Likiliku wins Best Luxury Accommodation

Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been awarded "Best Luxury Accommodation" in the annual AON Fiji Tourism Awards for Excellence announced last week.

Group GM of Likuliku, Steve Anstey said, "We are delighted to be recognised once again on a local level by our industry peers. Being a 100 per cent Fijian-owned resort with strong ties to local community and country, we are particularly proud to receive this award given our mandate to ensure that guests who visit Likuliku experience quintessential Fiji in all its forms."

Likuliku was also recently named in the 30th Anniversary edition of the prestigious USA magazine "Islands" as one of its Top 20 World's Greatest Escapes – the only Fijian resort to be listed and also received the honour of being featured on the front cover.

The resort has also been the recipient of Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine annual Gold List Award for "Best Overseas Resort" in 2010 and 2011 and is vying for the award again in 2012.

Since opening in 2007, Likuliku has welcomed nearly 90,000 guests from all over the world and has also welcomed back over 1,500 return guests with some couples up to their 10th stay.

The clearly dominant factor in the success of the guest experience at Likuliku has been the staff, whilst a unique approach to cuisine has set new benchmarks in Fiji dining. Executive Chef Ihaka Peri mandates that the majority of his ingredients are locally produced and procured – including from the Resort's own garden, ensuring not only absolute freshness, but a connection to the Fijian culture through the variety of cross-cultural indigenous ingredients combined with an innovative, modern and unique South Pacific style.

Situated in the Mamanuca group of islands in west Fiji, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is located 25km/16miles from Nadi International Airport. Guests can arrive at Likuliku by helicopter, seaplane, private speedboat, or fast catamaran transfer.

There are 45 bures, all air conditioned and offering mesmerising views of the coral lagoon and ocean, with the over-water bures suspended over the magnificent Lagoon's reef edge. The beating heart of the resort is the Central Facility housing the magnificent Fijian canoe house designed reception, signature restaurant, guest lounge, boutique and main bar. Guests can relax in the horizon-edge pool, rejuvenate in the gym or spa or watch the sun set at Masima Island Bar in the middle of the Lagoon in a very special piece of paradise.

Prices start from AUD$425*per person per night inclusive of all meals and non-motorised activities. Stay seven  nights and receive free return helicopter transfers for two*.

*approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates. Conditions apply.

Whatever the season, Honeymooners staying a minimum of five nights will receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne upon arrival and a one hour Serenity Couples Massage.

For reservations and enquiries:
Email: reservations@ahuraresorts.com
www.Likulikulagoon.com 

The Classic Safari Company celebrates the true art of luxury travel in 2012

 

20 new bespoke journeys launched to commemorate 20 years of opulence in travel

The Classic Safari Company was founded in 1992 by Julie McIntosh in order to share her passion for Africa.  With the same ambition Sarah Hoyland later joined the company and together they have created Australia's premier bespoke safari travel company.

Whilst the emphasis on Africa's natural splendours and unique wildlife remains, The Classic Safari Company is proud to have enhanced its collection of exclusive, rewarding wilderness travel experiences to incorporate travel through India, Latin America and the Indian Ocean Islands.

In 2012 The Classic Safari Company celebrates 20 years of inspirational journeys by showcasing 20 truly indulgent itineraries.  There are 10 tailor made adventures and 10 exclusively escorted safaris to delight in.

In Africa track endangered Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda with John Rendall of Christian the Lion fame, spice it up in the Serengeti with celebrity chef Christine Manfield or soar above the Namib Desert with Taronga Zoo Governor Guy Cooper. Naturalist Margaret Jones will guide a Southern Africa wildlife sojourn whilst Joe Charleson, professional Ker & Downey guide, will provide an education on Kenya's Conservation. Well-known Australian artist Elisabeth Cummings takes an art safari to paint the colours of Kruger National Park, and Student Vets head off on an animal capture adventure in South Africa.

In Latin America join The Classic Safari Company's resident zoologist, Julia Salnicki, and sail the Galapagos, explore the estancias of Argentina with global safari guide Susie McGregor or ride across the Pampas in true gaucho style with Baron Jakob von Plessen.

On the Indian continent satisfy your soul by joining their Spring into India Safari escorted by kinesiologist Angela Bellew, ride through Rajasthan with Indian Royalty or join a Healing Journey into the Himalaya.

Or simply relax on an exotic & remote Indian Ocean Island.

Clients travel with The Classic Safari Company because of the lavish personal care taken in tailor making every itinerary. The insightful safari specialists seek out operators that excel in providing a 'luxurious bush experience', exceptional hospitality, professionalism in the fields of guiding and conservation and who have an affinity for offering clients the most authentic and unobtrusive wilderness experience.

For further information please contact The Classic Safari Company on 1300 130218 or info@classicsafaricompany.com.au

Qantas Magazine launches new iPad app

Digital edition of the Qantas in-flight magazine Qantas The Australian Way.

From 1 March, Qantas customers will be able to access the Qantas magazine anywhere, anytime - making it their personalised travel library.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said he was thrilled to launch a vibrant digital version of the inflight magazine for the iPad.

"This was the obvious next step for our ever popular magazine. Our magazine is Australia's best read in-flight magazine and we know our unique content will provide iPad users with a valuable resource for their travel planning," Mr Joyce said.

"This new app means that people all around the globe, including Australians living overseas, will be able to enjoy Qantas The Australian Way.

The print version of Qantas The Australian Way will still be carried on all Qantas domestic and international flights and available for customers to take home. The digital app version is a response to customer requests for subscriptions, back copies, digital files and page re-prints over the years.

Customers will now have access to all of the great features of the print edition with its famous city guides, news, sport, business and leisure features and the app edition will include additional videos and photo galleries.

The Qantas magazine app is available at the App store and is free to download from 1 March 2012. Search for Qantas magazine.

Qantas The Australian Way


Qantas The Australian Way is Australia's best read and most trusted airline magazine that has developed a reputation for award-winning destination guides, photography and journalism. It's filled with dining, shopping and destination tips to inspire our customers' travel in Australia and around the world. It also features the latest onboard entertainment information, as well as airport maps and other useful information to help our customers once they arrive at their destination. Qantas The Australian Way is Australia's best read in-flight title with an average 437,000 readers each issue (Roy Morgan Readership Survey, December 2011).

Virgin Samoa celebrates first flight

Virgin Australia has celebrated the inaugural flight home of Virgin Samoa’s aircraft, Tapu’itea, carrying its new colours, the Virgin Samoa brand and upgraded interior.

A formal welcome celebration was hosted by the Government of Samoa and joint venture partner, Virgin Australia, to mark the historic event.

“(With the launch) we take the national airline of Samoa into the future,” said Mark Pitt, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Samoa.

Virgin Samoa new livery

“The new livery will increase the airline’s visibility in the eyes of local Samoans and those living abroad, as Samoa’s national flag carrier. Since announcing the new name in December last year, the response from the Samoan people has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The development of Virgin Samoa’s new livery and interior design elements were guided by renowned brand and identity designer, Hans Hulsbosch, and Virgin Australia’s in-house brand team.

“The new look and feel of Virgin Samoa is consistent with the Virgin Australia brand while underlining the special, uniquely Samoan, cultural elements that make it the people’s airline of Samoa,” Virgin Australia General Manager, Marketing, Michael Betteridge said.

“This is represented on the aircraft through the palm tree design and the ‘Airline of Samoa’ tag line on the fuselage; and a key element of the airline’s new visual language is the tatau designed by Samoan master tattooist, Tulouena Sua Tuifasisina Letelemaa’ana. It features on the aircraft’s engines and on the scarves and ties worn by Virgin Samoa Cabin Crew.

“Mr Sua originally developed the unique tatau design in 2007 to represent the coming together of Polynesian Airlines and Virgin Australia to form their new joint venture and it felt only right that our future should carry a respectful reference to our past.”

Thai animal sanctuary raided after chief speaks out

Lucy Clark treats a wounded tiger at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand.

A PARTLY Australian-funded wildlife rescue foundation whose chief spoke out about the illegal poaching of baby elephants in Thailand has been raided and had 103 animals taken away by Thai parks officials.

Several Australian witnesses say many of the animals, including endangered species, were injured during the raids over four days on the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand centre in south-west Thailand by up to 100 armed men, some of them wearing balaclavas to hide their identities.

The raids followed claims by the organisation's founder and director, Edwin Wiek, that more than half the elephants in tourist camps across Thailand have been illegally caught in the wild when they were young, sometimes by poachers who shoot their mothers or other members of their herd that try to protect them. ''I would say between 100 to 250 baby elephants are smuggled from the wild each year,'' says Mr Wiek, a Dutchman who has worked to protect abused animals in Thailand for years.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/world/thai-animal-haven-raided-after-poaching-claim-20120226-1twel.html#ixzz1nij2z5kU

Red Planet Hotels expand

Red Planet Hotels, a Bangkok-based hotel investment and development company, is taking the Tune Hotels brand to Thailand, the Philippines and soon, to more locations in Indonesia.

Further extensive expansion plans in more Asian other countries will soon be announced.

The Tune Hotels concept of pay as you go – you don’t pay for anything in the room that you don’t need – has proven exceptionally successful.

All rooms come with a five-star bed, power shower, desk, ceiling fan and hair dryer. Optional extras include television, air conditioning, high-speed wi fi and a towel and basic toiletries.

Red Planet Hotels has opened Tune Hotels in Hat Yai and Pattaya in Thailand and Angeles City, Cebu and Ermita in the Philippines. These five hotels will be joined by another six Red Planet Hotels-owned Tune properties by the end of 2012.

PATA announces the Grand and Gold Award Winners for 2012

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 PATA Gold Awards. The awards have long been proudly supported and sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). This year, the awards recognise the achievements of 21 separate organisations and individuals.

Some 27 PATA Grand and Gold Awards are being presented this year, with multiple awards going to Hong Kong Tourism Board as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Tourism Malaysia. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at The Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the PATA Annual Conference, which takes place April 20-22.

PATA Grand Awards are presented to outstanding entries in four principal categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment; and Heritage and Culture. This year, the Grand Awards go to the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, for Education and Training; Tourism Authority of Thailand for Environment; Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka for Heritage and Culture; and Tourism New Zealand for Marketing.

MGTO Director Mr Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said, “Our applause goes to all the winners for their remarkable achievements. We are proud to commend their excellence as a sponsor to the PATA Gold Awards again this year. It is no easy task for the judges to determine the winners, given the number and quality of the entries, and the 27 PATA Grand and Gold Awards are testimonies to the efforts of these NTOs, organizations and individuals who have done their best in the sustainable development and promotion of the travel and tourism industry.”

PATA Grand Awards 2012

1. Education and Training
Passport to Success
Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Laos

2. Environment
7 Green Concepts
Tourism Authority of Thailand

3. Heritage and Culture
Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka

4. Marketing
Rugby World Cup 2011 Marketing Campaign
Tourism New Zealand

PATA Gold Awards 2012

1. Marketing - Primary Government Destination (PG)
A Million Experiences to Share
Tourism Malaysia

2. Marketing - Secondary Government Destination (SG)
The White Rann
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, India

3. Marketing - Allied Partner (AP)
germany.travel: Multilingual website for Destination Germany
German National Tourist Board

4. Marketing - Industry (IN)
Hong Kong Disneyland 5th Anniversary Integrated Travel Trade Marketing Campaign
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong SAR

5. Environment - Ecotourism Project (EC)
Organic Agriculture Project, Sukhothai Airport
Tourism Authority of Thailand

6. Environment - Corporate Environmental Programme (CO)
Jetwing SEA – A Greener Vision
Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka

7. Environment - Educational Programme (ED)
Frangipani Langkawi Waste Water System
The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa Malaysia, Malaysia

8. Heritage and Culture - Heritage (HE)
Ban Na Ton Chan Community
Tourism Authority of Thailand

9. Heritage and Culture - Culture (CU)
Ramayana Prambanan Ballet: Preserved the Tradition Javanese Culture
PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Indonesia

10. Education and Training (ET)
Banyan Tree Spa Academy
Banyan Tree Spa, Thailand

11. Marketing Media - Consumer Travel Brochure (BR)
Luxury Escapades
Cox & Kings, India

12. Marketing Media - Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media (AD-B)
Touch Korea – Power Spot
Korea Tourism Organization, Korea ROK

13. Marketing Media - Travel Advertisement Print Media (AD-P)
Hong Kong - Asia's World City Destination Image Print Ad Campaign
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR

14. Marketing Media - Travel Poster (PO)
Poster Orang Utan, Diving, Mt Kinabalu, Homestay & Siti Khadijah Marke
Malaysia Tourism Board (Tourism Malaysia)

15. Marketing Media - Promotional Travel Video (VI)
Hong Kong - Asia's World City Brand Video
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR

16. Marketing Media - Public Relations Campaign (PR)
Madame Tussauds Stamps Out the Competition
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Hong Kong SAR

17. Marketing Media - CD-Rom (CD)
Naturally Nepal
Nepal Tourism Board

18. Marketing Media - Web site (WS)
2011 Hong Kong Summer Spectacular Mini site
Hong Kong Tourism Board

19. Marketing Media - E-Newsletter (EN)
Art of Travel
Sita, India

20. Travel Journalism - Destination Article (TJ-D)
Can this be Paradise?, October 2011 by Peter Jon Lindberg
Travel + Leisure, USA

21. Travel Journalism - Industry Business Article (TJ-I)
Bhutan Rolls out the Welcome Mat, October 2011 by Arnie Weissmann
Travel Weekly - USA

22. Travel Journalism - Travel Photograph (TJ-P)
Coron Island After Sunset, Mabuhay Magazine, November 2011 by George Tapan
Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Philippines

23. Travel Journalism - Travel Guidebook (TJ-G)
The Great Outdoor Series
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR.

Bali Airport Set for $211 million Upgrade

Expansion of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport will start this month, beginning with a project to relieve traffic congestion, according to a senior airport official.

State-owned airport management company PT Angkasa Pura I, which manages Ngurah Rai, is ready to start the first part of a four phase expansion project that will cost an estimated Rp 1.9 trillion (approximately US$211 million), according to company director Mr Tommy Soetomo.

“Construction will begin in February. So far we haven’t missed a deadline. Everything remains on schedule,” Tommy Soetomo said on the sidelines of ceremony inaugurating Ngurah Rai’s new general manager.

“The project will be divided into four phases. The first phase includes building access roads for the surrounding environment and the second phase is building a parking area.”

“The third phase is building the terminal, which will start in March or April this year. The fourth phase is creating an automatic baggage handling system.”

The company will build a new international terminal and convert the airports current international terminal to a domestic terminal. The project will also include construction of a three-story parking lot capable of accommodating 1,500 cars.

The terminal will also be equipped with a transit hotel to accommodate the passengers of cancelled flights. The airport’s domestic terminal is currently operating over capacity, accommodating 4.5 million passengers a year — three times its maximum load.

The airport’s terminals will span 190,000 square metres and be able to accommodate 20 million passengers a year after the expansion project is complete in 2013.

“Currently around 11 million passengers a year arrive and depart through this airport, and the number keeps rising. That’s why we should complete the project as soon as possible,” Tommy said.

“If we don’t address the overcapacity problem it will affect safety and security,” he added.

For the first phase, the company will disburse Rp 227.7 billion in investment. The second phase has been estimated to require Rp 344 billion, while the third and fourth phases have been budgeted for Rp 1.2 trillion and Rp 100 billion, respectively.

The state budget and the government’s investment centre, which is comprised of state banks Bank Mandiri, BNI and BRI, will fund Rp 1.2 trillion of the expansion’s proposed budget, while the remainder will be taken from the company’s cash reserves.

Once the fourth phase is completed, the airport will be the first in Indonesia to have a barcode-driven automatic baggage handling system.

Ngurah Rai’s new airport general manager, Purwanto, said the company would take preventative measures to reduce overcrowding at the airport during construction.

As part of the project to ease traffic congestion around the airport, a consortium of four state companies will build a toll road connecting Serangan and Tanjung Benoa.

The 11.5-kilometre toll road, which will cost an estimated Rp 3.5 trillion, will be built by Angkasa Pura I, toll road operator Jasa Marga, seaport operator Pelindo III and the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC).

The expansion project is also part of the nation's preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held on the resort island in 2013.

TRIPADVISOR LAUNCHES FLIGHT SEARCH IN AUSTRALIA

TripAdvisor Flights Brings Greater Transparency and Selection to Online Flight Searches

More Flyer Power: Enter destination, travel dates, number of travellers, including options for return, one-way or multi city and TripAdvisor returns hundreds of options to find the best price and itinerary

TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the launch of its flight search engine in Australia, allowing travellers to find the perfect flight for their travel needs. The flight search engine, now available on tripadvisor.com.au, offers a number of innovative features including a first-of-its-kind Fees Estimator for all those extras that some airlines charge and airline ratings from real fliers.

"Over the past three years, TripAdvisor Flights has helped tens of millions of travellers across North America and Europe uncover worldwide flight choices and the lowest airfares," said Bryan Saltzburg, General Manager of TripAdvisor Flights. "With the launch of TripAdvisor Flights in Australia, we are excited to bring our flight search to even more travellers around the globe. Now, Australians will have access to the most comprehensive set of tools to research flight options, from our innovative Fees Estimator to airline ratings from fellow fliers."

Estimate all the prices upfront: TripAdvisor shows you the costs you can anticipate including baggage fees, seat selection and payment methods. See the full picture when choosing an airline

TripAdvisor offers one of the widest selections of flight choices available on the Web. Travellers will be able to see direct booking links to several travel companies in Australia including Expedia, Zuji, Jetabroad and BYOJet. Domestic and regional low-cost carriers will also be included.

Australians travelling within Europe will also benefit from unprecedented travel options with TripAdvisor's display of comparative rail itineraries, alongside flight options via Rail Europe Australia.

Additionally, TripAdvisor Flights offers a number of helpful features to make flight search much easier, including:

• An innovative Fees Estimator that helps travellers better understand the true cost of their flight with airline baggage, meal and credit card fees, all in a single Australian dollar display.
• Thousands of airline ratings from real fliers show how different airlines stack up across eight flight experience categories.
• Availability of flight search through the TripAdvisor app and mobile website.
• Colour-coded seat maps from SeatGuru that enable travellers to distinguish the best seats from the worst.

TripAdvisor Flights is available from today on tripadvisor.com.au/flights and through the TripAdvisor mobile apps for the iPhone, Android, Palm and Windows Phone 7 smartphones, and the iPad.

Community Spirit in Byron Bay

BY RODERICK EIME IN BYRON BAY

Every Wednesday at 7.45am, guests at The Byron at Byron gather for Executive Chef Gavin Hughes’ farmer’s market tour.

As a testament to their creativity and social acumen, Hughes involves in-house guests in his own weekly shop for fresh local produce at the popular local market thronged by regional producers and growers.

“It’s our little way of giving back to the community who have supported us in the seven years since we opened,” says Hughes introducing the group personally to the vendors, “just why all regional properties don’t do something like this I don’t know.”

Hughes says The Byron sources over 80 per cent of produce from the local area and about 20 per cent from the market itself. Greens, fruit, nuts, sauces, mushrooms and vegetables are just some of the items he buys every week from the stands.

“This guy here asks me nearly every week ‘what can I grow for you?’”, he says introducing me to Alistair whose stall is awash with bright green organic bok choy and citrus, “here’s a bag of zucchini flowers he produces especially for us. We deep fry them in our tempura batter.”

Further along, past an interesting gent singing carols in bow tie and bare feet, we meet Donna Harper. When she’s not working at the local ABC radio station as a journalist, Donna turns out some of the best mushrooms around. The two are obviously well acquainted and a cheeky banter is quickly struck up. Hughes is a fortnightly guest on her popular talkback show, swapping recipes and talking about the latest produce coming into season.

But the market is not just a commercial outlet for local, low volume producers, it’s a statement about the quirky little town’s ferocious independence. Only recently, carefully screened “guest growers” have been permitted to offer their goods alongside local farmers. Today it’s white cherries from Orange.

“Let me introduce you to Martin and Pam,’ says Hughes gently ushering me across to a relaxed couple quietly enjoying a sample of the out-of-town cherries, “Martin grows the best macadamia nuts around.”

Martin and Pam turn out to be the owners of Brook Farm, a boutique producer who have found fame outside the mass market, supermarket melee that has damaged so many others. Yes, you’ll find Brook Farm macadamia yoghurt muesli on your first class and business breakfast trays in Qantas aircraft as well as the lounges.

“We resisted going to the big two supermarkets because there is inevitably a compromise in quality one has to make to meet the prices imposed by these guys,” says Martin, casually pulling a cherry stalk through his teeth. “Word-of-mouth (excuse the pun) has really been our best marketing tool.”

As Hughes directs his team from a roughly scrawled ‘battle plan’, the produce is packed back into the van along with the guests and the whole operation is wrapped up in about an hour.

“It really gives me a good feeling,” says Hughes, who has been with The Byron since day one in 2004, “my kids go to school here and we live and work in the community on a daily basis. It’s a simple, pro-active thing to do and generates heaps of goodwill. Hey, and it’s fun too!”

Costa cruise ship adrift off Seychelles after fire

Costa Allegra is on fire and adrift in the Indian Ocean

AN Italian cruise ship from the same fleet as the tragedy-struck Costa Concordia was adrift in choppy seas off the Seychelles with more than 1000 people on board following an engine room fire overnight.

Fire crews on board put out the blaze and no one was injured on the luxury ship, the Costa Allegra, but it was forced to make a mayday call seeking assistance from nearby cargo ships and there has been a power blackout.

The Italian coast guard said the first vessel to come to the rescue, a 90-metre (295-foot) fishing trawler, was expected to arrive in the area at around midnight Italian time and another four hours after that.

Read more:

Boeing Delivers First 747-8 Intercontinental VIP Airplane

First of nine 747-8 VIP airplanes will enter service after interior-completion program

Boeing (NYSE: BA) celebrated a major achievement in the effort to create a Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century, delivering the first 747-8 Intercontinental VIP airplane to an undisclosed customer. The airplane, which was delivered with a minimal interior, will enter service in 2014 after its VIP interior is installed.

"This is a great day for Boeing," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747 is the most iconic airplane in the world, and I know customers are going to love what we've done to enhance its performance. The Intercontinental is fast, efficient and quiet, offering real savings and a great flying experience. And I believe it's one of the most beautiful airplanes in the sky."

The VIP version of the 747-8 Intercontinental provides a cabin with 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters). This 747-8 VIP will include Greenpoint Technologies' Aeroloft, located above the main cabin between the upper deck and tail of the 747-8 VIP, giving the airplane 393 square feet (36.5 square meters) of additional cabin space. The Aeroloft will be installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Wichita, Kan.

With Aeroloft, the VIP-configured 747-8 offers a total of 5,179 square feet (481.1 square meters) of cabin space, can carry 100 passengers and has a range of about 8,840 nautical miles (16,372 km). It provides double-digit improvements in fuel burn and emissions over the 747-400, and is 30 percent more quiet. With a normal cruise speed of Mach 0.86, it is the fastest large commercial jet.

The 747-8 VIP jet is the only large airplane in its class that fits today's airport infrastructure, giving its owners the flexibility to fly to more destinations. Building on the current 747's capability to fly into most airports worldwide, the 747-8 VIP uses the same pilot type ratings, services and most ground support equipment.

To date, undisclosed customers have ordered nine 747-8 VIP airplanes.

New wellness retreat launches on Kimberley Coast

The far North Kimberley's iconic Kimberley Coastal Camp is set to launch its first yoga and wellness retreat this June.

Hosted by Ryoho yoga therapist and host of Australia's Yoga TV - Kris McIntyre, the 3 day all inclusive package will feature meditation, nutrition, yoga, massage and reflexology at one of Australia's most secluded destinations. Guests are invited to experience intimate encounters with ancient cultures and rock art so old its origins are lost in time, native wildlife, pristine isolated beaches, bush walking, gourmet meals including fresh locally caught seafood, and luxurious beach front accommodation.

This unique opportunity to reconnect with nature includes a complimentary helicopter access only yoga session! Early birds can take advantage of the special EARLY BIRD OFFER – 10% off if booked before 10 April 2012.

Kimberley Coastal Camp is a small luxury wilderness lodge located on country know to traditional owners as Yalrundair, overlooking the Timor Sea. Open from late March to October each year, Kimberley Coastal Camp limits guests to just 12 and with access restricted to helicopter and float plane it is one of the world's most secluded and unspoiled destinations.

The first Kimberley Coastal Camp wellness retreat will be held from the 9th to the 12th of June 2012. All inclusive packages departing Broome are $4936 per person or $4685 from Kununurra.

Telephone: 0417 902 006 Email: info@kimberleycoastalcamp.com.au

Web: www.kimberleycoastalcamp.com.au

Tokoriki Sponsors ITS TIME FOUNDATION to Help Fijian Schools

Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji has recently announced a sponsorship of Its Time Foundation, which assists remote Pacific Island schools replace their diesel power with solar or wind enabling them to spend their limited funds on books, computers and other desperately needed resources rather than fuel.

Tokoriki Island Resort's sponsorship will help replace diesel generated power at Namamanuca Primary School in Yanuya Village with solar power.

"We are really proud to be able to help such a worthy Foundation that helps so many schools and children benefit from a better education. The money saved on fuel will now be used to buy books, computers and other desperately needed education resources. We also welcome guests to contribute which is a great way to reduce their holiday carbon footprint in assisting to protect the coral, fish and the island people from climate change." says Robert Ring, General Manager, Tokoriki Island Resort

Yanuya Village, the landowners of Tokoriki Island is a short boat ride away from the resort and is home to around 500 people, including many of the Tokoriki team. Tokoriki has also contributed to Yanuya Village with the building of the Kindergarten, media centre/library, 3 new teacher's quarters and recently renovated the Head Masters home.

Its Time Foundation has both an environmental and social focus, delivering renewable power solutions for remote Pacific Island schools with the duel objectives of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing education in the target communities.

Its Time Foundation is not the only sponsorship Tokoriki Island Resort is associated with. Tokoriki is a founding member of the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) and is committed to improving and protecting the local environment through awareness and education.  MES contribute to the community in many different ways, from programs in the Mamanuca schools, to clean up campaigns in the local villages. Tokoriki Island Resort supports MES through its founding membership plus Tokoriki's guests are also major contributors to the society.

Dive Tokoriki and the Ministry of Fisheries have also initiated "The Tokoriki Island Giant Clam Regeneration Project". Three species of Clams: Tridacna Giga (Giant), Tridacna Squamosa (Fluted) and Tridacna Derasa (Smooth) have been planted around Tokoriki Island. This is a significant conservation step for Fiji as the Tridacna Gigas and Tridacna Derasa are the first of their species to be re-introduced to Western Fiji – having become extinct in the 1960s.

For further information visit www.tokoriki.com or http://www.iitime.org/

For booking and enquiries please contact:  World Resorts of Distinction on P: 07 5524 5222 Email: sales@wrd.com.au

Global Publishing Appoints Daisy Melwani

Global Publishing is pleased to announce the appointment of Daisy Melwani as Editor, Digital Media Manager, effective April 1, 2012. 

Having extensive travel industry experience, Daisy has been brought in to enhance Global Publishing's online presence as well as to contribute to its existing print publications Vacations & Travel, Golf Vacations, the annual V&T Holiday Planner and annual V&T Venues & Destinations Planner.

Anthony Gallagher, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, said: "We are delighted to have Daisy on-board at this stage of her career - she is the right person at the right time for our expansion as digital travel publishers. Her existing sales relationships are also a great fit for our growing client base. While our printed publications are enjoying record readership with post-GFC advertising support returning, the future of Global Publishing is in its online offerings."

Daisy joins Global Publishing after eight years at Agents Support Systems as Editor & Marketing Executive for industry websites: e-Travel Blackboard, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Americas and ETB MICE. She was also directly involved with the website's re-launch in 2010 and the implementation of OBrochure and its Experience Guides in 2011. Daisy has a degree in journalism from the University of Technology Sydney. 

Vacations & Travel magazine is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2013 and continues to be regarded as the country's most popular travel magazine. In January 2012, Global Publishing announced it had sold the rights of the magazine to be published in the Middle East and Northern Africa and will be printed in Arabic with the first issue out in April 2012.

Natasha Dragun, who has successfully developed the company's print and social media platform since she joined the company, will move from the position of Editor to Managing Editor across the group's titles.

Business Events News: Free subscription

Are you a business events professional? Receive your complimentary copy of BEN.

Business Events News is Australia's newest publication for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry.

Brought to you by the same team who produce the country's most respected travel industry newsletter, Travel Daily, Business Events Newsis  published three times a week. Choose PDF attachment or downloadable link.

Free subscription

Mantra Group Set For Increased Inbound Tourism Into South East Queensland

South East Queensland is basking not only in the warmth of the sun but also in the announcement of increased flight routes into the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, offering greater opportunity to tap into the inbound tourism dollar, according to Queensland's largest accommodation provider, Mantra Group - who operate the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree hotel brands.

Air New Zealand announced this week they will start a twice-weekly direct service from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast in July not only opening up the destination to the Kiwi market but further afield with flight connections with the airline's US ports.

"The relationship with New Zealand travellers will now be even stronger with this increased flight capacity and to have a link to the all important US market for this region is an exciting prospect," said Mantra Group CEO, Bob East.

"With over 1000 rooms available in the Group's Mantra and BreakFree properties in Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Alexandra Beach we are well placed to service the expected increase in visitors."

Likewise, the announcement earlier this month of Singapore Airlines subsidiary, Scoot Airlines direct flights from Singapore - the world's largest flight hub - into the Gold Coast means global connections are now in place.

"The greatest benefit from Scoot flights into the Gold Coast is the 150 ports that feed directly into Singapore - by securing Scoot the Gold Coast has opened access from all major source markets from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

"The tourism sector will obviously benefit hugely from this and our network of over 20 hotels on the Gold Coast will cater perfectly to this market - especially Peppers Broadbeach which provides a boutique apartment accommodation option unlike no other on the Gold Coast. Likewise, our Mantra properties provide some 1900 rooms to cater for the expected numbers."

Mantra Group is the largest accommodation provider in Queensland with over 50 Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments.

The Most Amazing New York Sightseeing Tours

New York City is the most popular tourist destination city. Millions of tourists visit the city every year. The New York sightseeing tours usually takes weeks to complete. And it is because there is so much to see and explore. When you travel to New York, you need more than just the city map to make the most of your New York tours. You should know where to eat, what places to visit, and how to get around in the city. If you are unable to decide on what places to visit, here is a guide to help you plan your trip to New York.

The most famous New York Tours include: the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, The Guggenheim and Madame Tussard's Wax Museum. You will have a wonderful time visiting Broadway theaters and museums for example the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As stated earlier the Empire State Building is the New York's most popular tourist's attraction. This place is worth visiting because of its gargantuan stature. And not only this, you will be amazed to see how magnificently the Empire State Building lights up during the night and it provides you with an awe inspiring scene. From the top floor of the Empire State Building, you will be able to see a splendid view of the Big Apple and the metropolitan region neighboring it. You will be amazed to view the entire New York City just by riding an escalator of the Empire State Building.

The Statue of Liberty is a chief tourist attraction and is the most famous recognizable icon of the United States of America. If you go into the Statue of Liberty, you will get an extraordinary view of how the Statue of Liberty was fashioned. You will be awestruck to see its marvelous engineering. At the Guggenheim museum you will be astounded by its extensive compilation of art. Other than this, you will also be glad to view the brilliant setting and collection in the Madame Tussard's Wax Museum. Other than these places you can also enjoy with your family at the Washington Square Park, Central Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. Children are always excited about visiting the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo. And if you love shopping, then you must go for shopping along Madison and Fifth Avenues. Events like the Tribeca Film Festival, the Halloween Parade in the Greenwich Village, and lively performances in Central Park at Summer-stage. To make your tour comfortable, the New York City has extensive transport system. You can conveniently travel by New York bus tours, boat, and helicopter for sightseeing in New York Tours.

Accor Launches New Incentive for Conferences to Asia

Accor and A|Club will launch a new meetings and incentive promotion at AIME in Melbourne this year, rewarding planners who book a conference at its extensive range of hotels and resorts across Asia this year.

A bonus 10,000 Meeting Planner Points and a complimentary welcome reception will be extended to every planner that books a new conference or event, with a minimum spend of €4,000, at a participating Asian hotels.

Planners can select from more than 45 different Accor hotels and resorts located in key destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, China, India, South Korea and Malaysia.

The offer is valid for new bookings made between the 21st of February and the 31st of August, for conferences and incentive stays taken between the 21st of February and 31st of December 2012.

In addition, meeting planners who confirm and pay for a conference within the promotion period will go in the draw to win a four-night holiday to Thailand for two, including return economy airfares, accommodation and breakfast daily (drawn 31st of August).

Accor Asia Pacific's Director of Sales for the Leisure Meeting & Events sector, Kerry Healy, says the incentive offer represents tremendous value for planners.

"Typically €2 will earn planners 1 A|Club Point, which for a minimum €4,000 equates to 2000 point," she said. "This promotion however entitles each planner not only to the points they would generally expect to earn from the dollar amount spent, but an additional 10,000 bonus points per event the organise. The value speaks for itself."

Both Meeting Points and Bonus Points are credited to the individual's A|Club membership account once receipt of the final payment has been received by the conference hotel and the event has concluded.*

Enquiries can be sent via meeting-solutions.thailand@accor.com. Conference planners can visit www.a-club.com for detailed information.

*The offer is applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. General terms and conditions of A-Club and A-Club Meeting Planner apply.

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) Revs Up with 49 Bid Wins in 2011

Conventions worth an estimated RM382 million in economic impact heading to Malaysia

A total of 49 international and regional conventions have been secured for Malaysia by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) with industry partners in 2011.

Malaysia's stellar performance and the strong display of commitment by Ministry of Tourism, various government agencies, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and other strategic partners in securing business events for the country further reinforce Malaysia's positioning as Asia's Business Events Hub.

"With an average of 730 delegates per event, these conventions are expected to attract over 35,750 delegates to Malaysia between 2012-2019 and generate in excess of RM382 million (EUR91 million, USD123 million, AUD123 million) in economic impact for the country," said Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, MyCEB.

One of the most significant successes includes the world's largest meeting of Chinese finance and insurance professionals, the International Dragon Award Annual Conference 2013 (5,000 delegates), Women Deliver Conference 2013 (4,500 delegates).

Initiatives like the Malaysia Twin Deal programme for the Chinese market proven successful having already secured 13 groups with 9,000 delegates confirmed from the campaign. The Twin Deals programme has been extended to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and other key markets soon.

The period in review also saw MyCEB providing support towards 198 business events, including 130 conventions, 62 corporate meetings/incentives and 6 exhibitions. These events accounted for 150,935 delegates with an estimated RM 1 billion (EUR254 million, USD344 million, AUD344 million) in economic impact.

"We view these positive results as very promising for Malaysia entering the new financial year (2012). With our new branding campaign launch 'Malaysia - Asia's Business Events Hub' plus a host of other initiatives introduced including a sales mission to China, Industry Partner Programme, implementation of a Customer Relationship Management programme and a growing focus on innovation, we hope to continue these efforts to progressively realise our mission," added Mr Zulkefli.

Highlights of conventions secured in 2011:

• 81st Annual Scientific Congress of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 2012 - 2,500 delegates
• 43rd Union World Conference on Lung Health 2012 - 2,800 delegates
• 8th Design & Health World Congress & Exhibition 2012 - 1,000 delegates
• 9th World Congress of Chinese Medicine 2012 - 1,000 delegates
• 7th IAS HIV Conference in Pathogenesis, treatment and Prevention 2013 - 5,000 -6,000 delegates
• International Dragon Award (IDA) Annual Conference 2013 - 5,000 delegates
• Women Deliver Conference 2013 - 4,500 delegates
• 12th International Congress on Obesity 2014 - 3,000 delegates
• Human Genome Meeting 2015 - 1,000 delegates

Billionaire Clive Palmer de-flags Hyatt Regency Coolum

BY JAMES WILKINSON / HM Magazine

Billionaire Queensland businessman Clive Palmer has unbranded Hyatt Regency Coolum in what is set to turn into a legal battle between Australia’s fifth richest man and the Chicago-based hotel chain.

Palmer has rebranded the property as The Coolum Golf Resort and Spa and national newspapers were today reporting that the multi-billionaire is set to sue Hyatt for $60 million for “misused funds”.

“We believe Hyatt has been syphoning funds over the years back to their headquarters in Chicago and there has been a major cover up of these activities,” The Sunshine Coast Daily reported Palmer as saying.

READ FULL STORY

One of a kind convention and exhibition centre launched at AIME

A one of a kind convention centre, currently under construction at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, has been officially launched to the industry during the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne today.

RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny was joined by Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau Director Annabel Sullivan to unveil Brisbane’s newest convention centre, which is projected to attract more than 220 events and 30,000 visitors annually.

“The RNA is proud to announce the world-class $59 million Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) will open in March 2013 and bookings are being taken now,” he said.

“It is the only convention and exhibition centre currently under construction in Australia with work set to be completed by December.

“The RICC is part of stage one of our exciting $2.9 billion 15 year RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project, which will transform the site into a vibrant year-round destination offering a unique lifestyle and cultural hub.”

Mr Tunny said the historic regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds – a famous Queensland social heritage and cultural landmark – will cement its place as a leading national and international events precinct.

“It represents Australia’s largest Brownfield development, is the most significant urban renewal project in Brisbane since South Bank and includes 340,000m2 of new residential, commercial and retail precinct development,” he said.

Mr Tunny said the 22,000m2 multi-level centre is set to hold international, national and local business events, which in 2010-2011 pumped a total of $212 million* into the Brisbane economy.

“Situated in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, the new RICC is ideally located just 1.6 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and 15 minutes from international and domestic airports,” he said.

“It will sit pride of place on the 22 hectare RNA Showgrounds site, which is Brisbane’s biggest indoor/outdoor events venue attracting a million visitors a year.”

Mr Tunny said the RICC offered Australian first features including a custom-built operable ceiling grid system which can cut exhibition set-up time by up to a day.

“It is the only centre nationally to feature this state-of-the-art rigging system which will result in less labour, less time and less set-up costs,” he said.

“The 30, 9m2 frames are each capable of a 700kg load, are fitted with power and network ports and able to be lowered by remote control.”

Mr Tunny said the RICC is positioned to stage domestic and international, business and social events and will be supported by a professional team of in-house event planners, an operations team and experienced catering staff.

“Our catering facilities will be world-class and feature 12 of the latest designed self-cooking centres, capable of serving 2,600 plates in 40 minutes,” he said.

“The ovens enable us to produce fresh food on a daily basis for large numbers and feature a computerised system to track and monitor the quality of food being served.”

Mr Tunny said the RNA Showgrounds has a long and close relationship with the Queensland community and this new centre has been specifically designed to cater for Brisbane’s significant growth.

“The RICC will become home to leading events on a year-round basis including banquets, conferences, exhibitions and seminars,” he said.

Across two levels, the centre will house:

• 4,500m2 of exhibition space which fronts 1,800m2 of flexible open space known as Ekka Plaza
• Three flexible halls totalling 3,210m2 plus 1,500m2 of foyer space
• Seven meeting rooms of flexible combination totalling 630m2 plus two board rooms
• A 1,200m2 commercial kitchen
• Approximately 140 car parks

Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau Director, Annabel Sullivan said Brisbane’s status as a leading destination for national and international business events is strengthened by the planned RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project, of which the Royal International Convention Centre is a key part.

“Attracting business events to Brisbane Australia’s new world city has a positive effect on the bottom line of the local economy and creates lasting legacies for local businesses and individuals whom benefit from knowledge enrichment and skills transfer for years to come,” she added.

(*Source: Brisbane Marketing – Economic Value of Brisbane’s Events Industry)

Preferred Hotel Group™ Launches PHG Meetings.com

Preferred Hotel Group™, a leading provider of sales and marketing support to independent hotels around the world, announced the launch of PHG Meetings (www.PHGMeetings.com). A comprehensive online RFP management system, PHG Meetings connects corporate sales managers, Global Sales Offices (GSOs), property level sales professionals and meeting planners with one convenient and powerful tool.

PHG Meetings, in partnership with and Elite Meetings International (EMI), creates a seamless 360-degree system that enables all potential meetings professionals involved in the booking process to interact quickly, efficiently and productively. This easy to use website utilizes EMI's SpeedRFP™ RFP management system, and a search technology platform similar to the one that powers www.EliteMeetings.com

The online portal also fully integrates more than 600 Preferred Hotel Group member hotels with EMI's SpeedRFP system, which has already been adopted by more than 3,800 meeting professionals worldwide. SpeedRFP users can now simply point their browsers to PHG Meetings and submit their saved RFPs to any of the participating Preferred Hotel Group members in just a few clicks.

"We are excited to launch PHG Meetings, which provides our clients with a fast, efficient and seamless way to search, based on their specific needs and requirements, for the best independent hotels in the world. And, in turn, our member hotels benefit from the most sophisticated web-based sales technology available," said Craig Jacobs, Senior Vice President, Group Sales, of Preferred Hotel Group.

In addition to providing a search, refine and RFP tool for meeting professionals seeking to book groups with Preferred Hotel Group members, the functionality built into PHG Meetings was designed with the company's sales team in mind. It provides game-changing operational efficiencies for the company's global sales team and for Preferred Hotel Group members currently utilizing New market's Meeting Broker sales and catering system. PHG Meetings will send RFP data directly into their systems, thus alleviating the need to rekey data.

PHG Meetings' architecture and functionality is based on EliteMeetings.com, allowing users to search for properties by location, hotel name, number of guest rooms, meeting space, or amenities, with the system returning a narrowed number of meeting properties based on search criteria.

Grand Restoration to Transform Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne into a MICE Mecca

The historic Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is currently undergoing a significant restoration and refurbishment program of its guestrooms and suites, food and beverage venues and conference and meeting facilities which will cement the Hotel as the smart choice for the MICE market.

Last year, RHG announced a multi-million dollar rebranding initiative uniting Rendezvous Hotels and Marque Hotels into one Rendezvous brand. As part of this initiative, this transformation of one of Melbourne's significant landmarks will preserve the unique charm, heritage and features of this much-loved, iconic building, while upgrading its facilities to provide superior accommodation for upscale, discerning travellers and conference organisers.

The refurbishment program is scheduled to finish at the end of the year. As part of the process, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne will be renamed Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne. The hotel will feature refreshed meeting facilities, with over 1100 square metres of meeting and conference space over two levels, including 11 conference rooms for up to 330 delegates.

The restoration and refurbishment of Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne has been four years in development, with careful research, meticulous study and sensitive consideration undertaken to preserve its historic significance and charm.

The refurbishment will rejuvenate the historic 1900's building and include a range of modern facilities yet it will preserve the historic charm, intricate heritage detailing and interiors that showcase the quintessential personality of this historic Hotel that has a special place in the city of Melbourne.

Mr Eric Teng, CEO of RHG said the transformation of Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne will provide the MICE market with an exciting facility and provide clients with an opportunity to make a statement about their event.

"This is a charming, distinctive venue offering history, heritage and boutique ambience combined with an ideal, central location and great meeting facilities," he said. "An event at Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne will be truly memorable and grand."

The refurbishment will provide Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne with the opportunity to distinguish itself through design, image, technology, amenities and brand identity and position the Hotel as one of Melbourne's quality meeting, dining and premier accommodation experiences.

The completion of the refurbishment of Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne later this year coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of part of the original building.

AIME 2012 award winners announced at Nightcap Networking

The award winners for the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) 2012 were announced last night at a jazzy event, Nightcap Networking, held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and hosted by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and the Atlantic Group.

The awards, presented by Sally de Swart, recognised excellence in stand design and presentation, as well as acknowledging one individual who has contributed to the success of the meetings and incentives industry.

This year, Leigh Harry, Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria, was recognised as an international leader in the field of business events receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Mr Harry has previously held the position of International President of both the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) from 2006-2010. In his previous role he was instrumental in the planning process of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) as its Chief Executive.

Three stand awards were also presented for Best Stand 36m² and Under, Best Stand Over 36m² and Best New Exhibitor Stand.

The stands are judged on a list of criteria including originality and creative input by industry specialists Linda Gaunt of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), Joyce DiMascio of Exhibition & Event Association Australasia (EEAA) and Noor Ahmad Hamid from the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA).

The Best Stand 36m² and Under was awarded to Dockside Group for recreating the stylish, outside venue space on the show floor.

Tourism Fiji took out the Best Stand Over 36m² award, recognised for its bright and eye-catching structure which beautifully captured the spirit of Fiji.

American Express Meetings & Events won the award for Best New Exhibitor Stand, with its fresh and functional approach to the space.

AIME also recognised exhibitors who have gone the extra mile to make their stand environmentally friendly. This year the award for Best Environmentally Sustainable Stand was presented to Accor Asia Pacific for their efforts in creating a stand with limited impact on the environment. The materials on the stand are 100% reusable and its flooring system has a lifespan of 10 years or more, with a certified structural base from Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA). This award was judged by Reed Exhibitions Operations Director, Robert McIndoe.

Nightcap Networking, where the awards were presented, is a new event that has been introduced for the 20th anniversary show, providing an additional networking opportunity for exhibitors and buyers. The supper catering by Atlantic Group was a highlight, with various appetising stations including cheese table and dessert stand as well as coffee and tea by T2 and other creative canapes.

For more information about AIME 2012, visit www.aime.com.au

Follow AIME on Twitter @AIMEMelbourne #AIME2012

Heritage Boutique Collection - The Perfect Corporate Retreat

Launched just over a year ago by Heritage Hotel Management, the new Heritage Boutique Collection (HBC) is already offering a delectable portfolio of New Zealand properties suitable for an incentive or corporate retreat.

This exclusive collection includes the Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands, Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands and Tuscany Villas Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island and Akaroa Cottages Banks Peninsula in the South Island.

Newest to the collection is Auckland's Waitakere Estate just 30 minutes drive west of Auckland's CBD, at the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges and back dropped by the dramatic black sand surf beaches that featured in the Jane Campion film, The Piano.

"This impressive property, so close to the city but surrounded by natural wilderness, is a convenient conference venue for 'away' days and corporate retreats," says Jeff Shearer chief operating officer Heritage Hotel Management.

Auckland's Waitakere Estate comprises 29 pristine hectares in park land with 14 refurbished guest rooms, three garden apartments and an exclusive private two-bedroom villa.

The hotel's boutique conference facilities are suitable for up to 70 people with a choice of three meeting rooms, all featuring stunning views.

Other facilities include an award winning restaurant, a swimming pool, sauna, squash court, petanque and croquet lawn, private bush walks and a helicopter landing site.

Another gorgeous HBC corporate retreat property, just two and a half hours north of Auckland, is the elegant Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands.

The property's stylishly appointed suites offer superior interior design, modern facilities and a superb location right in the heart of Paihia overlooking the water.

The suites are available in one, two and three bedroom configurations and the penthouse is ideal for exclusive corporate retreats.

The Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands has recently been named amongst the top 35 hotels world wide on this year's Expedia Insiders' Select™ list.

For information on a conference or incentive at a Heritage Boutique Collection property contact shelleye@heritagehotels.co.nz or visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz

Space to Breathe in the City : Hilton on the Park-Melbourne Launches Event Enhancement Packages

Hilton on the Park-Melbourne is delighted to announce three new distinctive enhancement packages now available to all meetings and event clients that will give them space to breathe in the city. To celebrate the hotel is offering all guests the chance to win a glamorous rooftop cocktail party worth $5,000.

The new enhancement packages make the most of the hotel’s unique location on the eastern edge of the CBD, boarded by the glorious Fitzroy Gardens, and opposite Yarra Park and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as well as its distinctive facilities. Its Energising Enhancements include morning and afternoon tea and coffee breaks in Fitzroy Garden, picnic lunches in the park, and walking tours of Melbourne.

If sport is Melbourne’s heart then food is its soul and Hilton on the Park makes the most of these Melbourne obsessions with its Unique Enhancements. Guests can now enjoy bragging rights when they host a cocktail party on the hotel’s roof top; 20 stories high and with spectacular views over the MCG, Melbourne Park, Arts Centre, Yarra River and Melbourne’s CBD. Alternatively they can get their food fix in the hotel’s custom-built Epicurean Kitchen theatre with a range of team-building or entertaining food events created bespoke for their needs.

The hotel’s Rewarding Enhancements offer meetings guests a little pampering session during a standard break session with the eforea: Spa 3 Minute Conference Angels, or for ultimate post work indulgence clients can book exclusive use of eforea: spa’s treatment rooms and Relaxation Lounge.

The hotel has 139.4 square metres (15,000 square feet) of meeting and event space spread across the ground and first floors of the hotel that includes it magnificent ballroom, which can hold up to 1,000 guests, and a large and open foyer space that gleams with natural light.

Innovative use of modern AV technology and lighting fixtures including LED lighting that can change the colour and look of the room, as well as the ability to individually pin spot each table and Wi-Fi high speed internet access make each space even more flexible.

In total there are the 15 adaptable rooms that are suite for a huge variety of meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, seminars and events. The contemporary Governor’s Wing has six rooms all with elegant features and four with gorgeous natural light, plus there are the intimate boardrooms, the fully resourced Business Centre and convenient secure onsite and ample offsite parking.

Hilton on the Park-Melbourne is located at 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne 3002. To speak to a hotel event planner about a site visit, or to learn more about the competition to win a $5,000 rooftop cocktail party, call 9419 2000 or visit www.HiltonMelbourne.com.au.



AIME Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) celebrates 20 years of success this week at its home in Melbourne.

Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), owner of the exhibition, said the milestone recognises the achievements of the region's most productive and long-standing meetings and incentives show.

"This is a significant achievement and one that we are extremely proud of, especially as we are the only convention and visitors bureau in the world to own such an event," said Ms Bolinger.

"Exhibitors, Hosted Buyers, media and visitors alike have been coming to Melbourne for two decades to participate in AIME, for what has been the industry's 'must attend' event since its inception."

Originally known as The AustralAsian International Meetings Expo, AIME had its humble beginnings at Melbourne's World Trade Centre in March 1993. Attracting around 200 exhibitors and approximately 1000 visitors, including more than 300 companies from every state in Australia and organisations from 11 countries, the event fought off three competing regional events to become the first truly international expo for the meetings industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) took over the show's management in 2002, AIME has seen more than 7800 exhibitors attend from more than 50 countries, hosting close to 28,000 visitors, as well as over 4000 Hosted Buyers.

"We thank RTE for their commitment and support over the past 10 years and acknowledge their considerable role in continuing to grow AIME into the world-class expo it is today," said Ms Bolinger.

The success of AIME in recent years saw the event inducted into the national Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Hall of Fame in 2011 after being awarded 'Exhibition of the Year' for the third consecutive year, a testament to the outstanding reputation the event has achieved.

Ms Bolinger also acknowledged the support of AIME's long-standing supporters.

"Most significantly we recognise Qantas and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as supporters and sponsors of the show for its 20-year history. The backing of these organisations has ensured the event's longevity and success."

The 2012 show will see more than 780 exhibitors and 515 Hosted buyers in attendance, with visitor numbers expected to reach 3400.

"More than ever before AIME continues to deliver on excellence and quality, attracting delegates from around the world and providing invaluable business and networking opportunities to the many industry representatives who attend each year," said Ms Bolinger.

"This year's program of guest speakers, master classes and networking opportunities promises to surpass expectations met in previous years as we deliver an unforgettable experience for everyone involved."

Quest Caroline Springs now open

 

 

Quest Serviced Apartments is now open in Caroline Springs in Melbourne's west, the Group's 113th property in Australia.

The four star AAA Tourism rated property offers 80 spacious and beautifully appointed studio, one and two bedroom serviced apartments. Apartments are set around a central atrium, providing abundant natural light and offering views of Caroline Springs and surrounds.

Quest Caroline Springs is located at 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs, 23 kilometres from Melbourne's International Airport and 25 minutes from Melbourne's CBD.

It's also close to West Industry Park, Orbis Business Park and West Link Business Park.

Paul Constantinou, Chairman, Quest Serviced Apartments said with such rapid development occurring throughout Caroline Springs and the broader catchment area, a serviced apartment offering was well timed.

"The space and flexibility of serviced apartments are well suited to people travelling for business throughout the region," he said. 

"We expect to welcome guests who are travelling to business parks in the area, working on projects and also visiting family and friends."

Quest Caroline Springs offers onsite conferencing facilities and secure car parking, with apartments offering modern decor, LCD TVs, bedding with plush zoned contour controlled spring systems, spa baths, private balconies, internet access and work desks.

For reservations call 03 8361 3888 or visit www.questcarlinesprings.com.au

Conference Organisers say Bonjour to Berets and Croissants in Paris

Confirm your next conference at Sofitel Brisbane Central and you could be enjoying a business class holiday to Paris.

Conference organisers who book and hold a residential conference to the minimum value of $50,000 before 30th June 2012* at Sofitel Brisbane Central will have the chance to win a luxury escape to Paris, flying business class with Emirates. The prize includes return airfares for two adults, and five nights luxury accommodation at Sofitel Le Faubourg Paris, a flagship property for the luxury hotel brand.

The perfect domain for the corporate traveller, Sofitel Brisbane Central features 11 magnificent technically advanced conference venues catering for ten to 1100 delegates. Located in the CBD with extensive views over the city and direct rail access to the airport via Central Station, Sofitel offers unparalleled city centre convenience.

The extensive floor space caters for trade shows on a dedicated conference level, to international events in its pillar-less ballroom. Smaller, more intimate functions and meetings can be accommodated in boardrooms equipped with high speed internet, built-in projection and plasma screens, multiple phone and data outlets, DVD players, refrigerators and espresso coffee making facilities.

High speed Internet access, video conferencing, technical services and support teams ensure all events held at Sofitel Brisbane Central reach the highest of international standards. A dedicated team of knowledgeable Conference and Event Managers and a dedicated Conference Concierge are on hand and readily available to ensure perfection with all events.

Additional hotel facilities include Sofitel Club Lounge, a Business Centre, Cuvèe Lounge Bar, Thyme² Interactive Restaurant, the multi award winning Privé249, SoFit Gymnasium, an outdoor pool and Stephanie's Spa Retreat, which was recently awarded Best Hotel Day Spa in Australasia.

Advanced production tools, the hotel ‘theme team’, state-of-the-art boardrooms and award winning banquet chefs combine to make a long lasting and unique impressions on all attendees.

Allow the team to inspire your next conference. Take advantage of the amazing conference offer today and you could be enjoying croissants in Paris.

For enquiries please contact the hotels dedicated Conference and Catering Department via (07) 3835 3535, visit www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au or email h5992-sb1@sofitel.com

* Terms and conditions: Book and hold a residential conference to the minimum value of $50,000 before 30th June 2012. Go into the draw to win a 5 night luxury escape for 2 people to Sofitel Le Faubourg in Paris, including return business class flights with Emirates.

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com

New Titanic Conference Venue & Visitor Centre Promoted by the Great Granddaughter of a Titanic Engineer at AIME

The great granddaughter of a Titanic engineer from Belfast will be visiting the IRELAND stand at AIME this year to promote the birthplace of the Titanic along with the new visitor centre and 1,000 seat conference venue; Titanic Belfast, ‘The World’s Largest Titanic Visitor Experience’.

With the centenary of Titanic fast approaching, Susie Millar is preparing to pay tribute to her great grandfather, Thomas Millar who lost his life on the Titanic at the age of 33. He was travelling on Titanic as part of the White Star Line crew in order to start a new life in New York. When he said goodbye to his two young sons on the quayside in Belfast, he gave them each two new pennies with the instruction not to spend them until they were all reunited in America. On learning of his father’s drowning, his then five year old son vowed not to part with the two coins and they remain in the Millar family to this day.

Susie Millar is a Titanic author, tour guide and lecturer and will be promoting Titanic Belfast, along with her own walking tour: Titanic Tours Belfast during AIME.

Titanic Belfast, a new £97million visitor attraction, which opens on 31st March tells the Titanic story from the point of view of those who designed and built her. Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive galleries and is the world’s largest Titanic exhibition. The building will also house temporary exhibits, a 1,000 seat banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space and a basement car park. Visitors will learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland’s industrial and maritime heritage.

Macau MICE Market Set To Soar To New Heights

Ever-changing Macau is set to see a dramatic increase in the number of conferences, exhibitions, meetings and incentives as new quality hotels, entertainment precincts and shopping plazas open their doors in 2012.

The major Asian centre will move ahead this year with the unveiling of a massive Cotai Central project, providing an extra 5800 hotel rooms and suites and a staggering 600 stores.

The unveiling will come hot on the heels of last year's opening of the spectacular Galaxy precinct.

Overall tourist numbers to Macau soared past the 28 million mark for the first time in 2011, easily overshadowing its 560,000 population, and eclipsing the previous year's record arrivals by a staggering 12.2 per cent.

Success was partly attributed to stimulation programs which will continue until the end of 2012, these initiatives by the Macau Economic Services and Macau Government Tourist Office supporting the development of business tourism.

Close to 25 million of the overall visitors to Macau were from the greater China region, a growth of 13.5 per cent. International visitors rose by 2.2 per cent to more than 3 million, representing 10.9 per cent of the total arrivals. The increase in international guests has been so dramatic that in 1999, when Macau was established as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), about 580,000 arrived, 7.8 per cent of the total arrivals.

In the first three quarters of 2011, the total visitor expenditure hit more than $A25.3 billion, a massive rise of 33.5 per cent over the same period in 2010. Per-capita spending in the third quarter of 2011 reached about $A204, a surge of 6.8 per cent.

The average occupancy rate of Macau's hotels and guesthouses in the first 10 months was 83 per cent, increased by 4.3 percentage points.

The average room rate for 3- to 5-star hotels in the first 11 months surged by 14.8 per cent, reaching around $A167. Total number of occupied rooms from January to October, 2011, was 5.36 million, a rise of 14.9 per cent.

Macau today boasts 65 hotels and 32 guesthouses, providing 23,222 rooms (guesthouses and 2- to 5-star deluxe hotels).

Australia and New Zealand are ranked in the top five nations for length of stay in Macau, around 2.7 and 3.04 nights respectively in 2011.

The Stimulation Programs

The development of Macau as a genuine destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions has been partly attributed to the success of the Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Program launched by MGTO in May, 2009.

Since its inception in May 2009, the program has assisted some 168 incentive travels, 127 meetings/conferences and 83 exhibitions, involving 2.16 million delegates.

Starting in 2012, in order to focus on the development of incentive travel markets, the Macau Government Tourist Office has initiated an Incentive Travel Stimulation Program for 2012. While the Macao Economic Services offers a Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Program that aims to provide assistance and support to organizers and planners of conventions and exhibitions held in Macau.

Beneficiary and scope of the Incentive Travel Stimulation Program include event owners, organisers and/or planners of incentive travel to be held in Macau, incentive activities, team building activities, award dinner and local transport companies.

The incentive group should have a minimum of 50 non-Macau participants with at least two consecutive nights of stay in a Macau hotel. A maximum support of MOP$300 (about $A35) will be granted on actual consumption per non-Macau participant for their incentive activity in Macau.

Applicants who are qualified for the program must meet relevant requirements such as the program is only applicable to events that are confirmed by December 31, 2012 with proof of booking submitted to MGTO by means of signed documentation or contract and receipt of deposit.

Details of the Incentive Travel Stimulation Program is available at MGTO's website

http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/page/content.php?page_id=197

About The Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Program of Macao Economic Services:

http://www.economia.gov.mo/web/DSE/public?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Pg_EAD_CESP&locale=en_US

Prepared by: Mike Smith, Public Relations Manager, Macau Government Tourist Office (Australia and New Zealand).