Acorn Awards 2025: Tristan Van Valenberg, Royal Lancaster London

Age 29

Position Assistant revenue manager, Royal Lancaster London

Nominator Sally Beck, general manager, Royal Lancaster London

Tristan Van Valenberg is making a name for himself in the hospitality revenue management sector through a blend of sharp data insight, strategic thinking and a clear focus on cross-departmental collaboration.

Now assistant revenue manager at Royal Lancaster London, Van Valenberg’s route into revenue began via front-of-house roles, progressing through reservations at Sofitel St James, London, before moving to Royal Lancaster in 2023, where he started out as revenue analyst. Within his first year, he delivered measurable results – helping grow direct bookings by 7%, increasing suite ADR by £78, and contributing to a 4% rise in revenue from the hotel’s government segment.

At the same time, he has led the revenue strategy for the hotel’s serviced apartments at 15 Basil Street, operating without a dedicated revenue management system. There, he helped secure the property’s first-ever four-digit ADR and ensured a 9% increase in direct bookings within his first year.

Van Valenberg has also had a hand in shaping wider business culture. In 2023, he co-founded the industry platform Revenue Management Forum – now with more than 50 active members – and plays an active role in new staff onboarding, making revenue strategy accessible to non-specialists. A recent project to track and reduce distribution costs has already shifted the hotel’s approach to channel strategy.

Alongside his commercial responsibilities, he’s contributed to sustainability initiatives, upskilled through leadership training, and developed custom reporting tools to support other departments. His ability to translate complex data into practical action continues to add real value to both his team and the wider business.