‘100 years in the making’ for AHA ACT Hospitality Awards
The ACT Government’s Human Brochure, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and East Hotel took top honours as more than 400 people enjoyed a celebration of ‘100 years in the making’ at the 2013 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT Branch Hospitality Awards last night (April 22).
To celebrate the Centenary of Canberra, industry leaders, sponsors and local identities embraced the theme of “100 Years of Hospitality in Canberra” and enjoyed a trip down memory lane for the 2013 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards at Hotel Realm.
Hosted by Sky News Political Reporter David Lipson, the AHA ACT Branch’s ‘Night of Nights’ honoured historic hotels, local restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cafes and their employees for outstanding achievements and service.
AHA ACT Branch General Manager Brad Watts said several landmark hotels were remembered during the gala dinner, including the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, which took out the prestigious Best Deluxe Accommodation (5 Star) Award.
“From heritage hotels like Hyatt Canberra to innovative new accommodation properties like Hotel Realm and East Hotel– winners were definitely grinners at this major annual industry event,” Mr Watts said.
“There were several multiple Awards winners including Sage Dining Rooms (Prestigious Restaurant), Hotel Realm (Best Meetings and Events and Best Marketed Hotel) and Knightsbridge Penthouse (Best Bar Presentation and Service).”
Two more awards went to respected and talented industry leaders. The AHA ACT John Press Award was won by Mike Kadinski from Kremlin Bar, while Matthew Shelton – the Executive Events and Catering Manager from Hotel Realm – won 2013 Member of the Year.
“Both of these well-known winners received a standing ovation for their outstanding leadership and dedication to industry – they were recognised for their selfless service and vision,” Mr Watts said.
The event also highlighted the important contribution and complimentary role of the tourism sector, especially from major tourism campaigns involving hotels.
“Last night’s Awards ceremony recognised the highly successful Human Brochure social media campaign by Australian Capital Tourism as the Best Tourism Initiative,” Mr Watts said.
“As part of the Australian-first social media campaign, the Human Brochure involved range of leading hotels who hosted 250 interstate, social media-savvy Australians for two weekends.”
The Centenary of Canberra Award also went to two winners – Hyatt Hotel Canberra and King O’Malley’s Irish Pub – for their venue support of Centenary celebrations.
“The AHA ACT thanked its key sponsors and event partners for their generous support and makings the 2013 Awards night such a memorable success,” Mr Watts said.
Source: Australian Hotels Association ACT, 23 April 2013
