Big Fat Hotel Wrap
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Nominated Finalist in HM awards
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is delighted to announce that it has been nominated as finalists in three categories for the 2016 Hotel Management (HM) Awards.
The three categories in which the Resort has been nominated are Fijian Property, Service to the Community and South Pacific General Manager. The HM Awards programme is designed to recognize the accommodation industry’s finest team, properties, brands and chains across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The Hotel Management or HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence are in their 14th year in 2016 and are the leading awards for the accommodation industry in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. The HM Awards are hosted annually by leading industry magazine Hotel Management.
Centara steams ahead into China
Centara Hotels & Resorts’ latest venture is two new properties in China, with the Group’s management signing two new agreements for what will become the new ‘Centara Grand Beach Resort Jin Tai Hainan’ in Hainan Province and the ‘Centara Villas Zhaoqing’ in Guangdong Province.
Mr. Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, believes this is an excellent opportunity to expand the company’s portfolio. “I am extremely pleased that we are developing yet more unique facilities overseas, as we continue to strategically build our brand beyond Thailand.”
Centara Grand Beach Resort Jin Tai Hainan will be a new 350 guest room five-star family resort with three restaurants, swimming pools, club lounge, a SPA Cenvaree, fitness centre, large meeting facilities, a water park and kids’ club. The resort is expected to open in Q4 2019. Hainan is being promoted as “China’s Hawaii” and the entire island has been designated a Special Economic Zone, therefore Centara is ensuring that they have a presence amid what is expected to be an important growth region in China.
Arkaba offers free, six hour air safari excursion
Book a three night stay at Arkaba, Wild Bush Luxury’s private wildlife conservancy in the Flinders Ranges, travelling before 7 September, 2016 and enjoy a complimentary six-hour air safari excursion taking in the South Australian Outback, saving AUD$2,400 per couple.
The air safari provides breathtaking views over Wilpena Pound, the salt pans of Lake Torrens and the spectacular Kati-Thanda-Lake Eyre, now abundant with water and wildlife – a rare sight to see.
During the three night stay at the rustically chic Arkaba Homestead, guests will enjoy a guided, on-ground wildlife safari during the day and dine on delicious gourmet meals by night, complemented by the finest South Australian wines.
This rare last-minute deal costs AUD $2,670 per person twin-share for three nights. This air safari offers a huge saving of AUD$2,400 per couple.
To book or to receive more information, send an e-mail to info@wildbushluxury.com or call 1300 790 561 to speak to a Wild Bush Luxury specialist.
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit sets sustainability standard
A trend that started with signs in hotel rooms asking guests to reuse towels is expanding its reach as green-minded accommodation providers work to mitigate the amount of food waste flowing from their kitchens.
One of the finest examples is in Thailand, where Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s executive chef, Jeremy Cayron, has chopped the four-year-old property’s food waste from about 13,000 kilos per month to 4,000.
At the same time, Cayron is cultivating his office terrace as a garden in order to minimize the need to call on suppliers to transport herbs and vegetables from across town.
“It’s all about sustainability,” Cayron said. “How can we do more with less? How can we make lighter carbon footprints? How can we be better stewards for the planet?”
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit began morphing into a model of environmental responsibility in October 2015, when it became the first AccorHotels property in the world to implement a cutting-edge tool called Winnow.
The system calculates the weight and cost of each item that is thrown away and creates daily reports that pinpoint opportunities to reduce wastage.
Cayron projects the hotel will save about US $80,000 thanks to Winnow this year.
Andrew Edsor announced as general manager of the Johnson
Art Series Hotel Group has appointed Andrew Edsor as the General Manager of their first Brisbane property, The Johnson, set to open in mid-September.
Will Deague, CEO of Art Series Hotel Group says: “Andrew’s commitment to the Group over the past 18 months across two of our hotels has been a testament to his passion for art and hospitality. Andrew’s role at The Johnson is to help bring our vision alive in a new market, and with his vast hotel industry experience particularly in hotel openings, we have no doubt that he is the right man for the job.”
Beginning his career in hospitality over 20 years ago, Andrew is no stranger to the Art Series Hotel Group. Most recently the General Manager of The Watson in Adelaide, he has now relocated north to play a vital role in the opening of the Group’s first Queensland hotel. Before joining the Group, the majority of his experience is credit to his time with Quest Apartment Hotels, where he assisted in the opening of new hotels in every state of Australia.
Andrew was drawn to the Group by its out of the ordinary hotel experiences, infusing stimulating art encounters with truly engaging service and he looks forward to bringing these art inspired experiences to Brisbane through The Johnson.
China Capital Investment Group Purchases Whitsundays South Molle Island
China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) has announced the acquisition of the perpetual lease of South Molle Island in the Whitsundays on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
South Molle Island is CCIG’s second Australian acquisition following the purchase in early 2015 of nearby Daydream Island Resort and Spa.
The perpetual leasehold interest in South Molle Island features over 12 hectares of developable absolute beachfront land, including a frontage of over 600m to one of the only sheltered north facing white sand beaches in the region, and a secluded 15-hectare tranquil parcel in the middle of the island, surrounded by national park.
Shanghai-based CCIG says the purchase of South Molle Island was a great opportunity to expand its presence in the Whitsunday region.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa chief executive officer Scott Wilkinson said, “The acquisition reflects the confidence we have in Australian tourism assets, Queensland and the tourism industry.
“South Molle has a long history as a tourism destination. As such this was a great opportunity to acquire one of the last large-scale development opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef.
Kerzner International names new President and CEO
Kerzner International Holdings (KIH), the leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences, today announced the appointment of Jean-Gabriel Pérès as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
As the outgoing CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Jean-Gabriel has overseen the daily operations of the 16,000-staff hotel management company for 17 years. His role was instrumental in driving the global expansion of the company into Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
“Jean-Gabriel joins us at a very opportune moment in our journey as we embark on an accelerated growth and expansion plan to take Kerzner to new places around the world, from China to Mexico and beyond,” says His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, Executive Director and CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai, and Chairman of Kerzner International.
Hotel Jen shows how to “leave boring behind” with energetic destination experiences
Hotel Jen unveils a series of destination-centric offers to help adventurous travellers seize the day, meet the locals and explore the city when they stay at one of the 10 Hotel Jen properties in Asia Pacific. This launch kicks off the brand’s new “Leave Boring Behind” campaign together with the release of fresh video content.
“Hotel Jen was launched by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts two years ago to cater to today’s independent travellers who are passionate about discovering new places, cultures and experiences,” said Marisa Aranha, vice president of sales and marketing for Hotel Jen. “The brand was inspired by a virtual persona, Jen, who is a professional hotelier with a love for travel and life. We regard our guests as ‘friends of Jen’ and want to help them explore hidden gems and re-discover the magic of travel.”
Available now until September 30, 2016, the “Leave Boring Behind” packages include a specially chosen activity that will enable curious jetsetters to delve deeper into a destination. Prices start from US$80++ and include late check-out, accommodation and daily buffet breakfast for two people. Members of the Shangri-La Golden Circle loyalty programme will earn double award points when they book this package.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!