Victoria's best hotels honoured

Victoria's best hotels have been recognised at the 2012 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Vic) State Awards for Excellence, with the winners announced at a gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt on Tuesday 12 May.

The dinner was attended by close to 400 hoteliers and hospitality industry leaders including Hon. Louise Asher, Minister of Tourism and Major Events, the Chair of Tourism Victoria Board and C.E.O's of Tourism Victoria, Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau, Grand Prix Corporation, Tennis Australia, Destination Melbourne, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Liquor (V.C.GL.R) and TAA (National), as long with representatives from other tourism related organisations.

Minister Asher presented the major prestigious award for outstanding contribution to the hotel and tourism industry.

This most important award recognises an outstanding contribution by an hotelier or industry colleague who through their efforts over a long period of time has made a significant impact on the industry and have helped contribute directly or indirectly to the success of hotels in Victoria. 

Past winners include Doctor Sam Birman for servicing the medical needs of hotel guests; David Marriner for his contribution to the theatre, hotels and tourism; Leigh Harry for his great contribution to developing conventions, meetings and exhibition success and Dr Les Erdi as an owner, investor, developer and operator for 45 years.

This year, TAA recognised John Dickson, who until recently was a hotelier and General Manager who made a great contribution over almost 20 years to the betterment of hotels in Victoria, particularly through AHA/TAA in Melbourne
Apart from successfully managing these hotels, John is a team player who is always generous with his time and contributed to both the growth of the hotel market in Melbourne and to tourism generally through serving on many committees and in particular for the AHA Accommodation Division and TAA, where he has served continuously in a number of roles, including Victorian Chairman and National President.

Other winners honoured were

Accommodation Category Award Winners:

Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year – Park Hyatt Melbourne
Apartment/Suite Accommodation of the Year - Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Superior Accommodation Hotel of the Year - Crown Promenade Hotel
Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year - Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins
Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year - Hotel Charsfield
Resort Style Accommodation of the Year - Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, Hepburn Springs
Regional Accommodation of the Year - Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld

Specialty Category Winners:

Hotel Restaurant of the Year (all day dining ) – Niche Café, Bayview Eden Melbourne
Deluxe Restaurant of the Year - The Langham Melbourne
Hotel Bar of the Year - Market Lane Bar, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

Individual Excellence Awards:

Administration Employee of The Year - Beverly Dalauidao, The Westin Melbourne
Food & Beverage Services Employee of The Year - David Albert, The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park Melbourne
Front Office Services Employee of The Year – Christy Doherty, The Langham Melbourne
Hotel Industry Rising Star - Lisa O'Carroll, Stamford Plaza Hotel Melbourne & Rydges Melbourne, Sarah Begbie

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry - John Dickson

Darryl Washington General Manager of TAA (Vic) praised finalists, award-winners and individuals who were honoured and said "Melbourne and Victoria's hotels provide for tourists a world class and very diverse selection of hotels that cater for all tastes and price levels. The industry is constantly 'raising the bar' when it comes to standards and again this year, the Hotels nominated and in particular those that have been honoured at the 2012 TAA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence Awards emphasise this point. Congratulations to all finalists and in particular, all winning hotels."

Source: eTravel Blackboard, 14 June 2012