Best Innovation Project – NEW

(JUDGING – 100% WRITTEN SUBMISSION)
This category will be judged completely on a written submission of no more than 1,500 words, plus accompanying appendix with documents and pictures where relevant.

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: Should demonstrate a project or initiative that showcases an innovation in the property that has led to the hotel’s success either in guest services, recruitment or retention, customer engagement or efficiency.
The written submission should address the essential elements listed here plus the following:

CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

  • Description of the project and why it was important for the business
  • How the project concept was initiated and the person/team who had carriage of the project
  • Why the project is considered innovative
  • Did the implementation of the project lead to significant changes in processes or services within the property? Describe the culture of innovation and approaches to instil this
  • How was the success of the project measured? Is the result long term change in the business?
  • New service and/or customer experience that is unique to the industry, provides new customer value and/or is a source of competitive advantage

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice - NEW
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division