The 2011 Hotel and Guesthouse Receptionist of the year brought further success for the Belmore Court & Motel who were runners up it the Team Category. The property recently was awarded the title of the Best Housekeeping Team in the over 60 bedroom category has gone from strength to strength since its undergoing major development in 2010. Terry McCartney, Owner of the property said “Our aim is to provide excellent facilities and services at reasonable prices to all customers and becoming runner up in the category show that we are well on the way to achieving this goal. I’d like to thank all the team at the Belmore Court & Motel who have worked hard over the last couple of years to make the accommodation a great place to stay and work. ” 
The competition is in its eighth year and had a record 95 entries this year from hotels across Northern Ireland. The event is run by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and its President, Eugene McKeever said, “There is no doubt in my mind that reception staff have a unique role to play in the operation of a successful hotel. They are our eyes and ears providing the main point of contact for guests. A smiling face at reception and a pleasant greeting over the phone is what makes customers want to come back. As the industry body, the NIHF is delighted to be able to recognise the important role that receptionists have in the hotel sector.” Industry partners, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Avvio and the Northern Ireland Tourist board, support the competition. Eugene McKeever highlighted the importance of these partnerships saying, “the hotel industry is all about teamwork and without a great team of sponsors we would not be able to stage competitions like this. We are indebted to all those who have helped us with the competition and thank them for their commitment to the industry.” 
Pete Snodden, Cool FM DJ, compered proceedings at the awards dinner, which was held in the Holiday Inn Belfast on Thursday 14th April. Sponsors, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Avvio joined with hundreds of hotel receptionists and their managers for a night of celebration.
Winners 2011
Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser
Winner: Elaine Harkin, City Hotel Derry, age 38
Runner-up: Rachael Kaye Crossey, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, age 22
3rd Place: Kieva Jewell, City Hotel Derry, age 22
Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio
Winner: Sarah Brown, Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards, age 27
Recognising those in the role for less than one year.
Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Winner: Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort, Limavady
2nd Place: Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen
Recognising the achievements of the whole reception team.
Other Finalists 2011
Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser
Orla Lee, Galgorm Resort & Spa, age 27
Gail Lindsay, Holiday Inn Express Antrim, age 23
Martina O'Hare, Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments, age 23
Melanie Peachy, Bushmills Inn Hotel, age 30
Adriana Szczodrowska, Park Inn By Radisson, age 25
Anna Toriola, Benedicts Hotel Belfast, age 29
Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio
Paul Andrews, Hilton Belfast, age 23
Leanne Kerr, Everglades Hotel, age 22
Jarmila Slugocka, Jurys Inn Belfast, age 24
Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Bushmills Inn Hotel
City Hotel Derry
Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast
Stormont Hotel
Tara Lodge
Background
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation successfully re-launched the competition in 2004. The event has been very well received within the sector and currently recognises excellence in three distinct categories.
The competition aims to recognise the attributes and skills of the reception function and has been reinstated after consultation with the sector and keen interest from the hotel trade. The competition also seeks to recognise international standards and competitiveness within the hospitality sector.
This award previously ran for over 20 years and was recognised as a leading accolade within the hospitality sector. The last eight years have seen the award receive significant attention from the public, press and industry including applications from over 95 hopeful contestants.
More Information
For further information please contact Janice Gault, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation:
Tel: 028 9077 6635 Mobile: 07799711960 Email: janice@nihf.co.uk
