NIHF honours Hotel Heroes as it marks 25th anniversary

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation has celebrated its 25th anniversary by recognising outstanding ambassadors in the sector at the Hotel Hero Awards.

Fifteen hotel heroes who showcase the diverse roles and opportunities available were honoured at the Observatory at Grand Central Hotel, Belfast on Apri 25.

Congratulating the recipients, Eddie McKeever, NIHF President, said: “As an organisation, we felt it was fitting to celebrate our people. People are the pivotal focus of my presidency and the NIHF aims to celebrate the dedicated professionals who contribute to the success and vibrancy of Northern Ireland’s hotel landscape. They are unique, and it is their individuality that gives our industry its personality.

“We know that the commitment of our staff and the passion that they have for the industry ensures that guests have a great stay. We were delighted with the response, and we had a diverse range of nominations.

“The industry has grown dramatically over the last two decades, and our staff remain central to our success. We asked members to nominate someone within their business who has really made a difference. The person may have been performing a valuable ‘back of house’ role or meeting customers each day. Either way, their contribution has been noted as enhancing the overall hotel experience.”

The recipients of the 2024 Hotel Hero Awards were:

1. Sharon Dunne, Revenue Manager, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
2. Louise McGuinness, Breakfast Supervisor, Crowne Plaza Belfast, Belfast
3. Soulef Bounaaja, Executive Head Housekeeper, Everglades Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
4. Gerard McCavanagh, Senior Concierge, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast
5. Tony Heagney, Head Concierge, Hilton Hotel, Belfast
6. Anita Czup-Jaczewska, Housekeeping Supervisor, Holiday Inn Belfast, Belfast
7. Trevor Shannon, Head Chef, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges, Fermanagh
8. Tracy Crothers, Reception Manager, La Mon Hotel & Country Club, Belfast
9. Pamela O’Brien, Deputy General Manager, Maldron Hotel, Belfast
10. Pascal Whitley, Operations Manager, Manor House Country Hotel, Fermanagh
11. Margaret Smyth, Accounts Manager, Slieve Donard, Newcastle
12. Severina Motuzaite-Zajac, Receptionist, The Gasworks Hotel, Belfast
13. Shauneen Mallon, HR Coordinator, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
14. Anthony Boyle, Head Chef, The Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint
15. Martin Kelly, Barman, The Waterfoot Hotel, Derry-Londonderry