Receptionist Awards 2026

Applications are now invited from receptionists in permanent employment in a NIHF Member.  Entries will only be accepted online and by the closing date of Friday 6th March 2026 at 5.00pm. Full rules and competition details can be found in the linked PDF document on this page. Online entries can be completed here:

Individual Entry Form 
Team Entry Form

Dates 

Friday 6th March 2026 at 5.00 pm 
Closing date for all online applications 

Tuesday 24th March 2026
Clayton Hotel Belfast 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Assessment Day

Tuesday 14th April 2026
Clayton Hotel Belfast 9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Final Interviews

Wednesday 13th May 2026
Armagh City Hotel
Awards Dinner

The Receptionist Awards 2026 are supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Guestline, Net Affinity, Insight6 and Life Adventure Co.

Originally created in the 1970s and re-launched in 2004, this competition is about recognising the very best in customer service in a vital role for all hotels. Challenging, but fun, with great team building and personal development.

The competition takes place across three categories – two individual and one team. All entrants need to read the rules in the brochure and complete an online entry form by Friday 6th March.

Individual entrants are required to attend an assessment day on the morning of Tuesday 24th March in the Clayton Hotel Belfast. This day assesses skills in teambuilding, leadership, initiative and more. Candidates who progress from the morning assessment will be interviewed in the afternoon. A list of finalists will be invited to further interviews, which take place on Tuesday 14th April.

The team competition judging is kept secret but following a series of mystery shops, a list of finalists is reached and a mystery shopper visits each premises to further assess the reception team. A full report is sent to all entrants after the competiton.

There is no cost to enter either competiton or for any judging but hotels are asked to reimburse the accommodation and food costs for the Mystery Shopping.

To enter, just complete the form below by 5pm on Friday 6th March.

The winning individuals and teams will be announced at a special Awards Dinner on Wednesday 13th May in the Armagh City Hotel. All finalists will receive a free ticket to this dinner and all hotels and guesthouses are encouraged to come along in support of their staff and colleagues.

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL YOUR ENTRY IS NOT CONFIRMED