Prix Romantik Liebold for Joachim Franz

WIESBADEN and FRANKFURT, Germany - Romantik Hotels & Restaurants Presents Award for European Values and Virtues to the Internationally Known Extreme-Sportsman and Aids-Activist Joachim Franz.

On April 26th, 2009, the European hotel cooperation presented Joachim Franz with the Prix Romantik Liebold in Wiesbaden. The award gala was attended by 200 Romantik hoteliers from eleven European countries as well as high-ranking members of the hotel industry and public life.

The honorary speech was given by Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, the former Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, who has witnessed the development of Joachim Franz from common toolmaker in Wolfsburg to passionate fighter against social deficiencies: “Joachim Franz set an example not only with his spectacular actions in the fight against aids, but also with his personal way of life. He has pointed out that you have to start with yourself, and that determination and confidence in your own abilities can make a difference.”

The Prix Romantik Liebold is an international, intersectional award created in 2007. It is presented to personalities whose thinking and acting is impressed by European values and virtues. Setting the example and giving his name is long-time Romantik hotelier Friedwolf Liebold. The first award went to Albert Darboven, coffee roaster from Hamburg.

“Joachim Franz is our awardee 2009 because like the Romantik hoteliers he defines his life by values,” explains Romantik president Roland Zadra. “His personal development, the commitment to others and the dedication which he uses to bring his message to the people and to communicate values to teenagers are exemplary.”

With his team the 48-years old Wolfsburg-born organises worldwide education campaigns on the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome known as aids, gives lectures and collects money for charity. Since 2001 the extreme-sportsman starts every year on an “aids awareness expedition”. Joachim Franz allocates the 5,000 euro related to the award to the organisation Hope Cape Town.

More information on the award and the 200 Romantik Hotels & Restaurants in 11 European countries on www.romantikhotels.com.

Picture is available at:

www.presseportal.de/pm/70662/?keygroup=bild

Press contact: Joseph Greilinger, Tel. +49(0)721-91245134, j.greilinger@organize.de

Source: Romantik Hotels & Restaurants GmbH & Co. KG

Press contact: Joseph Greilinger, Tel. +49(0)721-91245134, j.greilinger at organize.de