Under the High Patronage of
Mr Emmanuel MACRON
President of the French Republic
A moment to remember those who were part of our beautiful industry
They left us in 2025 but remain in our hearts:
- Robert H Burns, founder of Regent International Hotels
- Georges Dahan, founder of THED International
- Michel Gicquel, architect and designer, founder of GLOBALCONCEPT SA
- Jean-Claude Kindt, founder of Hermitage Gantois
- Spyros Kotokos, founder Elounda Hotels & Resorts
- Pierre Martin-Roux, founder of Hôtels en Ville
- Pascal Savary, founder of ATREAM
- Sophie Stabile, former CEO at Accor Hotels France & Switzerland
Welcome to this 25th ceremony of the Hospitality Awards
Vanguelis Panayotis, CEO Hospitality ON and MKG:
I am happy to see you all for a special event, the 25th ceremony of the Hospitality Awards that rewards people who rethink our beloved industry. Hospitality is simple, we welcome people, make them fell safe, inspired and alive. Every transformation have one thing in common: people who dare. Legacy is not what we remember, it is what we pass on.
The vision of Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski and president of the 25th Hospitality Awards Ceremony:
I am very humble to have this honor, and tonight, we will talk about legacy as well as the future. We have to look at the past to move forward. There is one thing that doesn’t change and stay at the center: the people.
Let’s dive into the competition!
CSR commitment is now fully embedded in hotel development and operations.
Michelle Demessine, Minister of tourism from 1997 to 2001:
The human dimension is essential to the hotel industry, something that is sorely lacking in other sectors. This humanity comes precisely from the employees in the hotel industry. It was for this reason in particular that I worked on working conditions in this wonderful industry at the time.
Best Talent Management Initiative
This category is supported by Les Roches represented by Giovanni Ovaglia Director at Les Roches Crans-Montana.
Winner: Flourish Trainee Program, Kempinski Hotels S.A.
Kempinski Hotels prepares future leaders through Flourish, an 18-month management trainee program launched in 2023.
It combines operational rotations, international exposure, and mentorship from General Managers to develop leadership and cross-functional skills. Active in more than 15 countries, the program gives participants a comprehensive view of hotel operations and a strong sense of purpose.
Flourish develops a new generation of managers driven by empathy, excellence, and adaptability, ensuring long-term talent growth across the group.
Finalists: Faces Of Happiness, Beachcomber and Talent & Culture Intertwine, IHCL
Best Innovative Environmental Protection Initiative
With the support of Diversey represented by Mehdi Belaribi, Vice President Global Strategic Account Hospitality.
Winner: Road To Net Zero Events, Meliá Hotels International
Meliá Hotels International sets a benchmark for sustainable meetings with its Road to Net Zero Events program. Designed for measurable impact, it integrates carbon tracking and offset tools at every stage of event planning, allowing organizers to calculate, compare, and reduce their footprint in real time.
The system makes sustainability part of the service experience rather than an optional feature. By combining technology, transparency, and collaboration, Meliá defines a responsible approach to business travel that aligns with the expectations of modern corporate clients.
Finalists: Mindful Luxury at the Leela, The Leela Palaces and Ascott Cares, The Ascott Limited
Best Innovative Social Responsibility Initiative
This category is proudly supported by Enviro Developpement and its founder David Cottereau.
Winner: Fight Against Human Trafficking, Marriott International
Marriott International strengthens its global fight against human trafficking with a strategy focused on prevention, protection, and empowerment. More than 1.5 million employees have been trained to identify and respond to warning signs.
The group also supports survivors through initiatives such as HotelHelp, which provides temporary housing, and Future in Training, offering career opportunities. Partnerships with PACT, Cisco, and the Internet Watch Foundation extend its impact. By embedding vigilance and empathy into its culture, Marriott places human dignity at the center of hospitality.
Finalists: Tree Of Life Dusit International and Palladium Cares, Palladium Hotel Group
Charity Initiative
The 25th edition of the Hospitality Awards is proud to support Projet IDEAL. IDEAL is a project conceived by Professor David Cohen. The space will open in two years, with the ambition of improving the care and support provided to children and adolescents affected by developmental disorders within the Armand-Trousseau Hospital of AP-HP.
Olivier Pelat, founder of Européquipements and Chair of patronage:
I had the opportunity to meet David Cohen and visit his department, which needed a helping hand. I saw children and families asking for help, and that is what I did through a donation to give this department the means to help children and families as it should.
Professor David Cohen, Professor at Sorbonne University and Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris. He is also a member of the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR) and a corresponding member of the Academy of Medicine:
I learned a lot from the hotel industry because I hadn’t realised how important hospitality is in my profession as a psychiatrist. This sector had become very dehumanising, and we managed to restore a human dimension to it.
In a fierce competition, marketing is key to be visible and attractive.
Best Media Campaign
This category is supported through the partnership of France 24, represented by Claire Moreuil, Distribution & Development Deputy Director Hospitality & Europe.
Winner: The Encounter, Sofitel – Accor Sofitel’s
The Encounter reinvents luxury storytelling through art, culture, and emotion. Featuring Gillian Anderson and Dali Benssalah, the film expresses the brand’s philosophy of “Where free minds meet” and positions the hotel as a space of dialogue and discovery.
With refined imagery and cinematic depth, it bridges heritage and modernity. Complemented by Sofitel Encounters, the brand’s first TikTok activation, the campaign engages a new generation of travelers.
Winner of the CB News Grand Prix for Luxury Creativity, The Encounter affirms Sofitel’s place among the most innovative voices in contemporary hospitality.
Finalists: Now All In One Place, Minor Hotels ; It Matters Where You Stay, Hilton
Best Destination Marketing Campaign
This category is powered by Booking.com represented by Vanessa Heydorff, CEO France.
Winner: The Real Star of the Show, Visit Britain
Starring Great Britain turns the UK’s deep connection with cinema into a powerful driver for tourism. Directed by Oscar-winner Tom Hooper, the campaign celebrates Britain as the real star behind film and television worlds, from Bridgerton’s Bath to the Highlands of Outlander.
By drawing on the global “set-jetting” trend, VisitBritain connects storytelling with travel. The initiative combines emotion with measurable results, generating £20 in visitor spending for every £1 invested. It portrays a diverse and welcoming Britain where imagination inspires exploration.
Finalists: It’s Not Tourism, It’s Futourism, Visit Portugal ; Oslo Is Not Even A City, Visit Oslo
Best Innovative Guest Experience
This category is presented in partnership with CDS Groupe and its Global Procurement Officer, Olivier Mouchet.
Winner: Dance Nhow, Change Now, Minor Hotels
Dance nhow, change now introduces movement as a new expression of well-being. The program combines art and science to help guests reconnect with themselves through dance, creativity, and emotion.
In collaboration with choreographers and neuroscientists, nhow Hotels host workshops, performances, and experiences exploring the link between body and mind.
The initiative reflects a shift toward active wellness, where well-being comes from movement, rhythm, and human connection. It positions nhow as a brand that celebrates self-expression and transformation through creativity.
Finalists: Musical Room Service, Rocco Forte Hotels ; Wojo Master Franchise, Kasada Hotels Africa
Best Marketing Initiative
This category is powered by Ôlibeds by Hotel Megastore, represented by Victoria Sibuet, Director of Operations and Procurement.
Winner: Club Med 75th Anniversary, Club Med
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Club Med transformed nostalgia into a storytelling platform connecting heritage and modernity.
The campaign gathered 14 influencers at Club Med Gregolimano in Greece for a creative journey through seven decades of brand evolution. Combining lifestyle content, cultural diversity, and emotion, it resonated across digital platforms and younger audiences.
The initiative generated 16 million impressions and €14 million in earned media, showing how authenticity and history can renew brand desirability and reinforce Club Med’s leadership in experiential travel.
Finalists: Don’t Be a Guest, Be A Guest Star, All Accor ; Marriott Hotels in Fortnite, Marriott Bonvoy
Lifetime achievement
The took part of hospitality’s history: Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr, co-founders of Rotana Hotel Group
A VISIONARY PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON PASSION AND PURPOSE
Today, Rotana stands as a leading hotel management company with successful properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. It all began 33 years ago with a bond between two friends who shared the same ambition and the determination to make it real.
Founded in 1992 by Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr, Rotana grew from a balanced combination of vision and expertise. Nasser Al Nowais brought business strategy, financial insight, and development experience. Selim El Zyr brought a deep understanding of hospitality gained through years in major international hotel groups.
Their goal was clear: to create a regional brand able to deliver international standards while reflecting the culture and values of the Arab world.
Al Nowais provided foresight and the drive to build a homegrown brand that could stand confidently among global names. El Zyr focused on service, quality, and operational excellence. Together, they defined a model of hospitality that combines ambition, discipline, and genuine warmth.
This entrepreneurial foundation, built on vision, pragmatic management, and a culture of service, gave Rotana the strength to grow into one of the Middle East’s most respected hotel groups. The company now continues its expansion across Africa, Eastern Europe, and South Asia, remaining true to the same spirit that inspired its founders.
For memorable moments, the product is at the heart of hospitality
Stéphane Maquaire, CEO, Club Med:
Our adventure is already 75 years old, and it is with great emotion that I speak to you tonight. The hospitality sector is completely new to me, and I am discovering a rich and innovative industry. I have joined a sector that I saw as vibrant and exciting, and above all, I have joined a truly unique company—or rather, a family.
Best Concept on the Move
This Award is supported by Zolotas and Georges Papalexis, its CEO.
Winner: Luxury Sleeper Train, Seven Stars Kyushu
Operated by JR Kyushu, Seven Stars in Kyushu offers multi-day journeys across Japan’s southern island.
The luxury train features 10 suites, with interiors crafted from fine woods and textiles selected for the train, combining traditional design with modern comfort.
Routes include volcanic landscapes, coastal views, and historic towns, with curated off-train visits to artisans and chefs. Designed by Don Design Associates, the train showcases Japanese craftsmanship and hospitality.
Finalists: Gallery In the Skies, Cathay Pacific ; Bohème By Mekong Kingdoms, Minor Hotels
Best Innovative Brand Concept
This category is presented with the contribution of Geberit and its Hospitality Market Development Manager, Daouda Diakité.
Winner: A Magical Stay, Umusic Hotels
UMusic Hotels is a hospitality concept created by Universal Music Group in partnership with Dakia U-Ventures.
The first property in Madrid integrates the historic Teatro Albéniz within a 130-room hotel that includes a live performance venue and a rooftop pool.
The project connects hospitality with music and local heritage, using curated programming and design to turn an urban stay into a cultural experience.
Finalists: Lyf, The Ascott Limited and The Legendary Rooms, Novotel – Accor
Best Technological Operational Support Innovation
This category is proudly supported by mews represented by Anne-Laure Charmensat its Senior Account Manager, Global Franchise Brands, Mews.
Winner: Booster Platform, Louvre Hotels Group
Launched in late 2023, Booster is Louvre Hotels Group’s digital ecosystem reshaping the franchisor–franchisee relationship. The platform centralizes more than 45 expert services—from revenue management and HR to maintenance, marketing, and compliance—through a single, intuitive interface.
Modules like DigiBoost enable automation, performance tracking, and digital campaign optimization. With 1,300 active users, a 92% satisfaction rate, and over 300 contracts signed, Booster demonstrates measurable ROI and strengthens collaboration across the network. Scalable by design, it is expanding internationally in 2025 to Europe, MENA, and Indonesia.
Finalists: Automated Complimentary, Upgrades Marriott Bonvoy and Nestor OS, Encore Mieux
Best Innovative F&B Concept
This category is presented in partnership with Champagne Lanson and its President, François Van Aal.
Winner: StiR Creative Collective, Hilton Hotels
Hilton’s StiR Creative Collective is an in-house F&B laboratory created to develop restaurant and bar concepts across Hilton’s portfolio. It provides market insight, brand strategy, menu design, and pre-opening support in the Americas and EMEA.
StiR helps hotel owners turn F&B into a source of creativity and revenue while keeping alignment with Hilton’s global standards. It positions dining as an essential part of each hotel’s identity and guest experience.
Finalists: A L’epicerie Restaurant, Experience – Atypio and World Gourmet Festival, Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Georges Panayotis, founder Hospitality ON and MKG:
It is a joy and a symbol to be surrounded tonight by familiar faces, to have witnessed the evolution of our sector. I would also like to salute the MKG teams who have been supporting you for over 40 years, exploiting value to create sustainable value. Year after year, this ceremony has become an unmissable event for those who drive our industry forward. We have moved from standardised hospitality to hospitality that celebrates individuality.
Grand Prix Sofitel – The Rebirth Of A Legendary Brand
Sofitel has undergone a major strategic and operational transformation in recent years as Accor works to strengthen the brand’s position in the global luxury hospitality market.
Accor has redefined Sofitel around a modern vision of the French art de vivre, introducing the platform “Heartfelt Hospitality with a French Zest” to express emotional service, cultural refinement, and international appeal.
To address past inconsistencies in quality, a large part of the portfolio is being renovated. At the same time, new flagship hotels in key cities are setting higher benchmarks in design and service.
The brand is also attracting renewed interest from developers, with a growing pipeline in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. This expansion is supported by a more selective and value-focused development strategy.
Operationally, Sofitel is enriching the guest experience through stronger cultural storytelling, refreshed service rituals, and a deeper commitment to authenticity and sustainability.
The key challenge ahead is to maintain long-term consistency and clear differentiation in an increasingly competitive luxury segment.
A special thank you to the former French Minister of Tourism who joined us to celebrate these 25th Hospitality Awards. Supporting the position of France as a worldwide tourism destination. Michelle Demessine (1997-2001), Luc Chatel (2007-2008), Hervé Novelli (2008-2010), Frédéric Lefebvre (2010-2012), Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne (2020-2022), Marina Ferrari (2024), current Minister of Sport.
