TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - Hospitality & Tourism
The **Hospitality & Tourism** category recognizes distinguished professionals whose leadership has elevated the hospitality, tourism, hotel, and travel industries. These finalists have demonstrated excellence in hotel management, luxury hospitality, tourism development, operations, and guest experience while strengthening the global reputation of the organizations they serve.
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## A. Cem Erenler
**Entrepreneurial Senior Management Executive, The Aboca Club**
A. Cem Erenler is a senior hospitality executive with extensive international experience in luxury hospitality, private clubs, and business development. Throughout his career, he has led strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence, member engagement, and premium guest experiences while contributing to the continued growth of internationally recognized hospitality organizations.
**Profile:** *https://www.linkedin.com/in/cemerenler/*
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## Burak Meyveci
**General Manager, Inwood Country Club**
Burak Meyveci serves as General Manager of Inwood Country Club, where he oversees daily operations, member services, hospitality programs, and strategic development. His leadership has helped maintain high standards of service while creating an exceptional experience for members and guests at one of New York's distinguished private clubs.
**Profile:** *https://www.inwoodcc.org/outings-and-events*
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## Cihan Yılmaz
**Regional Director of Operations, The ONE Group Hospitality (STK Steakhouse)**
Cihan Yılmaz is Regional Director of Operations for The ONE Group Hospitality, overseeing multiple restaurant and hospitality operations across the United States. With extensive experience in luxury dining and hospitality management, he has successfully led operational excellence, team development, and customer experience initiatives for one of the industry's leading hospitality groups.
**Profile:** [https://www.togrp.com]
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## Deniz Dorbek Koçak
**Founder & CEO, Regulus Collective**
Deniz Dorbek Koçak is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus Collective, a hospitality and lifestyle consulting firm specializing in brand strategy, guest experience, and destination development. Through her entrepreneurial leadership, she has advised hospitality businesses in creating innovative concepts while elevating service standards and customer engagement.
**Profile:** https://blla.org/speaker/deniz-dorbek/
## Fırat Okçu
**Hotel Manager, Trump International Hotel & Tower New York**
Fırat Okçu is an accomplished hotel executive serving as Hotel Manager at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York. With extensive experience in luxury hospitality, he has built a reputation for operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and high-performance leadership. His career reflects a strong commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences within one of New York City's premier luxury hotels.
**Profile:** [https://www.trumphotels.com]
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## Gül Göknar Türkmenoğlu
**Regional Vice President of Operations – East, Sonesta International Hotels**
Gül Göknar Türkmenoğlu is Regional Vice President of Operations for Sonesta International Hotels, overseeing hotel performance, operational strategy, and guest satisfaction across multiple properties. Her leadership has contributed to improving operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional hospitality standards throughout one of the world's largest hotel companies.
**Profile:** [https://www.sonesta.com]
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## Kaan Esgün
**Director, The Harmonie Club**
Kaan Esgün serves as Director of The Harmonie Club, one of New York City's oldest and most prestigious private clubs. His leadership emphasizes exceptional member service, operational excellence, and the preservation of the club's distinguished traditions while continuously enhancing the overall member experience.
**Profile:** [https://www.harmonieclub.org]
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## Suzan Toprak
**Area Director, People & Culture, IHG Hotels & Resorts**
Suzan Toprak is Area Director of People & Culture at IHG Hotels & Resorts, where she leads human resources strategy, talent development, and organizational culture across multiple hotel properties. Her expertise in leadership development and employee engagement has contributed to building high-performing hospitality teams while supporting excellence in guest service.
**Profile:** [https://www.ihg.com]
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## Volkan Tekinkök
**General Manager, Marriott International – Autograph Collection, Frisco, Texas**
Volkan Tekinkök is General Manager of a Marriott International Autograph Collection property in Frisco, Texas. Throughout his hospitality career, he has successfully led luxury hotel operations, revenue growth, guest satisfaction, and team development. His leadership reflects Marriott's commitment to exceptional service, operational excellence, and memorable guest experiences.
**Profile:** [https://www.marriott.com]
