Purpose:
Recognises outstanding guest service and exceptional hospitality, celebrating those who provide unforgettable experiences that promote STRA as a preferred accommodation type.

Criteria:

• Positive Guest Feedback: Consistently high ratings on major booking platforms with detailed, specific comments regarding excellent service.
• Innovation in Guest Services: Utilisation of unique offerings or services that enhance guest satisfaction.
• Effective Use of Feedback: Demonstrates actively gathering, analysing, and using guest feedback to drive measurable service improvements.
• Deliberate Actions to Enhance Guest Experience: Evidence of intentional strategies and actions that lead to positive guest interactions.
• Guest Retention Rate: Demonstrates high repeat guest numbers or customer loyalty programs that contribute to guest retention.

Submissions are now closed. 

Purpose: 
Celebrates the most effective and well-run PMCs, recognising both emerging (100 properties or less) and established (101 properties or more) companies for operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry innovation. 

Criteria: 

• Positive Guest and Property Owner Feedback: Testimonials from both guests and property owners showcasing high satisfaction, including owner retention. 

• Community Engagement: Active involvement in local communities, through partnerships or contributions, that aligns with ASTRA’s mission. 

• Advocacy for the STR Industry: Demonstrates clear efforts to influence industry standards, policy, and market positioning, and commitment to advancing ASTRA’s objectives. 

• Quality Standards: High operational standards for quality, safety, and guest amenities. 

• Operational Efficiency: Evidence of strong internal processes, streamlined operations, and consistent performance, including effective use of technology to manage operations. 

• Staff/Team Engagement: Focus on providing career development, mentorship, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Evidence of investment in team growth and retention. 
• Vision and Mission: The company demonstrates a clear vision and mission for contributing to broader goals that property management alone. This could include community impact, sustainability initiatives, or a commitment to advancing the professionalisation of the STR industry.

Submissions are now closed. 

Purpose: 
Acknowledges industry partners who have made significant contributions to the STR ecosystem, enhancing the overall industry experience through tools, services, or partnerships. This category is open to all industry partners, including software providers, insurance providers, maintenance partners, product suppliers, amenity providers, etc. 

Criteria: 

• Industry Engagement: Proactive involvement in understanding and addressing the needs of STR clients, evidenced by collaborations with STR property managers, hosts, or associations. 

• Contribution to STR Ecosystem: The partner’s services or products should add measurable value to the industry, making STR operations more efficient, profitable, or sustainable. 

• Product Innovation: Evidence of continuous product updates or improvements that are aligned with industry feedback and trends. 

• Client Feedback: Strong testimonials and case studies demonstrating how the product or service has improved client performance and satisfaction. 

• Future-Focused Vision: Demonstrates forward-thinking and innovation, with clear plans to evolve the product/service in line with future industry challenges and needs. 

Submissions are now closed. 

Purpose: 
Celebrates an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication and excellence in their role, whether in customer service, operations, or leadership. This award shines a spotlight on those working both in guest-facing and behind the scenes roles to ensure STR success. 

Criteria: 

• Excellence in Service or Operations: Demonstrates consistent high performance in their role, going above and beyond to ensure exceptional service delivery. 

• Commitment to Professional Development: Evidence of continuous learning and growth within the STR industry, showing dedication to improving skills and knowledge. 

• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire colleagues, fostering a positive and productive team environment 

• Problem Solving: Proactively identifies and resolves challenges, demonstrating a high degree of initiative and creative thinking in difficult situations. 

• Guest and Team Impact: Demonstrated positive influence on guest satisfaction or team performance, including measurable results or feedback. 

Submissions are now closed. 

Purpose: 
Recognises individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to advocating for the STR industry, especially in pushing for balanced and evidence-based regulations, and championing STR’s value in broader industry discussions. 

Criteria: 

• Contribution to Advocacy Efforts: Active involvement in policy development, regulatory discussions, public forums, media, public speaking, or thought leadership aimed at improving the STR industry. 

• Visible Impact: Demonstrable outcomes from their advocacy efforts, such as changes in legislation, regulations, or public perception of STRs. 

• Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with other STR industry stakeholders to advocate for the sector. 

• Long-Term Commitment: Ongoing dedication to advancing the industry through consistent, sustained efforts over time. 

Submissions are now closed. 

1. Eligibility:
   To be eligible for the 2025 STRA Industry Awards, applicants must be current financial members of ASTRA.
2. Submission Requirements:
   All applications must be submitted by the published deadline using the official application form. Each application should clearly address the specific award criteria. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
3. Evaluation Criteria:
   Applications will be evaluated based on objective, transparent criteria set forth for each award category. The judging panel will assess all submissions fairly and consistently.
4. Consent for Promotion:
   By submitting an application, nominees agree to the use of their name, business name, and logo in any promotional materials related to the awards. This includes, but is not limited to, social media, press releases, and the ASTRA website.
5. Judging Panel:
   The judging panel will be carefully selected to ensure a diverse range of industry expertise. Panel members are committed to evaluating all submissions with absolute fairness. The integrity of the Awards judging process is paramount to safeguarding the privacy of nominees and all participants. Accordingly, the composition of the judging panel will remain confidential.
6. Final Decisions:
   The decisions of the judging panel are final. No correspondence regarding the outcomes of the awards will be entered into.
7. Attendance Requirement for Shortlisted Nominees:
   Shortlisted nominees are required to attend the 2025 Here to Stay Industry Awards function on 23 October 2025 as part of the Here to Stay Conference. If a shortlisted nominee is unable to attend in person, they must nominate a representative to attend the Awards function on their behalf. The representative must be authorised to accept the award on behalf of the nominee in the event that they are announced as the winner. Failure to have either the nominee or an authorised representative present may result in forfeiture of the award.
8. Conflict of Interest:
   All panel members are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including personal, professional, or financial associations with nominees. Appropriate measures will be implemented by the judging panel and the ASTRA Board to ensure impartiality and to prevent bias or discrimination during the evaluation process. Current ASTRA Directors, as well as the organisations they represent, are ineligible to enter the ASTRA Industry Awards.  For the avoidance of doubt, individuals involved in the Awards, including the Master of Ceremonies and conference organisers, as well as their close associates, are ineligible to enter the ASTRA Industry Awards.
   
9. Confidentiality:
   All submissions will be treated confidentially by the judging panel. Only shortlisted nominees and award winners will be publicly announced.
10. Disqualification:
    Applicants may be disqualified if any false or misleading information is found in their application, or if they fail to meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.

CLICK HERE to read the Categories, Judging Criteria & Terms and Conditions.