Nominations

🏖 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.

🚀 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.

🏨 L'Hôtel Kyriad Colmar Centre Unterlinden devient l'Hôtel Gustave dès le 4 septembre 2024, à Colmar. Renommé pour mieux refléter son identité et valeurs uniques, l'hôtel offre 48 chambres inspirées de la Belle Époque et de personnalités comme Gustave Eiffel et Auguste Bartholdi, un salon convivial, et un buffet petit-déjeuner mettant en avant les saveurs alsaciennes.

🍴 Romain Henry is appointed the new Director of Restaurant Services at Domaine de Verchant in Castelnau-le-Lez, Hérault. He oversees the gourmet restaurant Marcelle, the brasserie La Plage, pool offerings, room service, breakfast, wine cellar, and sommelier services. Henry previously held positions at Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and Maze Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay in London. He was a finalist in the "Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" contest in 2022 and won "Meilleur Sommelier 'Sud de France' 2009" in the UK. Henry also founded bistros in Béziers and Nébian and is a trainer at Purple Campus Béziers.

🏠 Xavier Khoo named as the new Regional Director for Western Europe at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Assumed office in August 2024, based in Brussels, Belgium. His responsibilities include overseeing marketing, communication, partnerships, and business development for the STB in Western European markets. Khoo joined STB in 2015, previously worked on conventions, meetings, and incentives and led initiatives for travel agents and tour guides. He succeeds Melissa Jane Thompson, who returns to Singapore for a new role.

📌 Jumeirah Group appoints Julien Soyez as Vice President of Communication, with a notable background in luxury fashion and lifestyle communications. Soyez, former Global Press Director at Gucci in Milan, has also served in significant marketing and communications roles in Paris and the Middle East for renowned brands such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs. His focus at Jumeirah will be to drive brand and communication strategies, enhancing visibility in new markets in line with global expansion plans.

🏨 Luca Finardi was appointed as Regional Vice President for France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris. He succeeds Géraldine Dobey, who has been the General Manager since July 2021 and will now focus on her role as Director of Quality for the Mandarin Oriental Group. With nearly 30 years of experience, Finardi previously managed the Mandarin Oriental, Milan since 2014, and was instrumental in the opening of the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como.

🏨 Luca Finardi appointed as Area Vice-President for France, Italy, and the Czech Republic and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris, starting September 2, 2024. Formerly General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Milan since 2014. Géraldine Dobey, previously Area Vice-President for France, Switzerland, and Morocco and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris since July 2021, now focuses solely on Quality Management within the group. Finardi brings nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.