Tasmania’s hospitality industry celebrates in style at revamped 2023 THA Awards for Excellence
The quality and diversity of Tasmania’s hospitality sector was on full display as the industry celebrated its annual THA Awards for Excellence on October 4.
More than 700 hospitality representatives and dignitaries gathered at the new venue, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, to see the winners announced across 39 categories comprising the state’s best cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers, pubs, sporting clubs and tourism operators. This year saw a record number of nominations – more than 200 venues from around the state submitted nearly 500 overall entries – ensuring the competition was fierce as venues new and old and influential and emerging figures were honoured.
“Our awards are the pinnacle event for our industry every year and 2023 was no exception, with more hospitality staff than ever able to celebrate at our new location,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“We stepped away from tradition with our Awards for Excellence this year by moving the time slot from May to October and changing the dress code and location, and it has proven to be another exceptional event which showcased the best hospitality businesses across the state. “The quality and volume of the nominations this year reached unprecedented levels. It was fantastic to celebrate the accomplishments of our venues and people, while expressing our appreciation to the dedicated staff who are what make this wonderful industry tick.” Three venues went back-to-back in the major award categories, led by French-inspired, North East Coast hotspot Furneaux, which was again crowned Best Stand Alone Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year – Regional . Multiple award-winning, five-star hotel The Tasman took home Accommodation Venue of the Year – Metro honours while the Great Lake Hotel was named Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year – Regional for the second year running. East Coast gem Saffire Freycinet kept its mantle as the Best Deluxe Accommodation venue in the state and also saluted in the Accommodation Venue of the Year – Regional category, North Hobart newcomer Ogee took out the Best Fine Dining award and was then named Restaurant of the Year – Metro winner while Launceston’s The Plough Inn landed the Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year – Metro crown to cap an outstanding evening where it also won Best Sports Bar and Best Outdoor Experience. Fellow Launceston venue Cataract on Paterson also had a year to remember, scooping the Outstanding Achievement in Training – backing up the national title in the same category early last year – as well Best Marketed Business, while employee George Riley was named hospitality industry rising star. Willie Smiths founder Andrew Smith was recognised by taking home the Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community, rewarding his ongoing commitment to not just the Huon region but the entire state. The fourth generation from his family to run the orchard, Andrew has thrust the company brand well into the national and international spotlight through a partnership with the Tasmania JackJumpers, while also being the driving force behind the popular three-day Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival.
17 Tasmanian Hospitality Review October/November Edition
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