AX Hotels wins Gold Award ‘Leader in Quality Tourism’

AX Hotels, with Claire Zammit Xuereb at the helm as Director of Hospitality and Care at AX Group, is proud to be recognized with the ‘Leader in Quality Tourism’ Gold Award at the Malta Business Awards. Notably, Ms. Xuereb has also been honoured with the ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Bronze Award,’ a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and significant contributions to the hospitality industry.

Ms Zammit Xuereb, said ‘I would like to express my gratitude to the Malta Business Awards for awarding AX Hotels with this prestigious award. It holds immense value in today’s world where true quality is often hard to come by, yet its interpretation varies widely. As a family business with humble beginnings, we’ve cultivated a profound appreciation for quality across all levels throughout the years. This award is particularly special, given our deliberate choice to present AX ODYCY, our latest flagship brand, for this nomination. Here, we’ve embarked on a volume-driven business that revolves around uncompromising quality.’  In addition to the ‘Leader in Quality Tourism’ Gold Award, Ms. Xuereb also appreciated the recognition for her personal achievement with the ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Bronze Award.’ This acknowledgment contributes to the overall celebration of AX Hotels’ success, underlining Ms. Xuereb’s entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

Ms Zammit Xuereb continued, ‘The recent launch of AX ODYCY Hotel and Lido, formerly known as Suncrest Resort, holds significant meaning and purpose for the AX Hotels brand, symbolizing continuity and quality at every turn. Having experienced the evolution of Suncrest, from its early days to the challenging times when, together with General Manager Mr Joseph Vella, we successfully transformed the hotel into a successful establishment, I am filled with a sense of pride. Heartfelt thanks to our exceptional staff, effective management, loyal customers, and valued guests. Each one of you played a key role in reaching this remarkable milestone.’

Ms Xuereb continued ‘We have now come full circle, culminating in a multimillion-euro investment in the rebranded ODYCY; a year-round destination with diverse accommodation, dining and facilities options, including 600 rooms for families, couples, economy guests, and business travellers. The name was thoughtfully chosen to symbolize a journey of unexpected twists, reflecting the dynamics of the market.’

Despite the common perception associating the volume market with low quality, AX Hotel’s mission is to challenge this norm and set a new standard in the industry. General Manager of AX Hotels Qawra properties, Mr Joseph Vella said ‘The ODYCY Hotel stands as a prime example of how the company operates within the high-volume market while maintaining a strong focus on upholding quality regardless of the volume. AX ODYCY strategic focus on engaging guests during the quieter and shoulder months ensures optimal year-round occupancy, contributing significantly to tourism and economic growth even during the traditionally quieter months.’

ODYCY’s design, inspired by cruise liners and airports, offers a fresh, contemporary and distinctive experience to guests. The incorporation of distinct “nooks” within the common spaces provides a sense of exploration and discovery, making it stand out from traditional hotel designs. The hotel offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to various preferences. From family-friendly and economy rooms to high-end suites, ODYCY appeals to a broad audience with different budget levels and preferences. Especially because the hotel was conceived as a four-star property with a five-star mentality, such diversification of offerings ensures exceptional quality, helping sustainably grow tourism and attract higher-spending tourists, positively impacting Malta’s economy.

ODYCY boasts various facilities and signature dining choices that cater to different tastes and budgets, including the upscale skybar “Medusa,” Mediterranean fusion restaurant “Minoa,” sophisticated hotel lounge bar “Sidestreet,” buffet restaurants “Deck & Keel,” and other family-friendly restaurants like Trattoria Riccardo, amongst others.

The second edition of the Malta Business Awards recognized 19 gold-winning businesses. Hosted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs and Malta Enterprise, the event celebrated outstanding businesses across diverse categories. From over 400 nominations, a rigorous selection process shortlisted 90, leading to one-to-one interviews and the final selection of 54 finalists.