The British Hospitality Association, Hilton UK and Marriott Hotels have been shortlisted for a 2004 National Training Award.
They are among 11 hospitality companies to reach this year's finals.
Education was the best represented sector among the 300 finalists (14%), followed by manufacturing, health, banking, insurance and the voluntary sector.
The other hospitality firms on the shortlist were: Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries; Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds; Hospitality and Leisure Manpower; Mill House Inns; Nando's Chickenland; the Academy of Food and Wine Service; Sundial Group, and Speke Garston Education Action Zone, Liverpool.