City Lodge Hotels celebrates former CEO Clifford Ross's induction into the prestigious, inaugural Hospitality Hall of Fame by hospitality association, FEDHASA.

The award is in recognition of his contribution to the group and industry during his illustrious career.

FEDHASA launched the awards to honour excellence and celebrate talent and dedication of hospitality professionals, as it marks its 75th anniversary as ‘the voice of hospitality in South Africa’.

Professional collaboration

Ross joined City Lodge Hotels in 1987 and served until his early retirement in 2018 due to ill health, progressing from General Manager to Operations Director, Managing Director, and finally Chief Executive Officer.

During his long career, Ross was involved with several associations focused on shaping, guiding, and promoting the hospitality industry, including serving as FEDHASA Deputy Chairman. He credits the collaboration, camaraderie, and professionalism of associations with helping boost his career and giving opportunities to mentor others.

He said: “I started at the bottom in this industry in 1974, training in the kitchen and washing pots. It was so important that I got involved with industry associations to help me grow. Hospitality stands proud in everything it does and needs to be led by a body like FEDHASA, which recognises people with leadership potential in all fields of hoteliering.

“With these new awards, FEDHASA has identified a new generation of people who are building their careers for the betterment of this industry, and rewarding them, as they so rightly deserve. I am very honoured by this recognition bestowed upon me and, by extension, City Lodge Hotels,” he continued.

Ross highlighted that being part of FEDHASA gave insight into the challenges and opportunities across hospitality, as it contributed to other industry bodies, including the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), and others.

“I loved sitting on those boards, giving guidance and informing meetings of the industry itself,” he noted.

Government connections

With FEDHASA as the industry's voice, its board deals directly with government. Through the hospitality association, Ross worked with several tourism ministers as well as ministers of other key, interconnected departments on issues impacting tourism like Black Economic Empowerment, hotel grading, and smoking legislation.

Team efforts

"There is always a great team behind awards," said Ross, noting that team building and mentorship were integral to City Lodge Hotels' approach to grow leaders passionate about the industry and brand.

One of the group’s initiatives is the Accelerated Development and Deployment Programme, which identifies and fast-tracks team members with strong management potential. The group also drives personalised employee development through, among other initiatives, in-house training programmes and internships.

"After this industry's recent challenges, this new momentum from FEDHASA reviving its awards is needed. Ultimately, our valued guests will benefit," he concluded.