Media release – Tasmanian Hospitality Association, 28 November 2023
Tasmanian hospitality venues again shine on national stage
Tasmania’s hospitality establishments and experiences continue to match their interstate counterparts with another year of strong recognition at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence.
The 2023 awards unfolded in fine style with a ‘wear your whites’ theme at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Monday night, with four Tasmanian venues crowned best in the country.
It was the fifth consecutive AHA awards where the state collected at least four gongs, and backed up the record-equalling effort from 12 months ago where five titles were secured.
In a category containing fellow Tasmanian heavyweights Ogee and Bar Wa Izakaya, it was the French-inspired, east coast Furneaux Restaurant which reigned supreme, claiming back-to-back Best Restaurant – Regional crowns.
Cataract on Paterson, which was in the running for two awards – as well as having staffer George Riley nominated for Hotel Industry Rising Star – took home Best Marketed Hotel – General Division, adding to the Outstanding Achievement in Training Award Karen Burbury’s establishment won at the AHA nationals in Hobart in February 2022.
The Old Woolstore took home the Outstanding Community Service and Achievement award while Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures came out on top for the Best Tourism Initiative, marking the second time in two years a Tasmanian venture has won the title following The Cove’s success last November.
“Once again our state’s hospitality offerings and establishments have confirmed their status as among the best in the country,” Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said.
“To have three of the eight finalists in the Best Restaurant – Regional category is a true testament to the world class businesses in Tasmania and Furneaux, led superbly by Stefaan Codron, has again proved its class.
“There are some true heavyweight venues across Australia whose reputations speak for themselves and it is great to see our businesses can stand shoulder to shoulder with them. It is the reason the state is viewed as a highly desirable destination.
“Congratulations to the four winners, but also to all of our venues which were in the running. Being a finalist against the best of the best across Australia is a significant achievement in itself.”
Tasmania had 24 venues vying for national glory, with 49 awards in total handed out across a range of different divisions.
TASMANIAN 2023 AHA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Best Marketed Hotel – General Division:
Cataract on Paterson
Best Restaurant – Regional:
Furneaux Restaurant
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement:
The Old Woolstore
Best Tourism Initiative:
Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures
