Irish Hotels Federation Celebrates Excellence at Quality Employer Awards

More than 70 hotels from across Ireland gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone earlier this week for the inaugural Quality Employer Awards, hosted by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). The awards aim to recognise hotel teams that excel in people development and human resources best practices through their participation in the IHF’s Quality Employer Programme.

The top honour, the Exceptional People Management Award, was awarded jointly to Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel. This recognition highlights their exceptional employment practices and dedication to the wellbeing and development of their employees.

IHF President Michael Magner expressed his congratulations, stating, “Both hotels exemplify all the hallmarks of a Quality Employer. We are extremely proud to recognise their leadership and commitment to promoting an environment that provides people with opportunities to thrive.” He praised the General Managers, Eoghan Murphy and Louise McNamara, for cultivating inspiring workplaces for their teams.

Outstanding Hotels Recognised Across Categories

In addition to the top award, twelve hotels were celebrated as Best-in-Class across three categories. The winners included:

• Best in Class Awards – Certified Level: Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare; Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Kerry; Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork; Conrad Dublin.
• Best in Class Awards – Advanced Level: Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Kildare; Dromoland Castle, Clare; Inn at Dromoland, Clare; Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin.
• Best in Class Awards – Expert Level: Ballykealey House, Carlow; Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Kerry; Midlands Park Hotel, Laois; Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan.

Chair of the awards judging panel, Dr. Donagh Davern from Munster Technological University, noted the panel’s satisfaction in witnessing a people-centric approach among the finalists. “All of the finalists demonstrated outstanding commitment to employee onboarding, engagement, and performance management,” he said. “The increase in supports for both physical and mental health and wellbeing was particularly noteworthy.”

Mr. Magner further congratulated the over 70 hotels recently certified as IHF Quality Employers, emphasising the importance of creating a positive work environment. “Each and every property that participates in our Quality Employer Programme is striving for the same goal – to make their hotel a wonderful place to work and build a career,” he stated. “Our people are the beating heart of our industry.”

The hotel sector supports over 67,000 jobs directly, with additional roles in the wider tourism industry exceeding 270,000. Mr. Magner highlighted that empowered employees significantly contribute to the sector’s success. “They are the defining characteristic of any successful hotel,” he added.

The IHF’s Quality Employer Programme equips member hotels and guesthouses with essential tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development. Certification through this programme acknowledges workplaces that demonstrate exceptional employment practices, furthering their commitment to being recognised as Quality Employers. For more information, visit www.qualityemployer.ie.