Applied to:
This award recognizes innovative actions in the field of social responsibility, including diversity, inclusion, and governance that have positively impacted the community, local populations, employees, and/or tourists as well as business sites. The winning action or program will have demonstrated a deep commitment to social responsibility and governance through innovative initiatives, effective management practices, and measurable outcomes that have positively impacted stakeholders. This award recognizes programs or actions that have made significant contributions towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and responsible establishment.
The project:
For 17 years, the InterContinental Berlin has spearheaded a collaborative initiative during the festive season, supporting Berlin's homeless population. Launched in 2006 by the hotel’s then-General Manager in partnership with the Berlin City Mission, the program addresses the holiday season’s heightened food shortages. Over eight nights between Christmas and New Year, eight Berlin hotels, coordinated by InterContinental Berlin, prepare and distribute 2,400 warm, nutritious meals to emergency shelters.
Each participating hotel, including Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof, Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade, and JW Marriott Berlin, contributes by cooking hearty meals such as beef goulash or chili con carne. The meals are collected by a refrigerated bus and delivered to shelters, ensuring they are served fresh and warm. This initiative not only provides nourishment but also fosters a sense of dignity and care for recipients.
Sustained even during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has supported approximately 38,000 individuals since its inception. It reflects a collaborative spirit, with hotels pooling resources like kitchen facilities, culinary expertise, and logistics networks. This approach ensures operational efficiency, minimizes waste, and amplifies the initiative’s reach.
The program’s success extends beyond meal provision, raising awareness about homelessness and inspiring similar efforts within the community. It has received recognition, including the 2019 Berlin Business Award, highlighting its exceptional commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Looking forward, the initiative aims to expand its impact by involving hotel staff in meal distribution and deepening community engagement. The InterContinental Berlin and its partners exemplify how hospitality can extend beyond guests to serve society’s most vulnerable, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
