Nominations

🍴 Born in 1991 in Como, Fabio Volontè, a passionate chef since childhood, has become the executive chef at Hôtel Villa Calvi. Previously, he was executive chef at Imperialino, a gastronomic restaurant in the Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA, Moltrasio. Volontè's global career includes working with renowned culinary figures, mastering traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Committed to sustainability, he emphasizes fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and minimal waste, while valuing teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective creativity.

🏩 Maxence Ligneul promoted to Human Resources Director of OLCM Group and Deputy Manager of RÉ MANAGEMENT, also serving as Director of Hotels on Île de Ré. A graduate from Lycée Hôtelier de Dinard, Ligneul has extensive luxury hotel experience across Europe, including Relais & Châteaux, Groupe Barrière, and Ultima Collection. Since summer 2023, he helped Villa Clarisse on Île de Ré earn its fifth star and a top three ranking in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2024.

📈 Jens Schmitz named Vice President of Marketing for Dorint Hotel Group, effective April 1, 2025. With over 15 years of high-level marketing experience, his focus will be on digital marketing and brand strategy for Dorint Hotels & Resorts, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, and Essential by Dorint. Jörg T. Böckeler, CEO of Dorint Hotel Group, announced the key appointment, emphasizing brand growth and innovation. Schmitz aims to enhance market presence and customer engagement through tailored marketing strategies.

📌 Michel Politano has been appointed as the Senior Vice President of Sales at Atmosphere Core in the Maldives. In his new role, Politano will oversee the company's global commercial strategy and lead a team of over 60 professionals, while also managing distribution with the goal of worldwide development and expansion. This promotion is part of a series of strategic appointments within Atmosphere Core's executive team. Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of strong leadership for the company's long-term service improvements, performance enhancement, and profitability for shareholders.

🏨 Aspire Group expands in Germany, transforming former Kaiserhof hotel into Spark by Hilton Wuppertal City Centre, set to open on June 2, 2025. This marks the brand's second location in the country following the Stuttgart-Sindelfingen opening earlier in the year. Located near Wuppertal's train station and within walking distance to the city's suspension railway, the hotel features 172 rooms, a bar, and is 35 kilometers from Düsseldorf Airport. The 11,000-square-meter property includes 24/7 Grab & Go store and in-room steam baths, targeting budget-conscious travelers with a central location and digital amenities.

🎰 Isidore Partouche, born April 21, 1931, in Trezel, Algeria, bought the Saint-Amand-les-Eaux casino in 1973. Under his leadership, Groupe Partouche expanded with strategic acquisitions across France, created the first Pasino, went public in 1995, and gained international presence. He gradually handed over to his son Patrick from the 2000s, leaving a legacy of a leading European group in the leisure sector.

🏖 Shama Rashid appointed as the Deputy Public Relations and Communications Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a 5-star resort in the Maldives by Sun Siyam Resorts. She brings experience in public relations, media engagement, and project management. Rashid's role focuses on communication strategies, media relations, and enhancing the resort's international reputation through storytelling. Her career started in PR and Media for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, later moving to the tourism sector in marketing and communication.

🏨 Markus Lück appointed as Penta Hotels' new General Manager, starting April 1, 2025. He succeeds Andrew Munt, who led the brand's development for 15 years and will leave at April's end. Lück, with over 25 years in premium hospitality, aims to continue Penta's momentum and enhance brand identity and customer experience, leveraging his background with 12.18. Hospitality Management GmbH and 7Pines Hotels & Resorts.

🍴 On June 20-21, 2025, world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will visit Matsuhisa Limassol at Hotel AMARA for a two-day culinary event. Guests can savor Nobu's signature dishes, meet the chef, and potentially uncover some of his culinary secrets. The event features a classic Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, including an exclusive Omakase surprise menu, artisanal cocktails, and premium sake. Seats are limited, so advance booking is advised.

📈 Aude De La Porte has been appointed as the Marketing, Communication, and CSR Director at MAGORA, following Johanna AMBIL's move to become General Manager of Odalys Vacances. MAGORA, under new governance with Geoffrey LAVIELLE as CEO and Laurent DUSOLLIER as President, aims to structure and accelerate development. De La Porte's expertise will guide MAGORA's global marketing strategy, enhancing visibility and impact across brands like Odalys Vacances and services in managed real estate.