The Inter-Hotel Challenge, South Africa’s leading hospitality skills development competition, is delighted to announce the support of Union Tiles, a renowned supplier of premium tiles, natural stone and other surface solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
With a heritage dating back more than a century, Union Tiles is one of South Africa’s leading independent distributors of wall and floor surface solutions, offering an extensive range of ceramic, porcelain, terrazzo, granite and marble products for architectural and interior design projects.
The partnership between Union Tiles and the Inter-Hotel Challenge reflects a shared dedication to quality and artistry in the aesthetic features of the Union Tiles surface solutions for hotels, and supports growth of emerging talent within the hospitality industry.
Gary Shayne, CEO of Origin Enterprises Ltd. who recently purchased Union Tiles, said: “Being involved as headline sponsor is a clear demonstration of our commitment to South Africa’s hospitality industry. Our partnership is grounded in shared values of quality, innovation, and long-term investment in people. Exceptional hospitality experiences are shaped by every detail of the environment from culinary artistry to the design and finishes throughout a hotel that define the guest journey.”
The Inter-Hotel Challenge, widely recognised as a platform for identifying and mentoring the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals, brings together leading hotels, culinary mentors, and industry partners to celebrate skills, creativity, and professional development. Through the programme, young chefs and hospitality professionals are exposed to world-class training opportunities and industry experiences.
Union Tiles’ support highlights the important connection between design, environment, and hospitality. From restaurant kitchens and hotel lobbies to bathrooms and dining spaces, carefully considered surfaces and finishes play a vital role in creating memorable guest experiences.
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Bedfordview, the venerable Union Tiles is a proudly national brand. Few companies can claim such an enduring heritage, with branches across South Africa and neighbouring countries, supplying innovative surface solutions to architects, designers, builders, and hospitality projects.
Speaking on the collaboration, organisers of the Inter-Hotel Challenge noted that partnerships with respected industry suppliers such as Union Tiles help strengthen the programme’s mission to inspire excellence across the hospitality sector. “The Inter-Hotel Challenge is a well established firm event on the hospitality calendar and sponsorships like this allow us to move it to even greater heights. We are delighted to partner with Gary and his team,” says Chania Morritt-Smith of Showcook, with culinary authority Annette Kesler, organisers of the Inter-Hotel Challenge now in its 14th year.
The Inter-Hotel Challenge continues to build strong relationships across the hospitality, food, beverage, and design sectors, ensuring that young professionals have an exciting path for career growth in this vital sector of the South African economy.
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