Darwin 3 October 2013. Minister for Business David Tollner and Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan have congratulated three Territory hospitality businesses who were last night named as some of the best in the country.

Skycity Darwin and regional pubs, Emerald Springs Roadhouse and the Daly Waters Pub won Awards at the Australian Hotel Association’s National Awards for Excellence in Canberra.

“To have not one but three Northern Territory businesses recognised on the national stage is terrific news,” Mr Tollner said.

“These Awards show our Territory hotels, restaurants and pubs are world-class quality and some of the best in the Australia.

“I’d like to congratulate Skycity Darwin, Emerald Springs Roadhouse and the Daly Waters Pub for all their hard work and dedication to their businesses which has clearly paid off.”

Mr Tollner said Skycity Darwin’s investment in their new $40 million Lagoon Resort was named the ‘Best Redeveloped Hotel’ Award, while the Daly Waters Pub took out the National Award for ‘Best Pub Style Accommodation and the Emerald Springs Roadhouse won the ‘Outstanding Community Service and Achievement’ Award for their fundraising efforts, which saw over $60,000 raised for the Leukemia Foundation’s U.G.L.Y (Ugly General Likeable You) Bartender Competition.

“Our regional pubs and restaurants play important roles in the community and are also vital to our economy with hospitality employing more than 7100 people across the Territory,” Mr Tollner said.

Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan said the Awards were a terrific nod to the quality of the Territory’s tourism industry; “Our hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants are unique, vibrant and set incredibly high standards,” Mr Conlan said.

“Whether it’s enjoying a cold beer at an outback pub or marking a special occasion at a top-class restaurant, people come to the NT from around the world to enjoy our unique hospitality industry.”

Mr Tollner and Mr Conlan also congratulated all the NT venues named as Finalists:

Monsoons – ‘Best Marketed Hotel’

Beachfront Hotel – ‘Employee Excellence in Service’

Parap Tavern Cellars – ‘Best Retail Liquor Outlet’

The Cavenagh Hotel- ‘Best Bistro – Regional’

The Cavenagh Hotel- ‘Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional’

Parap Tavern – ‘Best Gaming Venue – Regional’

Saffrron Restaurant – ‘Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice

Sukra at Lassesters Hotel, ‘Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division