THE BOURNEMOUTH Area Hotel Association (BAHA) Recognition Awards have officially been launched.

Those in the industry will find out who the winners are at a ceremony held at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel in October 2024. 

The awards celebrate the loyalty and hard work of all staff members across the hotel industry.

NFU Mutual New Forest, IOW & Bournemouth agency has been secured as the headline sponsor for the awards.

Darren Seward from the agency said: “We are NFU Mutual’s largest hospitality agency in the UK.

“This sponsorship allows us to give a bit back to the sector. With us, insurance is personal, and we understand the issues that hospitality faces.“

Before the official launch at the Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch, Tim Seward, outgoing BAHA chair, handed over the reins to Rosie Radwell at the AGM.

Despite the challenging conditions, it was heard how BAHA has been instrumental in delivering government-funded projects.

These include staff training, the installation of defibrillators in hotels, marketing campaigns, and the youth mobility scheme to increase the number of hospitality staff.

Tim said: “I am proud of what we have achieved as a committee over the last four years.

“We are now facing a further challenge with the cost of living; however, we are working collaboratively on solutions to help our industry’s future.

New chair Rosie, who runs the Marsham Court Hotel, said: “The committee members volunteer a lot of their time to make the area better for all and the work they have all accomplished over the last four years, under Tim Seward’s leadership, has been immense.

“Looking forward, we will continue to build on the work that has been accomplished and begin exciting new projects.

“NFU Mutual Bournemouth have agreed to be our sole headline sponsor for the next three years for the BAHA Recognition Awards, which shows what importance they place on them.”

Rosie said she would focus on collaborating with the Destination Management Board (DMB), the four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and BCP Council and on helping the hotel industry lead the way towards an Accommodation BID.

She also wants to create an events calendar for the BCP area to work more closely with the wider region.