Tony South, the Chairman of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and the former head of development in Asia-Pacific for IHG has received this year’s ‘Trailblazer Award’.
The Award was presented to South in Singapore on Wednesday night (Mar 13) at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) Update in recognition of his outstanding international accommodation industry career.
The Trailblazer Award is intended for individuals who have been pioneers in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry by their actions, deeds, vision and leadership.
South is a former Chief Development Officer – Asia Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and has been Chairman of TAA since March 2012.
TAA Managing Director Rodger Powell said the recognition is well deserved.
“Tony South has been a global leader in tourism and accommodation for many years,” he said. “He was a partner of Horwath and then CEO of the Sydney Visitors and Convention Bureau before heading up the TAHL hotel investment group. He then led IHG in Australia before heading to Singapore to take up the regional role.
“This award is a fitting recognition for Tony’s leadership that has included trail blazing activities such as the foundation of TTF, the establishment of TAA and, famously, for standing down from the Tourism NSW board over the bed tax.
“The Trailblazer Award is a prestigious industry honour and this announcement highlights how fortunate TAA is to have secured Tony’s services as Chairman in this critical time for the industry in Australia.
“Attracting overseas investment in the Australian accommodation industry is increasingly important, and it is great to have access to one of the country’s finest minds on this matter.
“On behalf of TAA’s members I congratulate Tony on this award.”