“Hotelier of the Year 2024” Award: Honors for Nagel and Fischer-Nagel at Europa-Park

At Europa-Park, Frank Nagel and Natalie Fischer-Nagel were honored as “Hotelier of the Year 2024.” This ceremony, organized by ahgz, was held in front of 1,000 guests, acknowledging the couple's outstanding achievements at the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort.

Award Ceremony at Europa-Park

The prestigious “Hotelier of the Year” award, one of the most coveted honors in the German hotel industry, was presented during a gala in the “Europa-Park Dome.” Hosting the event for the third time, the venue once again provided the perfect backdrop for an occasion of this magnitude.

This year's Laureates

Frank Nagel and Natalie Fischer-Nagel, the husband-and-wife team behind the success of the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort, received the award for their impressive leadership and development of the luxury oasis. Comprising historic buildings within a 75-hectare park and boasting a three-kilometer natural beach, the resort is also a member of Relais & Châteaux, an association of luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. The commendation was given by Philippe Gombert, Honorary President of Relais & Châteaux.

Special Recognition for Inclusion

This year’s Special Award was given in acknowledgment of societal inclusion of individuals with disabilities. It was awarded to the operators of the inclusive hotel-restaurant Anne-Sophie in Künzelsau, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to inclusion, where people with and without disabilities work together. The laudation was delivered by Christine Urspruch, known for her role in the Münster "Tatort."

Gala Hosting

The gala, embedded in the German Hotel Congress, was hosted by Jessica Schwarz and Rolf Westermann. Their roles as actress, presenter, and jury chairman contributed to the entertainment and smooth running of the evening.

History and Significance of the Award

Since 1990, the ahgz General Hotel and Gastronomy Newspaper has honored outstanding personalities in the hotel industry with the “Hotelier of the Year” award. The accolade recognizes personal entrepreneurial achievements that significantly contribute to the hotel industry's development. Past recipients include notable figures such as Klaus Kobjoll, Caroline von Kretschmann, and Ingo C. Peters.

Europa-Park as the Venue

Europa-Park offers ideal conditions for events of this caliber with its six 4-star (superior) hotels and the Rulantica Water World. The resort is renowned not only for its themed hotels but also as a starting point for excursions in the region and visits to the amusement park.

Significance for the German Hotel Congress

The German Hotel Congress, held concurrently with the award ceremony, provides participants with insights into trends and best practices in the hotel industry. The congress emphasizes the importance of exchange within the sector.