UK: The Independent Hotel Show (IHS) Awards 2022, which celebrates boutique hoteliers driving innovation and excellence, has opened for entries.
Two individual categories are open for nomination. These include:
• The Independent Hotelier – recognising an “excellent hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences”.
• The GM of the Future – recognising a rising star in the hotel industry who “consistently goes the extra mile and has a commitment to inspiring others”.
The latter award is hosted in partnership with The Master Innholders. David Morgan-Hewitt, chairman of the organisation, said: “Now in its third year, the GM of the Future Award has been a major success in showcasing and celebrating talented young hoteliers, and we are delighted to present this award once again in partnership with the Independent Hotel Show.
“Our organisation cares deeply about nurturing young talent in hospitality and keeping the industry alive for passionate future generations, and this award is another vital step in helping us achieve our goals.”
Following nominations, shortlisted hoteliers will be decided by a panel of industry experts before opening up to a public vote. Votes will then be combined with judge’s votes to determine the winner.
Joanne Taylor-Stagg, general manager of The Athenaeum and winner of the 2021 Independent Hotelier award, said: “I was extremely delighted and honoured to have won the award for Independent Hotelier 2021. Especially since the hospitality industry had gone through so much with Covid-19 and Brexit. But time and again, our industry has also proven that it is resilient and creative and can keep innovating.
“The Independent Hotel Show puts on such a brilliant event every year, and it’s a fantastic place to create connections and build on existing relationships with clients and suppliers. Besides the people side of things, you also learn about new technology, upcoming trainings and sustainability, just to name a few. I, personally, can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.”
Glenn Wallace, Independent Hotel Show event manager, added: “We can’t wait to welcome our independent hotelier community back to Olympia London and to shine a light on industry professionals who are passionate about innovation, guest experience and driving meaningful change in the sector for our tenth Independent Hotel Show Awards.”
The deadline for nominations, which can be placed here, is 13 June. The winners will be announced on Tuesday October 4, the first day of the Independent Hotel Show.
