After a three-year break, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) is delighted to launch the Housekeeping Team of the Year competition for 2023.

The NIHF intends to run a full calendar of events including a series of Key Awards in the coming year which will reward and recognise people within the hotel industry. The first of these events will target housekeeping teams.

Eddie McKeever, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) President, said: “The Federation is delighted to return to its full calendar of events in 2023. This presents an opportunity to raise the profile of the people and specific departments within the hotel industry. The housekeeping competition was launched over a decade ago and pre-pandemic it was one of our most popular events.

“It’s great to be able to relaunch this awards programme for the coming year and it is a positive step as we return to more normal times.  One of the key objectives of my presidency is to address not only the issue of skills but to showcase the flexible career opportunities hotels can offer. Housekeeping is an excellent example of this and one of the most vital roles within the industry.”

He continues: “Housekeeping has often been overlooked but really came into its own during COVID-19, when its role in the provision of safe and sanitised spaces for guests became a priority. The department underpins the running of a successful hotel and is an integral part of the bedroom revenue stream.

“This is another example of excellent collaboration, and I would like to thank our sponsors for supporting the competition: Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities and Linencare for their category support, Tourism Northern Ireland for supporting the overall competition and associate sponsors, Bath Fitter and King Koil. Industry partners not only assist with the staging of the competition but help raise awareness of the importance of housekeeping.”

Entries for the Housekeeping Team of the Year 2023 competition are now open. Recognising the diversity of the sector, the competition has four categories:  Hotels with under 50 Bedrooms; Hotels with under 100 Bedrooms; Hotels with under 150 Bedrooms and Hotels with 150 Bedrooms and above.

Following an assessment day in the Clayton Hotel and an inspection, shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend an awards dinner hosted by Barra Best in Titanic Hotel, Belfast on the 8th March 2023.

For further information please visit nihf.co.uk