home » awards
AWARDS
Shizuka Ryokan has been honoured to receive several awards over the past few years including winning the Rotary Award for Tourism and Hospitality, the Hepburn Regional Tourism Award for two consecutive years, and being awarded Finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards.
RECOGNISED FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Shizuka Ryokan has been recognised for going the extra mile, being named a Finalist in the unique accommodation category at the Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards.
The Japanese country spa and wellness retreat in Hepburn Springs was amongst over one hundred businesses and individuals from across the State who vied for top honours at the prestigious awards ceremony which was held recently at Crown Palladium.
The annual awards recognise leading businesses and individuals for their outstanding contribution to the Victorian tourism industry, which employs 185,000 people and contributes $15.8 billion to the economy each year.
Shizuka Ryokan proprietor Peter McConvill said “These awards recognise the very pinnacle of Victoria’s tourism industry and our achievement is a fitting tribute to all our dedicated staff ”.
The business offers a traditional Japanese inn accommodation experience, with authentic cuisine, luxurious spa treatments and a diverse range of therapeutic wellness services including Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Oncology Massage and Infant Massage Instruction.
The Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding congratulated the team from Shizuka Ryokan on their success.
“The awards highlight the success of individuals and organisations in the Victorian tourism industry.”
To be acknowledged as a finalist is a tremendous achievement and I applaud Shizuka Ryokan for going the extra mile to deliver memorable visitor experiences,” Mr Holding said.
Finalists are recognised for reaching a high standard, which achieved at least 75 per cent of the total possible score.
“The Victorian Government is proud to recognise the achievements of all those who have worked so hard to make Victoria a world-class tourism destination,” Mr Holding said.
The results of the 30 business and individual award categories were announced at a Gala Ceremony that celebrated excellence in tourism including accommodation and touring, education, training and marketing.
-----------------
Regional Tourism Awards
Shizuka Ryokan has won the Hepburn Regional Tourism Award for the second consecutive year.
Presented by the Hepburn Regional Tourism Association, the awards recognise and encourage overall excellence and professionalism within the tourism industry. The judging panel conducted site visits to nominated business to inspect facilities and records and to verify written submissions.
Judging criteria included assessment of factors such as flair, passion, innovation, customer service focus, financial stability and viability, business planning as well as involvement and contributions to local tourism and the wider community.
Accepting the accommodation award on both occasions were Shizuka Ryokan proprietors Peter McConvill and Margaret McConvill. Peter McConvill said, “This award provides recognition of the value of nurturing a true customer service culture throughout the tourism and hospitality sector. The Hepburn Regional Tourism Association deserves congratulations for its important role in fostering standards of professionalism.”
Margaret McConvill added, “Our business is blessed with a wonderful team of skilled and enthusiastic people who all share the credit of achieving this important Tourism Award. We are proud of our business and proud of ‘Team Shizuka’, with all members contributing on a daily basis to its ongoing success.”
The awards coincides with the publication of a worldwide review of leading individuals promoting the Japanese culture. The cover story in the Japanese edition of Newsweek magazine includes a profile of Shizuka Ryokan, thus drawing further international attention to Hepburn Springs and the wider Spa Country region.
Peter McConvill concluded, “We are very pleased to be part of this particular industry and especially in this beautiful region.”