My name is Aidi. Dr.Ghassan Aidi. These words, spoken with the commanding presence and unwavering conviction that defined him, will echo through the halls of global hospitality forever.

Today, the world mourns the passing of a giant—a leader whose voice shaped the future of our industry for over four decades. Dr. Ghassan Aidi was not merely a president; he was a visionary warrior who fought tirelessly for the hospitality industry’s right to thrive, to grow, and to change the world.

From Istanbul to Kathmandu, from the French National Assembly to the halls of the United Nations, and from Montenegro to Bulgaria, Dr. Aidi stood as the unapologetic “voice of the private sector”—representing 200,000 hotels and millions of restaurants worldwide. His message was fierce and uncompromising: our industry reduces poverty, creates jobs, and builds communities. We deserve respect. We deserve fair taxation. We deserve to flourish

With the passion of a true advocate and the wisdom of a seasoned leader, Dr. Aidi championed sustainability through the Emeraude Hotel program, proving that environmental responsibility and profitability could walk hand in hand. He preached the gospel of “Quality, Quality, Quality”—a mantra that inspired hoteliers across continents to never settle for mediocrity.

His charisma was magnetic. His conviction was unshakeable. His legacy is immortal.

🏅 Dr. Aidi's Honors and Legacy

Received countless honors: “Executive Hotelier of the Year,” honorary citizenship, and international recognition.
The real measure of his legacy lies in the countless professionals he inspired to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the boundless potential of hospitality.

The hospitality world has lost a colossus, but his spirit—his relentless optimism, his fierce advocacy, his visionary leadership—will continue to guide us. We honor Dr. Aidi not just for what he accomplished, but for who he was: a leader who believed in the transformative power of hospitality.