Daily News & Opinion

InterContinental Hotels Group will open ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort and Spa this August. The new-build resort will open as the first international luxury resort in the Oita Prefecture in Japan, offering 89 guest rooms with bamboo work and a nature-inspired meetings and events space, The Gallery. The Gallery will feature mesh ceilings woven with rattan, pillars made of traditional Japanese paper and carpet depicting Beppu’s famous hot spring steam wisps. In addition, the hotel will offer boutique meeting rooms.

Mark Sainsbury, a culinary professional with more than 25 years’ experience, has taken up the post of executive chef at Park Hyatt Melbourne. Mark, who is Sevenoaks born, has held prominent positions throughout Hyatt Corporation chain hotels. In his most recent stint, Mark worked as executive chef at The Montagu Kitchen at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, which was cited as one of the city’s top restaurants by national press. Mark has created menus focusing on seasonal produce for his new role.

The Star Gold Coast was recognised as one of the world’s best integrated resorts at the G2E Asia Awards. The resort is also in the running for the best integrated resort in Asia accolade which will be crowned at an awards night in Macau tonight. On the achievements, The Star Entertainment Group managing director and CEO Matt Bekier said “The Star Grand hotel was completely refurbished. We built and opened The Darling hotel… [we are] making a statement – and Asia is listening.”

Destination NSW has released a new tourism video for Western Sydney, showcasing key attractions in Parramatta, Penrith, The Hills District, Liverpool, Blacktown, Fairfield, Camden, Campbelltown and Picton. The drawcards featured include sites of natural beauty, historic locations, cultural experiences, fine dining and outdoor adventures. Western Sydney currently delivers $4.5 billion in visitor expenditure for the state.

The Starlight Five Chefs Dinner took place at the MCEC on Thursday, making a lasting impact on the 550 guests in attendance. The funds raised will support the Starlight Children Foundation’s hospital programs, and allow 15 life-changing Starlight Wishes to be granted. On the night, guests were greeted with a delicious range of canapes showcasing the talents of MCEC’s Executive Chef, Peter Haycroft.

The Adelaide Convention Centre Stages one and two has taken out two prestigious awards for a dynamic approach to tourism that is driving growth and opportunities for South Australians. Developer Lendlease and owner Adelaide Venue Management won the Hickory Award for Best Tourism and Leisure Development at the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence awards in Sydney last week. This follows the centre taking out the Rider Levett Bucknall South Australian Development of the Year Award on May 10.

Following a $20 million investment, the Debarau Island Conference Centre has officially opened. In addition to the transformed 1755 square metre Convention Centre and 600 square metre Golden Ballroom, the new 270 square metre Pacific Ballroom is now open for business. This state-of-the-art venue has the flexibility to convert into four separate and soundproof breakout venues. The spaces were recently utilised by the 3000 delegates who attended the 52nd Annual Asia Development Bank, Board of Governors Annual Meeting.

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland will be operating as a carbon neutral venue, the only one of its kind in Asia Pacific, following completion of construction in 2020. This will be achieved by a new internal carbon levy on all emissions, which will then be used to both offset the NZICC’s carbon footprint, and go into a green fund to invest in projects within the wider organisation to help further reduce emissions.