Eric Swanson, general manager of Millennium Seoul Hilton, received the top tourism prize from the Academy of Korea Hospitality and Tourism on Nov. 1 for his corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Under his management, the hotel has run an annual charity event, with its staff conducting regular voluntary activities for the underprivileged in the local community.

“I am very honored to be awarded this significant prize from such a prestigious organization. The AKHT proves that the world of academia and hoteliers can work together to advance the hotel and tourism industry. It is my goal to continue working hard to contribute to the Korean hotel industry as well as to the Korean community,” Swanson said.

Swanson received an honorary citizenship from the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2009. He was also chairman of the Seoul branch of the international SKAL organization consisting of tourism industry professionals.

He has served as general manager of Millennium Seoul Hilton since 2006, after working in Egypt, Miami, Bangalore, Beijing and other locations worldwide.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)