Organised by the Lake District Hotels Association for the first time last year, the awards have been extended to cover eight staff categories, and each winner will receive a £500 cash prize.
The awards will be made to:
· Hospitality rising star, celebrating emerging talent in their first two years in their current role.
· Team player of the year, honouring outstanding collaboration and support
· Rising culinary star, celebrates an emerging culinary talent (up to chef de partie level) making a positive impact in the kitchen.
· Guest experience champion, recognises exceptional, personalised guest service
· Back of house hero, honouring behind-the-scenes excellence
· Dedication and contribution award. This will honour long-term dedication, loyalty, contribution and service in their role
· Leadership excellence award: recognising inspirational, effective leadership
· Sales star, celebrating excellence in securing sales, driving business growth and building customer relationships.
Heads of department in member hotels and other tourism businesses have been asked to put team members forward. “If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their hard work, dedication and fantastic attitude, nominate them today,” said Helen Tappenden, chair of LDHA’s People Group . “The awards are recognising and celebrating the amazing people who make our guest experiences special.”
The LDHA represents more than 50 of the region’s leading hotels and other visitor attractions – such as Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers, galleries, museums and other tourism organisations.Nominations for the awards close on October 31, and the prizes will be presented on March 11 next year at Low Wood Bay Resort.
Last year there were just four categories, with fourteen finalists representing some 60 nominated staff. The winners then were Marcell Cilliers, Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, Group Operations Manager for Lake District Hotels; Jean Smith, Damson Dene Hotel reception; Mark Maynard, Lindeth Howe Hotel, food and beverage assistant ; and Claire Ives, Langdale Estate sales manager.