Daily News & Opinion

US business analytics firm CB Insights (CBI) has revealed its prediction that the coronavirus will see a massive overhaul of offices. CBI predicts that as soon as workers step through their office doors, they will be greeted by receptionists with contact-less thermometers, and hands-free kiosks will be scattered through the lobbies to monitor employees’ health. Other changes could include the instalment of desk sensors to ensure social distancing; and the elimination of communal cutlery for disposable alternatives.

ICMS Australasia last week launched an internship program designed to give someone a jumpstart in the events industry. ICMS Australasia executive director, Suellen Holland, said the internship was a great opportunity for a young person to acquire on-the-job training and the necessary skills for a career in event management. “During their time with us they will learn about in-person, virtual and hybrid events! What an exciting time to be in this ever-evolving industry,” she said.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has announced the appointment of James Viles as executive chef. James is one of Australia’s most acclaimed regional restaurateurs, best known for his imaginative modern food and commitment to locally-sourced produce. Some of James’ career highlights have included receiving a Good Food Guide chef’s hat at just 23 years old, and opening Biota Dining in Bowral, which was named the Good Food Guide’s Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2014 and 2015.

The federal government has announced a $15 billion expansion of the JobKeeper program to assist industries affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible businesses will now only need to show that their GST has fallen over one quarter instead of multiple, and workers will qualify if they were unemployed on July 1, rather than March 1. Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) has welcomed the changes, with CEO Michael Johnson saying they will help boost confidence within the accommodation industry.  

This week’s quotivational reel was inspired by our own Helen Batt-Rawden, who asked Darren Isenberg how he was able to find the ridiculous images to fill out his videos. His answer? Too much spare time! This week’s video is dedicated to other people who had too much time on their hands, from the man who covered himself in slices of bread and stood near a flock of sea gulls, to the duo who re-created the costumes and balloon-drawn house from ‘Up’.    

Stage One of the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) – a Coral Greenhouse situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef – has officially been completed, with tours to the attraction beginning today. The museum was created by the MOUA board, artist Jason deCaires Taylor and the North Queensland community, who worked together for four years to bring it to life. The Coral Greenhouse merges reef conservation, research and science with tourism, the arts and Indigenous storytelling.  

Virgin Australia’s new owners, Bain Capital, have announced that they are resting the Tigerair brand. In an announcement, the airline said its budget offering would be sidelined until there were enough customers to warrant reviving it. Jetstar now remains the only low-cost carrier operating out of Australia. Despite this, Virgin has said it will not come downmarket to compete with Jetstar but intends to operate as a full capacity airline with variable prices.

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) has secured the services of former Tourism Australia New Zealand manager, Jenny Aitken, to represent the Sunshine Coast region. Ms Aitken successfully drove major increases in leisure and business events travel to Australia in her 12 years at the helm of Tourism Australia in New Zealand. Interim-CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast, Craig Davidson, said the timing of Ms Aitken’s appointment will provide a major boost in confidence for the Sunshine Coast region’s tourism operators.