The AccorHotels Pacific Franchise Awards were held at Pullman Melbourne on the Park on Wednesday 23 January as part of the Group’s annual franchise conference attended by over 100 franchisees.
The 12 winners were recognised for outstanding performance with awards presented by Olympic medallist, sports presenter and CEO of AFL’s Women’s League, Nicole Livingstone, alongside AccorHotels executives.
The inaugural Service to the Industry, a new award category for an individual or team who have shown consistent and outstanding leadership and vision that not only contributes to the success of their business but has also advanced the tourism industry in their region. The award was presented by Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific, Michael Issenberg and bestowed to Ray Stone of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Over 35 years Ray has carved out a successful career and has made an enormous contribution to Australia’s most iconic tourism destination.
Jesse Kornoff, of Mount Lofty House, MGallery by Sofitel was bestowed the highly coveted General Manager of the Year award for his incredible performance, management and achievements at the boutique hotel over the past 12 months, including receiving three Chef Hats.
Following a record-breaking year for conferencing, guest experience and loyalty results, Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach took home the Hotel of the Year crown.
A proud Yajai (Jig) Petchsong of The Sebel Melbourne Docklands won the Rising Star Award, which recognises a superstar who has displayed a high performance and personal growth with potential to be a future leader in the hotel industry.
Service to the Community recognises the hotel, which is heavily ingrained in the local community and recognises that community relationships assist to build a sustainable business, this award was won by Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
Bar of the Year was awarded to Summer Salt, Elements of Byron MGallery by Sofitel. The hotel recognised that a dedicated pool bar for adults would not only enhance the guest experience, but also provide a level of luxury that complements the essence of a true beachside resort. The resort’s Mexican themed bar has also been voted by Australian Gourmet Travellers as the ‘best pool’ in May 2018.
Joint winners for Restaurant of the Year went to Hardy’s Verandah, Mount Lofty House MGallery By Sofitel and Bluestone Bar & Kitchen, The Sebel Launceston. After a significant investment, the Bluestone Bar & Kitchen upgrade has resulted in an outstanding guest experience with positive feedback from hotel and local guests. Hardy’s Verandah was recently awarded three Chef Hats with the Australian Good Food Guide 2019, placing it in the top 30 restaurants in Australia.
The Hall of Fame award recognises a franchise partner who demonstrates the company values and has been with AccorHotels on the journey since the early years. Joint-recipients Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa and Novotel Swan Valley The Vines have been with AccorHotels since 1993 and 1998 respectively and have both undertaken major projects to develop their properties to highly successful venues for events and leisure activities.
In recognition of its highly successful engagement with AccorHotels loyalty programs Accor Plus and Le Club AccorHotels, Mercure North Melbourne received the coveted Loyalty Hotel of the Year award.
The Development Award celebrates the best hotel development and this year’s winner, Trader’s in Purple at The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach has marked the rejuvenation of tourism in one of Australia’s oldest resort towns where industrial chic meets a relaxed beach atmosphere.
Heartist of the Year recognises the art of human connection and is awarded to an employee who consistently goes out of their way to create lasting memories for guests. The winner is David Tonkin, Guest Relations Manager at Mount Lofty House, MGallery by Sofitel. The winning Heartist Hotel of the Year was bestowed to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, collecting its second accolade for the evening.
IMAGE: AccorHotels Asia Pacific Chairman and CEO Michael Issenberg (L) and Voyages’ Ray Stone
