Nominations are now open for Hotel & Catering News Middle East’s Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2020.
To nominate for the Hotel categories, please click here. To nominate for the People categories, please click here.
Nominations and awards are exclusively for hotel-based venues and hospitality professionals.
The Awards
Regionally, studies have shown that there are 500+ hotels under construction, totalling 153,000 rooms in the MEA. The hospitality industry is predicted to reach $550 billion dollars globally, an increase of almost $100 billion dollars in the past 5 years.
That is why, we at Hotel & Catering News ME believe that it’s only fair that we celebrate the very best that the region has to offer in hospitality. From luxury brands to mid-market hotels, we pay tribute to those who make the region’s hospitality world so unique.
Over the last number of years, the Leaders in Hospitality Awards event has quickly established itself as a key happening on the sector’s calendar, and the 2020 edition – a very special one – is guaranteed to be bigger and better.
Hotel Categories
LEADING NEW HOTEL
A property which has brought something brand new to the market, the Leading New Hotel will combine all aspects of exceptional service and operations with a flair. The winner of this award must be a newcomer, a property which has opened on January 1, 2019 or later.
LEADING HOTEL GROUP
A hotel group that thrived amid fierce competition, the leader in this category has taken over the market with flair, innovation and all the right ingredients to make it all the way through – over and over again.
SERVICED APARTMENTS OF THE YEAR
The top serviced apartments in the region, the winner of this category will have demonstrated a new approach to customer service, introduced new amenities and more.
LEADING HOTEL BEACH CLUB
The winner of the Leading Beach Club award will have abided to its commitment to offering an entertaining environment for the young and young at heart, with a dedication to what makes a beach club ambience unique.
CSR INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Whether it’s a contribution to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature, this award category covers the different ways through which a property can “give back” – whether in or out of season – all year long.
LEADING LUXURY HOTEL
Attention to detail and outstanding customer service are the pillars of this category, and must be high up on the winner’s agenda. The property must consistently provide guests with an experience that caters to the needs of luxury travellers.
MID-MARKET HOTEL OF THE YEAR
The best property at offering high standards at an accessible rate, this award will go to a hotel that caters to all ages, with a focus on the millennial market, which is seeking high-end options without sacrificing on quality of service.
RESORT OF THE YEAR
The Middle East’s leading resort, this trophy will go to an outlet which has a proven track record of offering a relaxing, fun experience for guests. The winner will have shown creativity and the ability to think laterally when it comes to providing an all-inclusive package.
LEADING HOTEL F&B OUTLET
Offering a high-quality food and beverage offering, this award will go to an outlet that enhances guest experience, and has demonstrated a strong ability to compete with both standalone restaurants, and other in-hotel venues.
LOBBY OF THE YEAR
Designed to evoke what any hotel offers, this is a category where first impressions matter. Showcasing the true essence of a property, the Lobby of The Year award will be handed out to a setting that is truly deserving of the accolade.
HOTEL SPA OF THE YEAR
A haven of relaxation, the winner will provide an extensive menu of treatments, coupled with an exceptional guest experience. The leading hotel spa will demonstrate a dedication to the health and well-being of both men and women.
SUSTAINABLE HOTEL OF THE YEAR
From saying no to plastic, to turning off the taps, this award will go to a hotel that demonstrates excellence in sustainable practices in terms of energy efficiency, waste management and social responsibility.
BEST HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN
A region known for luxury, elegance and cutting-edge interior design when it comes to hotels, this award is the talk of the town. The winner will be a property that has shown a clear focus on delivering an interior like no other.
INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
The region’s top hotels are always in a race to offer the latest. In this category, judges are looking for innovation through a concept that has garnered attention, while leading the way for the industry.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL OF THE YEAR
A family-friendly wonderland, the winner of this award will have created winding paths of blooming gardens, past pirate-ship playgrounds, fairy-tale escapes for visiting tribes, and more: it’s about much more than simply having a kids’ area.
LEADING HOTEL NIGHTLIFE VENUE
When it comes to partying , it’s not usually a good idea to just wing it. The best nightclubs in the world offer the most unique experiences, and the winner of this award would have simply nailed it.
People Categories
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Demonstrating outstanding leadership and inspiration, this year’s winner will possess a strong passion, while being prepared to go the distance to deliver excellence across operations and represent their brand.
HOTEL TEAM OF THE YEAR
The winning team in this category will have displayed operational excellence with outstanding efficiency, productivity and quality. They will have demonstrated a seamless communication process that facilitates outstanding customer service across the property.
EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Maintaining rooms to the highest of standards, the winner of this award will also demonstrate superb communication and leadership skills to ensure their teams share their commitment to excellence.
PROCUREMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
The winner in this category will have demonstrated the ability to oversee a procurement programme that delivers excellence and value for money across the board. The recipient of this award will have provided tangible results in terms of purchasing goods that have boosted their company’s strategy both on the long and short term.
IT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
An integral part of the successful flow of any hotel, this category will be awarded to the nominee who has kept their company at the forefront of technology. The winner will also have demonstrated the ability to show superb communication skills and offer hardware and software support at all times.
F&B MANAGER OF THE YEAR
This award highlights the achievements of an individual who has showcased outstanding ability in exceeding KPIs, developing and enhancing hotel restaurant concepts while streamlining processes and team leadership.
HOTEL CHEF OF THE YEAR
Open to executive chefs, the winner of this category will demonstrate outstanding creativity, passion and culinary flair, along with exceptional skills in overseeing an entire kitchen operation in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
HOSPITALITY MARKETEER OF THE YEAR
A marketeer who has understood the challenges of the market and always comes up with quick and effective marketing strategies to push their brand will make the Hospitality Marketeer of The Year. This individual will be a proven leader in conceptualising, planning and implementing effective campaigns that have taken the industry by storm.
RISING STAR OF THE INDUSTRY
This is someone who is making waves in the Middle East’s hotel scene. This person demonstrates tenacity, creativity and the potential to make a significant impact on the region’s hospitality landscape.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
This award will go to a hospitality veteran who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of excellence across the hotel industry. Their achievements will have made the industry a better place for, not only those who have worked with them, but the entire sector.
LEADING HOSPITALITY ENTREPRENEUR
The winner of this award will have shown commitment to identifying opportunities in the industry and putting their money where it matters. The Leading Hospitality Entrepreneur will be someone whose absence from the hospitality sector would have made it a very different place.
LEADING HOSPITALITY HEAVYWEIGHT
The Leading Hospitality Heavyweight will be someone who is known in the industry for their expertise in the sector. The winner will be a leading light in the industry who has the reputation of being an expert, and the charisma and personality to be the heavyweight.
*CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO REMOVAL IN CASE OF INSUFFICIENT NOMINATIONS
