TORONTO — As anyone who’s ever stayed at a hotel knows, the success of the hospitality industry is contingent on the people who work in it, and the service they provide. So, when the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) started an awards program two years ago to honour the frontline workers, it was an idea that had been a long time coming.
Last Friday, May 3, 420 members of the GTHA gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to honour exceptional service providers, recognizing 173 nominees and 19 award winners for their outstanding contributions in our industry.
“The Greater Toronto Hotel Association is very proud of these individuals and the contributions they make to the visitor experience in the Greater Toronto Area, said Terry Mundell, GTHA president & CEO. “Our congratulations to each award winner and nominee for their outstanding service to guests visiting our GTHA member hotels. We celebrate the service, professionalism and innovation of these outstanding Ambassadors.”
This year’s winners of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association include:
Steve Tomaso, Westin Prince Hotel
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sivarajah Shanmugam, Radisson Admiral Hotel – Toronto Harbourfront
Accounting Ambassador of the Year
Giselle Fernandes, Novotel Toronto Centre
Administration Ambassador of the Year
Maria Mancuso, Delta Toronto Airport West
Banquet Ambassador of the Year
Khaled Hamoui, Hotel Le Germain Toronto
Bell Ambassador of the Year
Ali Merchant, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto
Bell Ambassador of the Year
Shamini Eswarakumar, The Fairmont Royal York
Concierge of the Year
Rachel Mullings, Park Hyatt Toronto
Culinary Ambassador of the Year
Randy Tahir, The King Edward Hotel
Engineering Ambassador of the Year
Renee Delavigne, Residence Inn Toronto Downtown/Entertainment District
Guest Services Ambassador of the Year
Maria Rosaria Azzari, Ritz Carlton Toronto
Health Club/Spa Ambassador of the Year
Christine Owusu, Radisson Admiral Hotel – Toronto Harbourfront
Housekeeping Ambassador of the Year
Dawit Tesfagiorgies, Hilton Toronto
Laundry Ambassador of the Year
Justine Davidson, Cambridge Suites Hotel
Reservations Ambassador of the Year
Sharon Gidden, Toronto Airport Marriott
Food and Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year
Jennifer Bailey, The Westin Harbour Castle
Security Ambassador of the Year
Richard Medeiros, Strathcona Hotel Downtown Toronto
Steward of the Year
Barbara Longman, Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Switchboard Operator of the Year
Sabaratnam Joy Kalanidi, Holiday Inn Toronto Yorkdale
Valet Driver/Door Person/Shuttle Driver Ambassador of the Year
