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TORONTO, ON (November 8, 2024) – The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) celebrated the outstanding achievements and professionalism of hotel workers earlier today at the 11th annual 2024 Spirit Awards gala, 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 enjoyed record attendance and featured the introduction of a new award – the Rising Star – to recognize up-and-coming employees who are new to the industry.
Launched in 2012, the Spirit Awards recognize the vital work done by the thousands of front-line workers who keep Toronto's hospitality and hotel industry thriving. GTHA received a remarkable 369 nominations in the run-up to the event, reflecting the second-to-none standard of excellence in Greater Toronto Area hotels.
"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," said Ashok Baghel, Chair of the Spirit Awards Committee and General Manager at 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 is certainly worth celebrating."
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 prestigious 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," said 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. Congratulations Josef on an exceptional career!" added Anghel.
2024 Spirit Award Winners:
- Accounting Ambassador of the Year: Grace Kim, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites Sponsored by KPMG Private Enterprise
- Administration Ambassador of the Year: Tisha Ramroop-Ramgarib, Omni King Edward Sponsored by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
- Banquet Ambassador of the Year: Danuta Orzechowska, Westin Toronto Airport Sponsored by Gordon Food Service
- Bell Person Ambassador of the Year: Michael Galicia, Holiday Inn Airport Sponsored by Hunter Amenities
- Concierge of the Year: Anna Petrik, Intercontinental Toronto Centre Sponsored by Insuranceland
- Culinary Ambassador of the Year: Ramal De Mel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Sponsored by Orkin Canada
- Door Person Ambassador of the Year: George Chalhoub, St. Regis Toronto Sponsored by Eminent Valet
- Engineering Ambassador of the Year: Leroy Chabilall, Hotel X Sponsored by HEAT
- Food & Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year: Cecilia Vicente, Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport Sponsored by Smart Serve
- Guest Services Ambassador of the Year: Allan Dizon, Hyatt Regency Toronto Sponsored by Kostuch Media Ltd.
- Housekeeping Room Attendant Ambassador of the Year: Gemmeni Gabriel, The Ritz-Carlton Sponsored by Ecolab
- Housekeeping Support Services Ambassador of the Year: Francis Licayo, Toronto Marriott City Centre Sponsored by Ecolab
- Laundry Ambassador of the Year: Rena Bisson, Holiday Inn Express Whitby Sponsored by Victory Laundry
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Alex Nahrabeki, Westin Harbour Castle Sponsored by Group Lockhart
- Reservations Ambassador of the Year: Christian Del Castillo, The Pearle Hotel Sponsored by Meteor Telecommunications
- Rising Star Award: Manuel Silva, Radisson Blu Toronto Sponsored by First Onsite
- Security Ambassador of the Year: Ferris Mohammed, Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre Sponsored by Sheer Hospitality Solutions
- Steward of the Year: Thanabalasingam Iyathurai, Omni King Edward Sponsored by Mediclean Inc
- Switchboard Operator of the Year: Rowena Baldovino-Heraldo, Westin Harbour Castle Sponsored by Camdi
The 2024 Spirit Awards were made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. This year's Diamond Sponsor was Visit Mississauga, with Fairmont Royal York as our Platinum Partner. Gold Partners included Destination Toronto, Encore, and Smart Serve, while Union Environmental Solutions joined as the Silver Sponsor. The cocktail reception was sponsored by Andrew Peller Limited, with luncheon sponsors Marriott International and Avendra International. Entertainment was provided with support from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Stagevision sponsored our Master of Ceremonies. Hyatt generously served as the Spirit Pin Sponsor, while Bronze Sponsors included Hilton Hotels and Resorts Toronto, Eminent Valet, and Nella Toronto. We are also grateful to our In-Kind Sponsors, Allegra Oakville, Ferrero Rocher, and Oxford Properties for their valued contributions.
The GTHA congratulates all 2024 Spirit Awards winners and nominees. For more information on the Spirit Awards, GTHA membership and future events, visit www.gtha.com.
For media inquiries:
Kelly Harris
Director of Marketing & Stakeholder Relations, GTHA
kharris@gtha.com