A new recognition awards ceremony is among events planned for the coming year by BH Area Hospitality Association.

Delivering his review of what he described as a “challenging year”, dominated by Covid-19, re-elected chair Tim Seward expressed pride at what the association had achieved “in these unprecedented and strange times.”

Speaking at the association’s annual meeting on Zoom, Tim said highlights of the last year included:

• Producing more than 50 banners to say thank you to the NHS and keyworkers with hoteliers proudly displaying the banners across the conurbation into the summer months.
• Organising Zoom calls to give regular updates to hoteliers with participation from councillors and MPS.
• Coming together with other business bodies across the town to be one voice including The Wonky Table hospitality group, Bournemouth Coastal Bid, Bournemouth Town Centre Bid, Poole Bid and Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce.
• Reaching out and creating Associations South Central working in unity with Weymouth Hotels Association, Portsmouth Hotels Association, Southampton Hoteliers Association and New Forest hotels.
• Creating stronger links with Bournemouth and Poole College and Bournemouth University.

Tim, pictured left, said: “Overall throughout the whole pandemic and last 12 months we have stayed strong and always been positive in our internal newsletters, press, and TV interviews.”

Future plans, and most importantly, included the hopeful reopening of hotels on May 17 and welcoming back visitors and guests.

The recognition awards ceremony will replace the association’s apprenticeship awards.

It’s hoped the event will take place in the autumn and recognise long service employees across the town as well as staff and businesses going the extra mile during the pandemic.

Tim said: “These awards, sponsored by Expedia, will be a celebration of what we have all achieved and a place to celebrate our workers and businesses.”

Regarding his chairing of the association, Tim said: “This year has only worked thanks to the support of my Vice Chairs, Rosie Radwell and Jason Davies, Past Chair David Bailey, all the committee plus the continued support from Bournemouth Coastal Bid.

“I wish everyone a very happy, hope filled and positive 2021 with full hotels, full bars and restaurants with the tills ringing and the room rates at the best they have ever been.”