AICR International is a global network of Front Office leaders and hospitality professionals dedicated to advancing excellence in luxury service.
Through international collaboration, education, professional development, networking, and prestigious industry initiatives—including the renowned Receptionist of the Year competition—AICR supports and celebrates the people who shape exceptional guest experiences.
With chapters across the world, AICR brings together experienced professionals and emerging talent to share knowledge, inspire innovation, and strengthen the future of luxury hospitality.
At the heart of AICR is a simple belief: exceptional hospitality starts with people, passion, and a commitment to service excellence.
The David Campbell Trophy is presented to the winner of the AICR World’s Best Receptionist, celebrating outstanding achievement in Front Office service and luxury hospitality.
The trophy honours the legacy of the late David Campbell, who served as Chef de Réception at The Ritz Paris following an accomplished international career in hospitality. His professionalism, passion, and dedication to the Front Office profession left a lasting impression on the industry.
In recognition of his contribution, the AICR International Receptionist of the Year Competition was established. The prestigious trophy, designed and sponsored by the AICR Paris Section, is awarded annually to honour the world’s leading Front Office professional and continue David Campbell’s legacy of service excellence.
The AICR International Wildcard Competition 2026 is officially open !
This prestigious competition celebrates outstanding talent in hotel reception and recognizes excellence in guest service across the global hospitality industry.
We are inviting passionate Front Office professionals to volunteer for key roles and be part of an exceptional international experience in Malta, March 2027.
Now recruiting volunteers for:
• Jury (9) & Supervisors (3)
• Back of House Assessors (3) & Leader (1)
• Role-players (5)
• Jury Support (4)
• Cameramen (3)
• Competitor Room Supervisors (2)
This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise, collaborate with industry peers, and support the next generation of Front Office professionals.
Join a global network of excellence and help shape the future of Front Office professionalism.
Participants will take part in a series of webinars on Emotional Intelligence and luxury hospitality standards, inspired by LQA and Forbes Travel Guide and designed by an Executive Training Fellow of EHL Hospitality Business School. The programme includes practical exercises and role-play activities to strengthen communication, confidence, problem-solving, and guest interaction skills.
A key focus of the programme is preparing participants for the local World's Best Receptionist Competition (WBRC) selection process, helping them develop the skills and confidence to compete and potentially represent their destination internationally. The local WBRC Finals will be held during the Mediterranean Tourism Forum, organised by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, in November 2026. Participants also receive access to a comprehensive 38-lesson WBRC Masterclass, plus scenarios and a 15-lesson Emotional Intelligence Standards Course based on LQA Standards. The first two EI Standards lessons are available below.
As part of their AICR membership, candidates also gain access to a global network of hospitality professionals, professional development opportunities, preferential rates on selected EHL Hospitality Business School courses, and training resources from Forbes Travel Guide.
Active membership with the local AICR chapter is required to participate in the local WBRC selection process.
AICR, in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, is proud to introduce the AICR World’s Best Leader by Forbes Travel Guide, a global initiative created to recognize, develop, and celebrate outstanding leaders in luxury hospitality.
Through the Forbes Academy Verified Luxury Practitioner Certification, participants will achieve an internationally recognized credential validating their leadership abilities, luxury service expertise, and commitment to professional excellence, while enhancing future career opportunities.
The program is open to Rooms Division leaders at Assistant Front Office Manager level and above, including Reception Managers, Reservations Managers, Front Office Managers, Executive Housekeepers, Directors of Rooms, and equivalent leadership positions. Upon successful certification, eligible participants may apply for consideration in the national and international competition.
Further details regarding enrollment, eligibility criteria, and the application process will be announced soon.
March 16-21, 2027
Join the AICR Experience in Malta, from the 16th of March 2027, as the AICR cordially invites all hoteliers to be part of this remarkable event. Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan island life of Malta while witnessing the crowning of the World’s Best Receptionist and celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the AICR.
Participants are invited to arrive independently and check in directly at the hotel at their convenience, followed by a welcome reception at the SEED Rooftop where you will have the opportunity to meet fellow participants, connect with the program team, and begin building relationships in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Enjoy a full day of engaging lectures delivered by Executive Trainers, exploring the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in hospitality alongside the importance of Emotional Intelligence in delivering exceptional guest experiences, with practical insights designed to elevate both operational efficiency and personalized service.
Take part in the WBR Competition, where participants will apply their knowledge and skills in a dynamic, real-world simulation designed to challenge strategic thinking, service excellence, and teamwork, culminating in presentations and the opportunity to showcase innovative solutions in a competitive setting.
Experience a guided visit to Valletta and Mdina, exploring Malta’s historic capital and the Silent City’s timeless charm, followed by a stop in Rabat to witness the vibrant Feast of St. Joseph celebrations, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, local traditions, and festive atmosphere.
Conclude the program with the Annual Congress followed by an elegant Gala Dinner held in the evening at The Phoenicia Malta, bringing together participants, industry leaders, and guests for a formal gathering featuring keynote reflections, celebration of achievements, and an unforgettable dining experience in a distinguished setting.
The program concludes with a final wrap-up session, providing an opportunity to reflect on key learnings, share final insights, and formally close the experience before participants depart and continue their professional journey equipped with new knowledge, connections, and inspiration.
Benefit from the cooperation with the Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Discover) and optimize your travel costs. The extensive route network with around 310 destinations worldwide, as well as transatlantic flights operated by Air Canada and United are available to you.
They are valid for flights up to one week before and one week after the event.
Your selected package includes accommodation at Hyatt Regency Malta. Before proceeding, please contact the AICR Malta Organising Committee to receive the dedicated hotel group code and deposit payment instructions. The remaining package balance will be payable directly to AICR Malta.
Double Occupancy
€1,695
Double Occupancy
€1,520
Double Occupancy
€1,260
Double Occupancy
€975