Today in Kazan City Hall the winners of the II Interregional Festival of Professional Excellence among employees of tourism, restaurant and hotel industries "Stars of Hospitality - 2023" were awarded. About 120 people from 22 cities of Russia competed for the title of the best in 10 nominations. The awards to the winners and prize-winners were presented by the deputy head of the municipality of the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Evgenia Lodvigova.
"When the competition was conceived eight years ago, we wanted to find starlets in Kazan. And I am pleased that it has gone beyond the city and the Volga region. The project is recognised at the Russian level, it is becoming a star of hospitality competitions," she said.
Every year the number of participants is growing: in 2022 there were contestants from nine cities, and this year - from 22. Eugenia Lodvigova added that in "Stars of Hospitality" many mayors on behalf of their townspeople declared their desire to participate next year. "It is very important for us to know about those stars that are and are being identified in Kazan. And we see what talents there are in other cities - all this makes the tourism sector really strong," emphasised the deputy head of the city's municipality.
Following the results of the in-person stage, which took place on 20 December at the Korston Club Hotel and the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, 30 winners and prize-winners in 10 nominations were determined. Among the winners are students of the Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism. So, in the nomination "The best manager of domestic and inbound tourism" Ksenia Emelyanova was chosen as the winner. And in the nomination "Best Porter" the 2nd place was taken by Alina Akhmetzyanova, a 3rd year student of the Volga Region University, administrator of the hotel "Regata".
"It is one pleasure to work in the tourism sector in Kazan. So many cities took part in the competition. We are always waiting for you in our hospitable hotels and restaurants. Special thanks to the partners and jury members for your professionalism and desire to help the hospitality industry of the capital of Tatarstan," thanked Daria Sannikova, Director of the Tourism Development Committee.
As Evgeniya Lodvigova reminded, Kazan is preparing to host major international events. For example, next year will see the first Future Games, as well as the BRICS Games and Summit.
"It is you and your qualifications that determine the first impression of the city, the desire of tourists to return again. The speed and quality of service of porters, craftsmen and cooks, creativity of a pastry chef - these are the details that ultimately form an opinion about the city and the country. Undoubtedly, the competition contributes to raising the prestige and motivation of this interesting and difficult labour", - appealed to the participants the deputy head of the municipal formation of the city.
The project partners also identified their winners and presented them with memorable diplomas and gifts.
"Today there are no losers - everyone is a winner, you in Kazan competed with the strongest. We are infinitely proud that the best in their profession meet in our city. Today we are lighting new stars in the sky of hospitality. Let them shine from the bottom of our hearts for the benefit of the country's tourism industry," concluded Evgeniya Lodvigova.
The festival is organised by the Kazan Tourism Development Committee with the support of the City Hall and the Association of Volga Region Cities.
Last year, more than 120 representatives of the tourism industry submitted applications for the competition. Following the results of the interregional stage, the jury members determined 26 winners and prize-winners in nine nominations. The awards were presented by the Mayor Ilsur Metshin.
By materials of the press service of the Kazan City Hall
