Lodge Hotel's Tracey 'checks in' as Hotel Receptionist of the Year at glittering awards ceremony for hotels industry

The winners of the 2026 NIHF Receptionist Awards have been revealed – and the Lodge Hotel’s Tracey Forbes was named Receptionist of the Year.

After months of deliberation, the awards were announced by compere Pamela Ballantine at a glittering ceremony on May 13 at the Armagh City Hotel.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston, is pictured with the winners from the 2026 NIHF Receptionist Awards, NIHF President Vicky Green, event compere Pamela Ballantine, and sponsors Maeve Walls from Net Affinity, Carolyn Boyd from Tourism NI, David Anderson from Insight6, and Clio O’Gara from Access Hospitality. CREDIT CHRIS NEELY

placeholder image — Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston, is pictured with the winners from the 2026 NIHF Receptionist Awards, NIHF President Vicky Green, event compere Pamela Ballantine, and sponsors Maeve Walls from Net Affinity, Carolyn Boyd from Tourism NI, David Anderson from Insight6, and Clio O’Gara from Access Hospitality. CREDIT CHRIS NEELY

The competition continues to attract a remarkable number of entries and this year marks the 20th staging of the awards, reflecting the strength and depth of talent within the sector.

The ‘Receptionist of the Year’ award, supported by Access Hospitality, was presented to Tracey Forbes from The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine. Kristen McFeely from the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry-Londonderry was runner-up, with Clare Sweeney from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry-Londonderry taking third place.

Event compere Pamela Ballantine; Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston; Eugene McKeever and Catherine McKeever, founders of McKeever Hotel Group; and NIHF President Vicky Green.

The winner of the ‘Reception Team of the Year’, supported by Net Affinity, was Shipquay Boutique Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. Dunluce Lodge in Portrush was awarded second place, with Corick House Hotel & Spa in County Tyrone taking third place.

In the ‘Most Promising Receptionist’ category, supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Thomas Keeley-Henderson from the Stormont Hotel in Belfast was named winner. Fiachra Doyle from the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa in Newcastle was runner-up, with Samantha Forsythe from Crowne Plaza Belfast in third place.

Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) President Vicky Green said: “Reaching the final of the NIHF Receptionist Awards is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and skill demonstrated by all participants throughout a rigorous process.

“Hotels are, and always will be, a people business, and reception teams play a vital role in shaping the guest experience. They set the tone from the moment a guest arrives and are central to the success of every hotel.

L-R Megan McLaughlin from Shipquay Boutique Hotel (Derry-Londonderry), winners of the Reception Team of the Year category; Front Office Manager Philip Murphy from Stormont Hotel Belfast, who collected the award on behalf of Thomas Keeley-Henderson, winner of the Most Promising Receptionist category; and Tracey Forbes from The Lodge Hotel (Coleraine), winner of the Receptionist of the Year award. CREDIT CHRIS NEELY

“What stood out this year was the confidence, passion and professionalism shown by all our finalists. Their commitment to hospitality and to delivering outstanding guest experiences highlights the strength of talent across our industry.

“The awards also provide an important platform to recognise excellence, share best practice and showcase career opportunities within our sector. My own career began at reception, and I know first-hand the impact this role can have in building a successful career in hospitality.”