Guests at Barceló's annual WOW awards were amazed and delighted in equal measure by the manner of company UK Chief Executive Charles Prew's  arrival at the ceremony, which saw him being borne aloft by four African dancers.

The lavish entrance was the eye-catching opening to an African-themed awards ceremony which saw Barceló's outstanding individual employees and hotel teams rewarded for their commitment and hard work over the past year, amidst an exotic accompaniment of live African drumming and acrobatic display.

The African theme was as surprising as it was stunning, bearing in mind that Barceló is a worldwide Spanish-owned hotel and travel group  which only took over the operations of the former Paramount Hotels chain last September. "Hands up all those who were expecting a
Spanish theme?" Charles asked the assembled guests, before going on to announce the award winners.

Prizes were awarded across a raft of different categories with the £1,000-prize Best Hotel Award being won by the Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel and the Best Hotel General Manager Award going to Claire Sylvester of the Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel. Claire's prize was £1500 educational trip.

Denise Bridges, Travel Trade Director was named Sales Person of the Year and received a cheque for £1,000 whilst the £500 Best Customer
Service Award was scooped by the team at the Barceló Cardiff Angel Hotel

In addition to the 16 departmental awards, five employees were recognised for their long service with Lifetime Achievement Awards: Brian McGraw, 27 years;Teresa Peck, 27 years; Irene Alford, 28 years; David Phillips, 29 years; and  Sue Rollins of the Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel, who has just recorded her thirtieth year at the hotel.

Finally 21  "WOW Superstars", those team members who had gone the 'extra mile' had the opportunity to win three major prizes through a unique 'knockout lucky dip,' with Alex Millard, kitchen porter at Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel scooping the top prize of a taxed and insured Vauxhall Corsa 1.6.  

The Barceló UK WOW Awards are an annual event and this year were held at the newly re-branded Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel on Tuesday, 15 April. Sponsors included Fileturn, Alliance, Legend, PSL, Olswang, Fraser Giles Partnership and TFL.

<Ends>

For further press information please contact:

Edward Meadows

Bugsgang & Associates

Tel: 07515 282 607

E: edward.meadows@bugsgang.co.uk <mailto:edward.meadows@bugsgang.co.uk>        
18 April 2008

• Health & Leisure
• Bodysensual
• Leisurebreaks