Daily News & Opinion

Veronique Delattre has been appointed General manager of AccorHotels Pullman Auckland, taking over the reins from Rob McIntyre. Originally from France, Veronique’s hotel career spans 20 years, including international positions in the United Kingdom, Russia, Poland, Vietnam and Malaysia. Veronique says her vast experience has prepped her for the challenge. “This desire to see and experience the world has enabled me to share that knowledge with the talented people around me, and ensure memorable experiences for our guests,” she said.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomed 80,000 international museum collectors, curators and trustees for the conclusion of Art Basel Hong Kong which took place between March 27 and 31. The sixth edition of Art Basel, an annual art fair, featured 248 premier galleries from 32 countries and attracted international spotlight onto the local art scene. For its conclusion, the professional team of 950 served 11,684 glasses of wine, 11,557 cups of coffee and 63,190 food items including 11,200 charcuterie platters.

Paul Shivers, a 22 year veteran of events and risk management is available for interviews at major events. Paul has supplied on the ground safety and risk assessment for aviation, education, sport and TV, including a stint as the risk manager for ‘I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here’. Paul can speak on how events can mitigate behavioural issues, terrorism and occurrences in nature, such as the risk of a shark attack at a beach event.

Air New Zealand has been listed as Australia’s most reputable company in the Reputation Institute’s annual Australia Corporate Reputation Index. For the second year in a row the airline trumped companies such as Toyota, Apple, Qantas and Nestle for the prestigious title. Air New Zealand General manager Australia Kathryn Robertson said the airline’s chat bot Oscar and $100 million lounge investment contributed to the win.

Radisson Hotel Group have announced the signing of a new hotel, Radisson RED Mandaue in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. Scheduled to open in 2021, the hotel will include 146 guest rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and Meet Event Studios for corporate functions. Guests will also have the ability to check-in digitally via the Radisson RED app. The hotel will be easily accessible via two major expressways and the expanding Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

As part of a year-long campaign by the Macao Government Tourism Office to promote and celebrate Macao 2018 Year of Gastronomy, a colourfully decorated East Art Truck has taken to the streets of Sydney with award-winning chef Julian Cincotta (awarded Young Chef of the Year 2015) – preparing a trio of free world-renowned dishes. The initial two days of the promotion is at the First Fleet Park, Circular Quay April 18-19, Central Station April 20, Chatswood April 21 and Manly Wharf April 22.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, between Cairns and Port Douglas and favoured by small incentive groups, has joined National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, one of only five memberships granted to an Australian eco-retreat. The membership achieved Advanced Eco-certification and Green Travel Leader status (Ecotourism Australia) through responsible and sustainable practices and environmental sensitivity. Thala’s unique accommodation is made up of 83 eco-designed, tree house-style bungalows, while function venues include a coconut palm plantation, private beach and Herbies Beach Shack.

ICC Sydney Theatre is seeking a naming rights partner. The venue re-opened in 2016 and has since played host to 56 live entertainment events and generated $785 million in direct expenditure for the state. ICC CEO Geoff Donaghy said the venue is already in discussions with a number of high profile Australian and international brands. “This represents powerful brand exposure opportunities for a naming rights partner to match the venue’s world class credentials and enhance guest experiences,” he said.