King Honours McGinn

James McGinn, the managing director of Hastings Hotels, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to tourism and hospitality. 

One of the leading figures in Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, McGinn has worked for Hastings Hotels for 29 years and was recognised for his experience in the hospitality industry, as well as his wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Before being appointed managing director of Hastings Hotels in 2022, James was at the helm of the Europa Hotel for two decades.

“It’s an honour to have received this recognition,” he said.

“Tourism and hospitality is in my blood, and I’m thankful for the career I have built at Hastings Hotels for the last 29 years and for the opportunities provided to me by the Hastings family.”

James graduated in 1988 from Queen’s University Belfast, moving to London for work before returning to Omagh in 1990 to work as food and beverage manager in his family’s business, the Woodlander.

He graduated with an MSc in Hotel and International Tourism Management from the University of Ulster in 1994 and then worked in the Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC, before returning to Northern Ireland in 1996, where he started his career with Hastings Hotels at the Europa Hotel.

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