Nomination Guidelines:
When submitting a nomination, please provide a detailed description of why your nominee exemplifies what it means to be a "Star of the Industry." Be sure to include specific examples, accomplishments, and compelling stories that highlight their contributions.
You may also submit up to 10 supporting documents to strengthen your nomination. These may include testimonial letters, guest comment cards, photos, or other relevant materials from the past year. Supporting materials can be uploaded with the nomination form or emailed to tina@nyshta.org.
- You may nominate more than one individual from your property; however, only one nominee per category is allowed.
- Nominees in individual categories must be employed at a NYSHTA member property or organization. Properties being nominated must also be NYSHTA members. Nominations for non-members will not be considered.
Recognition:
Award winners will be honored at the 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner, taking place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at The Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, NY. Each winner will receive a personalized award and will be featured on NYSHTA’s website, social media platforms, and in the association’s statewide e-newsletter.
Deadline to submit nominations: Friday, July 18, 2025
Help us celebrate the individuals and teams who make New York’s hospitality industry shine – nominate your Stars today!
Nomination Categories
*When nominating in the starred categories, you must indicate whether the property has more than or less than 150 rooms.
Roomkeeper of the Year*
Recognizes exceptional service by a non-management employee in the housekeeping department at a lodging property.
Lodging Employee of the Year*
Honors exemplary professionalism and outstanding service by a non-management employee at a lodging property.
Manager/Supervisor of the Year*
Recognizes the professionalism and outstanding service of a management or supervisory employee. Non-lodging employees are also eligible.
General Manager of the Year*
Honors a hotelier who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism. Examples may include revitalizing or opening a new property, significantly improving performance, or achieving strong repeat business.
Tourism Executive of the Year
Recognizes a management or executive-level employee for outstanding leadership and service to the industry and their community. Nominees are judged on efforts that go above and beyond their job responsibilities. Non-lodging employees are also eligible.
Small/Independent Property of the Year
Celebrates a small or independent lodging property (50 rooms or fewer) that showcases architectural distinction, historic preservation, and/or plays a vital role in promoting local tourism. Considerations include: unique architecture or history, guest relations, community engagement, and tourism promotion efforts.
Large Property of the Year
Honors a large lodging property (51 rooms or more) known for outstanding customer service, well-appointed guest rooms and meeting spaces, cleanliness, and tourism impact. Nominations should highlight: guest satisfaction, renovations, community involvement, and promotional efforts.
Outstanding Resort of the Year
Recognizes a resort that serves as a comprehensive destination, offering diverse amenities such as dining, spa services, recreation, and entertainment — while significantly contributing to the local tourism economy. Judging criteria include: distinctive architecture, unique amenities, guest relations, reviews, community involvement, and tourism promotion.