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November 25, 2024

The Bad Gleichenberg Tourism School, renowned as one of the most prestigious hospitality training programs in Europe, awarded Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, the esteemed Styrian Tourism Panther Award.

The event took place last October and marked the sixth edition of this significant award, the highest tourism honor in the Styria region. The Styrian Tourism Panther is granted to prominent figures who have distinguished themselves as designers, visionaries, and pioneers in the hospitality industry, selected by a jury of sector experts, including educators, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and past winners.

Christopher Prelog was chosen in the international category due to his outstanding career. According to Dr. Gerhard Kienzl, managing director of the Styria Hotel Management Schools Association, Prelog is an exemplary role model for aspiring young professionals in tourism. Kienzl emphasized how Prelog’s achievements have made a significant impact not only in Austria but internationally, thanks to the global recognition of Windstar Cruises.

Originally from Graz, Austria, Prelog was encouraged by his parents to attend the Bad Gleichenberg Tourism School. This prestigious institution offers a rigorous five-year program that spans from service and culinary arts to financial management, marketing, and business administration in hospitality. After gaining experience in several hotels in Austria, Prelog embarked on a career in the cruise industry. His first position was as head waiter aboard the Seabourn Legend (now part of Windstar’s fleet as Star Legend), a role that came with challenges, including seasickness. However, through his resilience and ability to improve operational efficiency while keeping people at the center of his focus, Prelog quickly rose through the ranks.

In 2016, Prelog joined Windstar Cruises as vice president of fleet operations and was promoted to president in 2020. During his tenure, he led the company through crucial moments, including the relaunch of the fleet in 2021 and the transformation of three ships by 2022, in what has been regarded as one of the most complex refurbishment projects in the cruise industry. He also moved the company’s headquarters from Seattle to Miami, further strengthening Windstar’s position in a strategic market, and recently announced the addition of two new ships.

During the ceremony, Christopher Prelog expressed his sincere appreciation for the prestigious recognition. He stated that receiving the award from his alma mater was a great honor, expressing emotion in celebrating the successes of Styrian hospitality. Prelog also highlighted the importance of inspiring students and recent graduates to explore the numerous opportunities offered by this ever-evolving and dynamic sector.

In addition to Prelog, other outstanding figures in Styrian tourism were honored during the ceremony: the Career Achievement Award was given to Dr. Peter Florian, former curator; the Innovation Award went to Hotel Schwaigerhof Rohrmoos, represented by Gottlieb Stocker; and the Tourism Family Award was given to Anna and Markus Sattler of Sattlerhof.

For Prelog, this recognition comes shortly after being awarded the 2024 Excellence in Leadership Award by TravelAge West for his visionary and thoughtful leadership. His leadership continues to inspire the global hospitality industry.

Stay tuned for news, updates, and reviews of Windstar Cruises on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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