The Hotel Marketing Association Awards are the only dedicated recognition scheme which both celebrates good practice in hotel marketing and is judged by industry experts. With a membership of sales and marketing specialists and operators from both independent and chain hotels, this makes the Awards important in identifying the talent that can drive the UK hotel sector forward in current ‘challenging’ times.
Young Marketer of the Year
Now in its seventh year, the Young Marketer of the Year award was created by the HMA, a branch of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, to recognise the cream of young marketing talent in the hotel industry. Eligible candidates have to demonstrate they have made a significant contribution to the success of the company and be aged under 30.
Chris Timbs of Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been named ‘Young Marketer of the Year’ for 2012.
Chris was praised for the work he had completed on campaigns for Hilton including Heart Radio and Stay Hilton Go Chill. He was presented with his award, which included a one day course at the Chartered Institute of Marketing at Moor Hall and a bottle of champagne, in a ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel.
A Highly Commended was also given to Geoff Morrison of Crieff Hydro for his strategic approach and quirky campaigns on behalf of the hotel, with Katie Scott of Rockliffe Hall named as runner-up.
Annual Marketing Awards
The HMA also announced the winners of its Annual Marketing Awards, sponsored by American Express, which are now in their 19th year, with two companies scooping double awards.
Best Social Media Campaign and Best Marketing Activity Hotel Chain, went to Aloft Hotels for their Play & Stay music promotion. The campaign encouraged young musicians and bands to audition in Aloft Hotels in return for a free overnight stay and possible chance to record. The judges praised the campaign for its innovation, creativity and ability to reach the target audience Gen Y.
Travelodge was awarded Highly Commended in the Best Marketing Activity Hotel Chain for the re-launch of their Business Account card.
Best Marketing Activity for an Individual Hotel or Conference Centre went to the Corinthia Hotel, London for their Above & Beyond Promotion that launched seven luxury penthouse suites at the hotel, with impressive results despite the economic downturn. The campaign included the production of an A3 size book with quality photography, which was sent to a selective list of recipients. Corinthia Hotel agency Inaria, also picked up Best Agency Promotion or Campaign for the same promotion.
Highly Commended’s were given to the Stafford Hotel, London for their Lyttelton Restaurant guest room campaign, and to Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire, for their Go for Gold conference promotion in the Best Marketing Activity for Individual Hotel or Conference Centre category.
Linda Moore, Chairman Hotel Marketing Association commented:
“We were delighted to receive a record number of entries for the awards this year and the judges were extremely impressed with the quality of the submissions. It is proof that there are some great hotel marketing campaigns out there.”
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