“We continue to believe in Portugal and her potential” – Chitra Stern
Chitra Stern, CEO of the Martinhal Group, has been honoured with the prestigious “Medal of Merit for Tourism” by the Portuguese Government with a silver medal.
This Medal of Merit recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism sector and economy in Portugal, acknowledging their dedication and impact on the development of the industry in Portugal.
The medal was presented by the Minister of Economy and Secretary of State for Tourism at the 7th Confederation of Tourism Summit to husband Roman Stern, who represented Chitra.
Chitra Stern expressed her gratitude for this medal, stating: “It is an honour and a privilege to receive this commendation from the Portuguese government as a foreigner. This medal represents not only a celebration of our past achievements and commitments but also a responsibility for the future. This is equivalent to an OBE in the UK, and I do not underestimate this. We are committed to continuing our contribution to the Portuguese economy in a sustainable and responsible way. We continue to believe in Portugal and her potential.”
A quarter of a century in the works
For over 25 years, Chitra Stern, a Singapore-born British entrepreneur, has been a visionary and a leader in real estate and hospitality, working alongside her Swiss husband and business partner, Roman Stern.
Together, they have transformed the Martinhal Group into a multi-million-euro luxury hotel brand, starting with the launch of their first resort in Sagres in 2010.
Today, Martinhal Hotels and Resorts boasts four properties in prime locations across Portugal: Martinhal Sagres, a multiple award-winning beachfront resort; Martinhal Quinta do Lago in the prestigious Quinta do Lago; Martinhal Lisbon Chiado, in the heart of Lisbon’s old town; and the latest, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente and Martinhal Residences, in modern Lisbon. Winner of the European Property Awards, this latest project marks a new chapter for the brand as they venture into the luxury branded residences sector.
Award-winning group
Adding to the honour of the Medal of Merit, in the same week, Martinhal Hotels and Resorts was awarded the ESG Engaged Stamp by the Portuguese Tourism Board. This award highlights their commitment to sustainability and excellence in environmental, social, and governance practices.
Internationally, Martinhal garnered the following accolades this year: Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Hotel Resort was named “World’s Best Family Hotel” by The Telegraph at the Hotel Awards, recognising the top 50 hotels globally.
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente received the award for “Best New Hotel Construction & Design”, and Martinhal Residences won “Best Residential Development (20+ units)” at the International Property Awards.
These awards add to a long list of accolades that the group has won in the last decades.
Beyond hospitality
Chitra’s innovation and passion for education extends beyond tourism. Chitra and Roman also developed Lisbon’s first international school campus within an Education Hub project in Lisbon with a future hybrid student accommodation and hotel element.
The United Lisbon International School, now a member of Dukes Education family of schools, opened in 2020 and forms part of a wider Edu Hub – with innovators, tech companies and an academy that all have something to contribute to education and that aim to bring together and foster an exchange of ideas from different nationalities, cultures, religions, generations and disciplines.
The next phase of the Edu Hub will hold the innovative hybrid student hospitality units to open by 2027.
Article originally published on Portugal Resident.
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