Tuam hotel scoops national award

TUAM’s Ard Rí House Hotel has been named among the outstanding employers by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

The accolade was awarded at IHF’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.

The awards recognise hotel teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence in people development and HR best practices through their participation in the IHF’s Quality Employer Programme.

Along with the Ard Rí House Hotel in Tuam, Galway's Connacht Hotel has also been awarded the Quality Employer Certification.

Chair of the awards judging panel, Dr Donagh Davern from Munster Technological University (MTU), said: “The judging panel were delighted to see evidence of a people-centric approach and the progress made in elevating the employer brand of the hotel profession.

“The increase in supports for both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees was particularly noteworthy, as was the array of benefits now on offer to Irish hotel employees.”

The IHF’s Quality Employer Programme provides member hotels and guesthouses with the tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development.

According to the IHF, around 69,000 people are directly employed by Irish hotels and guesthouses, while over 270,000 livelihoods are supported by the Irish tourism and hospitality sector.

Commenting on this, IHF President Michael Magner said: “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.

“The importance of this cannot be overstated, our people are the beating heart of our industry,” he added.