At a ceremony held in the Polish capital Warsaw, the prestigious European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) named Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, the European Hotel Manager of the Year 2025. This international recognition confirms the exceptional contribution of Ivica Max Krizmanić and the Esplanade Hotel to the development of luxury hospitality and further positions Zagreb and Croatia as relevant and desirable destinations on the map of global premium tourism.
This is the most prestigious individual recognition that EHMA awards to its members. In strong competition from top hoteliers from all over Europe, including famous hotels such as Sacher in Vienna, Plaza Athénée in Paris, the iconic Adlon in Berlin, Danieli in Venice, Dorchester and Goring in London, Krizmanić won this award thanks to his long-standing dedication to this business, exceptional results in hotel management, achieving continuous growth in one of the most prestigious Croatian hotels, strategic planning, employee development and active contribution to the local community and the hotel profession. The award ceremony also coincided with a major anniversary – 100 years of the Esplanade Hotel, which opened in 1925 for passengers of the legendary Orient Express, and today is considered an icon of luxury tourism in the region.
“It is a great honor to receive this recognition, especially when it comes from colleagues and experts from top European hotels who share my passion for luxury hospitality. This prestigious award is a recognition of the dedication of the entire Esplanade hotel team, who raise the standards of excellence and hospitality every day. In the year when we celebrate the Esplanade’s centenary, this award further confirms its immense value and influence in the European and global hospitality industry,” said Ivica Max Krizmanić.
Founded in 1974 in Rome, the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) today brings together almost 500 top professionals who manage more than 1,200 of the most luxurious hotels in 24 European countries. As a non-profit organization, EHMA encourages excellence, sustainability, professional development and networking of industry leaders through education, research and professional conferences. EHMA today represents a key platform for shaping the future of European luxury hospitality. EHMA presents this award every year at a central gala event that brings together numerous invited hoteliers and partners. The EHMA Board selects a CEO who demonstrates excellence in operational leadership, team development, and is active in community engagement and industry innovation.
EHMA President and CEO of Ella Resorts in Greece, Panos Almyrantis, noted that Krizmanić’s career embodies the association’s values of excellence, leadership, and innovation in the hospitality industry: “Ivica’s work raises hotel standards, but also successfully combines contemporary leadership with a deep respect for tradition. Under his management, Hotel Esplanade has become a symbol of local culture and top-notch service at a European level.”
In recent years, the Esplanade Hotel has hosted numerous world leaders, presidents, celebrities and royal families, from French President Emmanuel Macron to Swedish Queen Silvia. However, Krizmanić and his team give equal attention to every guest, regardless of status, because, as he often emphasizes, “impeccable service is reflected in the details that create unforgettable moments for each guest”. In a time when authenticity, sustainability and top-notch service are becoming key criteria for travelers, the Esplanade Hotel and its General Manager prove once again that top results are achieved through dedication, vision, passion and teamwork.