Eight awards will be presented at a black tie dinner on October 3rd in London, including four new categories.

People 1st chief executive, Simon Tarr, said: “Our research shows that there’s still a major imbalance between the number of men and women at senior levels across the visitor economy.

“Creating visible role models for women working in our industries, and celebrating the companies and individuals that are making strides towards a better gender balance, is critical to raising women’s aspirations and helping change businesses’ culture to support diversity at all levels.”

The full list of 2016 Shine Awards categories is:

• Rising Star
• Mentor of the Year
• NEW - Innovator of the Year
• NEW - Ambassador of the Year
• NEW - Best Initiative to Retain and Develop Women
• NEW - Best Place for Women to Work
• Woman of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement (nominations by expert panel)

Nominations close on May 25th.