The very best of Australia revealed
NSW is hot property, and we know this because international data shows NSW remains Australia’s undisputed number one destination.
According to the latest National Visitor Survey, not only did NSW beat all other Aussie states, but it welcomed more than 27.4 million domestic visitors who stayed almost 90 million nights and contributed close to $16 billion to the State’s visitor economy.
In this spirit, it doesn’t come as a surprise that NSW led the charge at the AHA National Awards for Excellence 2015, held on Monday, where NSW tallied up the biggest trophy count.
Over 450 people attended Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast for the industry’s premier event of the year with NSW accommodation venues taking out six categories, including best restaurant, best suite/apartment hotel and chef of the year.
But NSW wasn’t the only sparkling star on the night, with the west coast giving the state a run for its money.
Western Australian Hospitality was recognised for its world class venues and food and beverage offering with five venues being recognised for titles such as best accommodation hotel and best resort-style accommodation.
“We keep telling people that Western Australia’s tourism and hospitality offering is amongst the best in Australia,” AHA(WA) CEO, Bradley Woods, said.
“These awards are testament to that and there is certainly more to come for the foreseeable future.”
Check out the entire list of Aussie superstars here:
Best Tourism Initiative | Jamala Wildlife Lodge | Weston , ACT | |
Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan | Royal Oak Hotel | North Adelaide, SA | |
Best Bistro – Metropolitan | The Moseley Bar & Kitchen | Glenelg, SA | |
Best Restaurant – Metropolitan | The Stirling Hotel | Stirling, SA | |
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan | Matisse Beach Club | Scarborough, WA | |
Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division | Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Darley’s | Katoomba, NSW | |
Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division | RACV Royal Pines Resort | Benowa, QLD | |
Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division | Grand Hyatt Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | |
Best Pub-Style Accommodation | Flinders Hotel | Flinders, VIC | |
Best Mid-Range Accommodation | Quality Hotel Gateway | Devonport, TAS | |
Best Resort-Style Accommodation | Crown Metropol Perth | Burswood, WA | |
Best Suite/Apartment Hotel | Fraser Suites Sydney | Sydney, NSW | |
Best Deluxe Accommodation | Saffire Freycinet | Coles Bay, TAS | |
Bartender of the Year | The Classroom (Andrew Bennett) | North Perth, WA | |
Chef of the Year | Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Darley’s (Lee Kwicz) | Katoomba, NSW | |
The Star (Chase Kojima) | Pyrmont, NSW | ||
Front of House Employee of the Year | Crown Towers Melbourne (Tom Stewart) | Southbank, VIC | |
Employee Excellence in Service | Mon Komo Hotel (Amanda Melville) | Redcliffe, QLD | |
Rydges Melbourne (Joseph Ancora) | Melbourne, VIC | ||
Outstanding Achievement in Training | Spirit Hotels | Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD | |
Best Meeting and Events Venue | Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley | Lovedale, NSW | |
Best Superior Accommodation | Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane | Brisbane, QLD | |
Best Retail Liquor Outlet | Dan Murphy’s The Gap | Bulimba, QLD | |
Best Bistro – Regional | Huon Hill | Wodonga, VIC | |
Best Restaurant – Regional | Frogmore Creek | Cambridge, TAS | |
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional | Port Lincoln Hotel | Port Lincoln, SA | |
Best Gaming Venue – Regional | Country Club Tasmania | Launceston, TAS | |
Best TAB Licensed Venue | The Bridge Inn Hotel | Mernda, NSW | |
Best Keno Venue | Mildura Gateway Tavern | Mildura, VIC | |
Best Entertainment Venue | ivy | Sydney, NSW | |
Best Outdoor/Non Enclosed Area | The Gully Public House & Garden | Tea Tree Gully, SA | |
Best Sporting Entertainment Venue | Palmerston Sports Club | Palmerston, NT | |
Tall Timbers | Smithton, TAS | ||
Best Marketed Hotel – General Division | Monsoons | Darwin, NT | |
Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division | Cottesloe Beach Hotel | Cottesloe, WA | |
Hotel Industry Rising Star | Ivy (Andrew El-Bayeh) | Sydney, NSW | |
The Westin Sydney (Ana Pereira) | Sydney, NSW | ||
Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice | Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley | Wolgan Valley, NSW | |
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement | Vine Inn, Barossa | Nuriootpa, SA | |
Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional | Grand View Hotel | Bowen, QLD | |
Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division | Berkeley River Lodge | Kimberley, WA | |
Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan | The Oaks | Neutral Bay, NSW | |
Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame | Bevan Douglas | — |
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
@australia australian hotels association nsw tourism accommodation australia Western AustraliaLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.