UNWTO saddened by the death of Krishnan Nair

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is deeply saddened by the passing away of Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, founder of the Leela Group and member of the first  World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE).

Globally recognized as a visionary hotelier and extraordinaire environmentalist, Captain C.P Krishnan Nair, Founder Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, passed away on in May, at the age of 92.

Born in 1922 in Kerala, India, Capt. Nair s career began in the Indian military, before he ventured into the textile industry, where he, among other things, was instrumental in inventing the “Bleeding Madras” fabric which helped place Indian fabrics on the global map.

Frequent business trips to Europe and America exposed him to international hotels, inspiring him to found The Leela group of hotels, today one of India’s leading luxury hospitality groups.

In his capacity as a leading hotelier, Captain Nair was part of the first  World Committee on Tourism Ethics, the impartial body responsible for interpreting, applying and evaluating the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and personally hosted the 4th meeting of the WCTE in one of his properties, Leela Palace Bangalore, in June 2006.  Captain Nair strongly promoted ethical business practices within the hospitality sector in India and far beyond.

Captain Nair was the recipient of many prestigious awards for his contribution to the tourism and hospitality sectors. A passionate environmentalist, Capt. Nair was also well known for his untiring efforts in environmental conservation, and his green vision inspired The Leela group’s enduring commitment towards building sustainability and world-class green standards.

UNWTO joins all those who knew Captain Nair in sending sincere condolences to his family and friends.


Useful links:

World Committee on Tourism Ethics


Contacts:

Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

UNWTO Communications and Publications Programme
Tel: +34 91-567-8100
Fax: +34 91-567-8218