Daily News & Opinion

Transformative work has commenced on Freycinet Lodge on Tasmania’s East Coast.  The rejuvenation of the Ecotourism Australia accredited Lodge is designed to propel the property into the 21st century with a series of contemporary upgrades. Nine waterfront pods will replace six existing waterfront cabins, six Hazards View Pavilions will be hidden behind the tiered landscape. There will be four single-bedroom pavilions and two double-bedroom family pavilions.  Pods are due to open early 2018, other accommodation mid-late 2018.  

New Zealand representatives will share their diverse destinations and warm hospitality at the ICC Sydney on 17 and 18 July,  during the Associations Forum National Conference. Highlighted will be the array of support available for those considering New Zealand for a conference. Tourism New Zealand is sponsoring the panel session ‘Bigger, Better and More Profitable Events’ on July 17. The interactive workshop will bring together association meeting practitioners to talk about their experiences growing events, in both size and profit.        

Melbourne’s sustainability credentials were on show yesterday when iconic Melbourne landmarks were lit up in green light to welcome more than 800 of the world’s leading urban planners, environmental specialists and architects from over 30 countries, to the prestigious Ecocity World Summit 2017. Headlined by former US Vice President and current chair of the Climate Reality Project Al Gore, the conference, is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to discuss and debate urban ecology and sustainable city initiatives.        

For the Cairns Convention Centre’s 20th birthday, a gift was created from recycled steel salvaged during the Centre’s roof replacement. Designed by local indigenous artist Wayne McGinness, it was given to stakeholders and past clients as a thank you for their part in the past years of  successful operation. That gift has now been awarded the International Association Convention Centre’s (AIPC) Innovation Award (Delegate’s Choice). The Cairns Convention Centre’s entry was among 17 international finalists from all continents of the world.      

The launch of an innovative partnership between Taronga Conservation Society Australia and Taronga’s ethical event caterers EPICURE will see them take a significant step towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future. With a commitment to delivering on a number of sustainability goals, Taronga will cease reliance on single-use plastics for meals prepared and served in their cafes and food court, including sauce sachets. In time, guests will see the installation of machines that reduce food waste going to landfill.    

Sydney has a new hotel brand – Veriu Hotels & Suites with the opening of the 64-room serviced apartment hotel, Veriu Broadway.  The $18 million conversion of a former warehouse space, offering one and two bedroom loft style apartments, is located close to the ICC Sydney.  There’s an opening special of 25% on 2 night stays or 15% on a 1 night. Rates start from $170 per night.  Valid for booking until August 15, for travel until September 28.  www.veriu.com.au    

Singapore Airlines has launched an all-new Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to get more mileage out of flights on company business. Corporates will earn HighFlyer points while employees continue to earn KrisFlyer miles each time an employee flies with them. With no minimum annual travel spend required, corporates earn five HighFlyer points for every S$1 spend on tickets booked through their corporate booking platform or an appointed travel agent.  

Regional Australia is in for a treat when Opera Australia’s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro returns in 2017. Launched in Geelong and performed in English, The Marriage of Figaro will tour across 15 regional centres in Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Starting in Geelong on July 8 Figaro moves across the country to Rockhampton, Townsville, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Noosa, Cairns, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Darwin, Albany, Bunbury, Mandurah and finally Geraldton on August 19.