Mehmet Önkal, managing partner of BDO Hospitality Consulting, has been named as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented at the Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference.

Selected by the CATHIC advisory board, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of the remarkable contribution Önkal has made to the region’s hospitality industry throughout his career.

Önkal has over 36 years service in the hospitality industry.

In 1978 he joined ITT Sheraton Corporation and held various top management positions, including regional controller East Mediterranean, and vice president Asia Pacific Division.

Later, he became general manager of Istanbul Princess Hotel and the Princess Hotel Group.

He currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of BDO Hospitality Consulting and has been a managing partner since 1997.

Önkal commented: “It is a really important and proud moment for me, to know that the industry recognises my duties as a consultant, to be honoured with the CATHIC Lifetime Achievement Award.”

CATHIC is the region’s leading event for the hotel and tourism investment industry and will take place June 9th-10th 2014 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center.

The award presentation will take place on June 10th after which Önkal will share some insights into his achievements in an interview.

Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events and co-organiser of CATHIC, congratulated Önkal on his award.

He said: “We are delighted to honour Mehmet with the CATHIC 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of the remarkable contribution he has made to hotel investment in Turkey and surrounding countries.

“His strategic advice to the investment community has been the bedrock for many of his client’s successes.”