Awards for the best in business

TWO Yarra Valley tourism icons have taken out top honours at the Australian Hotels Association State Awards for Excellence.
The Healesville Hotel was awarded for Best Country Pub without Gaming, and the Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley in Chirnside Park won the award for Best Resort Accommodation.
The awards, which recognised 39 of Victoria’s best hotels, bistros and pubs, were announced last week at a gala ceremony at the Crown Palladium by Minister for Tourism John Pandazopoulos.
Mr Pandazopoulos, who presented the awards, said it was vital to acknowledge businesses for their efforts to deliver high standards of customer service.
“Hotels, resorts, accommodation providers, bistros and restaurants are a vital part of Victoria’s $10.9 billion tourism industry,” he said.
“Tourism is a service industry and awards programs such as these ensure that we acknowledge those who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide first-class service.”
The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley general manager Dale St George said the resort was delighted to receive its award.
“This prestigious award is recognition of our ongoing commitment to become the Number One Resort Property,” he said.
“It not only brings great excitement to our associates and shareholders but is a tremendous boost for the Yarra Valley for which we work extremely hard to help promote as a choice destination, be it for leisure or business.”
Healesville Hotel manager Sean Reilly said the hotel’s staff were pleased to have won the award for Best Country Pub in their category.
“It is an honour to receive the award.
“It’s recognition of the staff who work here.
“It’s good for Healesville and great for the Yarra Valley,” he said.
Mr Pandazopoulos said the latest Survey of Tourism Accommodation found that the Victorian industry enjoyed a 12 per cent increase in taking to $250 million in the June quarter this year compared to the same period last year.