Hotel Wrap: Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s 2020 openings, AHA and TAA secure Fair Work Commission victory + MORE!
While writing this week’s Hotel Wrap, we wracked our brains for the best excuse to escape for another holiday. We settled on caffeine-induced psychosis and a mad case of FOMO.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World unveils new hotel openings for 2020
From a boutique Miami hotel to a blissful resort nestled within The Himalayas, here is a sneak peek of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s most exciting hotels in 2020:
- The Celino South Beach, Miami, USA
- KASA Hotel Riviera Maya, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
- Torre Del Marques, Matarraña, Spain
- Panoptis Escape, Mykonos, Greece
- Can Ferrereta, Mallorca, Spain
- Les Sources de Cheverny, Loire Valley, France
- Castello Di Reschio, Umbria, Italy
- Living Berna by Stara, Mexico City, Mexico
- Lost Horizons Resort & Spa Begnas, Pokhara, Nepal.
World Resorts of Distinction expands into Northern Hemisphere
World Resorts of Distinction (WRD) has increased its footprint across three new destinations and ventures in the northern hemisphere for the first time, with the addition of ÀNI Private Resorts.
WRD CEO, Tess Willcox (a 2019 speaker at Travel Weekly’s Travel DAZE), said the partnership provides an exciting opportunity for her team to market new luxury options to savvy Australian travellers, adding to the company’s portfolio of luxury, conscious clients.
Catering for groups of eight to 30 people who want to experience a luxury resort setting in complete seclusion, ÀNI Private Resorts’ guests have access to amenities rarely found at villas.
These include waterslides, tennis courts, separate spas and fitness centres, multiple pools and dining areas, and private pavilions for anything from sunrise yoga to weddings.
AHA and TAA secure Fair Work Commission victory
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) have secured another important win in the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
The win follows strong and longstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of Australia’s accommodation and hospitality businesses by both AHA and TAA.
Australia’s industrial relations tribunal has ruled that as part of its ‘Four Yearly Review of Modern Awards’, the senior managerial classification for hospitality workers will remain unchanged.
This will see the preservation of the existing managerial exemption salary in the hospitality award.
Marriott secures agreement for Millennial-focused Queenstown hotel
Marriott International has announced the signing of Moxy Queenstown with owner and developer, Queenstown Central Limited.
The 176-room, new build, standalone hotel is expected to open in 2022, and is slated to mark the debut of the millennial-focused Moxy Hotels brand in New Zealand.
Moxy Queenstown marks the third of the brand’s hotels signed in the region in the last 12 months, following the signings of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra in February, and Moxy Perth in July, last year.
Aman Niseko to become brand’s fourth Japan destination
Aman has announced its fourth resort in Japan with the launch of Aman Niseko.
An all-season retreat situated on the high slopes of Mt Moiwa on an untouched nature reserve in Hokkaido’s Niseko region, the property scheduled to open in 2023.
With 30 guest rooms, extensive wellness facilities and a number of restaurants on an expansive 187-hectare site, the resort will provide an all-season retreat. It is also expected to lay the foundations in Hokkaido, Japan’s untamed northern wilderness, for Aman for the first time.
More Anantara hotels could hit Europe after NH Hotel Group deal
Minor International PCL’s subsidiary NH Hotel Group has landed a deal to operate eight luxury properties across Europe, rebranded as Anantara and NH Collection hotels.
European real estate investor Covivio, through its subsidiary Covivio Hotels, is reportedly acquiring the hotels for US$754 million (£573 million). This includes capital expenditure from Varde Partners, a global alternative investment firm, as reported by Skift.
Metropole Hanoi celebrates Vietnamese New Year with old quarter-style market
The spirit of old Hanoi is set to sweep through the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi this month, as the hotel celebrates Tet (the Lunar New Year) with a traditional old quarter-style market from 17–19 January. The festivities continue with special culinary offerings beginning on 24 January.
At the Tet market, food vendors on the hotel’s patio will sell authentic Vietnamese favourites, while children will be given traditional edible toys known as ‘to he’, Market-goers can also learn the art of classic Vietnamese calligraphy.
Wine, craft beer and other refreshments will also be on offer, as will souvenirs that visitors can take home as memories of the Vietnamese lunar new year.
Traditional-style Vietnamese houses will also be erected in the hotel’s walkway outside La Boutique du Metropole.
New Embassy Suites by Hilton open
Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton, has announced the opening of a new hotel located in the Jonesboro area. Owned by Jonesboro Hotel Partners LLC and professionally managed by O’Reilly Hospitality Management LLC, the hotel allows guests easy access to businesses, shopping and entertainment.
The brand has also announced the opening of another property in Oklahoma City, conveniently located in the NW Expressway Business District of the city.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aha Aman Niseko Ani Private Resorts hilton Moxy Queenstown small luxury hotels of the world taa World Resorts of DistinctionLatest News
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]