José Koechlin von Stein to Receive the SAHIC 2026 Lifetime Recognition

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — During its 20th Edition, SAHIC Latin America & The Caribbean will honor José Koechlin von Stein, Founder & CEO of Inkaterra, with the prestigious SAHIC Lifetime Recognition.

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 became central to the global industry agenda.

Over five decades, Inkaterra has developed a portfolio of 11 boutique hotels and lodges across six key destinations in Peru, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and, most recently, the marine-coastal development of Cabo Blanco (opened in 2024) on Peru’s northern shoreline.

Recognized with five Michelin keys, Inkaterra was named by the United Nations as the world’s first Climate Positive hotel brand. Through the Inkaterra Asociación and its research initiatives, the company protects more than 10,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest and has contributed to the identification of over 1,700 species in its areas of influence, positioning conservation as a structural pillar of its business model.

José Koechlin von Stein’s leadership has consistently demonstrated that luxury hospitality, biodiversity protection and community wellbeing are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing drivers of long-term destination value.

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, he serves as Chairman of Peru’s National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and as an emeritus board member of Conservation International, contributing to tourism development and global conservation dialogue.

His career has been recognized with numerous international distinctions, including the title of Honorary Professor Emetirus at the National Amazonian University of Madre de Dios-UNAMAD (2025), the Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award (2020), the PURE Award for Contribution to Experiential Travel (2015), and his inclusion in AACSB’s ‘100 most influential world leaders’ list (2015).

Inkaterra properties have consistently been featured among the world’s leading hospitality benchmarks, including Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List 2026 (Inkaterra La Casona ranked #1 Best Hotel in South America), Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (#3 Best Hotel Brand Worldwide, 2019), and nominations at the World Travel Awards (2024). He is also a two-time recipient of SAHIC Awards, having been honored as Best Developer in 2010 and 2013.

“José Koechlin von Stein’s legacy transcends hospitality. He has demonstrated that investment, conservation and community impact can coexist within a single, long-term vision,” said Arturo García Rosa, President & CEO of SAHIC. “By redefining the relationship between territory, sustainability and hospitality, he has helped elevate destinations across our region and inspired a new generation of industry leaders.”

The SAHIC Lifetime Recognition will be presented during the 20th Edition of SAHIC Latin America & The Caribbean, taking place on March 23–24, 2026, at the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana.