Former EuroCHRIE President, Jouni Ahonen, Honored with Prestigious Award

Jouni Ahonen, Vice President of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, received a lifetime achievement award on September 5, 2023. This prestigious award, known as the Badge of Merit, was presented by the Tourism and Hospitality SMEs association, MRY (Matkailu- ja ravintolayrittäjät ry) in Finland.

MRY honored Jouni Ahonen with the Badge of Merit and a Certificate of Honor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the tourism and restaurant industry. He was selected for this accolade due to his extensive involvement in association activities, his entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant industry, and his impactful work in advancing the industry both at Haaga-Helia and within international networks such as EuroCHRIE.

The Tourism and Hospitality SMEs Badge of Merit is a tribute to individuals and executives who have distinguished themselves in the tourism and hospitality sector. This honor can be bestowed upon entrepreneurs or influential figures holding positions of authority in SMEs or individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry’s association activities. Recipients of the Badge of Merit must be at least 40 years old and have a minimum of 10 years of experience as independent entrepreneurs, directors, or board members of regional associations.

Specific criteria for consideration include:

• Advocating for improved operating conditions in the tourism and restaurant industry
• Notable contributions to the industry
• Development of small and medium-sized enterprises
• Advancement of the accommodation and food service sector
• Enhancement of regional and national collaborations

The Merit Badge and Diploma are awarded by the Board of Tourism and Restaurant Entrepreneurs at MRY. Proposals for the Merit Badge are submitted by regional associations that are members of MRY ry. Each regional association can award a maximum of one Merit Badge per year, and the accolade may also be presented to entrepreneur couples.

Recipients receive an honorary certificate and a metal badge. The certificate bears the signatures of the President of MRY and the President of the Regional Association. The badge serves as a symbol of recognition and is proudly worn at industry meetings and celebrations.”

Jouni Ahonen, who served as President of EuroCHRIE from 2010 to 2011, has a long-standing association with the organisation. Prior to his presidency, he dedicated his expertise as a EuroCHRIE treasurer, and in 2009, Haaga Helia had the privilege of hosting the EuroCHRIE Conference in Helsinki under his leadership. EuroCHRIE is proud to be associated with Jouni and to consider him a part of the EuroCHRIE Family.