Two Laois hotels have been recognised by the Irish Hotels Federation for outstanding work in their field.

Over seventy hotels from across the country gathered at the Irish Hotels Federation’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards, which took place this week at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.

The Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise and The Heritage Killenard were among the recipients recognised for their achievements in HR best practices and people management.

Pictured: George Leahy from Midlands Park Hotel pictured with Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Director of People Services, Deirdre Fitzsimons at the awards ceremony.

The businesses received Best in Class awards in the expert category, the highest of the three categories.

They received this award alongside Ballykealey House in Carlow, Muckross Park Hotel and Spa in Kerry, and Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan.

IHF President Michael Magner congratulated the hotels on their wins.

"It is an honour to be among so many inspiring HR leaders to celebrate the very best of people development across our hotels and guesthouse sector," he 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," Mr Magner finished.

Pictured: Jennifer Crimmons and Jason Jordan from The Heritage pictured with Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Director of People Services, Deirdre Fitzsimons at the awards ceremony.

Chair of the judging panel, Dr Donagh Davern of Munster Technological University (MTU), also acknowledged the hard work undertaken by the hotels.

“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," Dr Davern said.

"All of the finalists showed an outstanding commitment to employee onboarding, engagement, performance management, learning, career development, community involvement, flexibility, diversity, inclusion and the cultivation of a positive people culture in their organisations.

"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," Dr Davern finished.

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