Travel Daily | Economy hotel upgrade to first class in Accor Hotel Awards

This was the second year in a row that an Ibis hotel had taken out the top award, following Ibis Sydney King Street Wharf’s triumph last year.

Another economy hotel, All Seasons Geraldton, was announced as Runner Up in this year’s Hotel of the Year category.

The success of Accor’s economy hotels in the Awards – pitted against 150 hotels across Australia – highlights the strength of Accor’s economy hotel sector, a segment of the market that the company has pioneered since the 1970s. Accor is set to concentrate even more resources into the Ibis brand following last year’s announcement that an Ibis “Megabrand” would be established this year adding two additional tiers – Ibis Budget and Ibis Styles – to provide the world’s most comprehensive economy hotel brand with well over 1000 hotels under Ibis branding by the end of 2012.

“This year’s awards highlight that at Accor we don’t just invest resources into our top end hotels but ensure that all brands and divisions of the business are acknowledged and have the opportunity to excel. And above all it’s the power of our people that shines through. Our employees are paramount in ensuring that all guests arrive and leave our hotels with positive, memorable experiences and this is our opportunity to acknowledge and applaud them for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment to Accor,” said Accor Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath.

The Accor Awards night, held at Pullman Sydney Olympic Park, not only recognised top-performing hotels, it recognised outstanding achievements by teams and individuals.

Winner of the 2011 ‘I Build Smiles’ Employee Recognition Award went to the Human Resources Manager at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Emily Squires. The Award acknowledges and celebrates Accor employees who consistently provide exceptional service and are recognised individuals for their contribution to both the company and their local community.

During 2011, Emily implemented a variety of innovative activities at her hotel, including a ‘Novotel Wollongong Biggest Loser’ program aimed at improving the health and nutrition of hotel staff members. Emily also successfully managed an internship program with Wollongong University, which has seen in excess of 70 interns complete internships with a number of Accor hotels. And she was also instrumental in raising $16,000 for Mission Australia’s Race to Survive charity event

The ‘Chris Frost Ambassador Award’ in memory of late employee Chris Frost was awarded to Assistant Manager at Novotel Melbourne on Collins, Jamie Capp. Jamie won the award for his dedicated leadership qualities and successfully managing a team of 20 across all facets of the Front Office departments, and involving himself at every opportunity within Accor extracurricular events.

Pictured above is the I Build Smiles winner, Novotel Northbeach’s Emily Squires with Accor Australia COO Simon McGrath.