Georg R. Rafael to Receive “International Hotelier Global Citizen” Award at 2008 International Hotel Conference in Rome

Conference to Make €5,000 Grant to Medecins Sans Frontiers in Rafael’s Name


CHICAGO, Ill., USA/ROME, Italy—Georg R. Rafael, (top right photo) managing director of Rafael Group S.A.M., has been named the 2008 recipient of the “International Hotelier Global Citizen” award.

Rafael will be honored at the sixth annual International Hotel Conference, which will be held October 15-17 at the Cavaleri Hilton in Rome, Italy. The award is presented to an hotelier who has made a major impact on both the hospitality industry and humanitarian causes. (Top left photo is conference organizer Morris E. Lasky, chairman, Lodging Unlimited Inc.)

A grant of €5,000 will be donated to Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders), one of a number of charities actively supported by Rafael. MSF received the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its members’ continuous efforts to provide medical care in acute crises, as well as raising international awareness of potential humanitarian disasters.

The International Hotel Conference is the premier annual gathering of senior level hospitality executives, including owners, operators, brands, leading institutions, bankers, architects/designers, attorneys, brokers and other members of the hotel and related communities.

“Georg has created some of the most memorable hotels in the world in his career and through his charitable efforts has helped make the world a more hospitable place in which to live,” said Mary Lou Koys and Morris E. Lasky, conference co-chairpersons.

“His vision to cross borders to build relationships and help people in need is exemplified by Medecins Sans Frontiers, which provides desperately needed medical care in more than 70 countries.”

Additional information about the event, registration, sponsorships and related activities can be found at the event’s Web site, http://www.internationalhotelconference.com/, or by contacting the conference organizer, Morris Lasky at mlasky@aol.com.

CONTACTS:

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297,
julie@dalygray.com

Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, 001 703 435 6293