The global hospitality industry celebrated another historic milestone on 5 June 2026. Mr Horst Schulze, founding member of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and founder of the Capella Hotel Group, was officially inducted into the Gallery of Honour of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
The induction took place during a celebratory gala dinner, where Mr Schulze was also bestowed the prestigious SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding career and lasting contributions to the industry.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from SHTM", said Mr Schulze. "Hospitality is ultimately about people—creating meaningful experiences through genuine care and service excellence. I am especially encouraged to see the School's continued commitment to nurturing future leaders who will carry our industry forward. I look forward to supporting the development of the next generation as they shape the industry with integrity, passion and purpose".
In her tribute, Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman of the SHTM International Advisory Board and Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Banyan Group, highlighted the broader impact of collaboration with the industry. "As Co-founder of Banyan Group, it is my privilege to contribute—together with SHTM—to the future of our industry through the development of the School and its future leaders", she said. "This aligns closely with Banyan Group's philosophy: from one vision has emerged many possibilities, each shaped by its own landscape, culture and community. Together, they reflect the many ways hospitality can create value far beyond the guest experience".
In offering his congratulations, Prof Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, underscored Mr Schulze's profound influence in the industry. "A visionary in luxury hospitality, Mr Schulze has set the gold standard for service excellence. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to quality have profoundly shaped the global hospitality landscape. A passionate advocate for hospitality and tourism education and a long-time supporter of SHTM, he truly deserves this honour".
A pioneer in luxury hospitality, Mr Schulze was a founding member of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983, where he established service principles and operating standards that remain global benchmarks today. During his tenure as President and Chief Operating Officer, he led the company's international operations, overseeing approximately US$2 billion in revenue. He later founded the Capella Hotel Group, continuing to redefine modern luxury through a portfolio of exceptional properties renowned for their cultural authenticity and personalised service.
Beyond his achievements in the industry, Mr Schulze is a fervent advocate for education; he currently sits on the SHTM International Advisory Board, where he contributes his expertise to the development of future industry leaders.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr Schulze has received numerous accolades. He was named "Corporate Hotelier of the World" by HOTELS magazine in 1991 and received the Ishikawa Medal in 1995 for his contribution to the global quality movement. In 1999, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University.
More recently, he received the "Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award" from Historic Hotels of America. In 2022, Auburn University named its hospitality school "The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management" in recognition of his lasting legacy. He is also the author of Excellence Wins (2019), which has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and has inspired leaders in various industries.
At the close of the evening, Dean Chon remarked: "At SHTM, we are proud to be a global leader in hospitality and tourism education and research. Our mission is strengthened by the support and inspiration of industry leaders, such as Mr Schulze. Together with our partners, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of talent who will shape the future of this dynamic industry".
Located in the SHTM lobby, the Gallery of Honour features portraits of distinguished recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, representing the world's most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School created the Award to honour individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, recognising true leaders who have helped shaped the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry.
|
|
