I continue my rendezvous across Corinthia’s expansive hospitality network, engaging with the Giving and Sharing experiences throughout the year 2024. Each encounter reveals the unique ways in which Corinthia hotels contribute to their communities, support their employees, and innovate in the realm of social responsibility.
Every location embodies the spirit of community engagement and care. By participating in charitable events, supporting local initiatives, and fostering a culture of excellence, the Corinthia family showcases its unwavering commitment to uplifting lives.
Throughout this journey, I have witnessed heartwarming stories of collaboration and dedication—staff members coming together for fundraising marathons, culinary teams crafting delightful meals for those in need, and employees volunteering their time to make significant impacts in their local communities. Each hotel’s contribution to social welfare not only enriches the lives of those they serve but also strengthens the bonds within their own teams.
As I continue to explore these remarkable experiences across the Corinthia network, I am inspired by the collective efforts to make a difference. Together, we embody the principles of Giving and Sharing, reaffirming that hospitality transcends luxury and comfort—it’s about fostering connections, creating memories, and making the world a better place for all.
Ramada Plaza Tunis
RAMADA PLAZA TUNIS: Early in 2024, Ramada Plaza Tunis, in collaboration with USAID, the Tunisian Federation of Hospitality (FTH), and the Tourism Training Agency (AFMT), signed a mutual agreement to promote and support their training programme, known as ‘Pathways to Professionalism.’ This certified programme emphasises Job Training and On-the-Job Training, with the goal of creating more jobs in the tourism sector, enhancing the qualifications of existing employees, and improving service standards across hotels in Tunisia. Notably, over 20 staff members successfully completed Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this programme.
Pathways to Professionalism
In September 2024, Ramada Plaza Tunis celebrated International Housekeeping Week by capturing surprise photos and short videos of housekeeping colleagues during their regular working hours throughout the year and editing them into a short film, showcasing the continuous recognition and appreciation of their hard work. The housekeeping team was warmly greeted by the Management Team, alongside colleagues from Sales, Kitchen, F&B, Front Office, Engineering, Finance, and other departments. A delicious and refreshing buffet coffee break, enhanced by lively music, was enjoyed by all attendees.
Celebrating the Housekeeping Team
In support of health awareness, Ramada Plaza Tunis sponsored and organised a Breast Cancer Awareness event titled “Together We Fight for a Better You.” As part of its sustainability initiatives, management implemented a policy regarding leftover bread, mandating that old bread be collected by the Chef in Charge and sold to a designated buyer, with revenue generated deposited into the ‘Staff Fund’ for employee emergency situations.
The Hotel has also undertaken several community commitment initiatives, which include: November Blue, dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer among male colleagues; a visit to the SOS Gammarth Orphanage, contributing to the well-being of local children; and a visit to the Home for the Aged, showing compassion and support for elderly individuals in the community.
CORINTHIA SOCIAL CLUB (MALTA) (CSC). The Corinthia Social Club focused on three major team-building activities throughout the year. The highlight was the summer party, which brought together 800 employees for an evening filled with music, dancing, and delicious food at Café del Mar in St. Paul’s Bay.
Summer Party
Another engaging activity was a Battleaxe gaming exercise held in the countryside near Ghaxaq. Additionally, the annual football tournament took place at the National Sports Complex in St. Venera, featuring ten teams, and was won by the young team comprised of Costa Coffee staff.
The CSC also supported a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in Kumasi, Ghana. (For more information, please refer to the Insider Plus article at The magic power of a lollipop.)
Corinthia St Petersburg
CORINTHIA ST PETERSBURG: Corinthia St Petersburg has upheld its noble tradition of supporting the SOS Children’s Village by fulfilling the wishes of twenty-two children to attend an important football game at the Gazprom Arena, providing them with an unforgettable experience. In alignment with a decade-long tradition, children from this organisation were invited to the Imperial Restaurant of Corinthia St Petersburg, which was specially adorned for the Christmas season. Unique decorations, placed at the entrance of the Imperial Restaurant, were purchased by hotel guests to aid this charity focused on helping children without parents. Many of these children have faced hardships, previously living on the streets or in deteriorating, overcrowded state orphanages.
SOS Children’s Village
Moreover, the hotel donated a substantial amount of linen to St Petersburg Children’s Hospital.
A dedicated group of hotel staff also participated in cleaning up the city yard next to the hotel, ensuring a neat and welcoming environment as winter approached.
Through these heartfelt initiatives, Corinthia St Petersburg continues to make a significant positive impact, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.
Corinthia St George’s Bay
CORINTHIA ST GEORGE’s BAY; RADISSON BLU RESORT ST JULIAN’S; and VERDI ST GEORGE’S BAY MARINA (collectively known as The Peninsula): Funds raised during the Peninsula End of Year Party were donated to the Sigma Foundation to support the G.L.O.W. Campaign, which has funded approximately 60 reconstructive surgeries for children in northern Colombia.
Radisson Blu Resort St Julian’s
Additionally, the kitchen team at Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s prepared meals for a fundraising initiative benefiting the Salesians Don Bosco. In Malta, the Salesians operate in a wide range of environments, providing an educative-pastoral experience in a number of residential homes, schools, churches and youth centres.
Several vouchers for Tea and Sunday Lunch Buffets at Corinthia St George’s Bay were generously donated to the Salesians Don Bosco and the Student Solidarity Fund. This Fund was set up by the University of Malta to assist students facing difficulties with the objective of providing for basic and essential needs. Other beneficiaries included the Marigold Foundation, a volunteer trip to Kenya, Guatemala Missions, Ajax Nursery in Rabat, and Tangent Club Malta, an NGO dedicated to raising funds for existing Malta charities.
Staff from The Peninsula also took part in a beach clean-up event organised by the NGO ‘Zibel Malta’, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Radisson Blu Resort St Julian’s collaborated with the Jerome Foundation to offer complimentary day-by-the-pool experiences for various families throughout the summer, enhancing community interaction and relaxation.
At the Corinthia St George’s Bay Lido, two summer events were hosted in collaboration with ‘Beyond the Moon’ under the “Helping Kate” initiative, dedicated to supporting a remarkable young girl named Kate.
Funds collected from the Pink October activity at The Peninsula were donated to Hospice Malta, while several complimentary vouchers for food and overnight stays were allocated to the Rabat Football Nursery, Breast Cancer now Barts Charity, and the Millennium Chapel Concert, where Corinthia’s talented chefs provided catering.
Jonathan Pace (centre) and David Agius (left) helping out in Kumasi Ghana
Jonathan Pace, Area General Manager and VP of Operations at Verdi Hotels, alongside David Mifsud, Head Chef at Verdi Hotel, St George’s Bay Marina, dedicated two weeks in Kumasi, Ghana to train local kitchen staff at the HopeXchange Foundation’s hospital, founded by Maltese couple Mario and Anna Cappello to provide medical services to underserved populations. This initiative introduced new culinary techniques and equipment to enhance meal quality for the hospital’s international staff and volunteers.
Carl Galea, General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, and Matthew Psaila, Area Director of HR, collaborated with the Equal Partners Foundation to conduct a hotel orientation for a group of teenagers with autism, aimed at educating them about hotel operations. The Foundation’s mission is being in partnership with individuals with disabilities, their families and the community, and promoting and facilitating informed personal choices and meaningful lives.
Equal Partners Foundation
The kitchen team at Corinthia St George’s Bay supported the ‘Presepju Haj’ initiative organised by ALP Paola, which assists teenagers facing social challenges by providing nutritious meals.
Radisson Blu Resort St Julian’s also hosted a complimentary breakfast for children from Agenzija Appogg, further contributing to community welfare.
Finally, the Area HR Director visited the National Sports School to conduct mock interviews for Year 11 students, a valuable initiative designed to help students develop interview skills and gain confidence as they prepare for future opportunities.
Panorama Hotel, Prague
PANORAMA HOTEL PRAGUE: Panorama Hotel Prague has actively engaged in significant initiatives to support various charitable causes and foster a positive workplace culture. One of the major contributions was made to the Šance Onkláčkům Foundation, which aids families with children suffering from cancer. The
Hotel organised a raffle, and the funds raised were donated directly to the foundation, providing essential assistance to affected families.
Christmas Concert
In addition, the Hotel supported the “Wish Should Be Fulfilled” Christmas concert, organised by the Moje velké přání Foundation for the third consecutive year. Panorama Hotel played a crucial role by catering to the performers at this event, which has consistently delivered a magical atmosphere. The money raised during the concert is allocated to fulfilling the wishes of ill or lonely seniors.
Continuing its commitment to fostering joy among colleagues, Panorama Hotel has organised various events designed to build camaraderie among staff. A popular initiative is the “Running Buddies” programme, where employees engage in running together, promoting solidarity and teamwork. On special occasions, such as significant milestones within the company, staff members come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
The Hotel also recognises and celebrates International Women’s Day, demonstrating its dedication to supporting and uplifting its staff members. To further invest in the well-being of its employees, the Hotel provides First Aid Training and organises a Summer Staff Party, a Table Tennis Tournament, and a Christmas lunch. These activities not only create opportunities for team-building and celebrating collective achievements but also promote a strong sense of community, ensuring that staff members feel valued and supported within the hotel. Through these initiatives, Panorama Hotel Prague exemplifies its commitment to both social responsibility and employee engagement.
Corinthia Lisbon
CORINTHIA LISBON: Corinthia Lisbon has continued to strengthen its partnership with Make-a-Wish, providing memorable stays for eight families in need. The Hotel goes the extra mile by personalising room decorations to reflect the preferences of the children, perfectly aligning with Make-a-Wish’s mission: “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.” Colleagues, including management, actively contribute by donating or participating in runs, with all raised funds directed towards fulfilling the wishes of children and young people facing serious illnesses.
In addition to supporting Make-a-Wish, Corinthia Lisbon is dedicated to social responsibility through its partnership with Refood, an initiative focused on rescuing tons of good food that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring it is distributed to those in need within the community.
The Hotel further showcased its commitment by sponsoring the launch of a new Acreditar House. These essential houses provide crucial support for families travelling from their homes to access treatment for their children at paediatric oncology reference centres. Located near hospitals in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto, Acreditar Houses provide rooms with private bathrooms, shared kitchens, various living areas, laundry facilities, outdoor spaces, and, most importantly, a welcoming and safe environment.
On International Women’s Day, Corinthia Lisbon emphasised health education by raising awareness among its female staff about breast cancer.
The Hotel also supports local firefighters and police forces by donating meals and sponsoring catering for various events, including a large children’s party on Christmas Day.
Throughout the year, all departments within the Hotel participate in collecting plastic bottle caps, which accumulate to significant amounts. Proceeds from sale of these caps contribute to funding treatment for children suffering from sclerosis, exemplifying how teamwork and community engagement can create pathways to success.
Additionally, Corinthia Lisbon takes pride in its dedication to social responsibility through a pet-friendly programme that raises funds to protect abandoned dogs and cats, reflecting the hotel’s strong commitment to animal welfare and its role in fostering a compassionate community.
What a year packed with giving and sharing! The remarkable stories of generosity—whether through fundraising for vital health causes, supporting local families in need, or uplifting young talents in the hospitality industry—demonstrate the core values that differentiate Corinthia. Each gesture, big or small, contributes to a tapestry of goodwill that weaves through the fabric of its hospitality network.
As we look back on a year filled with such enriching experiences, it is evident that the Spirit of Corinthia is not just a philosophy; it is a way of life for every team member. Together, they have created lasting memories, touched lives, and reinforced their commitment to making a positive impact in the communities Corinthia serves and thrives.
