Ruth Andrews and Adrian Cummins have been honoured by their peers at the 92nd HOTREC General Assembly
Ruth Andrews, Chairperson at Fáilte Ireland, and Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), have been honoured by their peers at the 92nd HOTREC General Assembly, co-hosted by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and the RAI.
Prestigious HOTREC Awards were presented to Ms Andrews and to Mr Cummins before an audience of 150 European hospitality leaders at a Gala Dinner in Castlemartyr Resort, Cork on Tuesday, 21st April. The awards recognise the recipient’s dedication and outstanding contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Ruth Andrews
Ruth Andrews began her career in Irish tourism in the mid‑1980s, working with two of Ireland’s largest hotel groups at the time.
She served as Chief Executive of the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) from 2006 to 2023 and, in 2017, became Special Advisor to the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA).
Ruth was appointed Chairperson of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) in 2019, serving a three‑year term.
In May 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce (TRT), playing a pivotal role in guiding the sector through an unprecedented period of disruption.
She has served as Chairperson of Fáilte Ireland since November 2023.
Adrian Cummins
Adrian Cummins, a native of Portumna in County Galway, has dedicated his life to representing Ireland’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in the industry, where his parents ran a pub, holiday homes and an equestrian centre, Adrian developed an early understanding of the challenges facing small businesses and rural communities across the country.
Adrian is married to Bernardine MacBride Walsh and with their young son Bertie, he certainly has a busy house to match his busy professional life.
As Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland since 2009, Adrian has transformed the organisation into one of Ireland’s most influential representative bodies. Under his leadership, it has grown from a relatively modest association into a powerful national voice for restaurants, cafés and food-led businesses. He has also played a key role at European level through HOTREC, serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Restaurants Working Group, helping shape policy and representation for the sector.
Presenting the award to Ms Andrews, Paul Gallagher, IHF Chief Executive shared:
“Ruth has been one of the Irish tourism sector’s most steadfast champions, bringing clarity, conviction and collaboration to every role she has held. Her leadership has strengthened the industry’s strategic direction, from guiding tour operators and visitor experiences to steering national recovery efforts at a moment of profound uncertainty. Across ITOA, AVEA, ITIC and now Fáilte Ireland, Ruth’s influence has helped shape a more resilient, innovative and future‑focused tourism landscape.
Introducing the award for Mr Cummins, Seán Collender, RAI President said:
“Adrian has been a tireless advocate for the sector, strengthening its voice in national policy and ensuring it is recognised as a vital part of the economy and society. Through his leadership, the Restaurants Association of Ireland has become a highly influential representative body, while his work within HOTREC has helped shape the direction of hospitality across Europe. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment, particularly in guiding the sector through periods of significant challenge.”
The HOTREC Award
The HOTREC Award recognises the dedication of its recipients and their contribution to hospitality. It is presented twice each year to personalities who have contributed in a remarkable manner, and over a significant number of years, to the activities of the hospitality industry. The Award was originally established by Joan Gaspart in memory of his father, Joan Gaspart Bonet, and is presented in appreciation of outstanding achievements and services rendered within hospitality.
For more information on HOTREC visit: https://www.hotrec.eu/en/
