Leadership Deserves Recognition.
AICR World's Best Leader by Forbes Travel Guide
Every day, hospitality leaders inspire teams, elevate service standards, mentor future talent, and create experiences guests never forget.
Much of that leadership happens behind the scenes.
Today, AICR International and Forbes Travel Guide are proud to introduce a new opportunity to bring that leadership into the spotlight.
We are excited to announce the inaugural AICR World’s Best Leader by Forbes Travel Guide. A brand-new initiative created to recognize exceptional hospitality leadership, that will celebrate leaders from across the AICR community and culminate with an international final at AICRexperience in Malta, March 2027.
YOUR JOURNEY
- Earn the Verified Luxury Practitioner (VLP) certification by Forbes Travel Guide.
- Apply for the AICR [Section] Best Leader Award within your national section
- Become your section’s representative.
- Advance to the international final in Malta.
MORE THAN A COMPETITION
Following the application period, AICR and Forbes Travel Guide will host a special virtual leadership recognition event celebrating members who achieve VLP certification and announcing the finalists advancing from each national section.
AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY
The international winner will earn a place in Rising Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, an exclusive leadership development experience in France and one of the most sought-after opportunities in luxury hospitality.
TWO WAYS TO BENEFIT
🎓 Invest in yourself
Earn VLP, validate your expertise, and join a community of professionals committed to luxury hospitality excellence.
🏆 Continue toward international recognition
After earning VLP, eligible members may apply through their national section and continue their journey toward the international final at AICRexperience Malta in March 2027.
Not part of a national section? Take part through our Wildcard category, available to registered AICR International Members. Apply here for the AICR International Membership
YOUR EXCLUSIVE AICR MEMBER ADVANTAGE
- 40% savings on VLP enrollment
- Verified Luxury Practitioner (VLP) certification
- Digital credential upon successful completion
- Access to the Verified Luxury Community
- Eligibility to continue into the AICR World’s Best Leader journey
KEY DATES
Key dates
September, 2026
VLP Enrollment & Competition Application Open
November 30, 2026
Competition Application Deadline
December 2026
AICR & Forbes Travel Guide Leadership Recognition Event
Celebrating VLP achievers and announcing section finalists
March 2027
International Final at AICRexperience Malta
CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE TOGETHER
In December, AICR and Forbes Travel Guide will host a special virtual Leadership Recognition Event celebrating members who achieve VLP certification and announcing the finalists representing each national section.
READY TO BEGIN?
Whether your goal is professional growth, industry recognition, or representing your section on the international stage, this opportunity begins here.
Enroll in VLP – Link: Verified Luxury Certifications – Verified Luxury Certifications
Save 40% – with the Discount Code – you will recive this from your Section Presidents
We are proud to bring this opportunity to our global community. Whatever path you choose – whether you invest in your own development or continue toward international recognition, you do so as part of the world’s most distinguished family of hospitality professionals.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at
