The awards, according to founder Gaby Marcon, are designed to recognise the work of women who have triumphed against the odds to achieve their goals at work and who have become role models and mentors within the places they work and the communities they operate in.
Teresa Wong, executive assistant manager at Swissotel, The Howard in London and Tara Farnham, assistant to the chief operating officer at Thistle Hotels were among those picking up awards at the event at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel in London last night.
Brian Wisdom of People 1st, headline sponsor of the awards, said: "Our research found that whilst over 60 per cent of the workforce is made up of women, only 6 per cent of board director positions within the industry are filled by women.
"As one of the country’s most dynamic industries, we all have a duty to change that disparity. Our winners are testament to the remarkable contribution women make to their businesses and to the sector. They will also encourage more women from diverse backgrounds to consider travel, tourism and hospitality as a long term, fulfilling career option."
The Shine Awards 2010 Winners:
Corporate Category: Teresa Wong, executive assistant manager, Swissotel, The Howard, London
Entrepreneur Category: Wendy Bartlett, managing director, Bartlett Mitchell Catering
Young entrepreneur: Katie Thompson, owner, Heritage Market
Homeworker Microbusiness: Debbie Dale, director, Debbie Dale
Development Leader: Alison Cryer, managing director, Representation Plus
Special prize of the jury for all-round achievement: Rita Beckwith, managing director, City Cruises
Outstanding Mentor: Susan Briggs, director, The Tourism Network
Public Sector: Eryl Parry, director of enterprise, Liverpool Cathedral
Sustainable Tourism: Jane Ashton, group head of sustainable development, TUI Travel plc (Highly Commended: Mary Mulvey chief executive, Greenbox, Victoria Fellowes, marketing manager, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Technology Innovator: Diane Webster, head of sales marketing, Beacon Purchasing
Young Achiever: Tara Farnham, assistant to chief operating officer, Thistle Hotels