People involved in the local hospitality and tourism industry are being encouraged to participate in the third Irish Hospitality Institute Diversity Awards.

The 2008 awards—which were launched by Minister for Integration, Conor Lenihan, last week—aim of the Awards is to recognise and celebrate the initiatives, policies and practices taken by companies and individuals who embraced diversity within the industry as a whole.

The minister said that his office is happy to be funding the awards, through the National Action Plan Against Racism.

“Migration has brought great benefits to this country. It has alleviated labour shortages, boosted economic activity and widened the range of services available. International workers account for 29% of the hospitality and tourism industry at present,” he said.

He added that he “would encourage all the groups in this sector to take part in this awards initiative by sending in nominations and wish all those participating in the awards scheme the best of luck”.

Last year’s overall winner was Clontarf Castle and this year it will play host to the awards ceremony on June 18.

Natasha Kinsella, Chief Executive of the Irish Hospitality Institute said that by “rewarding and highlighting the work of diversity and interculturalism we hope to demonstrate the huge benefits of embracing diversity in the workforce and in doing so encourage others, both within and outside the hospitality sector, to emulate this approach”.

Some examples of initiatives from the 2007 Awards included: national days of recognition, translation of company documentation into several languages, flexible rosters to facilitate religious beliefs and staff consultative committees.

For further information, visit: www.thediversityawards.com or call 01-6624790.

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