After successfully completing a pilot programme with funding from the Savoy Educational Trust, the Institute of Hospitality has launched its first Professional Recognition Awards (PRAs), to help elevate hospitality professionals around the world, as they strive towards career excellence.

Launching the PRAs, the Institute’s CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI explained: “I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished. Our new PRAs are set at three levels of attainment: Award, Certificate and Diploma. They have been expertly designed by a panel of experts and will become a mark of professional credibility from the Institute, for those that are successful.

“These awards signify the highest level of recognition offered by the Institute as the hospitality’s global professional body. Achieving a PRA is more than an award; it’s a career-defining milestone and demonstrates that an individual meets the highest professional standards at their level. It will be a powerful endorsement of their skills, impact and commitment to professional excellence.

“I sincerely hope many industry professionals will seize the opportunity to achieve an award in the coming months and years ahead” concluded Robert.

The PRAs, which will be delivered online in partnership with THRIVE Hospitality Training, are:

• Institute of Hospitality Award in Hospitality Management and Leadership - For entry-level managers, it focuses on the core, essential skills and knowledge, to assist future growth
• Institute of Hospitality Certificate in Hospitality Management and Leadership – For mid-level managers or those expanding their role, it highlights the next step in skills development and a deeper level of expertise in both leadership and management
• Institute of Hospitality Diploma in Hospitality Management and Leadership – For senior managers or those aiming for high-level leadership roles, it signals mastery at the executive level, focusing on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership

The Institute’s Head of Professional Development, Sam Coulstock FIH said: “We have tailored these awards with great care to help ensure that individuals who achieve an award will set themselves apart from other global hospitality professionals.”

Paul Evans FIH, Managing Director and Associate of THRIVE Hospitality Training who have been selected to deliver the training on behalf of the Institute said: " Together with my colleagues Monica Or FIH and Ben Purton FIH we are delighted that THRIVE Hospitality Training will be working with the Institute of Hospitality on this exciting initiative.

“We are delighted to have been entrusted with this critical role, and this recognition affirms our commitment to advancing the hospitality sector by supporting the growth and professional development of its leaders.

He continued: “Our approach ensures each candidate’s unique achievements and potential are highlighted while upholding the highest industry standards. The awards aim to celebrate excellence in hospitality management, spotlighting individuals who exemplify innovation, customer service, and strategic leadership. THRIVE’s bespoke evaluation process will not only identify deserving candidates but also inspire them to excel further in their careers.”

To find out more about the Institute’s Professional Recognition Awards and to apply, please follow this link.