Daily News & Opinion

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.

IHG has signed its fifth voco property in Australia, a 301-room hotel due to open in the Sydney CBD by next year. The hotel, which will be part of 430 Pitt Street’s mixed-use development, will span 17 storeys and feature a sloping roof with ‘green waterfalls’. The property was originally slated to open as a Holiday Inn, but plans changed due to the increasing demand for upscale accommodation. A design-led restaurant and bar and a guest gym will also be located onsite.

After more than six years at Destination Gold Coast, executive director – business events Anna Case has tendered her resignation, effective immediately. Shannon Thwaites, who has been managing Business Events in a higher duties capacity, will continue to do so until further notice. A decision on the executive director role will be considered going forward.

In keeping with this year’s theme – ‘Anything is Possible’ – the PCOA has announced that its annual conference this December will feature two MCs. One half of the MC duo is Amanda Stevens, a customer experience specialist, business improvement consultant, author, TV host and mother who has presented in 14 countries. The other is Andrew Klein, an MC veteran with more than 20 years’ experience.  The duo are set to shake up the traditional format, providing engagement, humour and provocative viewpoints.