TORONTO – A total of 500 members of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) gathered last Friday to honour exceptional ambassadors in the region’s hotel industry. The fifth annual Spirit Awards Luncheon, presented by the GTHA and held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre recognized 212 nominees and 18 award winners for their outstanding contributions in the hotel industry.
“It is with great pride that the GTHA celebrates the service, professionalism and innovation of these outstanding ambassadors in the hotel community” said GTHA president & CEO Terry Mundell. “Their contributions to the visitor experience leave a lasting impression on the over 14 million overnight visitors to the Greater Toronto Area. Our congratulations go out to each nominee and award winner for their exceptional service to guests visiting GTHA member hotels.”
This year’s winners include:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Scott Dyson, Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Accounting Ambassador of the Year
Portia Hammer, InterContinental Toronto Centre
Administration Ambassador of the Year
Sheila Eros, Hilton Toronto
Banquet Ambassador of the Year
Warren Webster, Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
Bell Person Ambassador of the Year
Michael Calnan, The Fairmont Royal York
Concierge of the Year
Anna Godzina, Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre
Culinary Ambassador of the Year
Udeni Randenyia, The Strathcona Hotel
Engineering Ambassador of the Year
Tony Phan, Delta Toronto
Food and Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year
Yohannes Habte, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
Guest Services Ambassador of the Year
Beatrice Agyeman, Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport
Housekeeping Room Attendant Ambassador of the Year
Florinda Espino, Hotel Le Germain Toronto
Housekeeping Support Services Ambassador of the Year
Sivabalan Balasundaram, Sheraton Centre Toronto
Laundry Ambassador of the Year
Xiomara Garcia, Quality Inn Airport West
Reservations Ambassador of the Year
Ann Rodriguez, Cambridge Suites Toronto
Security Ambassador of the Year
Nathaniel Mayers, The Fairmont Royal York
Steward of the Year
Rodelio Arcega, Westin Harbour Castle
Switchboard Operator of the Year
Myrtle Tillekeratne, Hyatt Regency Toronto
Valet Driver/ Door Person/ Shuttle Driver Ambassador of the Year
Chris Mathias, The Omni King Edward Hotel
Click here for a full list of nominees