Inaugural Maldives Leaders in Hospitality Awards, the first initiative to honour Maldivians working in Human Resources in the hospitality industry, has closed nomination with more than 200 submissions.

In a statement, HR Maldives, publishers of the country’s first and only HR-dedicated magazine, said Monday that the submissions are being reviewed. A list of final nominees would be released at the end of this month, it added.

“HR Maldives appreciates the support for such an award that contributes to the Maldivian Individuals in the hospitality industry. HR Maldives notices and appreciates the initiative nominees by individuals all across the industry, taking this opportunity to be recognised and rewarded,” the statement read.

“We hope that the award inspires individuals to strive for excellence in their respective fields.”

The award includes 56 trophies in three different categories:

• Gold Trophies: awarded to the most outstanding General Managers, Resident Managers and other individuals serving as Head of Departments.
• Silver Trophies: awarded to the most outstanding individuals holding a senior leadership position.
• Organisational Trophies: awarded to the most outstanding HR teams. Sub-total of 16 categories will be awarded under the Organisational Awards.

State tourism promotion company Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has endorsed the award, which will have a judging panel consisting of local and international experts in the hospitality industry.

The grand gala of the awards will be held in capital Male on August 5.

The Maldives tourism industry is well-known across the globe with more than 120 resorts and hundreds of guesthouses serving over 1.2 million tourists a year. The industry is the biggest employer in the country, especially local talent, and has seen more and more locals climbing up the ranks to top managerial positions.