Hotel Owner

Titanic venue for annual Janus awards

The Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland branch recently organised and hosted its annual celebration of Northern Ireland’s hotel and catering industry top talent.

The 17th annual Janus Awards for Professionalism took place on Friday 11 May at Titanic Belfast, the new visitor attraction that showcases Northern Ireland’s rich maritime heritage.  

Established in 1995, the Janus Awards “identify and reward individuals and companies exemplifying excellence, making an outstanding contribution to the industry at home and enhancing its reputation abroad”.

Sinead Scott MIH, chairman of the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Branch, said: “The Janus Awards are now held in such high esteem that we had 130 nominations this year.  Each nominee can be justly proud to have been chosen and worthy of recognition as an outstanding colleague and employee. 2012 is a significant year for Belfast and represents a year of personal achievement for all of our finalists who have risen to the top of their category.”

Speaking to the 438 guests, Sinead applauded the industry for striving – in the face of great adversity – to maintain standards, sustain growth and advance the reputation of Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industries. “Together we have set Northern Ireland on the global map as a tourist destination and a significant event venue of choice,” she said.

Some of the winners included; Mervyn Elder, who was given the Outstanding Contribution Award, Ben Clayton of the Premier Inn, who was awarded the Large Business Hotelier of the Year, Alan Dunlop of Bushmills Inn who won the Small Business Hotelier of the Year, and Dean Butler of the Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments, who was awarded Hotel Chef of the Year.