The 12th International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management (ICOHT) 2026 celebrated excellence in the global hospitality and tourism profession by recognising distinguished industry leaders, researchers, and academics whose lifelong contributions have advanced innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainable development across the sector.

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Jointly organised by Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia, and The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), Sri Lanka, 12th International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management (ICOHT 2026) culminates with a prestigious Special Awards Ceremony for the Hospitality and Tourism Profession at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. 

This year, ICOHT 2026 marks a historic milestone by attracting 220 delegates, including 20 speakers, 50 VIPs and invited guests, and 150 paper presenters from 35 countries. 

Under the guidance and leadership of Conference Chairperson, Professor Dr Kashif Hussain (APU); Co-Chairs, Professor Dr Silva DAC Suranga (University of Colombo); Associate Professor Dr Bongkosh Rittichainuwat (Siam University); and Associate Professor Dr Ann Suwaree Ashton (Thailand National Institute of Development Administration), the conference brings together renowned hospitality and tourism professionals, policymakers, academics and researchers from around the world. 

The Special Awards Ceremony celebrates individuals whose outstanding achievements contribute to the growth and advancement of the hospitality and tourism industry through visionary leadership, impactful research and an unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Delivering the opening address, Professor Dr Kashif, who also serves as Head of the School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) and School of Business (SoB) at APU, describes the awards as a tribute to individuals whose work transforms organisations, enriches communities, expands academic knowledge and inspires future generations of hospitality and tourism professionals.

“These awards are not just honours. They are symbols of gratitude from an industry that thrives on service, knowledge and innovation.

“Today, we shine a spotlight on individuals whose work has uplifted organisations, transformed guest experiences, advanced academic frontiers and redefined what it means to lead with passion and purpose,” he says.

Professor Dr Kashif further explains that the awards are established to celebrate individuals who exemplify excellence, innovation and lasting impact across the hospitality and tourism profession.

He also highlights that the 2026 edition introduces two new award categories in recognition of the growing importance of ethical leadership and service-oriented contributions to the industry.

The newly introduced Lifetime Servant-Leadership Awards for Industry Professionals and Lifetime Moral Role-Model Awards for Industry Professionals reflect the conference’s commitment to recognising individuals whose integrity, compassion and exemplary leadership positively influence the hospitality and tourism profession throughout their careers.

He also highlights that every award recipient undergoes a rigorous nomination and evaluation process. 

Nominations are submitted by peers and colleagues within the ICOHT community and assessed by the awards committee based on clearly defined criteria, professional achievements and testimonials.

One of the evening’s major highlights is the presentation of the Outstanding Practitioner Awards for Industry Professionals, which recognise professionals with distinguished careers spanning more than 15 years who demonstrate exceptional leadership, ethical practice and meaningful contributions to their organisations and communities.

The Special Awards Ceremony for the Hospitality and Tourism Profession recognises 29 outstanding individuals across six prestigious award categories. 

The honours include the Lifetime Servant-Leadership Awards for Industry Professionals, Lifetime Moral Role-Model Awards for Industry Professionals, Outstanding Practitioner Awards for Industry Professionals, and Outstanding Literary Awards for Social Scientists, celebrating exceptional contributions to industry leadership, academic excellence, research and professional development.

Among the evening’s highest honours are the Lifetime Achievement Awards for Global Hospitality and Tourism Gurus, presented to internationally acclaimed academics whose decades of dedication have transformed hospitality and tourism education, research and professional practice worldwide.

The recipients are Professor Dr Kaye Chon, Professor Dr Silva DAC Suranga, Professor Dr Fevzi Okumus, Professor Dr Chris Ryan, and Professor Dr Dogan Gursoy, each recognised for their remarkable global influence and enduring legacy within the discipline.

Professor Dr Kashif also expresses his sincere appreciation to AsianHotelier.Org for its continued partnership and acknowledges the invaluable support of Mr Isanka Gamage, Co-Founder and Managing Director of TIIKM, and Mr Vasudevan Suppiah, Founder of AsianHotelier.Org, whose collaboration contributes to the success of the ceremony.

The evening concludes with a celebratory group photograph featuring award recipients, organisers and distinguished guests, marking a memorable conclusion to one of ICOHT 2026’s most prestigious events.

By honouring exceptional practitioners, distinguished researchers and globally respected leaders, ICOHT 2026 reaffirms its role as a leading international platform for recognising excellence while fostering collaboration, innovation and sustainable development within the global hospitality and tourism community.

The conference further strengthens APU’s commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism education through meaningful partnerships that bridge academia, industry and society.