Hotel Industry Awards – finalists announced

Hotel Industry Awards – finalists announced

After a record number of entries and a rigorous judging process, the finalists have been announced in the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards.

“Both the calibre and quantity of entries reflects the positive momentum currently being enjoyed by New Zealand’s hotel sector, which is experiencing its best run of business for many years,” says Sally Attfield, Sector Manager Hotels, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), which co-hosts the awards with Horwath HTL.

Stephen Hamilton, Horwath HTL Director, says the awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge leaders in the valuable hotel sector and highlight individuals and hotels that are helping drive the growth of the wider tourism industry.

The finalists:

Outstanding Young Executive Award sponsored by ServiceIQ
Recognising a rising star who has made an exceptional contribution to their employer and to the hotel industry over the past 12 months.

Chad Johnston, Executive Assistant Manager, Rydges Wellington
Zak Muysken, Rooms Division Manager, InterContinental Wellington
Sam Swaffield, Operations Manager, Crowne Plaza Auckland

Senior Hotel Executive Award sponsored by ReserveGroup
Recognising an individual who is a role model and has a passion for their work so great that they go beyond the call of duty.

Paul Columbus, General Manager, Novotel Auckland Airport
Bruce Garrett, General Manager, The George Christchurch
Les Morgan, Director of Operations, Sudima Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Industry Environmental Initiative Award sponsored by Greenfield
Recognising a hotel that has shown innovation above and beyond all others in order to neutralise its impact on the climate and environment.

Bolton Hotel, Wellington
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef Glacier
The Langham, Auckland

The winners will be announced at the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference gala dinner at The Langham, Auckland on 4 June.

Mr Hamilton says it should be a great event, with the sector enjoying a record year marked by high occupancy rates and improved returns.

Ms Attfield adds that recognising winners in New Zealand’s hotel sector is an important way of setting a benchmark that others can aspire to.

“Continually improving the experience we offer domestic and international visitors is vital if we are to achieve the tourism industry’s Tourism 2025 goal of almost doubling annual tourism revenue to $41 billion by 2025.”

ends

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