Nearly 500 members of the accommodation and hospitality industries across Victoria glammed up for the 2019 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) Awards, with star performers recognised for a year of top achievement.
Among a cavalcade of worthy winners and outstanding performers watched on by political and industry heavyweights, the evening’s highlight was the recognition of Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO, Karen Bolinger, who has played a key role in securing over $2.4 billion in economic contribution to the state through more than 570,000 delegate days attending meetings and events.
Attending the ceremony, newly-appointed TAA National Chief Executive, Michael Johnson, said Victoria’s hospitality industry continues to grow in stature.
“From Melbourne to the regions, Victoria sets a high standard when it comes to accommodation – I would like to congratulate all winners for providing high quality venues and service each and every day of the year.”
Winners of the 2019 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) Awards are:
Apartment Accommodation of the Year: The Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Hotel Restaurant of the Year: Bankvale Run, Marnong Estate & Locanda Restaurant, Rydges Melbourne
Engineer and Maintenance Employee of the Year: Peter Nesbit – Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields
Hotel Club Lounge of the Year: The Langham Melbourne
Outstanding Community Service and Achievement: Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year: Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders
Regional Hotel Restaurant of the Year: Wickens at Royal Mail Dunkeld, Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld
Deluxe Restaurant of the Year: Pascale Bar & Grill, QT Melbourne
Revenue Manager Employee of the Year: Yvonne Qian – Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year: The Provincial Hotel, Ballarat
Concierge of the Year: James Spielvogel – InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Best Marketed Accommodation Provider: Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
Outstanding Achievement in Training: Grand Hyatt Melbourne & Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Hotel Industry Rising Star Award: Tim Deeks – Crown Towers Melbourne
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry: Karen Bolinger, in her capacity as Chief Executive Officer – Melbourne Convention Bureau
Front Office Services Employee of the Year: Laurent Johnson – Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Best Environmental and Energy Efficiency Practice: Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
Regional Accommodation of the Year: Quality Hotel – Wangaratta Gateway
Excellence in Innovation: Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Sales Employee of the Year: Maya Gray – Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Marketing Employee of the Year: Elissa Hayes – Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
Food and Beverage Services Employee of the Year: Annie Crowe – InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Back of House Employee of the Year: Keith Wilson – Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Hotel Bar of the Year: Market Lane – InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Chef of the Year: Grant Flack – Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
Resort Style Accommodation of the Year: Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
Housekeeper Employee of the Year: Rebecca Bruhn- Rydges Melbourne
Superior Accommodation Hotel of the Year: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year: Crown Towers Melbourne