Los Angeles, Jan. 24, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- By virtue of his extraordinary and steadfast promotion of French tourism, American Zaya S. Younan, Chairman & CEO of global French luxury brand La Grande Maison Younan Collection was recently conferred the prestigious Gold Medal for Tourism (La Médaille d’Or du Tourisme) by the French government. He was presented the award by Bernard Gonzalez, the Prefect of Maine-et-Loire, at Château de Beauvois in the Loire Valley.
Stéphane Bern, French journalist and TV presenter, remarked, “Passionate about French art de vivre, in love with our heritage and our history, Zaya S. Younan has invested in France to revive historic properties and open them up to those who dream of castle living.
By hiring the best artisans who respect the ancestral way of life, this Californian esthete has transformed his French castle-hotels into attractive touristic settings, with golf courses, swimming pools, all the modern comforts. Zaya Younan understands better than anyone that the hidden treasure of France is its heritage, and we should capitalize on this to develop our touristic attractiveness.”
At the award ceremony, Prefect Bernard Gonzalez stated, “This award is a tribute of gratitude from the French government to the important work done by Zaya Younan in our country. The large investments made during the last few years have not only saved and restored magnificent historic monuments, but also contributed to develop economic activity and employment in the field of tourism, which is a strategic sector for France. It's an honor for me to hand over this gold medal to a great and true friend of France."
Mr. Younan acknowledged, “I am deeply honored to receive this prominent award for tourism, as I admire French history, tradition, décor and art of living. France is a country that has a magnificent past and glorious future. I believe “Everyone deserves to spend a night in a castle. My goal is for all people to be able to afford a moment of luxury at reasonable prices.”
Created in 1989, the distinguished Gold Medal for Tourism was awarded to Zaya S. Younan by Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of Economy and Finance. It is given to individuals for outstanding and valuable professionalism in developing tourism in France.
In the past three years, La Grande Maison Younan Collection has acquired seven 4-star luxury chateau-hotels and resorts in France including: Château de Beauvois, Château Le Prieuré, Château de la Perrière, Hotel Saint-Martin, Château de Vaugouard, and Château Germond. The newest hotel, Alexandra Palace, is a 5-star luxury resort that will have its grand opening in spring 2019. Mr. Younan emphasizes, “I will continue to use my expertise and energy to invest in France, promote France, and bet on France.”
About Younan Collection
The Younan Collection is a global, private equity firm that specializes in acquisitions of assets and companies to complement its global luxury brand. With assets under management of more than $1.2 billion, the brand includes Younan Properties, and La Grande Maison Younan Collection, which owns and operates 4-star hotels and resorts throughout the Loire Valley including Château de Beauvois, Hôtel Saint-Martin, Château Le Prieuré, Alexandra Palace, Chateau de Vaugouard, Château de la Perrière, Golf des Forges, Golf du Petit Chêne, vineyards in St. Emilion including Château la Croix Younan, and Château La Garelle, and MPA Communications.
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