Choice Hotels Australasia has bestowed its annual Franchisee of the Year awards at a gala dinner at Carousel in Melbourne, celebrating outstanding property performances over the past 12 months.
The evening saw Choice Hotels present four properties with the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award, recognising the best properties across each of the Choice Hotels brands: Econo Lodge, Comfort, Quality and Clarion.
The four winners were Econo Lodge Park Lane, Bundaberg (QLD); Comfort Inn and Suites Robertson Gardens, Brisbane (QLD); Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, Wangaratta (VIC); and Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina, Mackay (QLD)
Each property was required to meet strict criteria relating to property service and capital standards, participation in Choice training, conference, sales and marketing activities as well as receiving consistently high guest feedback scores.
Trent Fraser, Choice Hotels Australasia’s Chief Executive Officer, said he was overwhelmed by the calibre of candidates for the 2012 Franchise of the Year awards.
“I feel inspired to be working alongside franchisees that are focused on delivering the best possible experience to guests,” he said. “These awards acknowledge our properties where quality and character sets them apart.”
The evening concluded Choice’s 2012 ‘Get on Board’ Annual Conference, a four day event for franchisees that provided insight into Choice’s programs, distribution channels, future opportunities and included updates from the CEO, Senior Management team and international guests.
Franchisees also had the opportunity to listen to inspiring leaders including Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy, and participate in relevant industry focused workshops.
Choice also presented 28 individual properties with Gold awards which were bestowed upon franchisees who have embraced the partnership and opportunities with Australasia’s largest hotel franchise group whilst upholding exemplary customer service standards.
Individuals amongst Choice’s franchisees, property representatives, management and staff were also recognised during conference. Twenty two Champions of Choice awards were presented to individuals who over the past 12 months have been exceptionally proactive, supportive and are strong ambassadors for the brands.