Awards season hits overdrive as top performers lauded

Two leading accom bodies toasted their star national performers this week at separate gala award ceremonies on the Gold Coast.

The best hotel staff and venues in Australia were honoured at the 2019 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence held at The Star on Monday.

Sydney’s Barangaroo House was named Overall Hotel of the Year (Metropolitan) while Tasmania’s Shoreline Hotel took the Overall Hotel of the Year (Regional) title. Crown Towers Perth won Overall Hotel of the Year (Accommodation Division) and the Best Group Hotel Operator was won by the Sydney-based Feros Group.

There was a standing ovation for Tasmanian Hospitality Association President Paul Jubb, this year’s National Hall of Fame recipient, and a moment of silence for industry icon Peter Burnett who died earlier this year.

AHA NSW and National President Scott Leach said the venues and their hardworking staff showcased the best of Australian tourism and hospitality to the world.

“Our national awards annually draw together the best venues of the year from right across Australia,” he said.

“We are here to celebrate the outstanding individuals who drive our hotel businesses and make them the engine room of the Australian hospitality and tourism industries. I want to congratulate all finalists and winners on a job well done.”

Mr Leach paid tribute to the efforts of Hall of Fame recipient Paul Jubb, a fourth-generation hotelier.

“This year’s inductee is someone who has never forgotten that at our core we are an industry which serves,” he said.

“He has always put the needs of others before his own. Whether that be his customers, his family or his fellow publicans. He is true publican and a very deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame.”

Mr Leach also paid tribute to the late Peter Burnett, saying: “Peter made an undeniable contribution to our industry which has not just benefited us all – his efforts and achievements will echo through to the next generation, such was his impact and influence on our industry.

“We mourn the loss of Peter, as we honour his legacy.”

Timeshare’s stellar performers celebrated

The stars of Australia’s $620 million timeshare and holiday ownership industry were meanwhile recognised at a gala dinner and awards night at the Novotel Surfers Paradise on Tuesday.

The awards cover 19 categories recognising the achievements of individuals, teams and companies.

Chair of the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC), Ramy Filo, paid tribute to winners and nominees saying: “There is much to be proud of and this year’s awards highlights the brilliance that shines across the timeshare and holiday ownership industry.

“We serve more than one million Australians each year and our industry is full of amazing talent who strive every day to bring joy to the many Australians who love their timeshare.”

The ATHOC winners are:

Sales Performer of the Year – Upgrades, Benjamin Coombes, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

Marketing Performer of the Year, Cameron Barry, Accor Vacation Club 

Resort Manager of the Year, Kyong Pang, The Sebel Sydney, Manly Beach | Accor Vacation Club

Corporate Manager of the Year, Lucas Ramos, DAE

Corporate Performer of the Year, Matt Coughran, Accor Vacation Club

Social Media Award, DAE Global Marketing Team

Marketing Team of the Year, DAE Global Marketing Team 

Resort of the Year, Wyndham Resort Denarau Island | Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

Innovation Program in the Field, RCI Pacific Member Journey

Corporate Team of the Year, DAE Leadership Team

Resort Performer of the Year, Nanor Shokayan, Accor Vacation Club 

Marketing Manager of the Year, Paula O’Gorman, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

Sales Performer of the Year – Frontline, Ryan Princehorn, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise|Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

Sales Team of the Year, Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise

Excellence in Customer Service, Sharon Norburn, Accor Vacation Club | Member Services 

Resort Team of the Year, The House Keeping Team, Mansfield Country Resort | Classic Holidays

Community Service of the Year, WYNDGreen, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

Hall of Fame, Craig Wood, Accor Vacation Club

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, Donna Borthwick, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific

AccomNews

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