2024 Edition

THEY BUILT THEIR WAY TO VICTORY

True hospitality lovers were awarded yesterday for their passion, commitment, and ability to deliver at the Hospitality Awards Competition.

Here are the winners and finalists—congratulations to them, and see you next year for the 25th edition of the Hospitality Awards on November 25, 2025, a milestone celebration!

‍

24th Hospitality Awards

For 24 years, the Hospitality Awards have celebrated excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry. This evening, under the chairmanship of Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of IHCL, the 24th edition honors outstanding individual establishments and professionals. Held at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand under the High Patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, the ceremony reveals the winners from 30 finalists, recognizing their exceptional contributions.

Vanguelis Panayotis, CEO, MKG Consulting & Hospitality ON, opened the ceremony:

‍"It’s the 24th edition, so we feel blessed that next year will mark a quarter century. It’s a real pleasure and honor to celebrate our industry, showcasing how innovative and resilient it is. We aim for excellence, and today we celebrate the entire value chain, from investment and development to adaptability, to make this wonderful industry strong worldwide."

Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of IHCL:

‍"The Global Hospitality Awards celebrate visionaries and innovators, highlighting exemplary initiatives that inspire us all to aim higher. But let's not forget the heart of hospitality: its people, the unsung heroes who make hospitality a way of life."

Marina Ferrari, Minister for the Tourism Economy, honored the event with her presence and gave a speech, emphasizing that:

‍"Tourism, especially the hotel industry, is a story of people." She highlighted the importance of challenges like talent management, CSR, and sustainability, and stressed that: "France must continue to strengthen its attractiveness as the world’s leading tourist destination, building on the legacy of the Summer Olympics."

Local Division Winners of the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards

‍

🏆 Best F&B Experience Innovation

The award for Best F&B Experience Innovation was won by Spice Spoons, presented by Anantara, MINOR. The representative for this category was Delphine Krips, Sales Director France, who replaced Kevin Seeburrun for the ceremony.

‍

🏆 Best Health & Wellness Experience

The Best Health & Wellness Experience award was presented to Thalazur - Epigenetic Experience, developed by Thalazur, HIVELY. This initiative was represented by Fabienne Busson, Operations Director Thalazur, during the ceremony.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Social Responsibility Action

The award for Best Innovative Social Responsibility Action was earned by the Sheraton Lisboa Social Impact Program, a project by Sheraton, MARRIOTT. The representative for this winning entry was Thierry Henrot, General Manager.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Sustainable Action

The Best Innovative Sustainable Action award was secured by Long Beach Mauritius, an initiative by SUNLIFE. This project was represented by Ali Abdool, Head of Sustainability.

‍

🏆 Best Opening Party

The award for Best Opening Party was awarded to Regent Hong Kong’s Grand Opening Gala, hosted by Regent, IHG. The representative for this achievement was Michel Chertouh, General Manager.

‍

🏆 Best Economic/Hostel (Re-)Opening

The award for Best Economic/Hostel (Re-)Opening was won by ibis Styles Copenhagen Orestad, presented by ibis Styles, ACCOR. The representative for this category was Damien Perrot, Global Chief Design, Technical Services & Innovation Officer – Premium, Midscale & Economy brands – Accor.

‍

🏆 Best Upscale/Midscale Hotel (Re-)Opening

The Best Upscale/Midscale Hotel (Re-)Opening award was presented to Renaissance of Glamour - A 60s French Revival, a project by HILTON. The representative for this award was Laetitia Barchewitz, Commercial Director.

‍

🏆 Best Luxury Hotel (Re-)Opening

The Best Luxury Hotel (Re-)Opening award was claimed by Convent Square Hotel Vignette Collection Reopening, presented by Vignette, IHG HOTELS & RESORTS. The representative for this initiative was Ana Cristina Guilherme, Head of Marketing.

‍

🏆 Best Resort (Re-)Opening

The award for Best Resort (Re-)Opening was won by the Opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in Japan, an initiative by CLUB MED. This achievement was represented by Grégory Lanter, Group Deputy CEO.

‍

🏆 Best Upscale/Midscale Hotel Manager of the Year

The title of Best Upscale/Midscale Hotel Manager of the Year was awarded to Tomasz Schweda, the General Manager of Mercure Krakow Old Town, ACCOR.

‍

🏆 Best Luxury Hotel Manager of the Year

The award for Best Luxury Hotel Manager of the Year was given to Shilpa Rameja, General Manager representing Taj Hotels, IHCL.

‍

🏆 Best Resort Manager of the Year

The Best Resort Manager of the Year award was presented to Benjamin Vallée, Executive General Manager, representing Unique Accommodation, PARC OMEGA.

‍

🏆 Iconic Employee of the Year

The Iconic Employee of the Year award was earned by Chef Naren Thimmaiah Barianda, Executive Chef - Food Production, Vivanta Bengaluru Residency Road, who was recognized for his work at Karavalli, Taj Hotels, IHCL.

These winners represent the innovative spirit and dedication that define the hospitality industry, setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring others to strive for greatness. The Hospitality Awards congratulate the winners for their achievements and contributions to advancing the industry.

Corporate Division Winners of the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards

With several categories determined by public votes, this year’s finalists and winners showcase the remarkable creativity and commitment of hospitality leaders.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Talent Management Initiative

The B&B HOTELS ACADEMY, represented by Sophie Donabedian, Chief Sustainability Officer at B&B HOTELS, emerged as the winner in this category for its exceptional commitment to employee development and empowerment. The trophy for this achievement was proudly awarded by Giovanni Odaglia, Director at Les Roches Crans-Montana, recognizing the academy’s remarkable impact on fostering talent and driving innovation within the hospitality industry.

The other finalists in this category also demonstrated equally impressive initiatives:‍

• ‍HappyCulture Académie – Honotel, represented by Hélène Gauthier, CEO, which focused on creating a supportive and innovative learning environment for hospitality professionals.‍
• The Korner Academy – Korner, represented by Cécile Rosset, Co-Founder and Brand & Development Director, which showcased a forward-thinking approach to training and career advancement.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Environmental Protection Initiative (Public Vote)

The accolade for Best Innovative Environmental Protection Initiative was awarded to Sunlife Marine Conservation – Sunlife, represented by Ali Abdool, Head of Sustainability.

This category showcased highly competitive and impactful projects, as reflected in the outstanding finalists:

• ‍"On s’engage" vers un tourisme durable – Best Western Hotels & Resorts, represented by Rachel Loison, Assistant Director CSR and Employer Brand
• AccorInvest’s Food Waste Reduction Initiative – AccorInvest, represented by Alicia Goya, ESG Manager

The trophy was awarded by Mehdi Belaribi, Vice President Global Corporate Accounts Hospitality at Diversey, recognizing the innovative efforts to promote sustainability and environmental protection in the hospitality sector.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Social Responsibility Initiative (Public Vote)

The Best Innovative Social Responsibility Initiative was awarded to Land & Life Foundation– Minor Hotels, represented by Serge Foulon, Director of Operations France.

This category showcased impactful and transformative projects that address pressing social challenges. The exceptional finalists included:

• ‍Sunlife Children Cancer Ward – Sunlife, represented by Ali Abdool, Head of Sustainability
• Building Bridges – Empowering Communities – IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited), represented by Gaurav Pokhriyal, Executive Vice President - Human Resources

The trophy was awarded by Karine Sebban-Benzazon, President of Vatel, in recognition of the inspiring work these initiatives have done to empower communities and drive meaningful change in society.

Charity: Naturevolution Honored by Hospitality ON

This year, Hospitality ON supported the Naturevolution association with a donation of €5,000. Naturevolution actively works to preserve the planet’s most threatened and little-known ecosystems through conservation, awareness, and research initiatives.

Cécile Astier, Director of Projects and Partnerships at Naturevolution, shared a few words:

"Of course I want to thank you to be here. Thank you Solikend to be our partners for so many years. Thank you as well to the Hospitality Awards to make us such a nice gift. We organize many eco-volunteering missions in Madagascar and Indonesia. It’s a way of visiting a country and travel on a different manner."

This effort was made possible thanks to Solikend, an innovative platform that enables hotels to offer overnight stays with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. Yoann Magnin, Founder & CEO of SOLIKEND, was present.

🏆 Best Marketing Initiative

The award for Best Marketing Initiative was presented to The Wave x Paris 2024, an innovative campaign by Accor, represented by Antoine Dubois, Head of Marketing Communications, Guest Experience, and Loyalty Europe & North Africa. This campaign successfully captured the excitement and global appeal of the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting a new benchmark for impactful marketing in the hospitality industry. The trophy was awarded by Odile Franc, Europe Distribution Director for France 24, in recognition of this outstanding achievement.

The other finalists in this category showcased equally impressive initiatives:

• ‍AccorInvest’s City Tour Marketing Campaign – AccorInvest, represented by Cécile Pelletier, Head of External Communications, which effectively highlighted the brand’s ability to connect travelers with local culture.‍
• La Collab’ Ameublement Français x OKKO HOTELS – OKKO Hotels, represented by Solenne Ojea-Devys, CEO, which demonstrated a creative and stylish collaboration that deeply resonated with guests.

‍

🏆 Best Destination Marketing Campaign (Public Vote)

The award for Best Destination Marketing Campaign was presented to Sweden, Not Switzerland – Visit Sweden, represented by Alexa Chessex, Directrice France, which creatively addressed misconceptions to promote Sweden as a unique travel destination.

The finalists in this category also demonstrated exceptional creativity and impact through their remarkable campaigns:

• ‍Saudi Odyssey – Saudi Tourism Authority, represented by Elisabeth Nebout, Country Manager France & Senior PR-Manager
• Falling for Autumn in Switzerland – Switzerland Tourism

The trophy was awarded by Vanessa Heydorff, Managing Director France at Booking.com, honoring the innovation and effectiveness of these marketing initiatives in inspiring travelers worldwide.

‍

🏆 Best Media Campaign (Public Vote)

The distinction for Best Media Campaign was awarded to La Glace x Paris 2024 – Accor, represented by Antoine Dubois, Head of Marketing Communications, Guest Experience, and Loyalty Europe & North Africa, for its creative partnership showcasing elegance and excitement in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The finalists in this highly competitive category also showcased innovative and impactful campaigns:

• ‍Hotel Indigo: World’s Neighbourhood Hotel Brand Campaign – IHG Hotels & Resorts, represented by Eric Viale, Managing Director, Southern Europe, CIS & Georgia
• Pierre & Vacances Successful Brand Transformation – Groupe PVCP, represented by Jonathan Gual, Head of Communications

The trophy was awarded by Marianne Le Clère Papalexis, President of Zolotas, recognizing the creativity and impact of these campaigns in advancing brand narratives and engaging global audiences.

🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award of the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards has honored Señor Miguel Fluxà for his outstanding impact on the hotel industry. A visionary and founder of the Iberostar brand in 1983, he transformed the industry by combining innovation and quality.

Accepting the award on his behalf, Davy Van Acker, Business Development Director Benelux & France, remarked:

"We call him Don Miguel, it just feels like one family. He has charisma and changes the world for many people. We all need a Don Miguel."

🏆 Best Technological Operational Support Innovation

The Korner Management System, represented by Cécile Rosset, Co-Founder and Brand & Development Director at KORNER, secured the award for Best Technological Operational Support Innovation. This innovative solution was recognized for its groundbreaking approach to streamlining hospitality operations, enhancing efficiency, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. The trophy was awarded by Cyril Aubertin, Head of BtoB at Adova, honoring its impact on advancing operational excellence in the hospitality industry.

The other finalists in this category also showcased significant advancements in technology and operational efficiency:

• ‍Kipsu – Hilton, represented by Aimee Valentine, Senior Director of Product Management, for its innovative communication platform that enhances guest interaction.‍
• Radisson Operations Powered by Hotelkit – The Ultimate Operational Efficiency Solution for RHG – Radisson Hotels & Resorts, represented by Pim de Hooge, Senior Corporate Operations Manager, which impressed with its commitment to operational excellence through technology-driven solutions.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Guest Experience (Public Vote)

The award for Best Innovative Guest Experience was presented to The Vietage by Anantara Luxury Rail Journey – Anantara, Minor Hotels, represented by Delphine Krips, Sales Director France, for its luxurious and immersive rail journey offering.

This highly competitive category showcased exceptional guest experiences, highlighting the following outstanding finalists:

• ‍Campa’t’titude – Louvre Hotels Group, represented by Eduardo Bosch, Chief Operating Officer
• Pioneering Immersive Customer Journeys – The Future of Hotel Booking – Radisson Hotels & Resorts, represented by Raul Alvarez Barrera, Global Vice President Digital, Head of Digital Experience Centre of Excellence

The trophy was awarded by Nicolas Besse - Vice President Procurement - CDS Groupe, recognizing these innovative initiatives that elevate guest experiences and set new industry standards.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative Brand Concept

The award for Best Innovative Brand Concept was presented to L'Escale Royale, represented by Jérôme Dumont, Directeur Général, for its unique and visionary approach to redefining luxury hospitality. This brand has set new standards by delivering exceptional guest experiences while embracing innovation and elegance.

The trophy was awarded by Mak Abdelkafi – Senior Sales Manager for Mews, in recognition of this exceptional achievement.

This category also featured fierce competition from two outstanding finalists:

• ‍The Revival of Campanile – Campanile, Louvre Hotels Group, represented by Eduardo Bosch, Chief Operating Officer, which impressed with its bold and creative reinvention of a classic hospitality brand.‍
• Kopster Hotels, A New Approach to Hospitality – Kopster Hotels, represented by Charline Bresse, General Director, which was recognized for establishing a modern, guest-centric brand experience that resonates with today’s travelers.

‍

🏆 Best Innovative F&B Experience (Public Vote)

The award for Best Innovative F&B Experience was presented to Canopy, A Tree Top Dining Experience – Minor Hotels, represented by Serge Foulon, Director of Operations France, for its unique and immersive dining concept set amidst the treetops.

Among the finalists, the following projects stood out for their creativity and execution:

• ‍Ciro’s Deauville – Hotels Barrière, represented by Aimée Reategui, Communications and Partnerships Director, and Hippolyte Gras, Catering Director
• LOYA – IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited), represented by Taljinder Singh, Vice President & Brand Custodian

The trophy was awarded by Emmanuel de la Morinerie, Sales Director France for Lanson, celebrating these groundbreaking culinary experiences that elevate the art of hospitality and gastronomy.

🏆 Grand Prix Winner of the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards

The prestigious Grand Prix of the 24ᵉ Hospitality Awards was awarded to David Fattal, founder of Leonardo Hotels, in recognition of his transformative impact on the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded to nearly 300 hotels across 21 countries, exemplifying innovation, adaptability, and guest-centric excellence.

In his acceptance speech, David Fattal reflected on his journey, stating:

‍"At 22, I fell in love with the hotel industry. Starting with two hotels in the Red Sea, we grew year after year." His vision and dedication have redefined industry standards, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.

The evening concluded with Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of IHCL, congratulating all the winners:"Congratulations to all the winners, we have seen a lot of innovation tonight!"

The Hospitality Awards have been organized by Hospitality ON for twenty-one years and received over 200 applications from around the world this year. They are a true showcase for the diversity of the global hotel industry and reveal the most innovative approaches and concepts.