The Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence are recognised as the most prestigious hospitality and tourism awards, honouring the achievement of excellence in a wide range of categories in the accommodation industry. These awards are open to all members of Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW, who meet the nomination criteria. 

This year's event was held at The Hyatt Regency Hotel Sydney on Thursday, 20 July. 

The top awards were won for the second consecutive year by Park Hyatt Sydney which won Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley which won Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year and was inducted into the TAA NSW Hall of Fame for Best Environmental Practices.

Atura Blacktown and Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park were joint winners of the Mid-Range Hotel of the Year Award (the second year running for Atura Blacktown).

Metropolitan Superior Hotel of the Year was won jointly by Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour and Parkroyal Darling Harbour Sydney while Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains won Regional Superior Hotel of the Year.

The award for best Redeveloped/Refurbished Hotel of the Year went to Primus Hotel, Sydney and the Apartment/Suite Hotel of the Year was won by Fraser Suites Sydney, with QT Bondi highly commended.

Bar of the Year (Mid-Range-Superior) was won by Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Atura Albury and Bar of the Year (Deluxe) went to Stillery, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay (Grain Bar, Four Seasons was highly commended).

With almost 700 people in attendance, this event was the biggest in its history. Several dignitaries were in attendance including The Hon. Adam Marshall – the Minister for Tourism and Events, Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism – Jonathan O’Dea MP and Member for Lismore – The Hon Thomas George MP.

Members of the TAA NSW Board – Martin Ferguson – TAA National Chair, Scott Leach – President of the AHA National and NSW and Stephen Ferguson – National CEO of the AHA were also in attendance.

Tourism Accommodation Australia chairman, Peter Tudehope's speech, highlighted the important contribution that the NSW hotel industry provides to the state’s $30 billion visitor economy.

“As an industry we are in a very privileged position – we have a state government that recognises and supports the important contribution of the tourism sector. New South Wales’ position as a leading tourism, major events and business events destination was reinforced last month with the release of the 2017-18 NSW Government Budget.

“The government not only maintained but increased their strong funding commitment to both Destination NSW and Business Events Sydney. They have also continued their significant investment into infrastructure and transport development which is critical to continuing to grow the visitor economy and in ensuring the sustained performance of our accommodation industry.

“The hospitality industry is not only about attracting visitors, we also need to attract the labour and skills that underpin the sustainability of our industry. We appreciate the work the government is doing in this regard and for their support for TAA’s Hotel Career Expo.”

He added: “The accommodation sector directly employs over 22,000 people in NSW. Indirectly it employs 40,000. The sector contributes over $2.2 billion in gross product to the NSW economy. The government’s budget initiatives provide a tremendous boost for the sector, which in turn lets us continue to deliver these outstanding numbers.

“I would like to thank our tourism partners, many of whom are represented tonight – your ongoing support and commitment is highly valued and critical for the success of our industry.

“Tonight’s awards continue to demonstrate the ‘world class’ product we have in NSW and the committed and passionate people working in our industry.”

Winners from the night include - 

Metropolitan Superior Hotel of the Year

• Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour
• PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney

Regional Superior Hotel of the Year

• Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year

• Park Hyatt Sydney

Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year

• Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Mid-Range Hotel of the Year

• Atura Blacktown
• Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park

Bar of the Year (Mid-Range-Superior Hotels)

• Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Atura Albury

Bar of the Year (Deluxe Hotels)

• Stillery, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Apartment/Suite Hotel of the Year

• Fraser Suites Sydney

Best Environmental Practices - Hall of Fame

• Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Best Innovation Project

• Meriton Suits

Best Environmental Initiatives 

• The Star Sydney

View the full list of winners for the 2017 TAA (NSW) Awards for Excellence.

See also: 

Hotel investment dominated by Australia and Hong Kong during first half of 2017

Dean Dransfield releases Hotel Futures 2017 report

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas honored as Top Hotel Brand