SAHIC AWARDS
The SAHIC Awards have been instituted to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the Hospitality Industry in the Latin American and The Caribbean region.
SAHIC LIFETIME RECOGNITION AWARD 2026
During the 20th Edition, SAHIC Latin America & The Caribbean honored José Koechlin von Stein, Founder & CEO of Inkaterra, with the prestigious SAHIC Lifetime Recognition Award.
This distinction, presented by the SAHIC Executive Committee, recognizes individuals whose career has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the development of the hospitality industry in Latin America & the Caribbean — celebrating excellence, leadership, vision and a steadfast commitment to the growth and professionalization of the sector.
Founded in 1975 by José Koechlin von Stein, Inkaterra pioneered eco-luxury hospitality in Peru, integrating conservation, scientific research, community development and high-end experiential travel decades before sustainability.. Read more
SAHIC AWARDS 2026
Hotelier of the Year: Abel Castro - Chief Development Officer - Americas - PM&E Division, Accor
Deal of the Year: Hyatt - Acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts
Best New Hotel: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Special Recognition: Michael Nagy
SAHIC Awards Through the Years
2025
Hotelier of the Year: Diogo Canteras - Founding & Partner, HotelInvest
Hotelier of the Year: Ricardo Mader - Managing Director LATAM, JLL Valuation & Advisory Services LLC
Deal of the Year: AccorInvest - BTG Pactual
Best Hotel or Mixed-Use Hotel Development: Rosewood São Paulo, Ciudad Matarazzo
Special Recognition: Susana Balbo - Winemaker´s House & Spa Suites
2024
Hotelier of the Year: David Mulin - General Manager, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Deal of the Year: Hyatt Hotels Corporation - Dream Hotel Group
Best Hotel or Mixed-Use Hotel Development: Hotel La Compañía, Panamá
2023
Hotelier of the Year: Juan Stoessel Florez - CEO, Casa Andina Hoteles
Deal of the Year: Marriott International - City Express
Best Hotel or Mixed-Use Hotel Development: The Sofitel Barú Calablanca
Lifetime Recognition: Vinod Agarwal - General Manager, Hilton Cartagena
2020
Special Recognition: Gloria Guevara Manzo - President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Best Hotel or Mixed-Use Hotel Development: Hilton Bogotá Corferias
Special Recognition “100 Years in Hospitality”: Hilton
2019
Hotelier of the Year: Patric Mendez - CEO South América, Accor
Deal of the Year: W Buenos Aires
Special Recognition: Daniel Piana - Head of DP&D
JUDGES
SAHIC Planning Committee, formed by prestigious players of the industry, is responsible of selecting the winners in each category.
