The winners were announced at a gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne tonight attended by almost 500 hospitality, business and political leaders including Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz.

A highlight was the presentation of the prestigious “Outstanding Contribution to the Industry” award, which recognises the sustained influence of an hotelier or industry leader who has made a significant contribution to Victoria’s tourism and accommodation sectors.

This year’s worthy recipient was Karen Bolinger. In her role as Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Ms Bolinger was central in delivering over $2.4b in economic contribution to the Victorian economy and more than 570,000 meeting delegate days.

Tourism Accommodation Australia National CEO Michael Johnson attended the gala where he said Victoria’s accommodation sector continues to grow in stature.

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

“From Melbourne to the regions, Victoria sets a high standard when it comes to accommodation - I would like to congratulate all winners for providing high quality venues and service each and every day of the year.”

TAA (Vic) Deputy Chair, Tracy Atherton, praised the finalists, award-winners and individuals who were honoured, noting their achievements reflected “a year of hard work and dedication to providing superior standards of venue and service excellence to guests.”

The 2019 TAA (Victoria) Awards for Excellence winners are:

1. Apartment Accommodation of the Year - The Sebel Melbourne Docklands
2. Hotel Restaurant of the Year - Bankvale Run, Marnong Estate & Locanda Restaurant, Rydges Melbourne
3. Engineer and Maintenance Employee of the Year - Peter Nesbit - Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields
4. Hotel Club Lounge of the Year - The Langham Melbourne
5. Outstanding Community Service and Achievement - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
6. Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year - Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders
7. Regional Hotel Restaurant of the Year - Wickens at Royal Mail Dunkeld, Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld
8. Deluxe Restaurant of the Year - Pascale Bar & Grill, QT Melbourne
9. Revenue Manager Employee of the Year - Yvonne Qian - Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
10. Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year - The Provincial Hotel, Ballarat
11. Concierge of the Year James Spielvogel – InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
12. Best Marketed Accommodation Provider - Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
13. Outstanding Achievement in Training - Grand Hyatt Melbourne & Melbourne Marriott Hotel
14. Hotel Industry Rising Star Award - Tim Deeks - Crown Towers Melbourne
15. Outstanding Contribution to the Industry - Karen Bolinger, in her capacity as Chief Executive Officer – Melbourne Convention Bureau
16. Front Office Services Employee of the Year - Laurent Johnson - Melbourne Marriott Hotel
17. Best Environmental and Energy Efficiency Practice - Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
18. Regional Accommodation of the Year - Quality Hotel - Wangaratta Gateway
19. Excellence in Innovation - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
20. Sales Employee of the Year - Maya Gray - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
21. Marketing Employee of the Year - Elissa Hayes - Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
22. Food and Beverage Services Employee of the Year - Annie Crowe - InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
23. Back of House Employee of the Year - Keith Wilson - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
24. Hotel Bar of the Year - Market Lane - InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
25. Chef of the Year - Grant Flack - Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
26. Resort Style Accommodation of the Year - Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen
27. Housekeeper Employee of the Year - Rebecca Bruhn- Rydges Melbourne
28. Superior Accommodation Hotel of the Year - Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
29. Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year - Crown Towers Melbourne

Other key industry leaders who attended the Awards for Excellence included senior representatives from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Arts Centre Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Natalie O’Brien & Co, Marriner Group and Visit Victoria.

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