(openPR) - SINGAPORE, 5 June 2009 – Pierre U. Stacher, General Manager of Swissôtel Sydney, has been honoured with the prestigious Australian ‘National Tourism Legend’ award at the 2009 Tourism Training Australia National Conference. The awards, hosted by Tourism Training Australia, were presented at a lavish gala dinner.

Pierre U. Stacher joins an elite group of highly respected tourism and hospitality professionals who have been recognised for their strong leadership and valuable contribution to the Australian tourism and hospitality industry. These awards are only presented once every decade, making this recognition a truly remarkable achievement.

Tourism Training Australia first introduced the ‘National Tourism Legend’ award of Australia in 1999 to recognise the significant contributions of tourism and hospitality professionals throughout Australia to the industry. Winners, selected by the board of Tourism Training Australia, must be nominated and must have dedicated no less than 10 years to leadership and training within the industry.

Tourism Training Australia, established in 1982, is the leading national industry training advisory association, managing and implementing national training systems and initiatives for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The organisation brings together a large number of training partners, including industry, government, unions, private and public training providers, industry associations, universities and students/trainees.

With extensive multicultural and multinational experience within the industry, Pierre has worked on five continents and in ten countries including two previous assignments in Australia, first in the 70’s and again in the 90’s. He returned to Australia for the third time in 2007 as General Manager of Swissôtel Sydney.

Prior to this appointment, Pierre served as General Manager at Swissôtel Zurich and before that, Swissôtel Basel. He first joined Swissôtel in 1989 when it was Swissair Swissôtel Management Ltd and has helmed several Swissôtel properties around the world. His vast experience includes stints with several international hospitality chains including Hilton International, Holiday Inn and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and whilst heading Hayman Island Resort, has led the resort to win several awards and accolades.

Mr Meinhard Huck, President, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts remarks on the award, “Our Swissôtel credo of “A Passion for Perfection” means not only an unyielding commitment to quality and reliability but also notably, sustainability in terms of building a legacy of developing talent within each of the communities that we operate. I congratulate Pierre on this deserving achievement and I am proud that we work with colleagues who are highly respected in their local community as well as within the hospitality industry”.

Mr Stacher adds “When I arrived here in the 70’s professional careers in hospitality and tourism were relatively undervalued. I wanted to help promote careers for young professionals within the industry. Today, it satisfies me to see these young professionals forging strong careers and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help shape and develop such talent. I am honoured to receive this award but must share it with those who have helped me achieve such recognition”.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today’s discerning business and leisure travellers, combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, contemporary and modern design. Each Swissôtel hotel offers personalised service with charm and efficiency. Located in main gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels have convenient access to business and shopping districts, and local attractions. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide have won prestigious awards and accolades.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts under development:
Swissôtel Dresden, Germany (Opening 2010)

www.swissotel.com

Carolyn Tay
Director Media Relations
Asia Pacific
Swissotel Hotels & Resorts
2 Stamford Road #05-01
Raffles City Convention Centre
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6431 6957
Emai: carolyn.tay@swissotel.com