Australian Enterprise Awards 2025

Corporate Vision Waterfront Hotel of the Year 2025 – Tasmania Tasmanian tourism is on the rise, with significant advertising from local and state governments ensuring this continued growth. The east coast of Tasmania has proven to be one of the most popular locations in the region, as it is historically one of the driest and warmest areas of Tasmania. One establishment reaping the rewards of this surge in popularity is the Panorama Hotel, a delightful waterfront hotel surrounded by almost eight acres of natural lagoons and gardens. We learn more about the hotel from its owners Peter and Veronica, following its recent recognition in the Australian Enterprise Awards 2025. Jan25136 Georges Bay in St Helens, Tasmania, is a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by verdant greenery and breathtaking views of the surrounding water. The bay is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other sporting activities, whilst the town of St Helens itself is a charming fishing community with plenty to see and do, including local restaurants and nature trails. Situated on the foreshore of Georges Bay, the Panorama Hotel is quickly becoming the go-to destination for those visiting the east coast of Tasmania. Overlooking the gorgeous waterfront, the hotel is in the ideal place for tourists wishing to explore the rich beauty of Tasmania, offering a magnificent blend of stunning wildlife, exciting excursions, and an array of local establishments dotted around the bay. The Panorama Hotel’s unique location offers guests the luxury of both worlds, with stunning waterfront views and easy access to the foreshore walks, as well as being within a short walking distance to the centre of St Helens. Visitors can choose between immersing themselves in the local culture, exploring one of the many mountain trails, or unwinding on the private balcony with an unobstructed view of the amazing range of birdlife residing in the surrounding wetlands and bird sanctuary. Having gone under new ownership in December 2023, the Panorama Hotel has seen significant refurbishments over the last year, with plans for future adjustments already underway. Upon taking over the hotel, Peter tells us that he had undertaken extensive external renovations to the property, repainting the entire building and revitalising the entrance, gardens, and pool with new furnishing and landscaping. Now, the focus has shifted internally as the hotel’s 60 airconditioned bedrooms and bathrooms are repainted and refurbished with soft furnishings and fittings. Not only that, but the foyers and lobbies have been freshened up with stylish lighting and luxurious feature walls, in addition to its function room. What’s more, the restaurant and lounge bar areas have also undergone total transformations, with the rear deck now featuring new furniture, umbrellas, outdoor heating, and festive lights. While the new additions create a welcoming and comforting environment for guests, what truly makes the Panorama Hotel shine is its dedicated team and their pride in the establishment. “We pride ourselves on our excellent staff and the quality of our service and food,” says Veronica. “We are very much a family owned and operated business, and we look for sincerity, respect, honesty, and integrity in our team.” Naturally, to foster this internal culture, Peter dedicates himself to creating a collaborative and respectful environment where every team member feels valued and appreciated in their role. “We work to provide the best opportunities for our staff to be flexible around their roles and responsibilities, “Peter tells us. “We continually nurture them via face-to-face, one-on-one feedback, as well as group meetings and training sessions to encourage them to continue their efforts in striving to achieve the absolute best in customer service.” Since taking on the hotel in 2023, Peter, Veronica, and their team have achieved significantly in their mission to establish the Panorama Hotel on the map. Reflecting on his journey, Veronica tells us: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in 12 months, both as new owners and a family owned hotel. This is our third award that we have received in one year, as well as a significant improvement and turn around in our Google and Tripadvisor reviews and a matching increase in our accommodation and bistro performance.” Indeed, the hotel has garnered a number of five-star reviews and is ranked on Tripadvisor as the number one place to stay in St Helens. “Our favourite hotel in Tasmania,” writes one guest. “On the water’s edge with stunning views, the Panorama Hotel is a must-stay. The staff are unbelievably kind and welcoming, the food is generous and tasty with a good selection of Tasmanian wines. We had such a lovely stay and will be returning to the Panorama Hotel for sure.” Web Address: www.panoramahotelsthelens.com

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