Hotel ICON Wins 2017 PATA Grand Award

Founded in 1951, the not-for-profit PATA is a leading voice and authority on travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The PATA Awards put the spotlight on internationally acclaimed organisations for their innovation and excellence in the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within this region.

 “It is a great honour for Hotel ICON to be recognised by a global and renowned platform such as PATA and this can only add to our commitment in developing the next generation of Asian hospitality experts with our inspiring work-integrated programmes. We are also proud to be the only independent hotel to receive this prestigious award and I must thank my team for their proven dedication,” said Mr Richard Hatter, the general manager of Hotel ICON, the first teaching and research hotel of its kind, with all hotel profits going directly back into the education and training for the students.

 Under the umbrella of ‘Being Brilliant Together’, Hotel ICON’s work-integrated academic programmes cater to students of all levels, regardless of whether the participant is a bachelor degree or master degree student. The ‘Unlike Any Other Internships’ and ‘Elite Management Programme’ emphasise on inventive-based learning that creates outstanding ambassadors for the region’s tourism industry. Both programmes expose students to the duties and responsibilities of Hotel ICON executives, enabling them to have an insight into various hotel divisions. Designed to give students an overview of hotel operations, the programmes also help them appreciate the connections between a hotel’s key departments and prepares them for managerial roles after graduation.

Dr Mario Hardy, PATA CEO added, “On behalf of PATA, congratulations to all 2017 Grand and Gold Award winners. We are positive that the successful achievements by Hotel ICON and other winning organisations will continue to reinforce the values of PATA in working towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region”.