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. The academy is best known for its International Star Diamond Award.
The academy is based in New York City and is directed by Joseph Cinque. The independence of the organization and its Star Diamond award have been questioned. The academy has been accused of being closely linked to the business interests of former US President Donald Trump. In May 2015, the group listed Trump as an "ambassador extraordinaire" for the Academy. Trump himself, a number of his apparent friends and his sons have all served on the organization's board of trustees.
See also
References
- Asian Hotel & Catering Times. January 2002.
- Gambino, Lauren. "Trump hosted 'small-time mobster' Joey 'No Socks' Cinque at New Year's party". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- "Yankees to honor boxing legend Ali: Former heavyweight champ to present hospitality award". MLB.com. 5 August 2009.
- "Trump acquaintance 'Joey No Socks' helms firm that lavished awards on Trump businesses". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ Horowitz, Jeff; Pearson, Jake. "Trump businesses honored by NY company closely tied to Trump". Associated Press. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- "Trump's Five Star Scam". Radar Online. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- "Trump acquaintance 'Joey No Socks' helms firm that lavished awards on Trump businesses". Chicago Tribune. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.