NIHF Receptionist Award winners revealed
After months of deliberation the winners of the 2024 NIHF Receptionist Awards have been revealed.
A glittering awards ceremony in the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges saw compere Pamela Ballantine unveil the deserving names who shone brightest out of a staggering 81 entries.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) the award is now in its 18th year and is judged across three categories: Reception Team of the Year, Most Promising Receptionist and Receptionist of the Year.
The winner of the ‘Reception Team of the Year’ was Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. Tara Lodge in Belfast scooped the runner up prize and Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen was awarded third place.
Meanwhile, the winner of the ‘Most Promising Receptionist’ category was Austeja Ramutyte, from Crowne Plaza Belfast. The runner-up was Devin Drake from Room2 Belfast and Siobhan Trainor, from Slieve Donard Hotel was awarded third place.
The ‘Receptionist of the Year’ award went to Sarah Box from Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor. The runner-up was Eavann Mallon from Tara Lodge and third place went to Victoria Morrison from Killeavy Castle Estate.
NIHF President Eddie McKeever said: “Being a finalist in the Receptionist Awards is a tremendous accolade and shows a real commitment from the hotels involved. It helps boost the profile of the individual receptionist, the front office team and the hotel itself. Not only is the competition an opportunity to share in the success of those who win an award but it offers the chance to meet fellow professionals, share ideas and strengthen the hotel sector.
“The competition demonstrates the industry’s commitment to people within the sector and is one of the highlights of the NIHF calendar.
“The standard of entrants has been exceedingly high with many receptionists displaying exceptional people skills, a great understanding of their hotel property and a real passion for tourism.
“Funders and sponsors are critical to the awards and we are grateful for the support of Tourism Northern Ireland, Guestline, Net Affinity, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Insight6 and Life for their support. Thanks to the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges for tonight and also to the Clayton Hotel for hosting the assessment day.”
