American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) is a for-profit business based in New York City that reviews and bestows awards on hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, automobiles, products, restaurants and chefs. The academy began as a restaurant rating business, founded in 1949.[1] The academy is best known for its International Star Diamond Award.[2]

The academy is based in New York City and is directed by Joseph Cinque.[3][4] The independence of the organization and its Star Diamond award have been questioned.[5] The academy has been accused of being closely linked to the business interests of former US President Donald Trump.[6][5] In May 2015, the group listed Trump as an "ambassador extraordinaire" for the Academy.[5] Trump himself, a number of his apparent friends and his sons have all served on the organization's board of trustees.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Asian Hotel & Catering Times. January 2002.
  2. ^ Gambino, Lauren. "Trump hosted 'small-time mobster' Joey 'No Socks' Cinque at New Year's party". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  3. ^ "Yankees to honor boxing legend Ali: Former heavyweight champ to present hospitality award". MLB.com. 5 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Trump acquaintance 'Joey No Socks' helms firm that lavished awards on Trump businesses". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  5. ^ a b c Horowitz, Jeff; Pearson, Jake. "Trump businesses honored by NY company closely tied to Trump". Associated Press. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Trump's Five Star Scam". Radar Online. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  7. ^ "Trump acquaintance 'Joey No Socks' helms firm that lavished awards on Trump businesses". Chicago Tribune. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.