Daily News & Opinion

US-based direct selling company Forever Living Products will reward its top performers next year with an incentive trip to Sydney. More than 7500 delegates from 161 countries are expected to visit the city over four days, resulting in $34 million in direct expenditure to the state. Forever Living Products President Gregg Maughan said Sydney was chosen due to its beauty, culture, architecture and infrastructure. The win was secured by strategic bidding organisation BESydney with the support of the NSW Government and Tourism Australia.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay has launched Highlander Whisky Bar, a stylish yet relaxed space with a gourmet bar menu selection. The bar offers three signature experiences: Whisky High Tea, which includes a variety of savoury delights complemented by sweet whisky treats; Whisky of the Month, which will showcase rare whisky from around the world; and the bimonthly Whisky Master Class, which will offer themed tastings, such as the Malts and the Movies class.

Paris has been ranked the top global destination for meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), outpacing the second placed Vienna by a margin of 40 meetings. The city hosted a total of 212 international meetings in 2018 that comply with the ICCA’s criteria, many of which took place in the newly-opened Paris Convention Centre, the largest conference venue in Europe. Madrid came in at third place on the list, followed by Barcelona and Berlin.

The 2019 Regional Victoria Showcase will take place on Wednesday, May 29, between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the RACV City Club Melbourne. This year’s theme is ‘Experience Anew’, and attendees will be invited to enjoy a slew of regional experiences. More than 40 exhibitors are expected to feature, and, for the first time, Business Events Victoria is partnering with Rural Aid Australia to help support drought affected communities.

Philip Hancock, a travel industry veteran who has worked in numerous senior management roles, has been appointed national sales manager for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. Some of Philip’s previous stints include strategic account manager at Travelport and head of partnerships at Hotelbeds. On his new gig, Philip said “I am truly excited to be joining the Best Western team… This is an organisation with a great history, fantastic brand awareness and really exciting plans for next few years.”

The launch of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – a 21-villa beach island experience located in the Maldividan oasis of Gaafu Alifu Atoll – marks Accor’s fourth property to open in the Maldives. The property features private pools, generous living spaces and marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs, as well as outdoor showers. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo also features a score of food and beverage facilities, including Yuzu, a Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant, and Yapa Sunset Bar, which offers tapas and original cocktail concoctions.

Following the news of Michelle Bridges and Matt Jones headlining this year’s Get Global, which will take place at the ICC Sydney on July 29, three more speakers have been announced. As part of a collaboration with Saxton Speakers Bureau, audiences will hear from ex-soldier and para-canoeist Curtis McGrath, who will discuss overcoming adversity; engineer and entrepreneur Felicity Furey, who will look at millennial leaders, and Janine Garner, who will divulge how best to leverage your network and build lasting relationships.

A total of 36 health-related global meetings will take place in Sydney over the next five years, resulting in an estimated $190 million in direct expenditure for the state. This year alone, 18 global meetings will bring some 10,500 healthcare professionals, policy makers and researchers to Sydney in a line-up that includes the World Congress on Inflammation; International Society for Bipolar Disorders; International Conference on Global Health Security; and the 20th International Congress of Cytology.