International Hotel and Restaurant Awaards

In the tradition of the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, the International Restaurant and Hotel Awards™ is the world’s most prestigious awards ceremony recognizing the best value, moderate and luxury travel establishments that go above and beyond industry standards.

The gala ceremony will be hosted by Mark DeCarlo of the Travel Channel, June 13th, 2008 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Tickets, Premier & VIP Tables can be reserved now at www.IRHAwards.com. (http://ihospitalityawards.com/ticket.php).

Hosted by
MARK DECARLO
of the
Travel Channel

The International Restaurant & Hotel Awards announced sponsors January 17th, 2008 including Michelin Maps and Guides, Villeroy & Boch, Fodor’s Travel Guides, The Chocolate Traveler, L’Occitane, Essence of Vali, Illume, Don Francisco’s Specialty Coffee, Wordlock, Crystal Files & Gifts and Epicuren. Media Partners, Media Sponsors, Advertising Partners & Association Sponsors include Hsyndicate, Hospitalitynet, ARTRAVEL Magazine, Hotel Management International, Winestate, Pastry Art & Design, Boutique Design, Hospitality Magazine, The Tasting Panel, Green Lodging News, Restaurant Report, Chocolatier, Quarterly Review of Wines, Culinary Trends, Cibo, Italian Cooking & Living, ehotelier.com, Food Consultants Society International, WIWIH, Hotel Designs, Restaurant Wine, Nat Decants, International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, Hotels, Franchise Times, Lodging, The Restaurant Standard, Restaurant Business and Nation’s Restaurant News.



2008 INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT & HOTEL AWARDS GRAND RECIPIENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY APRIL 2008

Lifetime Achievement

Visionary of the Year

Travel/Dining Publication of the Year

Designer of the Year

Humanitarian of the Year - Spotlight on New Orleans



HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR - SPOTLIGHT ON NEW ORLEANS

We all remember the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left in its wake, but since that time something extraordinary has happened in New Orleans. People from all over the nation have shown extravagant generosity and demonstrated exceptional efforts in the revitalization of the city. New Orleans was hit hard by the economic impact on tourism but the ability to recover and resume operation shows the resilience of this community.

There are over 31,000 hotel rooms available and hundreds of restaurants to choose from to enjoy fine Southern cuisine. The Crescent City remains dedicated to providing travel and dining experiences that are unforgettable. There are so many dynamic people who have committed endless amounts of time and energy to rebuild and revitalize the area. In this regard, the International Restaurant Hotel and Awards would like to honor one particular individual/company who embodies the true spirit of volunteerism with the inaugural Humanitarian of the Year Award.

In the words of Albert Schweitzer, “Humanitarianism consists in never sacrificing a most notable contribution to his community in a humanitarian sense”. This award will recognize and honor an individual/company who made enduring significant contributions to the city of New Orleans in the travel and dining industry. One individual/company can make a difference in a community for a city that exudes hope, faith and perseverance.

Submisson fees have been waived for all participating New Orleans Restaurants & Hotels (Applies to one category + automatic consideration for Best of City, Region & Country program).



LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

The International Restaurant and Hotel Awards will recognize an individual who has made significant contributions in the travel and dining industry. This award highlights the lifetime effort of successfully achieving the IRHA mission of promoting cultural exploration and unforgettable travel and dining as a leader in the industry.

VISIONARY OF THE YEAR

The Visionary of the Year Award is a special award to honor an individual whose combination of ingenuity, tireless efforts and significant accomplishments clearly illustrate the power of vision and values in the travel and dining industry. This individual exudes direction, leadership and strength in the hospitality industry, which speaks through their exemplary example as an industry leader.

TRAVEL/DINING PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

In addition to depth of content, creative presentation and a plethora of entertaining information, the overall layout of the Travel/Dining Publication of the Year appeals to all types of travelers looking to discover new tastes and sites. The Editor and Publisher presented with this award will receive the coveted title as the media outlet most valuable to all restaurants and hotels, as well as travel and dining enthusiasts all over as a must-read for planning trips and dining excursions.

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Designer of the Year will be awarded to a designer who has demonstrated the most innovative and challenging use of concept and design in a way that exceeds the normal boundaries of originality and creativity. Whether cutting edge and detailed or subtle and sleek, this designer successfully delivers an overall extraordinary user experience. IRHA celebrates this designer for the most compelling incorporation of balance and dramatic effect to create unique unforgettable decor.



FINAL EXTENDED DEADLINE

IRHA has received submissions from over 45 countries around the world! The Jury will review submissions from bed & breakfasts, top starred restaurants, chains, six-star luxury hotels, boutique hotels and independent restaurants and hotels in April 2008. Top chains and hotel groups participating include The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, The Peninsula Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Kor Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels and a host of others.

IRHA has extended the deadline for hotels and restaurants to submit for citywide, regional, countrywide and worldwide consideration . All submissions are divided into the main categories of value, moderate and luxury. Submit or nominate a restaurant or hotel at www.IRHAwards.com by March 28th, 2008.



CATEGORIES
(Value, Moderate & Luxury)

HOTEL CATEGORIES: Best Design, Endless Amenities, Breathtaking Views, Green Award (Eco Building), Best Suite, Family Friendly, Best Bed & Breakfast, Best Water Feature (Pool, Beach or Jacuzzi), Best Spa, Best Lobby, Best New Hotel of the Year, International Hotel of the Year

RESTAURANT CATEGORIES: Best Design, Best Brunch, Best Views, Best Citywide/Regional Cuisine*, Best Specialty Item, Best Ethnic Cuisine*, Most Organic/Sustainable, Best Wine List, Best Dessert, Best New Restaurant of the Year, International Restaurant of the Year

*Best Citywide/Regional Cuisine & Best Ethnic Cuisine will be awarded by cities and regions. Judges will also award certificates of honorable mention as they see fit.



GRAND AWARDS

All participating hotels and restaurants are considered for citywide, regional, countrywide and worldwide recognition. The top citywide recipients move onto regional consideration and then to countrywide recognition. Countrywide recipients will be considered with all first place subcategory recipients for the coveted titles of:

International Value Hotel of the Year
International Moderate Hotel of the Year
International Luxury Hotel of the Year
International Value Restaurant of the Year
International Moderate Restaurant of the Year
International Luxury Restaurant of the Year

The International Restaurant and Hotel Awards™ is juried by a board of esteemed hospitality industry professionals with extensive experience in each category field. The Jury includes representatives from the Food Network, Travel Channel, UKTV, BBC Food, CBS Radio, Zagat Survey, Cool Restaurants, Cool Hotels, Citysearch, Fodor's Travel Guides, Hungry? City Guides and more. A full list of jurors is available at http://www.IRHAwards.com/jury.php.