Independent Hotelier of the Year

Joost van Damme is a passionate hotelier and the driving force behind Onilio | Original Hospitality. Hospitality is quite literally in his blood; he grew up in an entrepreneurial family on the Vlissingen boulevard, where his parents opened the restaurant De Lamme Goedzak in 1979. This year, Joost celebrates a remarkable personal milestone: his 40th anniversary in the hotel industry, a journey that began in 1985 with his very first internship during hotelschool.

He is widely recognized for developing distinctive hotel concepts that are not only successful but also add genuine value to the local community. In 2025, he demonstrated unprecedented drive by opening three new hotels within a span of seven months, each with a completely unique identity: alongside the now award-winning Hotel De Zeevaartschool, Boutique Hotel Maldegem and Hotelresidentie Zout also welcomed their first guests.

Within Onilio, Joost effortlessly combines his sharp entrepreneurial vision with an unconditional dedication to the guest experience, strong leadership, and genuine care for his teams. With boundless energy, he creates memorable places where history, thoughtful design, and true hospitality converge.

Hotel manager Tine Bollen is the living embodiment of independent hospitality at Kasteel van Ordingen. Her passion for the castle is unmistakable and deeply felt by both guests and staff. Tine leads with authenticity, presence, and heart, setting uncompromising standards while remaining genuinely human and approachable. She creates an environment where people feel trusted, inspired, and proud of what they deliver. Under her leadership, hospitality is never scripted but instinctive and personal. Tine's ability to translate heritage into contemporary excellence, while nurturing a strong, loyal team culture, makes her a truly outstanding Independent Hotelier of the Year. 

Romain has been working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. His career began in gastronomy as a chef and server, before naturally evolving into hotel management while also running his family’s butcher businesses.

Driven by a passion for travel, gastronomy, and hospitality, Romain believes that true hospitality is built on genuine human connection. Throughout his career, he has shared this vision by teaching in several hospitality schools and supporting the next generation of professionals. During the Covid-19 period, he also launched charitable culinary initiatives that received support from the King of Belgium.

For nearly three years, he has been leading Amosa Liège City Centre Hotel alongside Ani and a diverse international team. Together they have reimagined the hotel as a vibrant 4-star independent property that reflects the multicultural spirit of Liège.

Romain believes that a hotel is above all the reflection of the people who bring it to life and encourages a culture of open dialogue where teams are empowered to contribute, grow, and evolve together. Inspired by his passion for martial arts, which he has practiced for more than seven years, he approaches leadership with humility and perseverance, guided by a simple philosophy: step by step.