Top prize is a 5-day, trip to Japan that includes the opportunity to take the Sake Sommelier Association’s Advance Sake Sommelier Course, visiting and working in sake breweries.

The group is looking to build its portfolio of destinations within South America, India and Japan where business and leisure travel continues to grow.

With Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon, Ascott’s footprint in India will also increase to over 1,400 apartment units in eight serviced residences across five cities.

With 25 years of experience in the UK hospitality industry, Coney has worked for prestigious brands such as InterContinental, Le Meridien, and De Vere Hotels.

Beadon joins the Saxon after eight years of working with InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) within their InterContinental and Crowne Plaza brands in the Middle East.

Surman brings over 10 years’ experience in the travel and cruise industries, with previous managerial roles in travel management companies, and with Carnival UK and Princess Cruises.

The new-build, 138-room, serviced apartment complex offers travellers contemporary, self-contained accommodation in a number of configurations.

Slated to open by summer 2015 following extensive renovations by the ownership, the three-story property will have 101 guest rooms including 11 suites.

The HIlton Dallas/Plano Granite Park features state-of-the-art energy efficiency,a community lobby bar, 30,000 sq ft of conference space and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.