“Dear Friends:

It is a pleasure to send greetings and warm regards to all who celebrate with Mr. Joseph Cinque on the occasion of his twenty-fifth year as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The Empire State is fortunate to possess a well-earned reputation as the home of some of the world’s finest dining establishments and most luxurious hotel accommodations. The contributions that the hospitality industry makes to the Greater Metropolitan area are critical to its economic well-being, as well as the social and cultural character of our great City.

Under the dynamic leadership of Joe Cinque, the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, based in New York City, has grown from a restaurant-rating bureau into a prestigious institution that recognizes the exceptional in world travel and luxury services. Each year the Academy and Mr. Cinque bestow the coveted International Star Diamond Awards on five-star quality hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, restaurants, and chefs.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I join in congratulating Joe Cinque as he reaches this quarter-century milestone, and I am thankful for his unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in luxury and service. Best wishes for much continued success ahead.”

George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York

“Dear Friends:

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the re-opening of the new Peacock Alley at The Waldorf Astoria. The reopening of this famed 1931 restaurant will be a tremendous asset to the world-renowned hotel and to our great City as it was in the past.

On behalf of the City of New York, I congratulate General Manager Jean-Pierre Duteron and all those associated with the restaurant for making this day possible and for receiving the International Star Diamond Award. Peacock Alley certainly deserves this great honor, and I applaud Joe Cinque and the American Academy for bestowing the venue with your prestigious recognition. This award has become a true symbol of approval worldwide. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable evening and much success with the restaurant.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York

“Dear Joe,

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greatest appreciation to you and the Academy’s Board of Trustees for the exceptional quality acknowledgment accorded to Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo in the form of the prestigious Six Star Diamond Award. My colleagues and I also greatly appreciate the individual Star Diamond awards bestowed to our French Inspired ‘Signature’ restaurant, our Cantonese ‘Sense’ restaurant and our ‘Spa’. It has certainly been a great honor and extraordinary privilege for Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo to have been recognized by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for meeting its most stringent service quality standards for the fourth consecutive year since the hotel’s opening.

As a result of the Academy’s recognition, we have been accorded extensive Media and Public Relations acknowledgment both internationally and domestically, which in turn has increased our customer base, average guest spend and return ratios, which has raised our commitment to continue to apply the highest service and quality standards in an effort to meet the Academy’s quality ratings and the consistent delivery of superior quality for our valued guests.

On a personal note, allow me to also thank you for your professional support towards the impressive positioning of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo which has become the property of choice in Tokyo for luxurious accommodations, superior dining and award-winning entertainment.”

Christian Hassing, Director and General Manager, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo