From March 28 to 30, 2025, Warsaw will host the 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA), highlighting the Polish capital’s growing significance in the luxury travel and hospitality sectors. The event, themed “Hospitality by Design,” will bring together nearly 500 of Europe’s leading hotel general managers and hospitality professionals.
EHMA represents over 400 luxury hotels across 24 countries and employs over 66,000 people. The association’s influence extends across Europe, shaping service standards and tourism trends worldwide. Its members manage more than 86,000 rooms, making EHMA a key player in global hospitality leadership.
A Look Back and Forward in Hospitality
Founded in Rome in 1974, EHMA has spent 50 years shaping the luxury hotel industry with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and service excellence. As the organization moves into its next phase, the Warsaw AGM will serve both as a celebration of past achievements and a stepping stone for future advancements in European tourism and global hotel management.
EHMA President Panos Almyrantis, also the Chief Growth & Commercial Officer at Ella Resorts in Athens, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries. “The past 50 years have been extraordinary,” Almyrantis said. “We are more committed than ever to innovation, sustainability, and leadership, ensuring Europe remains the gold standard in luxury hospitality.”
Why Warsaw? A Blend of History and Innovation
Warsaw’s selection as the AGM venue highlights its dynamic mix of historical charm and modern infrastructure. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant skyline make it a model of how cities can preserve their cultural heritage while embracing innovative development.
EHMA Vice President and National Delegate for Central Europe, Paweł Lewtak, General Manager of Polonia Palace Hotel, explained that Warsaw perfectly embodies the AGM’s theme. “The city reflects how careful planning and collaboration can shape the future of travel experiences, combining heritage with modern service delivery.”
Redefining the Travel Experience: Design Meets Innovation
The AGM’s theme, “Hospitality by Design,” underscores a growing trend in the travel industry: combining aesthetic appeal with operational innovation. This year’s sessions will focus on how design, sustainable practices, guest experience mapping, and advanced technology can enhance guest satisfaction and strengthen brand value.
Key highlights of the AGM include:
- A Royal & Cultural Programme showcasing Warsaw’s arts, architecture, and culinary scene for hotel executives and their partners.
- An Educational Day Conference on March 29 at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel, featuring experts from hospitality, design, and academia.
- A prestigious Awards Gala Dinner on March 29 at the Sheraton Grand Warsaw, recognizing outstanding contributors to the hospitality industry, including the European Hotel Manager of the Year and the Hans Koch Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Strategic discussions on talent development, sustainability, and market changes driven by the Young EHMA Group 2025, in partnership with EHL Hospitality Business School and Nolan Cornell.
Looking Ahead: From Warsaw to London and Beyond
The conference will also reveal London as the host city for the 2026 AGM, with other cities nominated for the 2027 event. EHMA remains focused on promoting growth, continuity, and global collaboration in the hospitality sector, helping drive cross-border tourism and excellence in hotel management.
A Warm Farewell and Lasting Connections
On March 30, the Farewell Brunch at Polonia Palace Hotel’s Ludwikowska Ballroom will offer delegates and guests a final chance to network, reflect, and form lasting connections. This personal touch highlights EHMA’s ethos that while luxury is designed, true hospitality is felt.
Impact on Regional and Global Tourism
The 51st AGM will position Warsaw as a leading destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. This will enhance the city’s visibility among luxury travelers and investors seeking culturally rich, well-connected destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.
EHMA’s discussions on sustainability, design, and talent will influence hotels across Europe and beyond, shaping how the industry adapts to evolving guest expectations in a post-pandemic world.
As EHMA looks ahead to its next 50 years, the 2025 Warsaw AGM will not only celebrate the past but also chart the future of luxury travel, underscoring the importance of thoughtful design in shaping exceptional hospitality experiences.
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