The Hospitality Awards have been organized by Hospitality ON for twenty-three 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 concept.
The 23rd edition of the Hospitality Awards has, once more, been a success. More than 200 applications have shown the creativity, inventiveness and resilience of the hospitality industry. This 2023 year is a moment when one the great pioneers of the industry, Gérard Pélisson has passed away, therefore all took a moment to pay him a tribute.
Sébastien Bazin, CEO Accor reminded Gérard Pelisson’s commitment for the industry: “Gérard never had any children. So he chose to have hundreds of them through the Institut Paul Bocuse, which became the Institut Lyfe, now headed by Gilles Pélisson.” He used to say, “whatever their job, whether as a kitchen porter or a porter… They don’t work for you, you work for them.”
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, presided over the event and gave the following shared: “This industry was founded on passion. Tonight’s winners are pushing the boundaries of innovation. To succeed, we need to be intelligent and collaborative, to outperform the competition.”
Vanguelis Panayotis, CEO of Hospitality ON, also addressed a few words: “Once again we will see this evening that we, as an industry, are ahead of many other sectors on major topics, such as: sustainability, social responsibility but also innovation and technology.”
In various categories, exceptional individuals and establishments were recognized for their achievements:
- Breakthrough Career in Hospitality: Stella Zinn emerged as the winner in the “Professional Breakthrough in Hospitality” category, with Lara Dupre and Tanguy Mourlon recognized as outstanding finalists.
- Local Competition – Best (Re) Opening of Hotels: TOO Hotel received recognition for its outstanding achievement in the “Upscale and Midscale Hotel Reopening” category, while Nolinski Venezia showcased excellence in the “Reopening of a Luxury Hotel” category. Club Med Tignes emerged as a standout in the “Resort Reopening” category.
- Local Competition – Best performance in Health & Wellness and Culinary: Kempinski St. Moritz demonstrated excellence in the “Health & Wellness” category. In addition, Tributary Hotel+ ōkta established an exceptional standard in the “Food & Beverage” category.
- Local Competition – Best achievements in Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Radisson Hotel Group’s project, Radisson Blu Nurseries, earned significant recognition in the “Social Responsibility Action” category, showcasing outstanding achievements. B&B Hotels received commendation for its exceptional initiatives in the “Sustainable Action” category, particularly its Hybrid Building project.
- Local Competition – Best General Managers: Thierry Henrot from Marriott was recognized for his role as an exceptional “General Manager of an Upscale and Midscale Hotel,” while TAJ’s Ritesh Sharma secured the top spot as “General Manager of a Luxury Hotel.” ACCOR’s Florian Hugonet earned distinction as a “Resort General Manager,” and Edward Minor was acknowledged for his exceptional contributions as an “Emblematic Employee.”
- Best Media Campaign and Partnerships: The Novotel’s performance in the “Media Campaign” category garnered public attention, along with finalists Shangri La and Center Parcs. The public’s choice for the “Partnership of Excellence” category was ALL Accor x Paris 2024, alongside finalists Radisson Hotel Group Art Series and Hilton McLaren.
- Best Member Experience and Social Responsibility: In the “Invaluable Member Experience” category, Accor Limitless Experience, emerged as the victorious entry. Jumeirah Hotels introduced Jumeirah Williams Racing, and Radisson Hotel Group showcased Radisson So Much More as formidable competitors. Hyatt RiseHY shone in the “Social Responsibility” category, with IHCL Building Bridges and Centaurus delivering remarkable performances. In the “Sustainability” category, Minor Nature Based Hotels excelled, while Radisson Hotel Sustainability and AccorInvest Think Circular demonstrated noteworthy contributions.
- Best Lifetime Achievement: The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Alfred Pisani of Corinthia Hotels Limited.
- Best Employee Care and Talent Acquisition: Appart’City received recognition for their achievements in the “Employee Care” category, with special mention to Care @ TAJ and Swiss Belhotel as finalists. Lavorel Group was acknowledged for their accomplishments in the “Talent Acquisition” category, with Melia VIPeople and IHCL Post Covid as notable finalists.
- Best Destination Media Campaign, Innovative Concepts, and Transformation-Creation: In the “Destination Media Campaign” category, Mauritius claimed the public’s overall choice, with Switzerland and Abu Dhabi also participating. “The Oasis House” won over the public in the “Innovative Concept” category, competing alongside RockyPop and Carecations. The public voted Carlton Cannes as the overall winner in the “Transformation – Creation” category, with Domaine Reine Margot – MGallery Collection and Anantara Convento di Amalfi as finalists.
- Charity Initiatives: The Radisson Blu Youth Emplo, Kimpton Festival, Kempinski Breast Cancer and Grape x Mécénat Cardiaque initiatives were praised and rewarded for their outstanding achievements. The “Je Pars Tu Pars Il Part,” under the guidance of its founder, Germain Lelarge, received a 5,000 euros donation, which, along with additional contributions, totaled 10,000 euros. This organization is dedicated to enhancing accessibility to holidays and recreational activities for individuals currently facing barriers to such experiences.
Young Talents Awards
In this year’s Young Talents Awards, Accor, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, MKG Consulting, and Radisson Hotel Group challenged hospitality students with diverse tasks related to the industry. These challenges ranged from how artificial intelligence can enhance the hotel experience to eliminating barriers preventing women from reaching management positions, creating an inclusive culture, redefining performance KPIs with a focus on sustainability, and making “Net Zero” tangible for guests. The winning initiatives tackled these challenges creatively, aiming to improve the hospitality sector and guest experiences.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
