New port of call for SeaDream: Macau

For the first time the former Portuguese enclave of Macau will be a port of call for luxury cruise ship SeaDream II.

Petite by today's standards and rated world's Number 1 in the boutique category by the respected Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, this lavish 4300-tonne mega yacht will make the historic visit in March 2014 during her 13-day Asian voyage.

Macau was chosen as an overnight port for its fascinating Portuguese-infused characteristics and the fact that it was easily accessible by a ship of the SeaDream II's compact measurements, which are identical to sister ship SeaDream I.

 

That's SeaDream in the foreground! Look closely.

Like on many other cruise programs she is able to reach such interesting ports as Macau normally bypassed by larger cruise ships.

"To have a cruise ship of SeaDream II's calibre call on Macau speaks volumes for the appeal of city as a genuine port of call, perhaps for future small cruise ships to visit," said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office (Australia and New Zealand).

"Macau's mix of east-meets-west, old-meets-new features makes for a fascinating visit for the 100 or more cruise ship passengers," she said.

"To sample and see elements of Portugal in the midst of Asia makes for a unique experience, very different from the other ports on this cruise.

"It will be our aim to ensure those who visit return to spend more time in what is a very special part of Asia."

The SeaDream II Asian voyage begins in Bangkok on March 2 with calls on Ko Chang/Ko Kut in Thailand, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in Vietnam for an overnight stay, Nha Trang also in Vietnam, Sanya on China's Hainan Island, Halong Bay (Vietnam) and Macau, ending in Hong Kong.

The ship will also have three days at sea, during which time guests will be able to enjoy the complimentary 30-course golf simulator and fitness centre, extensive library, the optional-cost Thai Spa.

SeaDream prices begin at $US7699pp, twin share (about $A1910) and include five-star dining, select premium brands from the open bars and at nightly pre-dinner cocktails, wines with lunch and dinner, use of an on-board golf simulator and fitness centre, gratuities, and port charges and taxes.

And with a mere 56 staterooms, SeaDream II can only cater for a maximum of 112 guests and 95 crew members.

The ship is rated World's Number 1 in the boutique category by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships for its relaxing and casual ambience with smart casual (no need for jackets, ties or formal wear at dinner,) and on-deck dining under shade cloths at breakfast and lunch, and several times each sailing at dinner as well,

Details: Travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

Details on Macau, www.macautourism.gov.mo

Novotel Sydney Central Unveils Striking Refurbishment as Haymarket Transforms

Following its rebrand from Citigate Central Sydney to Novotel Sydney Central in February 2013, the 18-storey, 4.5-star hotel has unveiled a major refurbishment which has seen all of its guestrooms revamped, bathrooms redesigned and a new lobby installed. On top of this, the hotel has just received Chinese Optimum Standard accreditation - fitting as the hotel is in the heart of Haymarket and China is one of Sydney's fastest growing tourism markets.

As part of the hotel's multi-million dollar refurbishment, all of the 255-guestrooms have received either new king or queen size Novotel beds, new carpet, freshly painted walls and new furniture, while  the bathrooms have seen a complete overhaul with new tiles, vanities and fixtures and fittings installed.

The refurbishment of the lobby has seen new reception desks and backdrops created, with modern ottomans and lounge chairs taking up the expansive new space. An Apple web-corner is also a new feature of the lobby.

General Manager for Novotel Sydney Central, Danesh Bamji said: "The timing of our refurbishment couldn't be better and the end result is a vibrant, cosmopolitan new look hotel. As construction work on Frank Gehry's building is coming to a close and with The Goods Line set to stream right past the hotel, Novotel Sydney Central is in a prime position to take advantage of the regeneration of the suburb. Haymarket has come alive and there's a great energy about the place which is bringing new people into the area which is good for business."



"For a long time Haymarket was seen as a transient suburb and often overshadowed by Darling Harbour and Chinatown, however with the public works that are currently underway, Haymarket is going to become one of the city's most exciting precincts, surrounded by cutting edge architecture, exciting new restaurant and retail areas. While the precinct is very much focused on the future there is still plenty of history to discover, with Paddy's Market and Chinatown on the Novotel's doorstep."

"Being at the junction of Chinatown and Darling Harbour, now that we are Chinese Optimum Standard accredited we're an even more attractive hotel for Chinese guests which sets us apart from our competitors in the area".

Being accredited to provide Accor's Chinese Optimum Standards, Chinese guests at Novotel Sydney Central will be welcomed with translated hotel kits, favoured Chinese menu options, Chinese newspapers, maps, guides and other enhancements.
 
Featuring its own slice of history, Novotel Sydney Central boasts its own heritage listed building - Field House, which is now the hotel's restaurant. Named after Thomas and Herbert Field, two brothers who emigrated to Australia in 1885 and set up an Outdoor Relief and Stores Department which gave assistance to needy citizens of Sydney during the Great Depression, Field House Restaurant has been beautifully restored and with its heritage listed status provides old world charm and traditional style amongst a bustling inner-city high rise hotel.

After being awarded 'One Glass Rating' for its wine list in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards in 2012, Field House has never been busier. The hotel is one of only a handful of hotels to achieve a Glass rating and the only 4-star property to be recognised in Australia.

Delivering on the Novotel&Family promise, the hotel has installed a new kids corner which is well stocked with toys, play tables, chairs and books. As part of the Novotel&Family promise and children under the age of 16 stay and eat breakfast for free. Twin rooms with two generous queen size beds are ideally suited for families travelling.



Other features of the hotel which have seen a makeover include the rooftop pool which boasts stunning views of the city, and the hotel's gymnasium which features new equipment.

Novotel Sydney Central also boasts 12 well appointed function rooms, while the grand ballroom can cater for up to 350 guests. With a 600 car space carpark attached to the hotel, access to the hotel is exceptionally easy.

With a Thomas Street address and in the heart of Haymarket with Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf, Central and the city's theatre and entertainment districts all just minutes away from the hotel, Novotel Sydney Central is set to thrive under its new look and as innovative new works continue to keep the southern end of Sydney CBD in the headlines, Novotel Sydney Central is set to soar.

Sands Expo, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas Reach Green Milestone for Meetings & Conventions

The meetings complex that includes Sands Expo and the Congress Center at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas has further solidified itself as a true industry leader by being named the first venue in the world to achieve the advanced "level two"

industry certification for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.

The newly renovated Sands Expo in Las Vegas is first in world to get advanced level designation for green meetings, conventions, trade shows and expos.

The certification -- called Level Two Certification to the ASTM Standard -- is a designation of the meeting industry's comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable meetings, created through a partnership of the Convention Industry Council's APEX initiative and ASTM International.

"Currently, there are only four venues in the world that are even certified at Level One," said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. "We are beyond thrilled to be a leader in the industry in being the first venue to become certified at Level Two."

The venue standard is one of nine introduced in 2012 by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry to provide event planners and suppliers with consistent specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner.

This designation is considered the most relevant to the meetings industry because it reflects standards that are catered to meetings, events, trade shows and conferences. In addition, it is backed by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.

"The Green Meeting Industry Council is proud to include Sands Expo among our active network of industry leaders," said Michael Luehrs, President of the Green Meeting Industry Council. "The spirit, persistence and creativity that led to this achievement are only the latest of actions that place them among the nation's top sustainability performers in the events industry. We salute the entire team at The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo and thank them for being an exemplary role model for commitment to service and sustainability."

"While the accomplishment itself may be celebrated, the greater mission of these efforts is to benefit the environment and the community," said Ashlyn LaPorte, Executive Director of Sands Expo. "In a convention capital like Las Vegas, meetings are naturally a major part of that effort."

Green meetings sustainability efforts at Sands Expo and The Venetian and The Palazzo were initially launched in 2011 with the Sands ECO 360 Meetings Program, a holistic approach to providing environmentally preferable choices and options to our meeting planners and clients.

In addition to this latest endorsement, previous sustainability certifications earned include LEED Gold Certification for Existing Buildings (The Venetian and Sands Expo), LEED Silver Certification for New Construction (The Palazzo), and TripAdvisor GreenLeader Gold Certification (The Venetian and The Palazzo).

The APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards are the industry's comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable meetings, and are composed of nine separate sectors that address the scope of the meeting and event planning process. Spearheaded by the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) and its relationship with the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the standards were created through a partnership of the Convention Industry Council's APEX initiative and ASTM International, a leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.

The ASTM Venue Standard identifies the procedural requirements for venue selection, the practice of researching, evaluating and choosing the facility for an event. It also stipulates performance requirements for staff management, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners.

iCompli, a division of BPA Worldwide, a non-profit international auditing organization headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, developed the certification guidelines for the ASTM standards. It also performed the independent third-party evaluation that resulted in Sands Expo and the Congress Center at The Venetian and The Palazzo achieving the APEX/ASTM Level Two certification.

Sands Expo Vision StatementThe Sands Expo is dedicated to creating and strengthening life-long partnerships with our customers, team members and the environment. We will continuously be driven by integrity, innovation, and dedication, never losing sight of the importance of relationships with our customers. We recognize that our Team Members are a diverse, highly talented group of individuals. We will endeavor to provide an environment devoted to cooperation, friendliness and mutual respect for each other. We are committed to being at the forefront of innovative sustainability practices and initiatives so that we will always be recognized as an eco-friendly leader in our Industry.

Alila Villas Soori – Masters in Residence Beyond The Reading Room : Alluring Stories and Journeys with Toni Tack

Southeast Asian art and history expert, Toni Tack, will be returning to Alila Villas Soori in September, offering resort guests a unique experience filled with exceptional insights through temple and rice field tours, in addition to her fascinating stories to tell.

She will be in residence at Alila Villas Soori, conduct story telling session over an afternoon tea at The Reading Room, in addition several tours are slated to combine with her exciting tales, providing not only a deeper understanding and familiarity, but also an engaging excursion to see the natural beauty of Bali’s western region. Among the planned tours, include visits to some of Bali’s most picturesque rice growing areas, with insights into subak, the unique, intricate traditional irrigation collaborative. Bali’s Subak Museum is among the itineraries, as well as ensuing stops at various temples and historical sites that dot the region.

The story telling sessions will cover topics such as, ‘Unveiling the Secrets of Borobudur’, ‘Bali, past, present, and future’, as well as a colourful discourse on ‘Threads of tradition: Textiles of Indonesia’. The latter introduces guests to the many types of Indonesian cloths used today for ritual and daily purposes,

 along with explanations on their symbolic coding. Interesting textile samples will also be on display, alongside market goods with several items up for fun tasting opportunities.

With deep knowledge and passion on Indonesian art and history, Toni Tack has lectured on various aspects of Indonesian art and culture for various notable universities, cruise lines, hotel groups, museums and historical institutions. Toni has also created educational tours scholarly Institutes, and was recently engaged by the BBC and Discovery Channel on a documentary about Indonesia. Fluent in English, French, Dutch, Bahasa Indonesia, Swedish, and good at German and Italian, she will engage the resort’s residents of various nationalities to the captivating history and backgrounds of Asia and Indonesia.

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort 50th Accor hotel to introduce Optimum Service Standards for Chinese visitors

The Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is Accor’s 50^th hotel in Australia to be accredited to the hotel group’s Optimum Service Standards for Chinese Visitation program, paving the way for the hotel to attract greater numbers of Chinese visitors to South Australia and the Barossa region.

Earlier this year, The South Australian Tourism Commission unveiled an ambitious plan to triple the number of Chinese visitors to the state from 18,000 to 57,000 by 2020 and fully capitalise on the emergence of this market said to be worth some $450 million to South Australia.

Recognising the potential of Chinese inbound tourism for South Australia, Accor is helping the State Government achieve its targets in the Activating China 2020 tourism strategy through the Optimum Service Standards accreditation program.

“China is South Australia’s most valuable tourism market. In the year to March 2013, Chinese visitors contributed $124 million to the state’s economy,” South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Rodney Harrex said.

“South Australia has a lot to offer Chinese visitors with its food, wine and nature, so there is huge potential to grow this even further.

“It is great to see tourism operators such as the Novotel Barossa embracing the Chinese market and going to great lengths to welcome them to South Australia.”

According to The Barossa Product Gap Audit, further growth for the region will be achieved across luxury, family, youth and Chinese/Asian and business tourism segments which means upgraded infrastructure and enhanced hotel services such as Novotel’s Optimum Service Standards will cater to these market demands.

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort and Novotel Rockford Adelaide have led the way in the state with adopting tailored services to meet the needs of Chinese guests and attract large-scale visitation from this bourgeoning market.

The Optimum Service Standards include Mandarin speaking staff, translation of hotel welcome kits, business cards, area maps and in-room menus, adaptor plugs and Chinese newspapers will also be provided to guests. The hotel mini-bar will stock Chinese teas and the breakfast buffet will include Congee, soups and noodles with Chinese utensils. The hotel also has two Chinese chefs who can cater to particular dietary requirements and tastes.

In addition, Novotel Barossa Valley Resort will implement training for all staff on Chinese cultural practices in association with local community groups, so that they can better understand the specific needs and requirements of these travellers.

“South Australia and the Barossa Valley are emerging markets for Chinese visitors, and with the State’s array of premium food and wine experiences combined with enhanced hotel services, we believe we can increase visitor numbers substantially over the next five years,” said Sarah Henderson, general manager of the resort.

“As one of the leading accommodation providers in the region, Novotel Barossa Valley Resort already has a good track record with Chinese guests, but this inbound market representing the greatest growth opportunity, it is really important that we show we are prepared to go even further to ensure they feel comfortable and appreciated.

“We recoginse that Chinese travellers have high expectations in terms of service and to make their stay with us more comfortable and memorable, Accor’s Optimum Service Training will ensure that our staff are trained in the cultural sensitivities and preferences of these guests”.

“Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is perched overlooking the renowned Jacobs Creek vineyard and visitor centre and we work very closely with local tourism operators and Barossa Tourism to leverage opportunities particularly with large tour groups, so the Chinese market is and will remain very important to us.”

Accor is the first hotel group to introduce Optimum Service Standards for Chinese guests and will continue to roll out the Optimum Service Standards training to those hotels in its network who host large numbers of guests from China.

HM Awards - 2013 full list of winners

2013 HM Awards Recognise Australasia's Finest Hotels and Staff



In front of almost 600 hoteliers, industry leaders and major suppliers, the winners of the 2013 HM Awards presented by Sealy have been awarded to some of the Australasian accommodation industry's brightest stars.

Held at the prestigious Sydney Town Hall last Friday night (September 6) and hosted by television personality Larry Emdur, the HM Awards have, for the 11th time, recognised the accommodation industry's finest staff, properties, brands and chains across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.



Major winners on the night were Hilton Worldwide's Martin Rinck (Asia-Pacific Hotelier of the Year), Mantra Group's Bob East (Australasian Hotelier of the Year), Park Hyatt Sydney (Hotel of the Year), Pullman Hotels (Hotel Brand), Accor Hotels (Accommodation Chain) and Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa (Environmental Program).

It was a big night for Park Hyatt Sydney, with the hotel also winning Luxury Hotel and Day Spa, while fellow Harbour City hotel QT Sydney also took home three awards - New Hotel, Hotel Interior Design and Tech Hotel. Topping it off for the hip property, the founder of QT Hotels, David Seargeant, was also inducted into the HM Awards Hall of Fame.

Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa also won Regional Property and Australian Lodge, while qualia on Hamilton Island won the Resort and Hotel Restaurant categories. Still on food and beverage, Eau de Vie at the Kirketon Hotel in Sydney was named Bar of the Year.

Brisbane's Emporium Hotel was named top Boutique Hotel, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf won best Business Hotel, Pullman Sydney Olympic Park and The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa shared the honours for the Upper-Upscale category, Peppers Broadbeach won Upscale Property, Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens took out the Midscale Property category, Travelodge Docklands won Economy property and BreakFree Aanuka Resort in Coffs Harbour won the Budget category.

Fraser Suites Sydney was named top Serviced Apartment Property, while Ayers Rock Resort and Sheraton on the Park Sydney shared the honours for the top Meetings and Conferencing property.

Parkroyal Sydney Darling Harbour Sydney won the Marketing Campaign award, while Service to the Community went to Yasawa Island Resort in Fiji.
In the New Zealand categories, Huka Lodge won the Lodge award, Hilton Lake Taupo the regional property award and The Langham Auckland the hotel award. Fijian property went to Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, while South Pacific property was won by Pacific Resort Aitutaki.

Australia's largest private hotel owner Dr Jerry Schwartz won the Service to the Industry for his continued investment in hotels in the nation, which has now reached 11 properties that employ over 1000 people.

Alongside AHL's Seargeant, the other Hall of Fame inductees in 2013 were Toga Hotels' Allan Vidor, ICMS founder Darryl Courtney-O'Connor.

In the popular and highly-entered people categories, Rising Star of the Year went to Parkroyal Melbourne Airport's Dominoe Aranyi, Concierge of the Year was won by Shangri-La Hotel Sydney's Colin Toomey, Chef of the Year was taken out by Pierre Khodja, Food and Beverage Associate was won by Sydney Harbour Marriott's Catalina Rueda, Quest Serviced Apartments' Jorja Salisbury won the Human Resources Associate category, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport's Michael Foster won the Sales and Marketing category, Accor's Gaynor Reid won Communications, Quest Bondi Junction's David Atatagi won Front Office Associate, Wyndham's Kaleena de Voigt won Finance Associate, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort's Angela Senscall took out the Housekeeper award, and Sydney Harbour Marriott's Cyrus Tolentino and InterContinental Sydney's Andy Goonesekera shared the Hotel Engineer category.

In the General Manager Awards, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island's Gerard Knight won the South Pacific category, Rob McIntyre from Pullman Auckland the New Zealand category and The Sebel Pier One Sydney's Michael Sheridan the Australian category.

The 2013 HM Awards were hosted by HM magazine, presented by Sealy, and co-hosted by AHS, the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Foxtel for Business, Intrust Super and Nespresso.

"HM magazine has again been proud to recognise the industry's finest hotels, chains and, particularly staff, that have been doing an amazing job over the last 12 months," said HM magazine Editor-In-Chief, James Wilkinson.

"Sure it's fantastic when a hotel can be rewarded for its aesthetics, style, design and comfort, but it is the people who work in hotels that give the accommodation industry in Australasia its soul," he said.

The most popular category again proved to be Rising Star, with over 60 entries received in the 2013 and the calibre on a very high level.

"On behalf of the team at HM magazine and all of our fantastic sponsors this year, congratulations to all of the winners, highly commended recipients and finalists in 2012," Wilkinson said.

On the night, $30,000 was raised for the Sala Bai Hotel School in Siem Reap, Cambodia in yet another strong show of charitable support from the industry.

A documentary produced by HM magazine's Wilkinson about Sala Bai was screened on the night in an effort to raise as many funds as possible for a charity the magazine is proud to be involved with.

"We are incredibly proud to be helping young people from poor and disadvantaged families realise their dream of working in the hotel industry through training at Sala Bai," Wilkinson said.

"This donation will help ensure 30 more young Cambodians will receive the training they need to not just get jobs, but great careers in the hotel industry."

The 2013 HM Awards saw not just a huge crowd, but also a record number of entries with 2500 this year.

The 2013 HM Awards were presented by Sealy; hosted by HM magazine; co-hosted by AHS, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Foxtel Business, Intrust Super and Nespresso; and sponsored by A-List Guide, CCA, Dometic, ISIS, iBahn, HotelHome Australia, Miele, McLaren Vale Beer Company, Oyster Bay Wines, Prototype Furniture, San Pellegrino, Spice magazine, www.spicenews.com.au, Time Out Melbourne and Time Out Sydney.

The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA), Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and Travmedia.com were supporting partners.

A full list of winners and highly commended recipients are listed below and more information on the nomination and judging process is available at www.hmawards.com.au

To download images from the event, visit http://hmawards.dphoto.com/folder/da62ck




For more information, contact:
JAMES WILKINSON
Editor-In-Chief - HM magazine
Tel: +61 (0)2 8586 6204
Email: jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au



2013 HM AWARDS - WINNERS LIST


AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY AWARDS


1. Serviced Apartment Property

PRESENTED BY: AHS Hospitality

FINALISTS
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney
Fraser Suites Perth
Fraser Suites Sydney
Guest Residences by The Country Trader, Darlinghurst
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Quest Sydney Olympic Park
Wyndham Surfers Paradise

WINNER: Fraser Suites Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour


2. Budget Accommodation

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
BreakFree Aanuka Resort
BreakFree Diamond Beach
Country Comfort Ipswich Queensland
Econolodge Sydney South
Formule1 Sydney Airport
Habitat HQ, St Kilda
ibis Budget Melbourne CBD
ibis Budget Perth Airport
Ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park
Outback Pioneer and Lodge, Ayers Rock Resort

WINNER: BreakFree Aanuka Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Outback Pioneer and Lodge


3. Economy Hotel

PRESENTED BY: AHS Hospitality

FINALISTS
Best Western Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Best Western Sanctuary Inn, Tamworth
Cosmopolitan Hotel Melbourne
Hotel ibis Brisbane
Hotel ibis Melbourne
Hotel ibis Perth
Pensione Hotel Melbourne
Pensione Hotel Sydney
Travelodge Docklands
Travelodge Wynyard

WINNER: Travelodge Docklands

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pensione Hotel Sydney


4. Midscale Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Accommodation Association of Australia

FINALISTS
Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar, Sydney
Cambridge Hotel Sydney
Comfort Inn and Suites Georgian, Albury
Diamant Hotel Sydney
Kirketon Hotel, Sydney
Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin
Mercure Brisbane
Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens
Mercure Sydney
Vibe Hotel Darwin

WINNER: Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Vibe Hotel Darwin


5. Upscale Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Dometic

FINALISTS
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney
Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru
Diamant Hotel Canberra
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin
Harbour Rocks Hotel. Sydney
Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Parkroyal Darling Harbour
Peppers Broadbeach
Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne

WINNER: Peppers Broadbeach

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Diamant Hotel Canberra


6. Upper-upscale Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Tourism Accommodation Australia

FINALISTS
Crown Metropol Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour Sydney
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Hilton Surfers Paradise
Pullman Sydney Olympic Park
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Sea Temple Surfers Paradise at Soul
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
The Sebel Pier One Sydney

WINNER: Pullman Sydney Olympic Park

WINNER: The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Sebel Pier One Sydney


7. Luxury Property

PRESENTED BY: HotelHome Australia

FINALISTS
El Questro Homestead
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
InterContinental Hotel Sydney
Pan Pacific Perth Hotel
Park Hyatt Sydney
qualia, Hamilton Island
Sheraton on the Park
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
The Langham, Melbourne

WINNER: Park Hyatt Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: qualia


8. Australian Lodge

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Cape Lodge, Margaret River
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Kim's Beach Hideaway
Lake House, Daylesford
Longitude 131, Uluru
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
qualia, Hamilton Island
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
The Louise, Barossa Valley
Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Kakadu

WINNER: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: qualia


9. Business Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Foxtel for Business

FINALISTS
Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Four Seasons Sydney
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Swissotel Sydney
The Langham, Melbourne
Vibe Hotel North Sydney

WINNER: Hilton Melbourne South Wharf

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Grand Hyatt Melbourne


10. Resort

PRESENTED BY: Nespresso

FINALISTS
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, Broome
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Hayman
Peppers Beach Club and Spa, Palm Cove
Peppers Salt, Kingscliff
Pullman Resort Bunker Bay
QT Port Douglas
qualia, Hamilton Island
Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort
Sea Temple Surfers Paradise

WINNER: qualia

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa


11. Hotel Interior Design

PRESENTED BY: ISIS

FINALISTS
Best Western Premier The Terrace Hotel
Fraser Suites Perth
Parkroyal Darling Harbour
QT Sydney
Quest Docklands, Melbourne
Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne
Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Swissotel Sydney
The Sebel Pier One Sydney

WINNER: QT Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort


12. Boutique Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Time Out Sydney & Time Out Melbourne

FINALISTS
Chateau Elan, Pokolbin
Emporium Hotel Brisbane
Establishment Hotel Sydney
Harbour Rocks Hotel, Sydney
Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne
Lindenderry, Red Hill
Peppers Guest House, Pokolbin
QStation, Manly
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
The Langham Sydney
The Mansion at Werribee Park

WINNER: Emporium Hotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Establishment


13. New Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Prototype Furniture

FINALISTS
Adina Apartment Hotel Norwest
Best Western Premier The Terrace Hotel
Fraser Suites Perth
QT Sydney
Quest Sydney Olympic Park
Quest Bendigo Central
Quest Frankston on the Bay
Quest on Franklin, Adelaide
Salamanca Wharf Hotel, Hobart
The Flinders Hotel

WINNER: QT Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fraser Suites Perth


14. MICE Property

PRESENTED BY: Spice magazine & spicenews.com.au

FINALISTS
Ayers Rock Resort (Uluru Meeting Place)
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Hilton Sydney
Mantra Lorne
Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast
Q Station, Manly
Sheraton on the Park, Sydney
The Sebel Pier One Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney

WINNER: Ayers Rock Resort (Uluru Meeting Place)

WINNER: Sheraton on the Park, Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Q Station


15. Regional Property

PRESENTED BY: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

FINALISTS
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Lake House, Daylesford
Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills
Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, Hepburn Springs
Pullman Resort Bunker Bay
QT Port Douglas
Quest Bunbury Serviced Apartments
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
The Flinders Hotel

WINNER: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lake House


16. Day Spa

PRESENTED BY: Intrust Super

FINALISTS
Chahoya Spa, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, Broome
Chuan Spa, The Langham Melbourne
Mii Spa, Pullman Resort Bunker Bay
Salus Spa, Lake House, Daylesford
spaQ, QT Sydney
Stephanies Spa Retreat, Sofitel Brisbane Central
The Day Spa, The Langham, Sydney
The Spa, Park Hyatt Sydney
The Waldheim Alpine Spa, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Timeless Spa, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

WINNER: The Spa, Park Hyatt Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Day Spa, The Langham, Sydney


17. Hotel Bar

PRESENTED BY: Miele

FINALISTS
Aria Bar and Lounge, The Langham, Melbourne
Atrium Bar on 35, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Blu Bar, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Eau de Vie, Kirketon Hotel Sydney
Emporium Hotel Cocktail Bar, Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Grain, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Gilt Lounge, QT Sydney
Soiree at the Wentworth, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Stingray Lounge, QT Gold Coast
Zeta, Hilton Sydney

WINNER: Eau de Vie, Kirketon Hotel Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blu Bar, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney


18. Hotel Restaurant

PRESENTED BY: San Pellegrino

FINALISTS
Altitude Restaurant, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
glass Brasserie, Hilton Sydney
Gowings Bar and Grill, QT Sydney
Lake House Restaurant, Lake House, Daylesford
Long Pavilion, qualia, Hamilton Island
Melba Restaurant, The Langham, Melbourne
No35, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Royal Mail Hotel Restaurant, Dunkeld
Salt Grill, Hilton Surfers Paradise
The Woods, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Wolgan Dining Room, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

WINNER: Long Pavilion, qualia

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Royal Mail Hotel Restaurant


19. Tech Hotel

PRESENTED BY: iBahn

FINALISTS
Best Western Premier Hotel 115 Kew
Crown Metropol Melbourne
Establishment Hotel, Sydney
Hilton Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney
Pullman Sydney Olympic Park
QT Sydney
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa
The Darling Hotel, Sydney
The Langham, Melbourne

WINNER: QT Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Darling Hotel


NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH PACIFIC PROPERTY AWARDS


20. New Zealand Hotel

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown
Hilton Queenstown
Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown
Novotel Auckland Airport
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
The George, Christchurch
The Langham, Auckland
The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, Queenstown
Travelodge Wellington

WINNER: The Langham, Auckland

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Eichardt's Private Hotel


21. New Zealand Regional Property

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Best Western 555 on Bayview, Dunedin
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco
Hilton Lake Taupo
Millbrook, Central Otago
Olivers, Clyde
Peppers Bluewater Resort Tekapo
Peppers Clearwater Resort
Quest Napier
Quest Rotorua Central
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Joseph Glacier

WINNER: Hilton Lake Taupo

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Te Waonui Forest Retreat


22. New Zealand Lodge

PRESENTED BY: Nespresso

FINALISTS
Blanket Bay, Glenorchy
Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
Huka Lodge, Taupo
Kaimata Lodge, Dunedin
Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch
Owen River Lodge, Murchison
Peppers Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park
Peppers Parehua, Martinborough
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

WINNER: Huka Lodge

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers


23. Fijian Property

PRESENTED BY: Oyster Bay Wines

FINALISTS
Fiji Beach Resort and Spa by Hilton
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
Jean Michel Cousteau Resort
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
Royal Davui
Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Yanuka
Sheraton Fiji Resort
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
Vomo Island Resort
Wyndham Resort Denarau Island
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa

WINNER: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island


24. South Pacific Property

PRESENTED BY: Ernst & Young

FINALISTS
Aggie Grey's Lagoon, Beach Resort and Spa, Samoa
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
Le Meridien Ile des Pins, New Caledonia
Matavai Resort Niue Island
Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, French Polynesia
Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island, French Polynesia
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, French Polynesia
Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa, Cook Islands

WINNER: Pacific Resort Aitutaki

HIGHLY COMMENDED: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa


PROPERTY AWARDS - All countries (AUSTRALIA, NZ & STH PACIFIC)


25. Marketing Campaign

PRESENTED BY: A LIST Guide

FINALISTS
Best Western Australasia
Crowne Plaza Terrigal
DoubleTree by Hilton
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Hamilton Island
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Mercure Sydney
Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley
Parkroyal Darling Harbour
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Sofitel Brisbane Central

WINNER: Parkroyal Darling Harbour

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hamilton Island

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Best Western Australasia


26. Service to the Community

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Accor Hotels
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Hilton on the Park Melbourne
Mercure Sydney
Parkroyal Parramatta
QStation, Manly
Stamford Hotels
The Sebel Pier One
The York by Swiss-Belhotel
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Fiji

WINNER: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Fiji

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Accor Hotels

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mercure Sydney


PEOPLE AWARDS - ALL COUNTRIES (AUSTRALIA, NZ & STH PACIFIC)


27. Concierge

PRESENTED BY: Foxtel for Business

FINALISTS
Allan Alvarez, Sydney Harbour Marriott
Colin Toomey, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
David Board, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
David Mclean, Swissotel Sydney
David Patt, InterContinental Sydney
Gary Chan, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney
Graham Hodgson, Emporium Hotel Brisbane
James Ridenour, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Justin Matheson, The Sebel Pier One Sydney
Rhett Constantine, Pullman and Mercure Melbourne Albert Park
Stuart Spicer, Pan Pacific Perth

WINNER: Colin Toomey, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gary Chan, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rhett Constantine, Pullman and Mercure Melbourne Albert Park


28. Hotel Chef

PRESENTED BY: Nespresso

FINALISTS
Anthony Craven, The Langham, Sydney
Dan Hunter, Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
Daniel Simpson, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Desmond Carneiro, Sheraton on the Park
John Savage, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
John Slaughter, The Sebel Pier One Sydney and Harbour Rocks Hotel
Leigh Robbins, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne
Pierre Khodja, The Flinders Hotel
Stefan Blee, Best Western Premier Hotel 115 Kew
Tamas Pamer, InterContinental Sydney
Will Eaglesfield, Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown (NZ)

WINNER: Pierre Khodja, The Flinders Hotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Leigh Robbins, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Daniel Simpson, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

29. Food and Beverage Associate

PRESENTED BY: Coca-Cola Amatil

FINALISTS
Bibek Karmacharya, Cambridge Hotel Sydney
Catalina Rueda, Sydney Harbour Marriott
Geraldo Suntah, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Izumi Kawanarada, Pan Pacific Perth
Jade Hobson, Parkroyal Parramatta
Linda McComiskie, Sheraton on the Park
Matthew Carroll, Park Hyatt Sydney
Michael Nicholls, The Langham, Sydney
Robin Khurana, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Tal Thorne, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Tom Woods, InterContinental Sydney

WINNER: Catalina Rueda, Sydney Harbour Marriott

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Izumi Kawanarada, Pan Pacific Perth

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Michael Nicholls, The Langham, Sydney


30. Human Resources Associate

PRESENTED BY: jobla.com.au

FINALISTS
Amber Margrain, Pullman Auckland
Corinna Saffhill, Sydney Harbour Marriott
David Hannan, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Emily Squires, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong
Gemma Hillis, Novotel Perth Langley
John Timson, Academie Accor
Jorja Salisbury, Quest Serviced Apartments
Kasey Findlay, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Kyla Shearer, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Marinus Snetler, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Perth
Olivia Hazledine, Novotel Melbourne on Collins

WINNER: Jorja Salisbury, Quest Serviced Apartments

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Amber Margrain, Pullman Auckland

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Marinus Snetler, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Perth


31. Sales and Marketing Associate

PRESENTED BY: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

FINALISTS
Abby Howard, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide
Abigail Murphy, InterContinental Sydney
Carla Klotz, The York by Swiss-Belhotel
Craig Adamson, The Langham, Sydney
Daniel Hoffmann, Sydney Harbour Marriott
Josie Armao, Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Megan Staal, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Michael Anderson, Pullman Auckland
Michael Foster, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Morag Ritchie, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Ryan Weissel, Quest Serviced Apartments

WINNER: Michael Foster, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Carla Klotz, The York by Swiss-Belhotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Abby Howard, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide


32. Communications Associate

PRESENTED BY: TravMedia.com

FINALISTS
Cristina Magni, Hilton Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo
Gaynor Reid, Accor Asia-Pacific
Hansni Bhagani, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Jessica Somers-Haggie, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Karena Noble, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Kimberly Roberts, Hilton Brisbane
Lauren Kekwick, Swissotel Sydney
Sophie Baker, Hamilton Island
Stephen Howard, QT Hotels and Resorts
Virginia Chong, Pan Pacific Perth
Yvette Peverell, Mantra Group

WINNER: Gaynor Reid, Accor Asia-Pacific

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Karena Noble, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Yvette Peverell, Mantra Group


33. Front Office Associate

PRESENTED BY: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

FINALISTS
Alexis Hvalgaard, Mercure Perth Hotel
David Atatagi, Quest Bondi Junction
Jim Ewan and Penny Maitland, Best Western Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
John Kuharski, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Nicole Finnsson, Ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
Nicole Garthwaite, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco
Prayer Ariel, Novotel Sydney Central
Sawaid Saeed, Parkroyal Parramatta
Stewart Manson, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport
Tamara Carter, Diamant Hotel Brisbane
Vanesa Montiveros, The Langham, Sydney

WINNER: David Atatagi, Quest Bondi Junction

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Stewart Manson, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tamara Carter, Diamant Hotel Brisbane


34. Finance Associate

PRESENTED BY: Intrust Super

FINALISTS
Aaron Tan, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Alex Holland, Best Western Premier Hotel 115 Kew
Bee Tan, Mercure Sydney
Geoff Rossiter, Sheraton on the Park
Grant Smith, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport
Joe Ward, Sydney Harbour Marriott
Kaleena de Voigt, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia-Pacific
Scott McLeod, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Shirley Robbins, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Walter Fernando, Novotel Melbourne on Collins

WINNER: Kaleena de Voigt, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia-Pacific

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Grant Smith, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Joe Ward, Sydney Harbour Marriott


35. Housekeeper

PRESENTED BY: AHS Hospitality

FINALISTS
Angela Senscall, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin
Bernadette Hobson, The Sebel Pier One Sydney
Carol Enriquez, Mantra on Kent, Sydney
Deborah Barnes, Crown Metropol Melbourne
Dewi Sriati, Ibis Perth
Emil Beshay, The Langham, Sydney
Helen Titus, Madang Star International Hotel, Papua New Guinea
Marcelina Tkalec, Parkroyal Parramatta
Marleen Gilbert, Wyndham Resort Torquay
Myra Sullivan, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide
Stephanie (Ye) Lu, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Perth

WINNER: Angela Senscall, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Bernadette Hobson, The Sebel Pier One Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Helen Titus, Madang Star International Hotel


36. Hotel Engineer

PRESENTED BY: Foxtel for Business

FINALISTS
Alan Bettridge, The York by Swiss-Belhotel
Andy Goonesekera, InterContinental Sydney
Anton Van Den Brink, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Cyrus Tolentino, Sydney Harbour Marriott
Janusz Zaklikowski, The Langham, Sydney
Manuel Wong, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Matthew Worth, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney
Michael Cook, Pullman, Novotel and Ibis Sydney Olympic Park
Philip Cram, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Ralf Moritz, Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas
Robin Power, Crowne Plaza Melbourne

WINNER: Cyrus Tolentino, Sydney Harbour Marriott

WINNER: Andy Goonesekera, InterContinental Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Matthew Worth, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney


37. Rising Star

PRESENTED BY: Intrust Super

FINALISTS
Angelica Krithararis, Albany Motel, Melbourne
Bianca Tachdjian, Quest North Ryde
Caroline Larsson, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne
Dominoe Aranyi, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Garry Sudika, Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Jessica Marcus, Cambridge Hotel Sydney
Lucy Fitzpatrick, Park Hyatt Sydney
Nithiya Kala, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sarah Garner, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Shane Bourma, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Vicky Stasous, Parkroyal Parramatta

WINNER: Dominoe Aranyi, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sarah Garner, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Bianca Tachdjian, Quest North Ryde


MAJOR AWARDS - ALL COUNTRIES (AUSTRALIA, NZ & STH PACIFIC)


38. South Pacific General Manager

PRESENTED BY: Nespresso

FINALISTS
Bob Speed, Wyndham Resort Denarau Island, Fiji
David Thomas, Madang Star International Hotel, Papua New Guinea
Frederic Lebegue, Fiji Beach Resort and Spa managed by Hilton
Gerard Knight, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
Marcus Niszow, Pacific Resort Hotel Group, Cook Islands
Michael Monks, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa
Simon Harper, Novotel Suva Lami Bay, Fiji
Scott Williams, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
Peter Hopgood, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji
Shane Cunning, Sheraton Fiji Resort
Thomas Tait, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

WINNER: Gerard Knight, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Marcus Niszow, Pacific Resort Hotel Group, Cook Islands

HIGHLY COMMENDED: David Thomas, Madang Star International Hotel


39. New Zealand General Manager

PRESENTED BY: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

FINALISTS
Andy Cunningham, Fiordland Lodge
Bruce Garrett, The George Hotel, Christchurch
Clare Davies, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco
Felix Borenstein, Owen River Lodge
Fraser McKenzie, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside and ibis Rotorua
Mark Rose, The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
Richard Rooney, Wharekauhau Country Estate
Rob McIntyre, Pullman Auckland
Roger Brantsma, Hilton Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo
Simon Tocker, Peppers Parehua
Wouter de Graaf, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

WINNER: Rob McIntyre, Pullman Auckland

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Andy Cunningham, Fiordland Lodge

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Wouter de Graaf, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour


40. Australian General Manager

PRESENTED BY: Intrust Super

FINALISTS
Bruno Cristol, Traders Hotel Brisbane
Chris Sedgwick, Accor Hotels Queensland and Northern Territory
Christopher Northam, Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove
Daniel Allia, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Melbourne
Joost Heymeijer, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Michael Sheridan, The Sebel Pier One and Harbour Rocks Hotel, Sydney
Richard Meulet, Establishment Hotel, Sydney
Russell Durnell, Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast
Scott Horn, Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
Sonia Lefevre, The Langham, Sydney
Vincent Hoogewijs, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

WINNER: Michael Sheridan, The Sebel Pier One and Harbour Rocks Hotel, Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Joost Heymeijer, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Vincent Hoogewijs, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney


41. Environmental Program

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Emporium Hotel Brisbane
Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour
InterContinental Sydney
Novotel Auckland Airport
QStation, Manly
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sydney Harbour Marriott, Circular Quay
The Langham, Sydney

WINNER: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Novotel Auckland Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Crowne Plaza Melbourne


42. Hotel Brand

PRESENTED BY: AHS Hospitality

FINALISTS
Crown
Hilton Hotels and Resorts
ibis Hotels
Langham Hotels
Novotel Hotels
Park Hyatt
Parkroyal
Pullman Hotels and Resorts
QT Hotels
Quest Serviced Apartments
Radisson Blu

WINNER: Pullman Hotels and Resorts

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Quest Serviced Apartments

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hilton Hotels and Resorts


43. Accommodation Chain

PRESENTED BY: Foxtel for Business

FINALISTS
Accor Hotels
Hilton Worldwide
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
IHG
Langham Hospitality
Mantra Group
Quest Serviced Apartments
Rydges Hotels and Resorts
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Toga Hotels

WINNER: Accor Hotels

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mantra Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rydges Hotels and Resorts


44. Hotel of the Year

PRESENTED BY: Sealy Posturepedic

FINALISTS
Crown Towers Melbourne
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hilton Sydney
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
Park Hyatt Sydney
QT Sydney
qualia
The Sebel Pier One Sydney
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Westin Sydney

WINNER: Park Hyatt Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: qualia, Hamilton Island

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney


45. HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier of the Year

PRESENTED BY: HM magazine

FINALISTS
Rachel Argaman, Toga Hospitality
Norman Arundel, Rydges Hotels and Resorts
Craig Bond, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Paul Constantinou, Quest Serviced Apartments
Peter Crinis, Crown Hotels Melbourne
Bob East, Mantra Group
Bill Edwards, InterContinental Hotels Group
Paul Fischmann, 8hotels
Koos Klein, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Simon McGrath, Accor Pacific Hotels
Barry Robinson, Wyndham Hotel Group
Ashley Spencer, Hilton Worldwide

WINNER: Bob East, Mantra Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Craig Bond, Pan Pacific Hotels Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ashley Spencer, Hilton Worldwide


46. HM Magazine Asia-Pacific Hotelier of the Year

PRESENTED BY: HM magazine

FINALISTS
Simon Barlow, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Brett Butcher, Langham Hospitality Group
Simon F. Cooper, Marriott International
Greg Dogan, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Gavin Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International
Stephen Ho, Starwood Hotels and Resorts
A. Patrick Imbardelli, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Michael Issenberg, Accor Hotels
Iqbal Jumbahoy, Silverneedle Hospitality
Martin Rinck, Hilton Worldwide
Jan Smits, InterContinental Hotels Group

WINNER: Martin Rinck, Hilton Worldwide

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Michael Issenberg, Accor Hotels

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Simon Barlow, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group


Hall of Fame

PRESENTED BY: HM magazine

INDUCTEES
Allan Vidor
Darryl Courtney-O'Connor
David Seargeant


Service to the Hotel Industry

PRESENTED BY: HM magazine

RECIPIENT
Dr Jerry Schwartz

Blanket Bay Lodge Ranked One of the World's Best

Luxury hideaway Blanket Bay has been named in the top 20 of Australian travel magazine International Traveller's inaugural 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World list.

The five-star Queenstown lodge comes in at 16th place in the list of top resorts and hotels from around the world, as voted by an elite panel of 17 travel experts. Blanket Bay General Manager Philip Jenkins said he was "delighted" for the property to feature alongside such properties as the top hotel in the world, the French Riviera's Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

'Not only do we feature within the top 20 of the world's most luxurious properties as voted by discerning travel experts, but we're very honoured to be the second property in New Zealand on the list," said Mr Jenkins.

"We'd like to congratulate Wharekauhau Lodge in the Wairarapa for its well-earned 11th placing."

Mr Jenkins said the latest accolade reflected Blanket Bay's continued commitment to delivering a standard of service that reflected its standing as a truly remarkable New Zealand lodge. "It's not the first time that Blanket Bay has been named among the finest lodges in the world, and it continues to be our absolute mission to showcase this magnificent property to as many discerning travellers as we can," he said.

Set on the edge of two of New Zealand's majesticNational Parks, Mount Aspiring and Fiordland, Blanket Bay guests enjoy nature at its finest, intimate fireside moments and spectacular alpine scenery amid the property's all-inclusive five-star-plus service. Blanket Bay is situated in a secluded location a short distance from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy.

The International Traveller's list is published in the September/October Collector's print edition, and will also be available on a customised app.

Publisher Quentin Long said the judging panel were astute, well-known and well-travelled writers with more than 230 years' of combined travel writing experience, many of whom had visited a number of the properties.

"While most 'best of' lists are voted for by readers, we felt that an expert panel would provide a valid judgement of the best," he said.

"The final list was whittled down from 700 luxury resorts worldwide."

The full list will be featured on International Traveller's website (www.internationaltravellermag.com) and supported by an extensive social media campaign. The ipad application is currently under approval with Apple.

For more information visit: www.blanketbay.com, or www.internationaltravellermag.com