Hotels from all corners of the city claimed the spoils in the 2019 Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence, named last night in a sparkling ceremony at The Star, Sydney.
The room was jammed with over 750 heavyweights and industry leaders from across the sector, mingling with dignitaries from State and Federal Parliament including NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, Deputy Opposition Leader, Penny Sharpe, Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Linda Scott and Shadow Federal Tourism Minister, Senator Don Farrell.
From a record nomination count of more than 300 entries across 32 categories, it was The Darling in Sydney which claimed the premier Deluxe Hotel of the Year honours, backed by Park Hyatt Sydney which was highly commended.
Superior Hotel of the Year was claimed by Rydges World Square in the Metropolitan segment, while its Regional equivalent went to Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel. Fraser Suites Sydney went home with new silverware in the form of Apartment / Suite Hotel of the Year.
Holiday Inn Sydney Airport took home Mid-Range Hotel of the Year, with the hotel’s own Sasha McAlister making it a double win by taking out Marketing Talent of the Year. Just down the road, the recently rebranded Novotel Sydney International Airport won Redeveloped / Refurbished Hotel of the Year, backed up by its own Katie Collings, who won Hotel Industry Rising Star.
It was a particularly bountiful night for The Langham, Sydney, which hauled home three awards including Outstanding Achievement in Training.
Attending his first TAA NSW Awards event as both the NSW and National CEO, Michael Johnson said the state’s multi-billion accommodation industry was resplendent in its showing as a leader in both international and domestic visitation.
“The fact we, as a state, can provide exemplary accommodation options such as those represented at the Awards for Excellence, means we are setting the standard for Australian tourism.
“I congratulate all our winners for their hard work and tireless commitment to excellence.”
Winners of the 2019 Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards are:
Best Innovation Project: The Darling Hotel
Outstanding Achievement In Training: The Langham, Sydney
Outstanding Community Contribution: Atura Blacktown
Best Environmental Practices: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Workplace Health And Safety Hotel Of The Year: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour
Conference And Events Venue Of The Year: Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Engineer Of The Year: Matthew Willox – Holiday Inn Old Sydney
Finance Talent Of The Year: Pedro Porto – Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Revenue/Yield Talent Of The Year: Elaine Fernandez, The Star Sydney
Food And Beverage Talent Of The Year: Maryline Beroud, Park Hyatt Sydney
Conference And Events Talent Of The Year: Jessica Johnson, Rydges World Square
Marketing Talent Of The Year: Melinda McCrone, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
Sales Talent Of The Year: Tim Birley, Parkroyal Darling Harbour
Human Resources Talent Of The Year: Christianne Nejm, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Rooms Division Talent Of The Year: Deepamita Dutta, Meriton Suites Kent Street
Employee Excellence In Service: Roman Bhandari, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Concierge Of The Year: Jonathan Fambart, Park Hyatt Sydney
Housekeeper Of The Year: Karolina Sadalska, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Chef Of The Year: Francesco Mannelli, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hotel Industry Rising Star: Melissa Davies, The Langham, Sydney