ASIA hospitality industry legend William Heinecke received two top honours from Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management.
The founder and chairman of Thailand-headquartered Minor International, which operates hotels, hospitality and lifestyle brands worldwide, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour and on the same day presented with the school’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in the region and around the world. He is a stellar role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all,” said Professor Miranda Lou, PolyU executive vice president, at a gala dinner held in Heinecke’s honour on May 16.
Heinecke’s leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small start-up into one of the world’s largest hospitality groups.
After moving to Bangkok with his family in 1963 at the age 14, three years later he launched his first company while still in high school. Over the years Heinecke expanded what became known as Minor Hotels into a hospitality groups with brands such as Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection and Tivoli.
Under his leadership, Minor Hotels now has more than 600 hotels in 63 countries with eco-friendly hospitality and sustainable tourism development a core value of the company.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the SHTM,” Heinecke said. “For me, hospitality is so much more than offering a place to stay – it is about creating transformative experiences that bring people together, spark positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of every destination.”
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Heinecke is also known across the industry for his philanthropic work. He has set up a foundation to support education for less fortunate children, helps animal welfare projects through the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help rejuvenate the turtle population in the Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand.
He was also the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and served on the Prime Minister’s Foreign Investment Advisory Council.
Professor Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean, said: “A trailblazer and an accomplished entrepreneur, Mr Heinecke’s exemplary achievements have not only played an important role in raising the level of the hospitality business in the region and globally but also helped transform it through his distinctive vision.”
