Photo from left to right: Hala Matar Choufany, ISHC, President Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, HVS, María Quintero, Associate Director, HVS Middle East & Africa, Aaron Anderson, ISHC, Contributor, The 26 Co.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 October 2024: The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) has named María Quintero of HVS Middle East & Africa as the recipient of the annual Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. María was honored at the ISHC annual conference held 26-28 September at the St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. As the winner, María received a one-year associate membership to ISHC to further professional relationships and experience all that the Society has to offer through planned events and networking with top hospitality industry consultants from around the globe.
Quintero is an Associate Director at HVS Dubai working in strategic consulting for hospitality assets across the Middle East and Africa. As part of HVS, María has been involved in numerable financial studies including complex feasibility projects, re-development plans, appraisals and strategic advisory for hotels and resorts of all asset types. María has also engaged in operator search and selection assignments and specializes in wellness, luxury and hospitality-driven mixed-use developments throughout the GCC.
Prior to joining HVS, María worked in luxury hotel management in UAE and Qatar. She also has experience in business consulting in Colombia. María holds a Master’s Degree in International Business in Hotel and Resort Management from Swiss Hotel Management School, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious honor from industry leaders at ISHC, the pioneers on global hospitality expertise. It is a privilege to be at the forefront of the hospitality sector’s rapid growth in the Middle East, alongside our exceptional HVS team. I look forward to inspiring and mentoring young professionals, upholding Lori Raleigh’s remarkable legacy, and driving transformative change in our industry,” said Quintero.
Hala Matar Choufany, ISHC, President at HVS Middle East & Africa and Quintero’s Lori Raleigh Award Sponsor commented, “Maria has provided unparalleled value to investors, owners and lenders accelerating the growth potential of the tourism industry in the region, as well as supporting HVS’ business development. With an extraordinary work ethic, Maria’s previous hands-on experience in hotel operations management is an invaluable skillset which allows her to tap into real and actionable advisory services for the hospitality industry in her current consulting role. She is one of few professionals with the ability to synergize both aspects of the industry, with brilliant results to increase top-line and bottom-line profitability and returns. Maria’s energetic and passionate approach along with her dedication to the team and customers is admirable. Seeing her evolution into a future leader is remarkable.”
For more information on ISHC Awards, please visit www.ishc.com/awards.