annual Congress to be held in Amman, Jordan, on 18-19 October! (see Congress article in this newsletter for all relevant information). Don’t miss this great industry event!

Sincerely