The New Architecture of Hospitality: Bernard Metzger Hails Jaz Hotel Group
In the world of luxury travel, a hotel is no longer defined by its square footage or the thread count of its linens. According to Bernard A. Metzger, media entrepreneur and Executive Board Member of the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU), the modern hotel has evolved into something far more dynamic: a “Content Hub” and a “Story.”
Speaking at a prestigious ceremony in Egypt, Metzger delivered a keynote honoring Jaz Hotel Group and its CEO, Mr. Alaa Akel, for their role in reshaping the Afro-Asian tourism image.
Beyond the Physical Infrastructure
Representing the AFASU Supreme Awards Judging Committee, Metzger—the founder of Travelindex Group and SustainableFirst.com—noted that evaluating excellence in 2026 requires looking through the lens of Destination Intelligence.
“When our committee evaluated Jaz Hotel Group, we didn’t just look at the physical infrastructure,” Metzger shared. “We analyzed their ‘Global Footprint’ and how they communicate their excellence to the world.”
The committee identified three core pillars that have placed Jaz Hotel Group at the forefront of the industry:
- Digital Leadership & Visibility: Building a brand that maintains traveler trust across more than 200 countries.
- The “Sustainable First” Mindset: Moving sustainability from a slogan to a core operational value, helping the industry transition to a more responsible model.
- Consistency in Excellence: Maintaining high “Experiential Standards” across a vast, diverse portfolio—a feat Metzger described as “rare” in the global media ecosystem.
A Masterclass in Transformation
The evening’s highest praise was reserved for Jaz Hotel Group CEO, Alaa Akel. Metzger described Akel’s leadership as a “masterclass in Digital Transformation and Strategic Growth,” crediting him with elevating the group into a global authority that international media is proud to showcase.
Addressing the General Managers and the wider team, Metzger reminded the audience that they are the true “creators of the stories” that define the region’s hospitality.
“You are not just winners; you are the architects of the future of hospitality in Africa and Asia.”
As the travel industry continues to blend digital innovation with high-touch service, Jaz Hotel Group stands as a testament to what happens when a brand treats every guest stay not just as a booking, but as a narrative worth sharing.
