Hertfordshire’s Michael Hirst has been honoured with a lifetime-achievement award for his contribution to the hotel and hospitality industry.
Mir Hirst, 64, was presented with the accolade in Berlin at the annual International Hotel Investment Forum. A consultant to CBRE Hotels, Mr Hirst has spent the past 45 years working in the hospitality and tourism industry. In 2003, he was appointed an OBE for his services to tourism.
“I have been fortunate in learning many lessons from my time in this great industry,” Mr Hirst tells People. “In hospitality it’s the little things that mean a lot. My early experiences in the entertainment side of the leisure business taught me that attention to detail is critical.”
Mr Hirst began his career as a graduate trainee with the Forte Group, working his way up to a director. In 1976, he joined the Ladbroke Group, where he was involved with the establishment of non-betting businesses and the acquisition of Hilton International in 1987. He was named corporate hotelier of the world six years later. He says: “Hotel business products are more accessible than ever before. Travel is an inherent part of people’s lifestyles, with many new markets emerging.”