AccorHotels celebrated its top performing Mantra Group hotels, outstanding team achievements and the accomplishments of individuals at its annual Mantra Group Awards for Excellence gala ceremony held at Mantra on View Hotel, Surfers Paradise on 30 August.

The top accolade, General Manager of the Year, was awarded to Craig Smith - General Manager of Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra in Honolulu, Hawaii. Craig, who was appointed General Manager of the Group's largest property in March 2017, received the top gong after implementing numerous strategies to unlock asset value and build positive relationships with key stakeholders. Not only has Craig embraced and embodied the 'Aloha spirit', he's driven significant change management through this large operation, underpinned by his proven commercial acumen.

The region of North Queensland also prevailed on the night, taking home Region of the Year and winning the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the third consecutive year. The region raised more than $63,000 for The Luke Batty Foundation in FY2018 through various fundraising events.

Other major awards on the evening went to The Larwill Studio at Melbourne, Peppers Bluewater Resort at Lake Tekapo, Mantra 2 Bond Street at Sydney and BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort at Coffs Harbour for Property of the Year for their respective brands.

AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath, said the Awards for Excellence wrap up a significantly busy and rewarding year for the team, with AccorHotels and Mantra Group combining forces to become the leading hotel group in the Pacific.

“The awards night is a way for us to recognise the outstanding performance and achievements of the Group and team members over the past twelve months.

“I'm passionate about recognising the exceptional achievements of our team, and those awarded all represent the finest in guest service, loyalty and operations.

“We congratulate all of our award winners and category finalists and look forward to another exciting year ahead.”

The full list of the 2018 Mantra Group Awards for Excellence winners are as follows:

General Manager of the Year – Craig Smith, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, Hawaii Region/Area of the Year – North Queensland Corporate Social Responsibility Region – North Queensland Art Series Property of the Year – The Larwill Studio, Melbourne VIC Peppers Property of the Year – Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo, NZ Mantra Property of the Year – Mantra 2 Bond Street, Sydney NSW BreakFree Property of the Year – BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour NSW Excellence in Guest Service – Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, Noosa QLD Executive Committee Award – Michael Buxey, Group Director of Distribution Service Star of the Year – Courtney Phillips, Assistant Manager, Mantra South Bank, Brisbane QLD Food and Beverage Outlet of the Year – Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, Noosa QLD Shared Services Department – Refurbishment Team, Asset Management Shared Services Team Member – Matt McGrath, National Sales Manager MICE & Groups Profit Growth – Mantra 2 Bond Street, Sydney NSW



ABOUT ACCORHOTELS

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,500 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 different countries. With an unrivaled portfolio of internationally renowned hotel brands encompassing the entire range from luxury to economy, from upscale to lifestyle and midscale brands, AccorHotels has been providing savoir-faire and expertise for more than 50 years. In addition to its core hospitality business, AccorHotels has successfully expanded its range of services, becoming the world leader in luxury private residence rental with more than 10,000 stunning properties around the world. The Group is also active in the fields of concierge services, co-working, dining, events management and digital solutions. Relying on its global team of more than 250,000 dedicated staff, AccorHotels is committed to fulfilling its primary mission: to make every guest Feel Welcome. Guests have access to one of the world's most attractive hotel loyalty programs - Le Club AccorHotels. AccorHotels plays an active role in its local communities and is committed to promoting sustainable development and solidarity through PLANET 21 Acting Here, a comprehensive program that brings together employees, guests and partners to drive sustainable growth. From 2008, the AccorHotels Solidarity Endowment Fund has acted as a natural extension of the Group's activities and values, helping to combat the social and financial exclusion experienced by the most disadvantaged members of society. Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit accorhotels.group or accorhotels.com. Or join and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

For media enquiries, please contact: Naomi Hammond Public Relations Manager Mantra Group T: 0434 738 380 E: naomi.hammond@mantragroup.com.au