Minister Congratulates NSW Hotel Award Winners

Minister for Tourism Matt Brown said hotels, bars and pubs create a vibrant visitor experience for domestic and international visitors to Sydney. Mr Brown congratulated all the winners at last night’s Australian Hotels Association (AHA) National Awards for Excellence at Star City Hotel and Casino.

Mr Brown said the award winners were recognised for excellence in accommodation, service, food and beverage provision throughout NSW and played an essential roles in attracting visitors to our vibrant city.

“Sydney’s fantastic hotels, restaurants, entertainment and retail services are a major drawcard for tourists looking for a vibrant and exciting destination to visit,” Mr Brown said. “These awards recognise the important role hotels play in attracting tourists to Sydney. On accommodation alone visitors spend $2.3 billion in our great state, adding to their overall spend of more than $23 billion.”

This year Tourism NSW has sponsored the AHA National Awards for Excellence and the National Conference which was held 26-28 August 2008 in Sydney. Mr Brown said Tourism NSW is partnering with AHA NSW and Sydney hotels to offer a range of fantastic Spring deals during September.

“These Spring deals are not to be missed. With accommodation packages starting at $99 a night now is the perfect time for people to take a break in Sydney and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer,” Mr Brown said.

Until the end of September, visit www.sydney.com/spring for information on the Spring deals.

The Awards & Winners are:

Outstanding Community Service & Achievement

Grand Hotel – Victoria

Macquarie Hotel – New South Wales

Best Training Initiative

Holiday Inn Adelaide – South Australia

Best Environmental Initiative

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – Western Australia

Best Bistro Brasserie

Stanley Hotel – Tasmania

Best Casual/Family Dining

The Full Moon Hotel – Queensland

Best Restaurant (General Division)

The First Floor Restaurant – Australian Capital Territory

Best Restaurant (Accommodation Division)

Radisson Plaza Hotel (Bilson’s Restaurant) – New South Wales

Best Retail Outlet

Edinburgh Hotel & Cellars – South Australia

Best Bar Presentation & Service

Hilton Sydney – New South Wales

The Prince Patrick Hotel – Victoria

Best Sporting Entertainment Venue

Arkaba Hotel Motel – South Australia

Best Entertainment Venue

Country Club Tasmania

Best Gaming Venue

Milanos – Victoria

Best Redeveloped Licensed Premise (General Division)

Indian Ocean Brewhaus & Bar – Western Australia

Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel

Sofitel Gold Coast – Queensland

Best Marketed Hotel

Foundry Hotel Complex – Victoria

SKYCITY Darwin – Northern Territory

Best Hotel or Pub Operation

Story Bridge Hotel – Queensland

Coogee Bay Hotel – New South Wales

Port Lincoln Hotel – South Australia

Quay Grand Suites Sydney – New South Wales

Novotel Ningaloo Resort – Western Australia

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa – New South Wales

Best Superior Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley – New South Wales

Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation

Hyatt Hotel Canberra – New South Wales

Hall of Fame

David Thomas – New South Wales

Tom Payne – Victoria

Michael Monaghan OAM – Australian Capital Territory

Overall Accommodation Hotel of the Year

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa – New South Wales

Overall General Hotel of the Year

The Full Moon Hotel – Queensland