SOUTHAMPTON hoteliers are planning to celebrate the achievements of the hospitality industry.

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association has begun work on the 2023 Hospitality Awards.

The awards, being held for the fourth year running, will recognise the best hotels, venues and staff in the city region, in categories such as community involvement, peer support and market growth.

There will be two new categories: Manager of the Year and outstanding Achievement.

Members of the association are being urged to nominate staff, colleagues and managers when voting opens later this year.

The awards ceremony will take place on February 3 next year.

Radio Taxis is returning as headline sponsor after doubling the amount of money it raised last year for the charity FareShare, Southern Central, to £5,000.

Simon May, chief executive of Radio Taxis, said: “Radio Taxis are delighted to support the Hospitality Awards again in 2023. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the industry and the dedication of staff and venues. The hospitality Industry is such an important part of our local community to both residents and visitors and we have the pleasure to work alongside them to transport their guests.”

The non-profit awards will again donate a portion of ticket sales – along with profits from a raffle supported by local attractions and hotels – to FareShare, which saves food from going to waste and redistributes it to frontline charities.

Nathan Chart, general manager at Solent Hotel & Spa and chairman of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association, said: ‘"We are so excited to be bringing back the awards in 2023. The two new categories will provide extra opportunities for roles that may not have fallen into previous categories and give us even more reasons to celebrate the people that make the hospitality industry.

"The 2022 event was a real celebration of everyone in the hospitality industry and we know 2023 will be even better."

The award categories open to nominations from hospitality staff are: Operational Excellence of the Year; Rising Star of The Year; Chef of The Year; Top Team of The Year; Community Award Sales and Revenue of the Year; Manager of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; and Outstanding Achievement Award.

Jo Andrews, managing director at the Marketing Collective, marketing partner of the awards, said: ‘’Being the marketing partner of the Hospitality Awards is always an honour. To be amongst so many passionate and talented individuals is inspiring. The awards are always a fun celebration to be involved with but it also highlights the achievements of such an important industry to both locals and tourists.”