Nominations

🏨 Christie & Co France bolsters its Hotel Real Estate Advisory team with two new hires: Luc Espaillard as Associate Director - Conseil, previously with HVS Canada and educated at Institut Vatel and École Hôtelière de Lausanne, and Sophie Tran as Consultant - Hotels. This expansion signifies Christie & Co's commitment to maintaining its leadership by enhancing advisory services for French and international clients.

🏖 During the summer of 2024, the Grand Est region of France reported a stable overall tourism rate, with a notable 10% increase in international visitors, counterbalancing a 5% decline in domestic tourism. The regional tourism achievements were announced by Cédric Gouth, Vice-President of Tourism, and Henry Lemoine, President of the Regional Tourism Agency (ART GE). Anne Sander replaced Gouth as President of the Regional Tourism Commission after over 20 years in the European Parliament, poised to enhance the region's tourism appeal. Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est region, praised the new presidency.

🏦 Olivier Dufit became the CEO of The Originals in July 2024, succeeding Philippe Marguet who served for 23 years. Dufit joined the cooperative in 2020 as the Director of Marketing, Communication, E-commerce, and CSR. Previously, he had 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising agencies and 15 years as an entrepreneur. In October 2023, he was appointed Deputy CEO. The cooperative, celebrating 5 years of its brand in 2024, maintained its performance in 2024 despite economic challenges and a politically uncertain environment influenced by the Olympics and a changing tourism market.

🏨 Luc Espaillard joins Christie & Co as Associate Director - Conseil, bringing years of experience in hospitality and hotel real estate consulting. He has previously worked on complex projects in Canada with HVS and is a graduate from Institut Vatel de Bordeaux and École Hôtelière de Lausanne, with a specialization in real estate from the University of British Columbia. His operational understanding of hospitality and real estate consulting aligns with Christie & Co's strategy to strengthen their pan-European team.

🏡 Rachel David, Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM) at Terre Blanche since 2012 and previously at Hôtel de Crillon (2007-2012), joins Querido Hotels as Director of Sales – Europe. Querido Hotels, founded by Carlos Quereda, features exceptional family-owned hotels like Le Largo in Porto and La Fantaisie Paris. Quereda highlights Rachel's advocacy for Querido since 2012 and her valuable expertise for the family-owned properties.

🚀 Paul Baker has been appointed the new President of Atlantis brand, overseeing operations at Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, and Atlantis Sanya. Under CEO Philippe Zuber of Kerzner International, Baker is responsible for the overall management of Atlantis Dubai, which includes strategic operations, brand growth, and administrative, commercial, and catering services. Baker brings nearly 20 years of international hospitality and entertainment experience from markets like Las Vegas, Malaysia, and Macao.

🏦 Michael POUYER joined Roch Hôtel & Spa as General Manager in summer 2024. Previously, he worked at Hôtel Champs-Élysées Plaza, progressing from Agent to Head of Accommodation, then moved to Hôtel Les Théâtres as Operations Manager, and later directed Padam Hôtel and its restaurant 'Edith' in the Golden Triangle, overseeing the establishment's launch and development. His appointment at Roch Hôtel & Spa marks a pivotal and exhilarating step in his luxury hotel management career.

🍷 Célia Debatty, aged 22, joins the Hôtel Bleu as sommelier at the L’Oursin, a gourmet restaurant led by chef Ilane Tinchant. With substantial gastronomy experience, Debatty has worked at prestigious establishments including Alain Bianchin 1* in Brussels and La Mère Germaine 1*, a century-old French culinary institution. A graduate from Institut IPES Wavre with a "Jockey" specialization, her skills in balance, precision, endurance, concentration, sensitivity, and a passion for living earth enhance her wine expertise.

🏥 Anna Nash joins Explora Journeys' executive team, bringing over two decades of experience from top ultra-luxury hotel brands. Formerly the Commercial Director at Aman, Nash played a key role in global commercial strategies and brand expansion. She held positions in sales, brand development, marketing, digital, PR, and business intelligence. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC's cruise division, believes Nash's expertise will help position Explora as a leader in luxury travel.

📢 Arno Schwalie, previously CEO of Lindner Hotel Group since 2022, succeeds Max C. Luscher, who led for 8 years. Schwalie now oversees over 200 hotels across Germany, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. His past roles include Executive VP at Korian (2017-2021) and Senior Area Vice President at Radisson (2015-2017). He aims to double the presence in Central and Northern Europe in the next five years. Luscher praised the team's accomplishments in client and employee satisfaction.