Stelliers announced 20 winning hoteliers of the year. The seventh edition of the hotelier Awards ceremony was held virtually for the very first time, continuing the tradition of celebrating exceptional hoteliers across Asia, despite the unprecedented year that has been. Earlier in the year the Finalist Announcement, which was also held virtually, attracted over 2000 viewers.
The Stelliers hotelier Awards, is a recognised symbol of excellence and a powerful establishment for inspiring the younger generation to enter the hospitality industry. In light of the global health crisis that has challenged the world, Stephane de Montgros shared that, “more than ever, the heartfelt stories of great hoteliers manoeuvring through this complicated situation had to be told.”
Stelliers understood the importance of continuing to shine a light on the industry and the individuals who have persevered through the past year.
In 2020, Stelliers welcomed applications from over 85 properties from across Asia, South Asia and Greater China. The inspiring achievements of this year’s winners both impressed and touched our judges. Winners of each category were decided by an expert judging panel over the course of the year. The two-round judging process was based on a combination of facts presented in the applications, virtual interviews, and testimonials, which ensured that the winner of each category was truly deserving.
The renowned professionals who judged the applications, each holds a significant amount of industry-specific expertise and knowledge. This high-ranking jury includes Jenny Soo, Regional Director & Head of Workplace Experience Asia Pacific Corporate Solutions, JLL – Jones Lang LaSalle Property, Christophe Laurent, Group Values Ambassador, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Christine Gamarra, Senior Operations Lead, Deloitte, Diane Fermin Roeder, Communications Specialist in the hospitality industry and Julia Monk, Hospitality Thought Leader, Architect & Interior Designer.
The evening also revealed a beautiful new trophy design for the winners. In collaboration with Nespresso, the trophy was partially made with the aluminium from recycled Nespresso coffee capsules. A nod to the value that both Stelliers and Gold Partner Nespresso place on sustainability.
Michael Schmitt from Waldorf Astoria Chengdu was named General Manager of the Year. Accepting the recognition with cheer Michael shared a few words.
“Wow, I am certainly blown away. I am truly humbled, and it is not often that I am speechless… There are ultimately so many I have to thank. The biggest thank you goes to my team; we General Managers can’t do anything without them, and I’m blessed to have team members and managers who truly live and breathe Waldorf Astoria’s legendary true Waldorf service. It is because of all of this and because of them wearing their hearts on their sleeves and doing everything possible, that is why we are able to win amazing awards. I don’t think I can ever repay them for what they have done so that I can sit here today and receive this Award,” he said.
Partners supporting the platform this year include Nespresso, RH Contract, EHL, GHC Asia and Les Roches & Glion from Sommet Education.
Stelliers prides itself on providing true recognition to the most talented and hardworking professionals that breathe life into a hotel, whilst also inspiring the younger generation to join this ever-growing industry. The Awards will continue to draw attention to these exceptional professionals in years to come, giving them the recognition and praise that they deserve. Hoteliers across Greater China, South East Asia and South Asia are kindly invited to participate in next year’s exciting Awards.
