Corinthia founder and chairman Alfred Pisani has been honoured with the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Icon Award, recognising his lifelong contribution to the hospitality industry and his role in building an international hotel brand with Maltese roots.The award was presented during a VIP dinner at the WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Malta, with his daughter Alexandra Pisani, General Manager of Corinthia Palace and Chief Creative Officer at Corinthia Hotels, accepting the award on his behalf.Pisani’s journey in hospitality began in 1962 when he opened a restaurant in Malta. Six years later, in 1968, he established the Corinthia Palace Hotel, laying the foundations for what would eventually become an international luxury hotel group.Over the following decades, Corinthia expanded beyond Malta, establishing a presence in major international destinations while maintaining its Maltese identity.“Receiving this award is a great honour, not only for me personally, but for everyone who has been part of Corinthia’s journey over the years,” Pisani said.“What began in Malta with a belief in the potential of hospitality has grown into an international business, built through the commitment and talent of many people.”He also expressed pride in Corinthia’s contribution to putting Malta on the international hospitality map, describing the recognition as a reminder of how far the company’s original vision has come.His daughter Alexandra praised his achievement, highlighting how he managed to establish an international hospitality business from Malta at a time when few could have imagined its potential.“My father’s achievement is remarkable. He built an international hospitality business from Malta at a time when few could have imagined the scale of what it might become,” she said.The WTTC Icon Award recognises individuals whose lifetime achievements have contributed to shaping destinations, institutions and the wider travel and tourism industry.Today, Corinthia operates luxury hotels in destinations including London, New York, Rome, Brussels and Bucharest, with further developments planned in Lake Como, Doha, Riyadh, Dubai and the Maldives.The recognition marks another milestone for the Maltese-founded hospitality group, which continues to expand internationally more than five decades after opening its first hotel.•