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Paddy Leonard, 24 May
Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry have been crowned 'Reception Team of the
Year' winners at the 2024 NIHF Receptionist Awards.
After months of deliberation, the awards were announced by compere,
Pamela Ballantine, at a glittering awards ceremony in the
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges.
A staggering 81 entries were received for the NIHF Receptionist Awards
competition over the three award cateogries, Reception Team of the
Year, Most Promising Receptionist and Receptionist of the Year.
The event, which is organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation
(NIHF), is now in its 18th year.
The winner of the team category is determined by a mystery shopping
process, while individuals competing for the receptionist of the year
titles have to participate in a series of challenges set by Life
Adventure company.
Tara Lodge in Belfast scooped the runner up prize in the ‘Reception
Team of the Year’ category, with Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen
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.
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The general consensus from all the judges is that the industry is in
good hands given the exceptional level of candidates. One of the judges
said: “It was a privilege to join the judging panel this year. The
receptionists I met were truly outstanding, which made the judging
process quite challenging.
"Their dedication to their role was unmistakable, and their commitment
to delivering exceptional guest experiences was evident. Witnessing
such talent in Northern Ireland reassures us that our visitors are in
exceptionally capable hands.”
[Bishop_s_Gate_Hotel_Team-1716563127727.jpg]
The team from Bishop's Gate Hotel, winner of the Reception Team of the
Year category.
NIHF President Eddie McKeever congratulated all the winners and
finalists: “This is the eighteenth year the Northern Ireland Hotels
Federation has run the competition to find the best receptionists in
Northern Ireland. This year there were 81 applications across the three
categories.
"The participants have been assessed on their presentation,
communication, teamwork and personality, as well as quizzed on their
knowledge of the hotel industry and their job. Individuals have come
through an assessment day and two interviews to reach this final stage.
Hotel teams have received telephone assessments and the personal visit
of a mystery shopper. Everyone deserves congratulations for getting
this far.
“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.”
Eddie adds: "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.
[NIHF_5223993-1716563225266.jpg]
Left to right, Sarah Box from Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor, winner
of the ‘Receptionist of the Year’ award; Robyn McGarrigle from Bishop’s
Gate Hotel in Derry, winner of the ‘Reception Team of the Year’
category; compere Pamela Ballantine and Austeja Ramutyte from Crowne
Plaza Belfast, winner of the ‘Most Promising Receptionist’ category.
"Thanks to the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges for tonight and also
to the Clayton Hotel for hosting the assessment day.”
The competition which is organised the Northern Ireland Hotels
Federation has run successfully since 2004, growing in popularity year
on year.