TORONTO — The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) celebrated the achievements and professionalism of hotel workers at the 11th-annual 2024 Spirit Awards gala on November 8, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The luncheon honoured frontline hotel staff across 19 categories, ranging from administration and security to culinary and housekeeping. This year’s event featured the introduction of a new award — the Rising Star — to recognize up-and-coming employees who are new to the industry.
“I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the GTHA Spirit Awards since their inception, and it has been a joy to witness the enthusiasm that surrounds these awards year after year,” says Ashok Baghel, Chair of the Spirit Awards Committee and general manager of the Hyatt Regency Toronto. “As we look forward to the next century with GTHA, we’re reminded of the invaluable contributions made by individuals in this field; both our history and future are represented in their work and that’s certainly worth celebrating.”
The 2024 Spirit Award winners:
- Accounting Ambassador of the Year: Grace Kim, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites
- Administration Ambassador of the Year: Tisha Ramroop-Ramgarib, Omni King Edward
- Banquet Ambassador of the Year: Danuta Orzeckowska, Westin Toronto Airport
- Bell Person Ambassador of the Year: Michael Galicia, Holiday Inn Airport
- Concierge of the Year: Anna Petrik, Intercontinental Toronto Centre
- Culinary Ambassador of the Year: Ramal De Mel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
- Door Person Ambassador of the Year: George Chalhoub, St. Regis Toronto
- Engineering Ambassador of the Year: Leroy Chabilall, Hotel X
- Food & Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year: Cecilia Vicente, Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport
- Guest Services Ambassador of the Year: Allan Dizon, Hyatt Regency Toronto
- Housekeeping Room Attendant Ambassador of the Year: Gemmeni Gabriel, The Ritz-Carlton
- Housekeeping Support Services Ambassador of the Year: Francis Licayo, Toronto Marriott City Centre
- Laundry Ambassador of the Year: Rena Bisson, Holiday Inn Express Whitby
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Alex Nahrabeki, Westin Harbour Castle
- Reservations Ambassador of the Year: Christian Del Castillo, The Pearle Hotel
- Rising Star Award: Manuel Silva, Radisson Blu Toronto
- Security Ambassador of the Year: Ferris Mohammed, Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
- Steward of the Year: Thanabalasingam Iyathurai, Omni King Edward
- Switchboard Operator of the Year: Rowena Baldovino-Heraldo, Westin Harbour Castle
In acknowledgement of the association’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025, this year’s Spirit Awards unveiled the new GTHA Hall of Fame, an annual award that highlights an individual with visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. The first inductee to this award is Josef Ebner, RVP – Canada and managing director, Chelsea Hotel.
“With a career spanning over six decades, Josef has worked at 14 properties in seven countries and is an active philanthropist and supporter of the industry,” says Sara Anghel, president and CEO of the GTHA. “Josef actively contributed to the hotel industry and served on the GTHA board for 24 years. He has dedicated 32 years of service to the Chelsea Hotel and promoted Canada abroad through tourism sales missions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.”
