Daily News & Opinion

Dr Jerry Schwartz, who will formally purchase the Four Points by Sheraton hotel on October 8, has pledged to donate profits from his first night as owner to embattled Australian farmers. Up to $15,000 is expected to be raised for the Aussie Helpers organisation, which provides those in need with financial support, carting water and animal feed. On his decision, Dr Schwartz said “I have been particularly moved by [this drought] which will really threaten the wellbeing of so many families.”

Around 200 space scientists, engineers, educators and representatives from the university, industry and government sectors will convene on the Gold Coast next week for the 18th Australian Space Research Conference. The conference will be held at Mantra on View Hotel, and explore a diverse range of space topics including the use of space data, Australian space projects, Mars and planetary exploration. Gold Coast locals are also invited to attend a presentation by NASA Program Scientist Dr Mitch Schulte on Mars exploration.

Last week, a group of industry professionals took to Singapore to tour its event offerings. The group, which was hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, had their land arrangements provided by Tour East Singapore, and stayed for two nights at Capella Singapore, where they enjoyed a ‘Chef’s Table’ experience and inspected the property’s MICE spaces. The group also visited quintessential attraction Marina Bay Sands, and partook in a sunrise yoga session at the rooftop Skypark.

More than 1200 delegates from over 230 airlines across the world will land in Brisbane next year for the 145th International Air Transport Association Slot Conference. Taking place between November 12 and 15 2019, the conference will focus on developing the best worldwide airline schedules for passengers in 2020, and allow Brisbane to showcase its event delivery capabilities. It is predicted the conference will pump more than $2.3 million into the Queensland economy.

No one’s ever sneered at $45 million – except perhaps Mr Burns – so our neighbours over in Auckland are no doubt jumping for joy at securing this amount in business events over the last financial year. Over 100 business events will be held in Auckland over the next nine years, resulting in more than 52,848 international and domestic delegates staying a total of 120,834 nights. The past year has also seen a group of experts established to enhance the city’s international reputation.

The trendy Gangnam district in South Korea will be home to a 108-room hotel come October, with the opening of Alcove Hotel Seoul. The property will feature seven room types, private outdoor spaces and a rooftop bar that overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Park, as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre. General manager of the hotel Jae-Yeon Kang said “We look forward to welcoming guests that appreciate creative design with a touch of personalised service.”

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has unveiled a vision to drive commercial outcomes and bring together relevant buyers and exhibitors at its 2019 instalment. The event, which will take place between February 18 and 19 in Melbourne, will involve new exhibitor packages with 32 pre-scheduled appointments and a vetted group of buyers who intend on bringing their business to the Asia Pacific region. AIME event director Jay Martens said “The industry is asking for change… and we are responding.”

Mark Eletr, a luxury property veteran with over 20 years’ experience, has taken up the post of resort manager for the highly-anticipated Hayman Island by InterContinental hotel, set to open next year. Mark has previously worked as Vice President and regional director of operations at Karma Group in Asia, and as general manager of Voyages, Lizard Island. On his appointment, Mark said “It is a privilege to introduce a brand-new luxury concept for local and international visitors alike.”