They not only deal with day to day operations of the Hotel Group itself, but also in real estate development and hotel management consultancy. In the future they would like to expand the latter two areas of business activity. Looking further into the future, they plan to expand their operations into other parts of Europe.

The two Jordanian businessmen were declared in 2010, to be “Tourism Investors of the Year”; they received the Golden Cross of Merit of Hungary in 2012 and achieved Hungarian citizenship in 2013.

Mr. Zuhair Awad's answers:

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I came to Hungary to start my high school studies on 16th September, 1986. At that time, Hungarian higher education had very good reputation which was the reason I chose this country, having already visited its thermal spas with my family on previous occasions.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No, it is my first time and I really love Hungary.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
People here are very friendly and the natural environment is beautiful.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
I think they have to see the Castle District, the Citadella, to enjoy the Rácz Thermal Bath, and walk along Váci street and Andrássy avenue.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
It may surprise you, but my favourite Hungarian food is „krumplis tészta”.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Chocolate. There always has to be some at home.

7.What is your favourite Hungarian word?
My favourite Hungarian word is „Barátom”. (my friend)

8. What do you miss most from home?
I miss my family. Unfortunately I do not see them as often as I would like to.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
If I could start my life over again I would do everything the same way. I like what I am doing now.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Although I respect politicians, I could not warm to their type of work.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I spent my last holiday in Marbella, Spain and I really enjoyed it.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
I think I would like to go to Spain again for my next holiday.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
I love to travel, so when it is possible to have a weekend break, I cannot resist it!

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
When I was a teenager, I loved ABBA. Even though I saw a lot of films I did not have any particular favourite. I also had the talent to do break dancing.

15. Red wine or white?
Alcohol-free red wine.

16. Book or movie?
I would rather choose a film.

17. Morning person or night person?
I think I am more of a night person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
The fight against cancer affects me closely so I devote much attention to this pressing social issue.

19. Buda or Pest side?
To work in Pest, but I prefer to live in Buda because of its beautiful environment and peacefulness.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
When the world says ‘Give up’, Hope whispers ‘Try it one more time’!

Proofread by Paul St Pierre