The beautiful Adelaide Hills are an icon in themselves but there is one stunning venue that has reached new heights… Mount Lofty House has been voted the state’s Best Business Event Venue at the 2015 SA Tourism Awards.
The gala awards ceremony, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, featured hundreds of entries across more than 30 categories.
Mount Lofty House was praised by the judges for its holistic and innovative conference experience, plus the venue’s commitment to supporting local businesses, producers and suppliers – and by extension, the regional economy.
Since being purchased by Mount Lofty Operations Pty Ltd a little over seven years ago, Mount Lofty House has successfully repositioned itself as a premier conference destination, set amid the beautiful Adelaide Hills yet just 15 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide CBD.
Mouth Lofty House caters for events ranging from small and intimate gatherings to those accommodating up to 400 people and specialises in residential conferences – where delegates stay in the hotel overnight – and exclusive conferences, where an organisation takes over the entire hotel for the duration of the conference.
The sharp focus on events has contributed to significant growth in this area, with revenue from conferences, banquets and weddings rising from $1.71-million in 2011/12 to $2.66-million in 2014/15 and projections for the current year set at $2.75-million.
Commenting on the SA Tourism award, recently appointed General Manager Tony Barradale says it vindicates Mount Lofty House’s stance to do whatever it can to engage clients while positioning it as a compelling option.
“We work hard to find solutions for our customers, regardless of their budgets, and in our quest to be viewed as the compelling option, we’re always on the lookout for more innovative and enticing approaches that make every conference experience memorable,” Mr Barradale said.
“We’re blessed with a wonderful location, which allows us to offer a holistic conference experience. Yes, we offer well-appointed bedrooms and technologically-advanced conference facilities, but delegates also have the broad and beautiful canvas that is Mount Lofty House, its many recreational facilities and its magnificent and expansive grounds to explore and enjoy.
“We help to place them in a relaxed frame of mind that’s conducive to a successful conference, even adding a few stress relievers such as on-site yoga sessions and meditation classes.”
Mr Barradale, whose rich hospitality experience includes executive positions at some of the finest establishments in Australia and internationally, added that the award acknowledges Mount Lofty House’s commitment to celebrating all the Adelaide Hills has to offer.
“We take great pride in supporting the community within which we operate, to the point where we source local food, wine and other supplies whenever and wherever possible – and support local tradespeople and professionals as far as possible,” he added.
Mount Lofty House is shortly embarking on the most significant development in 30 years including a signature bar, lounge and destination restaurant, an exclusive cellar packed with the finest wines from across the Adelaide Hills region followed by construction of 9 high-end villas overlooking the Piccadilly Valley.
Mount Lofty House is the largest single employer in the tourism sector in the Adelaide Hills, with a regular staff nudging 40 and rising to around 65 – and in some cases even topping 100 – when casuals are hired to assist with functions such as banquets and weddings.
Congratulations to Mount Lofty House and all the team, what a great achievement (and well deserved).
More News
