Parker, who is currently president of the British Hospitality Association, was presented with his award at the Hotel Marketing Awards 2014 in honour of his 'successful career in the industry from a strong marketing background.'
Unable to attend the awards at the HMA's Christmas Lunch at the Savoy hotel in London in person earlier today, Parker, who grew the Premier Inn and Costa Coffee brands considerably as Whitbread chief executive, gave a message via a video link.
HMA chairman Linda Moore said: "We could not think of a more worthy recipient for a Long Term Contribution to Hospitality Marketing award than Alan Parker who has clearly carved a highly successful career in the industry from a strong marketing background."
Young marketer
Six awards were given out by the HMA, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its awards this year, including the Young Marketer of the Year Award.
The award, designed to recognise the cream of marketing talent under 30 in the hospitality industry, went to Karla Pearce, marketing manager at Melia White House hotel in London.
"The judges were posed with a difficult task as we had some outstanding candidates this year, however Karla was considered to be a worthy winner because of the way she took on the marketing manager's role and made it her own with great results," said Moore.
Hotel companies picking up awards were Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons (Best Website); Ibis (Best Media and Public Relations Activity); Edwardian Group London for its campaign with Historic Royal Palaces (Best Partnership Marketing) and InterContinental Hotel Group for its Franchise Social Media That Works campaign with agency 360i London (Best Use of Social Media in Marketing Award).
The awards, sponsored by American Express, were introduced by former MasterChef winner Dhruv Baker, who praised the work of industry charity Springboard for helping to build successful careers for many within the hospitality industry. An auction and raffle also helped raise £6,600 for the charity.
Hotel Marketing Awards winners 2014:
- Best Website - Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, UmiDigital for Hoax Liverpool (Highly Commended)
- Best Use of Social Media in Marketing - InterContinental Hotels Group and agency 360i London
- Best Partnership Marketing - Edwardian Group
- Best Media and Public Relations Activity - Ibis Hotels, Red Carnation Hotel Collection (Highly Commended)
- Young Marketer of the Year 2013 - Karla Pearce, marketing manager Melia White House
- Long Term Contribution to Hospitality Marketing - Alan Parker