The Leela Palaces And Resorts Sweep Hospitality Oscars

For the first time in India, all three properties of the premium Leela Group of Hotels, in Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa, won the prestigious 2005 International Five Star Diamond Award and chairman of The Group Captain C P Krishnan Nair was the first Indian ever to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Amongst the past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award are Horst Shulze, president of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, and Isadore Sharp, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Bestowed by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, based in New York, USA, this award recognises commitment towards excellence in performance and service. In-depth evaluations were conducted incognito on service delivery, facilities, ambience, attitude, gastronomy, cleanliness and above all, hospitality standards.

Commenting on this achievement, Nair said "It was an immensely proud moment as I found myself sharing the stage with Robert Burns, Miss Universe and the President of the Academy at the ITB award ceremony. I was both honoured and delighted to be the first Premium Hotel Group in India to win this recognition for both a lifetime of personal achievements as well as for The Group's excellence in performance and service. This award was possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of my 4,800 strong employees to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude."

With this award The Leela joins league with past recipients Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. Nair believes, "This achievement is our contribution to raising the global perception of India's hospitality industry."

Capt C P Krishnan Nair, chairman, The Leela Palace & Resorts (2nd Left) being presented the International 5-Star Diamond Award by Joseph D Cinque, president of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences along with reigning Miss America and Miss Universe