The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) presented members of the Kemmons Wilson family with the Hospitality Heritage Award. The award acknowledges the family’s leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry and their community involvement. Accepting the award on behalf of the family was McLean Wilson; Spence Wilson, Bob Wilson, Spence Wilson, Jr., and Kemmons Wilson, Jr., were also in attendance.
Kemmons Wilson founded Holiday Inn in 1952 after he experienced his own frustrations with inconsistent standards and rules at motels where he and his family vacationed. His legacy also includes the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis and the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation.
“In my opinion, Kemmons Wilson is the industry’s most notable innovator and visionary,” says AH&LA president and CEO Joseph A. McInerney. “He lined America’s new highways with welcome mats, which had an enormous impact on our industry. We are pleased to honor this industry icon with our most distinguished award.”
