6 August 2019  - The best in Tasmanian hospitality has been recognised at the 2019 Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) and Drysdale Awards for Excellence. 

Steve Old, Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO said the level of professionalism and service in Tasmania’s hospitality venues was unquestionable.

“As far as I am aware, the THA is the only association in the country which truly represents the whole of the hospitality industry and has an awards process that encompasses the entire industry - whether a member or not."

“The awards night showcases how important this iconic industry is to the Tasmanian economy and tourism in general - with more than 22,000 people employed in hospitality in this state.”

Mr Old said the night was a wonderful opportunity for the industry to get together and the crowd of 570 showed how strong and united the Association is.

“It was fantastic to see industry leader Don McQuestin receive THA Life Membership in front of his peers,” Mr Old said.

“Congratulations to Angelo Fraraccio for winning the prestigious Bertie Tucceri Award for service to the restaurant industry and Hamlet Café for receiving the Premier’s Award for contribution to the community.”

Australian Hotels Association National CEO Stephen Ferguson congratulated all finalists and winners.

“Tasmanian hotels really are among the best in the business and this was on display here again at the Awards,” he said.

“From Hobart right through to the regions, hotels across the entire state set a high standard and I would like to congratulate all finalists.”

Tourism Accommodation Australia National CEO Michael Johnson said the accommodation hotel winners were not just standouts in Tasmania, but were renowned on the mainland.

“Hotels like the multi-award-winning luxury lodge, Saffire Freycinet in Coles Bay and Maryland Lodge in Hobart are innovative, world-class hotels which are drawing tourists into Tasmania from across the country and beyond,” he said.

The winners will go on to the National Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Awards for Excellence on the Gold Coast on Monday, 9 September 2019.

Click here to visit the Tasmanian Hospitality Association

List of 2019 winners

• Premier's Award for Contribution to the Community - Hamlet Café
• Bertie Tucceri Award - Angelo Fraraccio
• Life Membership - Don McQuest
• Recognition of 2018 National Awards: Best Bistro Reg - Formby Hotel, Best Restaurant Reg - Frogmore Creek, Overall Hotel of the Year Accom Div - MACq01 Hotel, Best Superior Accom - MACq01 Hotel
• Great Customer Experience Award - Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm
• Apprentice of the Year - Outhay Souliyosack
• Outstanding Achievement in Training and Workforce Development - Vantage Group
• Best Marketed Establishment - Hadley's Orient Hotel
• Outstanding Community Service and Achievement - Tall Timbers Tasmania
• Veolia Best Environmental and Recycling Practice - ibis Styles Hotel
• Best Outdoor/Non-enclosed Facility - Shoreline Hotel
• Best Bottle Shop - Black Buffalo
• Best RSL, Sporting or Community Club -The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
• Best Sports Bar - The Beltana Hotel
• Best Meeting and Events Venue - The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
• Best Bar Presentation and Service Hazards Bar & Lounge - Freycinet Lodge
• Draught Beer Quality Award - Beach Hotel Burnie
• Best Music Venue - Watergarden Bar - Country Club Tasmania
• Best Gaming Venue - River Arms Hotel
• Best Wagering Initiative - Shoreline Hotel
• Best Guided Tour Experience - Oyster Bay Tours, Freycinet Marine Farm
• Best New Tourism Initiative - Freycinet Lodge
• Best Specialty Bar - Evolve Spirit Bar
• Best Café - Harbour Lights Café
• Best Breakfast Venue - Islington Hotel
• Best Steak Restaurant - Black Cow Bistro
• Best Seafood Restaurant - Mures Upper Deck
• Best Italian Restaurant - Novaro's Restaurant
• Best Asian Restaurant - Asian Gourmet on the Pier
• Best Indian Restaurant -Annapurna Salamanca
• Best Specialty Restaurant - Furneaux Restaurant
• Best Bistro Dining - Shoreline Hotel
• Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Accommodation Venue - The Point, Wrest Point Hotel
• Best Stand Alone Restaurant -Driftwood Restaruant
• Best Fine Dining - The Point, Wrest Point Hotel
• Best Accessible Accommodation - MACq01 Hotel
• Best Pub-Style Accommodation - Lighthouse Hotel
• Best Mid-Range Accommodation - Cradle Mountain Hotel
• Best Apartment Suite Hotel - Salamanca Inn
• Best Superior Hotel Accommodation - Maylands Lodge
• Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation - Saffire Freycinet
• Restaurant of the Year - Regional - Furneaux Restaurant
• Restaurant of the Year - Metro - The Point, Wrest Point Hotel
• Accommodation Venue of the Year - Regional - Saffire Freycinet
• Accommodation Venue of the Year - Metro - Maylands Lodge
• Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year- Regional - Tall Timbers Tasmania
• Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year - Metro - Shoreline Hotel

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