Nicky Blair from Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort and Ian Manson from Stephen’s Catering Equipment win Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Hospitality Exchange has been a highlight of the tourism and hospitality industry calendar for the last two decades, and the inclusion of the Hotel and Hospitality Hero Awards, only added to an already exciting programme this year.
Taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on October 12 and 13, the two-day conference offered a cocktail of analysis, advice and support for the hotel and hospitality industry following possibly the most challenging period in recent history.
Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award Winners - Nicky Blair from Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort win Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), the 2021 event had three central themes: Reflect, Recruit and Restore.
The programme considered the previous success of the sector, the challenges of staffing in a new era and how to restore trading to its £1bn pre pandemic levels of spend. This year’s high-profile and experienced speaker line-up ensured that delegates got practical guidance with insights covering this year’s three themes.
Explaining the importance of recognising industry talent and celebrating Hotel and Hospitality Heroes, Stephen Meldrum, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said:
“People are without doubt our greatest asset. In many ways, they are the unique selling point for local hotels, helping visitors to discover a collection of new and unique Northern Ireland experiences. The role that employees play is integral to the success of the business and the sector as a whole. The Federation recognises this and that is why staff were the star of the show at Hospitality Exchange 2021.
Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award Winners - Ian Manson from Stephen’s Catering Equipment win Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
“As part of this year’s event, we asked employers to nominate a person who has made an exceptional contribution to the sector, or gone above and beyond the call of duty, for a Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
“Over the last eighteen months, the mettle of staff has really been tested. I am immensely proud of the contribution they have made in helping the sector on its road to recovery.
“Hospitality Exchange 2021 is very much about looking to the future. Our plan is to acknowledge the challenges and impact of COVID-19, while looking at solutions and learn how businesses are addressing them and moving forward”.
L-R Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA is pictured with NIHF CEO Janice Gault and NIHF President Stephen Meldrum at Hospitality Exchange.
The hotel and hospitality sector has a wealth of talent. These awards shine a light on the hard work being done within the industry and help to showcase the talent and diligence of those working within the industry.
Other winners included:
Local Hotel Heroes Celebrate Successat Hospitality Exchange - Joanna Martin from Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn wins Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Local Hotel Heroes Celebrate Successat Hospitality Exchange - Samantha McMullan from Causeway Hotel wins Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Local Hotel Heroes Celebrate Successat Hospitality Exchange - Joanne Boyle from Marine Hotel Ballycastle wins Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Local Hotel Heroes Celebrate Success at Hospitality Exchange - John McCrubb from Dunadry Hotel and Gardens wins Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Local Hotel Heroes Celebrate Success at Hospitality Exchange - Stella Grant from Dunsilly Hotel wins Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award.
Full list of those recognised:
The Hotel and Hospitality Heroes Awards 2021
Boglarka Ligeti from AC Marriott Hotel, Belfast
Marie Compier from Armagh City Hotel
Joanna Martin from Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn
Samantha McMullan from Causeway Hotel
Ian Lyttle from Clandeboye Lodge Hotel
Anneka Allen from Crowne Plaza Belfast
John O'Doherty from Da Vinci's Hotel
John McCrubb from Dunadry Hotel and Gardens
Stella Grant from Dunsilly Hotel
John Lindsay from Etap Hotel Belfast
Aine Finnegan from Europa Hotel
Soulef Bounaaja from Everglades Hotel
Rachael Keys from For-Sight
Nicky Blair from Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
Damien McDonald from Grand Central Hotel
Alla Pahomova from Holiday Inn Hotel Belfast City Centre
Damian Davidson from Ibis Belfast City Centre
Michael Sheppard from Killeavy Castle Estate
Joanne Boyle from Marine Hotel Ballycastle
Sharon Power Cowley from Net Affinity Limited
Kerrie McAllister from Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast
Ian Manson from Stephen’s Catering Equipment
Gillian Adams from The Merchant Hotel
Derek Wylie from Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel