Nominees for the Human Capital Award

Ștefan Oprea
– President, Disciples Escoffier

For his extraordinary efforts to train and inspire young people in the culinary arts, and for keeping the Escoffier tradition alive among the new generation of chefs in Romania.

Professor Gabriela Țigu
– Dean, Faculty of Business and Tourism, ASE Bucharest

For her constant dedication to developing a high-level tourism and business education, and for shaping generations of professionals who now serve the Romanian hospitality and tourism industry.

Ana Demian
– Executive Director, ohma România

For the talent and commitment with which she manages the only international dual-education hospitality academy in Romania, operating under an EHL license, the number one in the world hospitality business school, and for investing in a new model of practice-oriented education.

Prof. Vasile Pădureanu
– Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov

For his sustained contribution to strengthening higher education in tourism and for creating a bridge between the academic environment of Brașov and the real needs of the hospitality market.

George Copos
– Founder, Ana Hotels

For his long-term investment in education and the continuous care he has shown for the development and well-being of his employees within the Ana Hotels group, supporting careers, not just jobs.

Nominees for the Hotel Development Award

Flaviu Leșe
– President, RoCredit

For the ambition to create a truly unique resort in an extraordinary region, where the natural beauty has not yet been matched by the level of hotel development, and for helping to bring this area closer to its true potential.

Cristina Frolov
– President, Constantin Mimi Foundation

For her exceptional contribution to the development of oenology, hospitality, and education in the Republic of Moldova, turning Castel Mimi into a landmark destination that combines wine, culture, and premium guest experiences.

Aniela Cristolovean
 – CEO, ADD Rest

For the courage with which she introduces innovation into hospitality, integrating new concepts, services, and community-building elements into the Maurer developments.

Marius-Adrian Moldovan
– Executive President, Transilvania Investments

For his essential contribution to developing a network of landmark hospitality assets across Romania, and for a long-term investment strategy that supports the repositioning and modernisation of multiple hotel properties.

Sorin Ionescu
– Owner, Fivestar Hospitality

For the constant flow of information he provides about Romanian developers and hotel projects, and for his long-term contribution to the concept, development, and repositioning of numerous hotel investments throughout the country.

Nominees for the Sustainability Award

Adrian Chiorean
– Country Development Manager, Salesianer

For his contribution to “clean hospitality”, providing professional textile and hygiene solutions that help hotels reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality. Salesianer is an Austrian, family-owned group with more than 100 years of experience in textile services, known for its strong commitment to sustainable textile management across Central and Eastern Europe.

Gheorghe Țucu
– Managing Partner, VALEG Creative Solutions

For his perseverance in helping hotels manage energy more efficiently, through technical solutions and products designed to reduce consumption and support a more sustainable use of resources.

Octavian Lazăr
– Co-Owner, Caro Hotel

For developing one of the most environmentally respectful urban hotel properties in Bucharest, where nature, industrial heritage, and responsible resource management are integrated into a coherent “green” hospitality concept.

Victor Vasile
– Territory Manager South & Central Europe, GFL Cosmetics

For the care with which he promotes exceptional guest cosmetics and amenities created with minimal energy consumption and a focus on eco-design, from recyclable packaging to refillable systems. GFL is specialised in personal care products for the hospitality industry, operating on 100% renewable energy and prioritising low-waste, recyclable packaging for hotel amenities.

Nina Moldovan
– CEO, Winners First

For her contribution to the development of sustainable spa and resort properties in Băile Felix, designed in symbiosis with the surrounding natural environment and thermal resources.

Nominees for the Digitalization Award

Gabi Iovu
– CEO, Expressoft Technology

For the courage to launch one of the first dedicated hospitality software companies in Romania and for his consistency in developing a complete ecosystem of POS, PMS, and management solutions that help hotels and restaurants digitalise their operations and grow. Expressoft has more than two decades of experience providing integrated software for HoReCa – from hotel PMS and channel managers to POS, self-ordering, and mobile solutions.

Adrian Voinu
– CEO & Owner, ARVO Group

For his vision in bringing together some of the best technology providers to modernise hospitality in Romania, integrating IT&C systems tailored to the specific needs of hotels. ARVO Group is a leading IT&C system integrator for the hotel industry, with solutions implemented in thousands of guest rooms and in many four- and five-star properties across Romania.

Simona Nijnic
– Sales Director, TP-Link Romania

For supporting the development of high-performance networks and smart connectivity solutions in hotels, enabling guests to enjoy reliable Wi-Fi and smart-room features that are now essential for a modern stay. TP-Link’s Omada hotel networking solutions are specifically designed for the hospitality industry, offering high-performance Wi-Fi, simplified management, and cost-efficient infrastructure for hotels of all sizes.

Vlad Doicaru
– Business Environment Executive, Huawei Romania

For his outstanding contribution in integrating a powerful international technology company into the Romanian high-tech and hospitality landscape, promoting smart hotel networks and fibre-based, energy-efficient digital infrastructure. Huawei’s intelligent hospitality network solutions are used in hotels worldwide to build green, cost-effective networks that accelerate digital transformation and enhance guest experience.

Ovidiu Peleanu
– Sales Manager, ESD–Samsung

For his role in developing high-performance integration technologies and digital display solutions that support hotel digital signage, guest information, and in-room entertainment at a new level of quality. ESD provides customised digital signage solutions in Romania, often based on Samsung’s professional hospitality displays, helping hotels communicate more dynamically with their guests.