Nominations are now open for the 2006 SHINE Awards, celebrating the achievements of women in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

According to SHINE, women represent more than 60 per cent of the workforce in the UK yet their success, professionalism and contribution is largely undervalued.

The SHINE Awards emphasise that the long term development of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries are dependent upon personal and professional development and that women in particular have many of the leadership skills essential to the success of companies and teams in the 21st Century.

There are six different categories for women at all levels in the industry to enter.

All the categories recognise individual effort and outstanding achievements by women working in both the public and private sectors:

– Business Owner of the Year Award

Open to owners with a 50 per cent minimum share in a business with responsibility for key decision-making.

– Business Woman of the Year Award Open to women who are employees of enterprises in travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

– Young Achiever of the Year Award

Open to women in either of the above two categories but below 30 years of age.

– Public Sector Woman of the Year Award Open to women working in either government departments/agencies, not for profit organisations, NGO’s and trade associations.

– Business Expert of the Year Award

This award is open to women whose activities are related to Travel & Tourism (e.g. Accountancy, Marketing, IT legal, Journalism).

6. SHINE Woman of the Year Award This is an overall award recognising women for their inspirational role in business and in the community.

Winners at the 2005 SHINE Awards were:

Business Owner of the Year: Doreen McKenzie, proprietor of Knock Travel

Business Woman of the Year: Chris Browne, managing director of First Choice Airways Young Achiever of the Year: Gillian Chapple, proprietor of Bedsearcher

Public Sector Woman of the Year: Sandie Dawe, communications director of VisitBritain Business Expert of the Year: Heidi Truman, manager, hospitality and leisure Division, KPMG

SHINE Woman of the Year: Sunny Crouch, project director, Capital and Provident Management

Sunny Crouch said, "The great thing about the SHINE Awards is the spotlight they bring on the very many talented people in our industry who happen to be women.

“I urge everyone to enter any woman they know who qualifies in one of the categories."

For details of the awards and to download a nomination form visit the website www.shineawards.com