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The 2022 national winners of the annual Awards for Property Excellence (APEX) were recently announced at the Choice Hotels Canada conference, which took place in Niagara Falls, Ont. at the end of September.
Choice Hotels Canada has announced the 2022 national winners of its prestigious annual Awards for Property Excellence (APEX). This year, 11 hotels and individuals across the country were recognized for performance, commitment to guest service, and operational excellence. In addition, one franchisee received the company’s Hall of Fame award – for demonstrating exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Choice Hotels Canada and the country’s hospitality industry.
“Every year, we look forward to honouring individuals for their unique contributions and recognizing standout hotel properties, all of which set the bar for hospitality high,” says Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “It’s important to spotlight and celebrate industry leaders both nationally and locally in our Choice Hotels communities.”
The 2022 national APEX winners include:
The Hall of Fame Award
This award, presented only in special circumstances, acknowledges franchisees with remarkable long-term achievements both within the Choice Hotels Canada system and the industry.
The recipients, Nina and Sam Kassam came to Canada from Tanzania in the 1970s. Although they started from humble beginnings, by the 1980s, through hard work and determination, they formed The Sterling Group. Their contribution and dedication over the years to the industry and to hospitality is recognized with the Hall of Fame award.
The family-owned company has owned and operated numerous Choice properties over the years, including six that they currently operate in Canada. Now in its second generation, Farhan Kassam is president of The Sterling Group and former chair of the Choice Hotels Canada Franchise Advisory Board (CCFAB). Natasha Kassam is CFO of the organization.
Feature image: Farhan Kassam, president of The Sterling Group. Photo by Stacey Newman.
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