Cateys 2026: International Outstanding Achievement Award – Sir Rocco Forte and Lady Olga Polizzi

The winners of the International Outstanding Achievement Award are visionary hoteliers who have built a collection of award-winning, design-led properties while redefining the delivery of luxury hospitality.

Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi formed Rocco Forte Hotels in 1996, shortly after their family’s business Forte plc was the subject of a hostile takeover by US-based Granada.

The pair established the group with the purchase of the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh, and it has since grown to encompass 14 luxury hotels, resorts and private residences across Europe.

The properties have all become must-visit destinations for discerning travellers. Each is individually designed and rooted in their location, with the restaurants dining destinations in their own right.

Rocco Forte properties are also renowned for exceptional levels of service. Forte personally developed a service style that was attentive, but non-intrusive. He encouraged teams to approach every guest as an individual and to anticipate their needs and any possible friction points.

This seamless, personalised experience has become the ambition of luxury hospitality operators globally and is one Forte says was inspired by his father. He explained: “Treating guests differently because they’re individuals was something I learned from my father. In turn, his approach to customers was shaped by working alongside his father, my grandfather. I’m fortunate to have been born into a family that has had hospitality and entrepreneurship at its heart for generations, and this experience has shaped Rocco Forte Hotels.”

Forte began his apprenticeship in the family business at 14. Alongside Polizzi, he went on to spend almost four decades helping to grow the business, rising to the position of chairman.

During that time the pair oversaw some 800 hotels, 1,000 restaurants and almost 100,000 employees across 50 countries. They also oversaw the acquisition of Méridien Hotel Group and grew the business to become a multimillion-pound global entity.

Forte’s achievements in the business saw him knighted in 1994 for services to the UK tourism industry.

The breadth of Forte and Polizzi’s experience and their generosity in supporting the careers of their employees has been evident through their stellar careers. Alex Wilson, who spent six years at Brown’s hotel in Mayfair, during which he progressed from duty manager to front office manager, said: “I experienced first-hand the culture that Sir Rocco and Lady Olga have created. Their commitment to excellence extends far beyond the guest experience; it is equally reflected in the way they invest in and develop their people.

“Throughout my career at Brown’s, I was encouraged to grow, take on new challenges and continually develop my skills. The support I received enabled me to progress professionally and gain an invaluable understanding of luxury hospitality.

“What makes them unique is the genuine belief in nurturing talent. Across the industry, there are countless hospitality professionals whose careers have been shaped by the opportunities, guidance and culture they have created. I am proud to be one of them.”

Forte and Polizzi remain at the head of the hotel group, working with the wider family as the collection of hotels continues to inspire a new generation of employees and guests alike.

The judges

The Caterer editorial team, with nominations from all the Cateys judging panels.