Nominations

🏖️ Brent Anderson joins Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing 30 years of experience from Tourism Australia, where he elevated South and Southeast Asia to the second-largest visitor source. Emil Petrov is appointed Vice President of Strategy and Insights with over 15 years of experience, having led Tourism New Zealand's strategy and the successful "Enrich 2025" plan, which resulted in a 50% increase in tourism export revenue. Both aim to enhance RAKTDA's positioning as the "Destination of the Future" in the Middle East.

🏦 Pierre Siegel, 54, owner of Hôtel Klé in Kaysersberg and Best Western Plus Monopole-Métropole in Strasbourg, was reelected for a 4-year term as head of the Best Western cooperative. Member since 1999 and President since 2022, his reelection reflects members' trust in his leadership. Emmanuel Thébaux, 58, shareholder of Best Western Urban Hôtel in Lille and board member since 2017, also had his mandate renewed for another four years.

🏨 Pierre Siegel was re-elected on April 2, 2025, for a four-year term as president at the General Assembly of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. Emmanuel Thébaux continues as an administrator and Hubert Faure joins the board. Siegel, part of the Best Western network since 1999 and president since 2022, owns two hotels in Strasbourg. Thébaux, involved since 2017, is committed to the cooperative's development for another four years.

🏖️ Bertrand Margerie, a French national with over 30 years of international experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed as the General Manager of Kuramathi Maldives, a 360-villa island resort. Margerie, holding a tourism management degree from Ecole Nationale de Commerce and a financial management certificate from Cornell University, aims to use his revenue management expertise to elevate the resort's service standards for diverse clientele, including families, couples, and athletes.

🏖️ Fabienne Carrasco appointed as the new CEO of MMV, succeeding Arthur Courtinat, to lead the sustainable transformation and responsible development of alpine tourism. With over 20 years of experience in tourism and real estate, Carrasco's leadership aligns with MMV's commitment to economic, social, and environmental performance. MMV's "Edelweiss 2030" transformation plan includes reducing carbon footprint and preserving biodiversity, as part of the company's CSR commitments.

⚽ Integral, an African leader in sports management and marketing innovation, has been appointed as the exclusive sales and hospitality management agent for the returning Unity Cup this summer, after over 20 years. The event will be held at London's Gtec Stadium, with the opening match between Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago on May 27, followed by Nigeria vs. Ghana on May 28. The tournament concludes on May 31 with both a third-place match and the final.

🍰 Starting this summer, Chef Cedric Grolet becomes the Executive Pastry Chef at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, introducing Cedric Grolet Monte-Carlo—a new tea salon and boutique located in the intimate patio of the iconic hotel. This marks Grolet's first venture in Monaco following successes in Paris, London, Saint-Tropez, Val d'Isère, and Singapore. Grolet, deemed "World's Best Pastry Chef" by the 50 Best in 2018, joins forces with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, enhancing the group's commitment to excellence and creativity.

🏨 The Hôtel Maison Saint-Louis in Marseille's Noailles district has been rebranded as Hôtel Amista. Managed by Ginto Hotels, the historic establishment preserves its 18th-century architectural heritage while embracing a Mediterranean style. Interior architect Dorothée Delaye led the renovation, incorporating Marseille's port history and locally influential Oriental cotton prints into the design. The 24-room hotel features custom Provençal fabrics by Arianne Dalle, Elitis' Artistic Director, immersing guests in Marseille's ambiance.

🏨 Michael Rohr is appointed as the General Area Manager for Dorint hotel group starting April 1, 2025, overseeing strategic development and management of seven resort hotels. He will also manage the Dorint Seehotel & Resort Klink/Müritz, currently under construction. Rohr has over 25 years of international hospitality experience, working with prestigious hotel brands and positions, including with Aldiana in Turkey, Tunisia, Senegal, and Spain, and as Vice-President at AIDA Cruises for nearly seven years.

🍰 Cédric Grolet, famed French pastry chef and "Meilleur Pâtissier du Monde" (50 Best, 2018), opens a new establishment in Monaco's Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Cedric Grolet Monte-Carlo, a tea room and boutique, is part of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer's effort to enhance the principality's gastronomic reputation, joining prestigious venues like Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse. The venue offers breakfast, lunch, and a signature salad.