Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, May 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that Mr. William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on May 16, 2025. On the same day, he was presented with the prestigious SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honor.

At the gala dinner, Prof. Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said: “As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr. Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and leadership in the hospitality sector, both regionally and globally. He is an outstanding role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for everyone.”

Professor Kaye Chon, Dean of SHTM, Chairholder and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor of International Hotel Management, warmly congratulated Mr. Heinecke on the award, saying: “As a pioneer and successful entrepreneur, Mr. Heinecke has not only made a significant contribution to improving the hotel and hospitality industry in the region and worldwide with his exemplary achievements, but has also transformed it through his unique vision. As a passionate advocate for education in the hotel and tourism sector, he has always actively supported SHTM and truly deserves this award.”

William Heinecke stated: “I am deeply honored to receive this award from SHTM. For me, hospitality means far more than simply providing accommodation – it is about creating formative experiences that bring people together, inspire positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of each destination. I hope this award will inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders to push boundaries, commit to lifelong learning, and always strive for excellence.”

Minor International's leadership spans nearly six decades. From a small start-up, the company has grown into one of the world's largest hotel groups. He founded his first company at the age of 17, while still in school. In the following years, he built the hotel group, later known as Minor Hotels, into a diversified, global corporation with a range of brands, including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection, and Tivoli. Under his visionary leadership, Minor Hotels – now with over 600 hotels in 63 countries – pioneered environmentally friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development.

In his role as Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Mr. Heinecke is also responsible for Minor Food, one of Asia's largest restaurant companies with over 2,500 locations worldwide, as well as Minor Lifestyle with nearly 400 retail outlets. Alongside his professional achievements, he is actively involved in philanthropic projects. He founded the Heinecke Foundation to promote the education of disadvantaged children, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to protect elephants, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help restore the turtle population in Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand. He also participates in the annual St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala and Auction and supports fundraising activities for select organizations under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

Mr. Heinecke enjoys a high reputation for his outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022 and Corporate Hotelier of the World by HOTELS magazine in 2017. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the 2013 Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards, he is the author of "The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager." He also served as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and as a member of the Prime Minister's Advisory Council on Foreign Investment. Mr. Heinecke's contributions continue to inspire and shape the industry, making him a shining example of excellence.

“SHTM is proud to be a leading force in education and research in the field of hotel and tourism management,” said Dean Chon. “Our pursuit of excellence is strongly supported by industry giants and visionary leaders such as Mr. William Heinecke. Thanks to the continued support of our industry partners, our school is committed to fostering the brightest minds who will be the future leaders of this dynamic global industry.”

The Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of SHTM and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award. They represent the world's most successful companies and most recognized brands in the hospitality industry. The school established the award to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region, and globally. It recognizes the true leaders who have shaped the global hospitality landscape and advanced the industry.

About the PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management

For over four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University has shaped hospitality and tourism education with a distinctive vision, establishing itself as a world-leading institution in the field. In the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024, SHTM achieved the number one spot worldwide for the eighth consecutive year in the category of "Hospitality and Tourism Management." In the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2023/2024, it reached the number one spot globally for the seventh consecutive year in the category of "Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services." In the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017, it was ranked number one worldwide in the field of "Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism." Furthermore, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, it achieved the number one spot in Asia in the field of "Hospitality and Leisure Management." SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the industry and embodies its motto, "Leading Hospitality and Tourism."

The university is committed to contributing to the industry and the academic community by promoting education and knowledge transfer. With a strong international team of over 90 lecturers from 21 countries and regions worldwide, SHTM offers degree programs from bachelor's to doctoral level. Through Hotel ICON, the university's pioneering teaching and research hotel and a central component of its innovative approach to hotel and tourism education, SHTM drives teaching, learning, and research forward, inspiring a new generation of passionate, forward-thinking professionals to assume leadership positions in the hotel and tourism industry.