The Victorian H.M.A.A (Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association) and A.A.A Tourism Victorian Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence have been announced in Melbourne tonight, with more than 20 venues and industry personalities taking out the top honours.

More than 200 prominent figures in the Australian tourism and hospitality industry were out in force, including Federal Minister for Tourism the Hon. Fran Bailey MP, the State Minister for Tourism, the Hon John Pandazopoulos and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, John So - for the sixth annual awards night, held at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

"Showcasing the leading talent within the Victorian accommodation sector, the awards reinforce Melbourne as one of the top destinations for business travellers and holidaymakers", says HMAA Victoria Policy Committee Chair, Harry Korpetutuncu.

"The success of our tourism industry is largely dependent on service standards across the State and the awards celebrate industry growth, high standards and the efforts of leading tourism operators and individuals", he said.

TONIGHT’S HMAA/AAA AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Education and Training		Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
Hosted Accommodation		Rupertswood Mansion P/L
Hosted Accommodation		Monreale Estate
Major Deluxe Accommodation		Marylands Country House
Major Luxury Accommodation		Saville on Russell
Major Serviced Accommodation		Medina Grand Melbourne
Major Standard Accommodation		Miami Hotel Melbourne
Significant Deluxe Accommodation		Comfort Inn and Suites City View Ballarat
Significant Serviced Apartments		Birches Serviced Apartments
Unique Accommodation		Cape Schanck Lightstation
Young Achievers Award		Sundowner Motor Inn
Young Achievers Award		Quest Serviced Apartments
Young Achievers Award		Choice Hotels Australasia
AAAT Most Improved Self Catering		Abode by Easystay
AAAT Most Improved Motel		Central Highlands Motor Inn
AAAT Most Improved B&B		Mossbank Cottage
AAAT Most Improved caravan park		Yarrawonga Holiday Park
AAAT Most Improved backpacker accommodation		Port Fairy YHA
Chairman’s Award for Backpacker Property of the year		Olembia Backpackers
Chairman’s Award for Sales & Marketing Executive	(John McGraw)	Destination Melbourne
Chairman’s Award for Front Office Team Member	(Robert Curcio)	Quality Hotel Wangaratta
Chairman’s Award for Front Office Team Member	(Jodie Koster)	Saville on Russell
Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution Individ.	(Paul Constantino)	Quest Serviced Apartment Group
Chairman’s Award for Housekeeper of the Year	(Barbara Sargeant)	Sargeant Housekeeping

* Several commendations were also awarded in various categories.

"This year's winners are leaders within their industry and have performed superbly as providers of excellent service and facilities, setting the benchmark for the standard of accommodation properties within Victoria", said Mr Korpetutuncu.