Choice Hotels Australasia has announced its Franchisee of the Year award winners at its black tie gala dinner, held during their 2014 Australasian conference at The Langham, Auckland.
The event honoured four outstanding properties across each of the Choice Hotels brands:
-Econo Lodge: Econo Lodge Napier, Napier, NZ
-Comfort: Comfort Inn & Suites City Views, Ballarat, VIC
-Quality: Quality Hotel Taylors Lakes, Taylors Lakes, VIC
-Clarion: Clarion Hotel City Park Grand, Launceston, TAS
Trent Fraser, Choice Hotels Australasia’s Chief Executive Officer, said the evening provided an opportunity for the hotel franchise group to celebrate its franchisees and their contributions to the Choice Hotels brands.
“Our annual awards give us the opportunity to recognise and reward our franchisees that have demonstrated excellence within their brand over the past twelve months. Each of these franchisees has shown dedication to providing the highest level of customer services which is critical to the successful operation of a hotel,” he said.
“We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our franchisees who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible experience to their guests and those who are also committed to training and developing their own business skills to ensure their property’s ongoing success,” said Fraser.
More than 220 people walked the red carpet at the black tie awards evening to support the outstanding achievements of the group over the past 12 months.
There are more than 270 properties in the Choice Hotels network and to qualify for awards consideration, each business is required to meet strict criteria relating to property development and growth, participation in Choice Hotels’ training, conference, sales and marketing activities as well as receiving consistently high guest feedback.
The evening concluded Choice Hotels 2014 ‘On Target to Achieve’ conference, a four day program for Choice franchisees that provided hands-on industry workshops as well as insight into Choice Hotels’ programs, distribution channels, future opportunities and included updates from the CEO and senior management team.
Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from the People Interpreter, Allison Mooney, Contiki
Holidays Founder, John Anderson and Technology Futurist and Digital Evangelist, Chris Riddell.
Choice Hotels also presented 31individual properties with Gold awards which were given to franchisees who have embraced the partnership and opportunities with Australia’s largest mid-market hotel franchise group.
Outstanding individuals among Choice Hotels’ franchisees, property representatives, management and staff were also recognised during conference. Champions of Choice awards were presented to 24 individuals who over the past 12 months have been exceptionally proactive and supportive as well as strong ambassadors for the brands.
All award-winning individuals and properties were nominated and judged by an executive panel of members from Choice Hotels Australasia’s Senior Management team.