‘Hotel Heroes’ hailed in tourism awards and hospitality event

Joanna Martin from Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn, Samantha McMullan from Causeway Hotel and Joanne Boyle from Marine Hotel Ballycastle won a Hotel and Hospitality Hero Award at the Hospitality Exchange.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”