Les Roches Highlights at the Hospitality ON Awards®
- Organized by Hospitality ON since 2000, the Hospitality ON Awards® seek to promote innovative initiatives in the hotel industry around the world and serve as a boost to the most daring entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Les Roches, which has established itself as one of the most prominent higher education institutions in hospitality and luxury tourism in the world, stands out for its commitment to innovation, talent development, and creation of hospitality leaders and visionaries.
- Stella Zinn, general manager of the Hilton Vienna Plaza, and Les Roches’ alumni, was honored for her successful professional career with the “Breakthrough Career in Hospitality.”
Marbella/Switzerland – Sommet Education, the world's leading group of hospitality management institutions, and its flagship institution, Les Roches, received accolades in the Hospitality ON Awards® that have distinguished, for over two decades, the most exemplary and innovative initiatives within the global hospitality industry.
The event, held yesterday in Paris, which was a commemoration of some of this year's most notable achievements, highlighted the legacy of Les Roches and its profound influence on the sector.
Stella Zinn's Remarkable Ascent in the Hospitality Industry
Among the notable moments of the evening was the recognition of Miss Stella Zinn, General Manager at Hilton Vienna Plaza, who was honored for her successful career in hospitality with the highly esteemed "Breakthrough Career in Hospitality" award. This recognition of Stella Zinn's accomplishments serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals in the field. Stella Zinn's journey, from a Les Roches graduate to the General Manager of Hilton Vienna Plaza, not only underscores the institution's profound impact on the industry but also solidifies her as a remarkable talent.
Stella Zinn, who shared her journey, stated: "Les Roches has laid the foundation and prepared me with the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge required for a successful career in the hospitality industry, leveraging the university’s extensive history and legacy within the business. My education at Les Roches, coupled with Hilton's renowned graduate development program, allowed me to ascend the career ladder and achieve my ambitious career goal in a relatively short timeframe."
Stella Zinn's achievement is a testament to Les Roches' commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation and industry leaders and visionaries. It is a recognition that she rightfully deserves for her exceptional contributions to the hospitality sector.
Industry Recognition: Les Roches' Practical Approach Leads to Student Success in Hospitality ON's Young Talent Awards
The night was also marked by the remarkable achievement of Jake Collins (UK), and Cecilia Fernandez (Spain), both enrolled in the BBA program at Les Roches. They both received the Hospitality ON's Young Talent Awards that celebrates innovative initiatives in the hospitality sector. Jake and Cecilia's win showcases how Les Roches equips its students with the skills and vision needed to excel in the industry. Their success underscores the institution's commitment to nurturing talent and preparing students for impactful careers in hospitality.
A Visionary Approach to Hospitality Education at Les Roches
Mano Soler, the Director of Les Roches Marbella, was bestowed the honor of representing the institution at a ceremony, presenting the "Career in Hospitality" award. This invitation endorses Les Roches' unmatched standing in the hospitality world and its role in shaping the future of the industry.
Under the visionary leadership of its CEO, Carlos Diez de la Lastra, Les Roches continues to revolutionize hospitality education, producing graduates who not only excel in their careers but also leave an indelible mark on the industry. The institution's commitment to academic excellence, practical training, and immersive industry experiences has cemented its position as a benchmark in hospitality education. In fact, its graduates are highly sought after by the best organizations and hotels.
Legacy of Les Roches: Shaping the Future of Hospitality
Les Roches, an educational institution at the forefront of hospitality education, is an integral part of Sommet Education's global network of institutions dedicated to the art of hospitality. For over 65 years, Les Roches has consistently set the standard for excellence, developing industry leaders like Stella Zinn, who continue to elevate the sector today. The success of Stella Zinn and the participation of Mano Soler at this year’s Hospitality ON Awards® reaffirms the institution's undeniable impact on the field, making it a true force to be reckoned with.
Mano Soler, Director of Les Roches Marbella, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Les Roches and for the recognition received: "This award is a testimony to the dedication and hard work of the entire Les Roches community – our students, faculty, and alumni. We take immense pride in shaping the careers of hospitality professionals and will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in education."
About Les Roches
Les Roches is a bespoke experience to educate tomorrow's leaders in hospitality. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches offers undergraduate, graduate degrees and executive programs in Luxury, Hospitality and Tourism Management. Les Roches has campuses across Switzerland, Spain and in Shanghai - China as of 2025 as well as partner campus in Gurugram (Delhi NCR) through an academic alliance with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH).
With a student body of more than 100 different nationalities, the institution provides students with a unique culturally diverse experience.
Les Roches ranks 4th in the world’s higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
For more information, visit Les Roches.
Anouck Weiss
Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education
Les Roches
