Head of Travel and Leisure Chris Photi was honoured with entry to the prestigious 2016 British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame, at a ceremony held at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 25th April 2016. The event was presented by Travel Weekly and was hosted by newscaster and presenter Katie Derham.
Chris talking to Katie Derham, who presented the awards
The British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame recognises outstanding business achievement in the travel, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. Hall of Fame members have all achieved outstanding commercial success and shown inspirational leadership in the industry sectors they serve.
This year Chris was honoured along with Peter Stephens, founder of Dial-A-Flight and owner of the Lotus Group and Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Silversea Cruises. They were honoured on the night alongside four inductees from the hospitality sector: Michel and Alastair Storey of food services operator WSH and Robin Hutson of Lime Wood Group and Home Grown Hotels and the famous restaurateurs, Michel and Albert Roux.
Also three additional awards were presented at the ceremony. The Young Entrepreneur Award went to Harry Hastings, joint managing director and co-founder at Ocean Holidays. The Business Achievement Award went to Jet2 and Jet2holidays and Tom Axe of Benugo was named Young Manager of the Year.
Chris Photi said: “It is a huge honour to be inducted into the travel industry’s Hall of Fame, especially when I look at some of the previous recipients, which include travel giants Sir Freddie Laker, Sir Fred Pontin and Sir Richard Branson. Indeed also inducted with me were the very famous chefs and restaurateurs the Roux Brothers Albert and Michel! “
Chris gave an impressive speech, in which he thanked family, work colleagues, close friends and clients whom have all made his career enjoyable and engaging. He also highlighted that the key to his success is concentrating on “not telling his clients what they cannot do, but how they can achieve their goals in this challenging industry”.
The team at WHA are very proud of Chris’ achievement which highlights his hard work in providing professional advice to hundreds of Travel Companies over his successful career spanning 38 years.
Chris speaking accepting his award with Katie Derham and Clive Jacobs
Chris after his induction with his award
