Every time Barack Obama trots out his “Yes We Can” slogan across the US primary hustings, Kurt Ritter is tempted to reach for the number of his copyright lawyer. “We should charge him for that,” jokes the chief executive of Rezidor Hotel Group whose employers were wearing “Yes I Can!” badges on their lapels long before Mr Obama stepped into the political limelight.

In the hospitality business, Mr Ritter is used to observing the new kids on the block apeing his methods. He lays claim to several innovations – from the “grab-and-run” lobby breakfast and the three-hour laundry service, to laptops in hotel bedrooms and the industry’s migration from owner of real estate to manager of hotels.