SA Shines at National Awards The Bridgeport Hotel at Murray Bridge has been recognised as the Regional Hotel of the Year at the AHA’s National Awards for Excellence in Hobart. It was one of seven hotels and individuals to be lauded as the best in Australia across a range of categories. Among the highlights was the induction of South Australia’s Greg Fahey (2020 inductee) into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame. AHA National President Scott Leach said the presentation dinner was a significant and moraleboosting event given the enormous challenges that the industry has faced over the last two years. “Against all odds, industry operators right around the country have continued to provide the highest possible levels of industry service and customer experience. Their innovation, their optimism and their commitment has shone through.”
“As we rightly celebrate our winners, we also acknowledge and salute the wonderful contributions of each and every one of our industry operators during the toughest period in the industry’s long history,” he said. He said the annual awards was about rewarding new ideas, excellence and old-fashioned hard work in venues ranging from mum and dad run country pubs to huge, five-star accommodation hotels. “It also an opportunity to recognise the individual stars of our industry. They will set the standards for the future and ensure that Australian hospitality continues to enjoy world -wide recognition.” The Overall Hotel of the Year at a metropolitan level went to the Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland, while at a regional level, the winner was The Bridgeport. The best restaurant in the Accommodation Division went to Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, while
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the Best Regional Restaurant went to the Tinamba Hotel in Victoria. Saffire Freycinet at Coles Bay in Tasmania won the Deluxe Accommodation, while the Overall Hotel of the Year Accommodation Division went to MACq01 Hotel , Hobart, Tasmania. Blanche Bar in Karratha, Western Australia, was recognised for its effort in the Best Tourism Initiative section, while the Best Hotel Accommodation General Division went to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney. The prestigious Chef of the Year was awarded to Adam UptonBrowning of Marnong Estate at Mickleham in Victoria, whilst The Botanical Hotel in South Yarra took home the top honours in Best Bar Presentation and Service in a metropolitan area. Hotel Industry Rising Star went to Ricci-lee Wheeler of The Seabreeeze Hotel l at Nelsons Bay. Back to Contents
