Hospitality celebrates awards in Queen's Birthday Honours

Hospitality industry luminaries received a plethora of awards in the Queen's Birthday Honours list announced this week.

Scottish hotel magnate Donald Macdonald, the executive chair of Macdonald Hotels, was appointed an OBE. He said: "My colleagues' help and support, along with that of my wife and family, has made the company what it is today and this is as much their award as it is mine."

Another Scot, James Thomson, vice-chair of the British Hospitality Association and owner of the Witchery and Tower restaurants, and Prestonfield House hotel in Edinburgh, was appointed an OBE for services to the Scottish hospitality and tourist industry.

He said: "I'm delighted. In the 25 years since I opened the Witchery, hospitality has really changed and I've tried to push things forward."

Derek Taylor, the UK's first professional hotel salesman, was also appointed an OBE. Taylor, who originated the short-break package and the chase system, as well as writing eight books on sales and marketing, said he was "delighted and honoured" with the award.

Former Catey winner Professor David Foskett, associate dean of the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure at Thames Valley University, was appointed an MBE for his services to higher education. He said: "I'm delighted to get this award but I see it as an award for the industry, especially for catering education."

The ceremony at St James' Palace in London also recognised restaurateur Fergus Henderson (MBE), Joseph Beeston (OBE), chief executive of Highland Spring, and Dr Martin Rawlings (MBE), director of pub and leisure for the British Beer & Pub Association.