Victoria’s top accommodation providers and venue staff have been honoured at the 2023 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence, held in Melbourne last week (Aug 17).
Hosted by the Accommodation Association (AA), a record 350 venue and individual nominations resulted in a record crowd of 1,000 hoteliers, suppliers to industry and broader Victorian hospitality and tourism sector industry stakeholders, including Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos and Shadow Minister, Sam Groth.
Guests came together to recognise Victoria’s best accommodation providers and their teams, whose efforts continue to position the State as a pre-eminent business and leisure ‘destination of choice’ for domestic and international travellers.
A highlight was the presentation of the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ Award, which recognises the sustained influence of a hotelier or industry leader who has made a significant contribution to Victoria’s tourism and accommodation sectors.
This year’s winner was motorsport supremo, Andrew Westacott, who recently completed a highly successful 17-year tenure at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), the last 12 as the organisation’s longest serving Chief Executive Officer.
Westacott’s transition into major events commenced in 2005, playing a key role in delivery of Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games as Group General Manager for Venue Delivery and Special Projects. Andrew was first appointed General Manager – Operations at the AGPC later that year, also holding the position of Deputy CEO before being appointed CEO in February 2011.
AA National President, Leanne Harwood lauded the levels of commitment, innovation and determination shown by venue staff, to consistently deliver memorable guest experiences, while also recognising the value of continuing investment in the state’s accommodation product.
“The efforts of our teams are truly inspirational and something about which we should all be proud,” adding,
“Melbourne and Victoria have much to celebrate, as the performance of the State’s visitor economy, spend and interstate travel preference, tracks ahead of 2019 levels. “This gives investors continuing confidence to invest in new and reimagined accommodation stock across the State, that is fast becoming the envy of other Australian states and territories.”
AA (Vic) General Manager, Dougal Hollis said: “Accommodation properties across Victoria are some of the best in Australia, with a range of budget, luxury and lifestyle products to suit many tastes and budgets.
“The breadth and diversity of these accommodation offers were again on display, at the Awards.”
AA (Vic) Co-Chairs, Shaun D’Cruz and Adrian Williams praised finalists, award-winners and individuals who were honoured, noting their achievements reflected “a year of hard work and dedication to providing superior standards of venue and service excellence to guests.”