Nominations

🚩 The Aqualud transformation project into a luxury hotel in Le Touquet, known as "Projet La Dune" (announced on March 4, 2023), is experiencing difficulties after NAOS's liquidation. Le Touquet revoked LB Investissements' management due to site security concerns, frequented by urban explorers and squatters. Vinci remains in charge of construction permits, but a new hotel group partner is needed to proceed.

🏡 Transaxio Hôtel finalized the sale of both property and business of the 3-star Hôtel des Châteaux, which has 27 comfortable rooms and a seasonal homemade cuisine restaurant. The hotel is strategically located near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area and the famous Azay-le-Rideau castle. The buyer, Immovation group, led by Alain Fournier, owns about 15 mid-range hotels, mainly in western France. The acquisition was facilitated by Fabrice Le Mouroux of Transaxio Hôtel and Sissel Thorstensen of Fan Worldwide France. Immovation plans to extend and upgrade the hotel to enhance customer experience.

📢 Nada Sheshtawy now leads the commercial strategies of Rotana, targeting strategic revenue growth, market share and profitability expansion across its portfolio of 82 operational hotels. Sheshtawy's career spans key leadership roles in global hotel brands and managing her own enterprise twice, with a focus on sales, revenue, marketing, and brand strategies in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Rotana currently operates 82 hotels in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, with a strong pipeline of new projects in the MENAT region and the international market.

🏨 Tobias Reinecke leads Choice Hotels' development team for the EMEA region, targeting the company's ambitious growth strategy and portfolio enhancement. He focuses on high-value investment deals, portfolios, partnerships, and individual franchises to drive sustainable profit growth. David Beers, CEO of Choice Hotels EMEA, and other seasoned professionals including Mayella Ruijven, Dylan McCarthy, Corina Breban, Cedric Bartolini, and Marielle Vroemen, support the strategic vision and the region's continuous success.

💸 Valerio Duchini, with a 16-year tenure at B&B HOTELS, after roles in Vodafone Automotive and Compass Group Italia, has been appointed for Western Europe development. Duchini, 52, led B&B HOTELS to market leadership in Italy and opened the first 3 hotels in the US. Holds an economics degree, a master's in tourism management from Ca’ Foscari University, and an AMP from Harvard Business School. Fabrice Collet, President of B&B HOTELS, acknowledges his strategic vision for European market expansion.

🏨 Valerio Duchini, previously managing B&B HOTELS' expansion in the U.S., has been appointed as the Western Europe Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Marine Charles. Duchini joined B&B HOTELS in 2009 after years in Vodafone Automotive and Compass Group Italia's finance departments. With 16 years at B&B HOTELS, he has served as CFO, General Manager of the Italian subsidiary—turning it into a market leader—and recently opened the first 3 hotels in the U.S. At 52, Duchini holds an economics degree, a master's in tourism management from Ca' Foscari University, Venice, and an AMP from Harvard Business School.

📌 B&B HOTELS appoints Valerio Duchini as General Manager for Western Europe, succeeding Marine Charles, to continue the group's development in this key region. With experience since 2009, Duchini contributed to B&B HOTELS' growth, notably in Italy and the launch of three establishments in the United States. His 16 years of experience are deemed critical for strategic expansion and market consolidation in Europe.

🍴 Tiago Martins appointed as the new Director of the esteemed two-starred establishment Le Taillevent, effective March 3. Martins, previously the Deputy Director at the high-cuisine restaurant Guy Savoy, brings a track record of refined hospitality and client experience to his new role at Le Taillevent, a Parisian gastronomy icon founded in 1946. Together with Chef Giuliano Sperandio, Martins aims to continue the legacy of French art de vivre, offering guests timeless experiences.

🛅 Nathalie Bitho, previously in charge of Togo's prestigious Sarakawa Hotel, was dismissed despite her successful tenure marked by significant renovations in 2020, including the refurbishment of 100 rooms, modernization of facilities, and addition of Togo's unique Olympic-sized pool. The hotel, under Bitho's management, turned profits that were reinvested, notably in the restoration of the Lébénè hotel-school. Her removal followed a visit by Minister Sani Yaya and Lebanese investors, leading to controversial topographical work on the hotel's site. Lieutenant-Colonel Komlan Edem Agbenyega Gumedzoe of the Togolese Armed Forces has been appointed as the interim administrator.