Six leading figures who have devoted their lives to the travel, tourism, hotel and hospitality industries in Australia have been recognised for their service in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Announced by Governor-General David Hurley, the list of 1,190 Australians included six identities from General Managers to building, construction and urban planning industry founders who have all contributed significantly to Australia’s professional landscape for many years.
Among the recipients was Sofitel Melbourne on Collins General Manager, Clive Scott, who was acclaimed for 45 years of service to the hospitality industry, of which the past 26 have been with Accor across a number of roles in human resources and operations. Scott has led Melbourne’s flagship Sofitel for the past 16 years.
Commenting on his recognition, Clive Scott AM said he was humbled by the award.
“I hope my endeavours over the years have supported artists of all kinds to fulfil their artistic endeavours. My work in the arts and hospitality has been richly fulfilling for me personally and I hope I can do more into the future.”
Another leading industry light named in the 2021 Honours List was Toga Group Owner, Charlotte Vidor, recognised for significant service to the multicultural community, tourism and urban planning.
Toga Group was formed by Charlotte’s husband Ervin Vidor in 1963, with Charlotte coming on board a few years later. The company’s Toga Hotels division today operates as the ‘T’ in TFE Hotels alongside Far East Orchard Limited, managing nearly 100 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Charlotte’s recognition sees her join both her husband and son Allan in the Honours list, following their respective nominations in 1993 and 2019.
Further honourees included Australian Chamber of Commerce – Tourism Executive Chairman, John Hart; Big 4 Macdonnell Range Holiday Park and Alice Springs tourism leader, Brendan Heenan; Mirvac Group Co-Founder, Robert Hamilton and Fender Katsalidis Founding Partner, Nonda Katsilidis.
Fender Katsalidis is actively developing new hotels including Nesuto Docklands Melbourne; Accor’s dual-branded ‘Hive’ at Melbourne Airport, which will feature both the Novotel and Ibis Styles brands and the forthcoming Seafarers mixed-use precinct which will herald the local debut of the 1Hotels brand.
Governor-General David Hurley extended his congratulations to each recipient, saying the recipients spoke to who we are as Australians.
“There are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication,” he said. “There is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.”