Rydges Wellington has won the ‘Best Leading Hotel’ award for the New Zealand region at the 2015 World Travel Awards at a gala dinner in Hong Kong.
More than 5,000 travel organisations are nominated annually in the prestigious awards that started 22 years ago to celebrate the best in the international travel industry.
Historically the ceremony has been broadcast live by CNN and called “the Oscar’s of the travel industry” by the Wall Street Journal. It’s known for recognising excellence and ground-breaking ideas
New Zealand properties have been competing in the WTA’s since 2004. Rydges Wellington was one of eight nominees for the coveted award this year which was decided by public vote online.
Rydges General Manager, Mr Simon White is very proud about how his dynamic team is making their mark on the industry due to running the hotel like it’s their own. “The award puts a gold stamp of quality on Rydges. Our guests will know that they’re ensured consistent top service.” He attributes success to the training and development of “extraordinary people with the X-factor.”
It’s a fit with the Rydges culture he believes, which gives them the edge. “Typically our people haven’t come from a traditional hotel background. Our Restaurant Manager came from a high-end clothing store. Our Executive Assistant Manager was a builder. Yet collectively their broad skill set and life experience make all the difference relating with our guests.”
The international accolade lines up behind an ever-expanding list for the multiple award-winning hotel in the Capital. Over the last four years since opening it has won eight Hospitality New Zealand awards in the categories of; Excellence in Marketing, Best Accommodation, Best Restaurant and Supreme Award.
Achieving awards while attaining quantum output is a hallmark of the hotel. To date Rydges Wellington has hosted 663,345 guests, made 473,818 beds, sold 485,010 meals and made 215,000 espresso coffees at the Featherston Street property.
Other finalists in the ‘Best Leading hotel’ category were The Hilton Auckland, Hilton Queenstown, Intercontinental Wellington, Pullman Auckland, SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Solitaire Lodge, The Langham Auckland and The Spire in Queenstown.
Last year the award was won by Queenstown’s Hilton Hotel & Resort.
