Nominations for the 5th 'Shine Awards for Female Talent in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality' are official now open and inspirational women in business are urged to enter.

A new mentoring initiative has been announced for the 2010 awards involving the winners of previous Shine Awards who will act as mentors for young professionals graduating from the London Metropolitan University.

Alessandra Alonso, Director of Shine, commented: "The Shine Awards 2010 are more significant than ever, they represent a real leap forward as People 1st have pledged their support by co-sponsoring the awards for the next three years."

This decision comes together with the launch of Women 1st, a People 1st's initiative aimed at supporting the development and retention of women in the sector.

The 10 Shine Awards categories reflect topical changes in the working environment. The additions include Shine Homeworker of the Year; Shine Woman Technology Innovator of the Year; Shine Woman of the Year for Sustainable Tourism and Shine Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nominations are online and the application process is simple, just click here.

The categories in full include:

1. SHINE Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
2. SHINE Corporate Woman of the Year
3. SHINE Homeworker of the Year
4. SHINE Young Achiever of the Year
5. SHINE Young Entrepreneur of the Year
6. SHINE Public Sector Woman of the Year
7. SHINE Outstanding Mentor of the Year
8. SHINE Woman Technology Innovator of the Year
9. SHINE Woman Leader of the Year
10. SHINE Woman of the Year for Sustainable Tourism