STARS OF THE INDUSTRY HONOURED AT AWARDS NIGHT

Over 900 people – a new record –attended the 2024 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The night was sponsored by industry supporter TABCORP, with major corporate partners Carlton & United Breweries, Coopers, Lion, and Hostplus.

The Premier, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, was full of praise for the winners and the vital role the industry plays tourism and the community.

“I was delighted to join with South Australia’s hotel industry and celebrate all the winners at the 2024 Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence,” he said.

“It was a tightly run race in so many categories, speaking volumes to the quality of our state’s hospitality industry.

“These achievements are important to acknowledge at a time when SA is rapidly becoming the Destination State. The food, beverage, and accommodation services on offer in South Australia are second to none. Hotels and pubs remain the backbone of many metropolitan and rural communities - They are a source of employment, investment, and community spirit that I am very proud of as a South Australian.”

During his speech, the Premier praised the hotel industry for its contribution to the State.

“You make going to the pub a valued proposition for tens of thousands of families every single night of the week,” he said. “Going to the pub is accessible.

“Going to the pub provides a sense of community. Going to the pub allows you to sit down with your own kids, like I do at mine most weekends, and have a conversation in a way that is utterly healthy. Going to the pub means hanging out with mates rather than hanging out at home, playing around on your phone.

“And that is good. There is nothing unhealthy about this industry. It makes a valuable contribution, not just to the economy, but to our social fabric.”

The Premier added, “I have no doubt that AHA|SA members will punch above their weight at the AHA National Awards later this year, rivalling the offering of the eastern states.

“Hotels large and small have been the beneficiary of the government’s push to generate visitors and growth for the state through major events never before contemplated. These events could not have succeeded to the extent they have without a vibrant and viable hotel industry that punches well above its weight.

“2024 has been a massive year for our hotels industry and 2025 is gearing up to be even bigger. That is why it’s so important that both government and the broader community continue their support for an industry that is leading by example in so many ways and putting us on the world stage.”

We thank our entertainment for the evening, Hot Dub Time Machine, and major industry supporters of the night: TABCORP, with major corporate partners Carlton & United Breweries, Coopers, Lion, and Hostplus.