James McGinn from Co Tyrone received his Member of the Order of the British Empire honour from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle. The award recognises his more than 30 years in hospitality and his work for Northern Ireland's tourism sector. It appeared originally in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

McGinn serves as managing director of Hastings Hotels. The group operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, including the Europa and Grand Central in Belfast, the Culloden Estate and Spa in Holywood, and the Everglades in Derry. He joined the company in 1996 after gaining experience in London, Washington DC, and studies at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

McGinn described the ceremony as a privilege shared with his family. He expressed pride in his career within an industry key to Northern Ireland and thanked the Hastings family and his colleagues for their support.

Hastings Hotels reported pre-tax profits up 50% to over £11 million last month. The group invested £100,000 in upgrading the Observatory cocktail bar at Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. The 23rd-floor bar received a new interior and menu.

The group also added the Cavern private dining space at Grand Central last year at a cost of £150,000. It offers a seven-course menu behind sliding artwork. Hastings Hotels was founded by Sir William Hastings, with family members including chairman Howard Hastings on the board.