Latest news with #HotelieroftheYear
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Tourism launches 3rd edition of Qatar Tourism Awards 2025
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Tourism has officially launched the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025, with the announcement made at a press conference held at Palace Vendôme, the 2024 winner of the Premier Shopping Mall Experience. The awards programme, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), aims to honour individuals and businesses across Qatar's tourism and hospitality sector for their outstanding contributions to service excellence. The application portal is now open, and submissions will be accepted until August 7, 2025. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to evolve as a legacy platform that promotes exceptional performance and fosters constructive competition within the sector. The Awards are designed to recognise those who consistently deliver superior service and help shape distinctive visitor experiences in Qatar. The initial assessment of this year's applications will be in cooperation between UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism. The final evaluation will be carried out by a distinguished panel of local and international experts, whose members will be officially announced in June to ensure full transparency for all applicants. This year introduces two new sub-categories: Hotelier of the Year, which will acknowledge a general manager who has demonstrated notable leadership and innovation in hotel operations; and Leading Chief Concierge, which will commend a concierge from a five-star property in Qatar who exemplifies exceptional guest service and in-depth local knowledge. Speaking at the press conference, Omar Al Jaber, chief of the tourism development sector at Qatar Tourism, said: 'We are proud to continue highlighting stories of excellence by honouring individuals and institutions that elevate service standards across the tourism sector. Our renewed partnership with UN Tourism strengthens the credibility of every stage of the Awards. With the organisation's global expertise and established benchmarks, we are confident that this edition will be managed with the utmost transparency and precision.' Jaime Mayaki, director of international development and cooperation (IDC) at UN Tourism said: 'As we launch the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence, transparency, and global best practices. These Awards honour the pioneers shaping Qatar's tourism story – from chefs reimagining local flavours, to concierges creating unforgettable experiences, to innovators harnessing technology for smarter travel.' As part of this year's programme, Qatar Tourism also announced the launch of the Qatar Tourism Awards Alumni Network, a new platform dedicated to fostering engagement between previous award winners and Qatar Tourism leadership. The winners of the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be revealed during a formal ceremony taking place in November 2025. For application guidelines and more information, visit or email
Trade Arabia
17-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Maybourne appoints new MD of Claridge's
Thomas Kochs has been appointed as Managing Director (MD) of Claridge's in Mayfair by Maybourne, operator of London's hotels. Kochs, who was previously General Manager at Claridge's from 2009 to 2015, has held positions at The Berkeley and The Connaught. He has held positions at luxury hotel companies such as The Set and Corinthia Hotels, where he has been Managing Director at Corinthia London since 2017. Kochs is a passionate trustee of the Gold Service Scholarship and has been voted Hotelier of the Year by the Brit list and one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury by Walpole. Claridge's has recently undergone a seven-year programme of restoration and redevelopment, including a new spa with a swimming pool, a world-class art gallery, and café. Commenting on his return to Claridge's, Kochs said 'I am so looking forward to being reunited with a hotel and colleagues very dear to my heart and steering Claridge's, a much loved and revered hotel into the next chapter of its distinguished history. I am also particularly proud to be rejoining Maybourne as it enters a dynamic period of global growth and expansion and seeing this vision come to life'.
