PHILADELPHIA, PA, Nov. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hersha Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that Hersha Hospitality Trust CEO Jay H. Shah has been named 2018 HOTELS Magazine’s Corporate Hotelier of the World. Nominated and elected by a group of his industry peers, this award - presented during a reception yesterday evening at the Plaza Hotel in New York City - recognizes Shah as a member of the hospitality industry who has defined standards of service, delivered astounding operational excellence and performance, exhibited innovation in management and maintained involvement in the greater good and support of his community.
As its 38th recipient, Shah is honored to share this designation with dozens of esteemed hoteliers who have held the title in years past - from J. Williard Marriott Jr. to Loews Hotels & Resorts’ Jonathan Tisch.
As Philadelphia’s first Hotelier of the World, Shah is proud to put this notable local company on a global level. With an exclusively national portfolio of HT owned and HHM managed hotels and resorts, it is especially exciting to receive this designation amongst several accomplished, international contenders. The past few years have raised the visibility of Philadelphia, making it a prominent city on the world’s stage - from being home to America’s first World Heritage City to its beloved Philadelphia Eagles bringing home a Super Bowl victory. Leaders like Shah continue to elevate the city’s profile with international recognitions such as this Hotelier of the World award.
Shah finds inspiration from his family, working side-by-side with his brother and COO Neil H. Shah as they continue to grow the legacy their parents Hasu and Hersha Shah began with the purchase of their first property in the 1980s. Hersha has since grown to encompass both a portfolio of 3-5 star hotels across a range of brands and three entities - Hersha Hospitality Trust (which owns 49 hotels), Hersha Hospitality Management (which operates 125 hotels) and Hersha Purchasing and Design. Strategic and calculated risks have since empowered Hersha’s leaders to enter high barrier markets like New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle.
The company founders realized early on the value of their associates and the importance of providing personal growth, respecting others’ views and investing in their employees. It is from them that Shah also learned to empathize with and appreciate every position in the hospitality industry, having worked in the roles himself - experiencing everything from being a line cook to an owner and operator. Fostering the growth of his colleagues and giving them an active stake in the company is a driving force behind his and Hersha Hotels & Resorts’ success.
“It is a privilege to accept this honor on behalf of our teams,” said Jay H. Shah. “This award was won by our associates and belongs to them.”
About Hersha Hospitality Trust
Hersha is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates high-quality upscale hotels in urban gateway markets and coastal destinations. The Company's 49 hotels totaling 7,666 rooms are located in New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, South Florida and select markets on the West Coast. The Company's shares are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “HT.”
About HHM
HHM operates 125 hotels across the United States. It provides turnkey hotel management, investment, and development services for independent hotels and leading brand affiliations through Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. HHM’s highly experienced team is accustomed to serving as a fiduciary to publicly traded companies, joint ventures, institutional real estate owners and private investors. Additional information on HHM can be found at hhmhospitality.com.
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