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As Hastings Hotels marks six decades in business, its managing director, James McGinn, has been awarded an MBE for services to tourism and hospitality. The honour, announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List, was presented to him by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle.
Investiture at Windsor Castle
The accolade recognises Mr McGinn’s more than 30-year career in the sector and his role leading one of Northern Ireland’s best-known hotel groups. He received the medal during a ceremony at Windsor, describing the moment as a family occasion.
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“It was a privilege to receive my MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, made even more special by sharing the day with my family,” Mr McGinn said after the investiture. He added he was “immensely proud” to have built his career in an industry that plays a vital role in Northern Ireland.
From London and Washington to Hastings Hotels
A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, Mr McGinn began his career in London and later gained a master’s degree in Hotel and International Tourism Management from Ulster University. He also spent time working in Washington DC before joining Hastings Hotels in 1996.
Over the years he has risen to become a prominent figure in Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector, holding senior leadership roles across the group.
Sixty years of Hastings Hotels
Founded by Sir William Hastings, the group is Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned luxury hotel operator and is marking its 60th anniversary. Its portfolio includes notable properties such as the Europa Hotel, the Culloden Estate and Spa, the Grand Central Hotel and the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, alongside Ballygally Castle in Antrim and The Everglades Hotel in Derry.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mr McGinn thanked the Hastings family and his colleagues for their support. “I would like to sincerely thank the Hastings family for their continued belief in me and my colleagues across the group for their support and dedication,” he said.
