Daily News & Opinion

Due to unprecedented growth in visitor numbers, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Developed (ATEED) has initiated a new business economy strategy for the city. Destination AKL 2025 has been developed in accordance with the predicted 4 million annual visitors and NZ$13.9 billion visitor economy Auckland expects to welcome by 2025. Some of the strategy’s key focus areas include becoming a world-leader in sustainability, enhancing the city’s navigability and using big data to attract high-value visitors.

Over 1,500 delegates are expected in Tasmania’s capital this week for two major events. The Financial Counselling Australia national conference kicked off yesterday at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart and will culminate with a gala dinner at the waterfront hotel and conference centre on Thursday. Between Thursday and Sunday, over 900 female singers from all over the country will compete in the ‘Hobart in Harmony’ 2018 Sweet Adelines Regional Chorus and Quartet competition.

Australian Event Awards will celebrate double digits this year between November 19 and 21. The tenth instalment of the annual awards night will take place on the Sunshine Coast, with ‘Symposium’ as the theme. A number of new event categories have been introduced, including Best Small Event and Small Event Management Company of the year, and a number of categories have been refined, including Best Achievement in Event Education or Training, which is now open to events with notable training programs.

1400 of the world’s H20 experts converged in Brisbane this month for the Australian Water Association’s Ozwater’18 Conference and Exhibition. Attendees discussed issues impacting the water industry, including the guarantee of sustainable water management, the impact of urban development and liveability in cities and regions. The three-day event included seven keynote speakers, 16 interactive workshops and panel sessions and 225 exhibitors, who all tied in with the theme ‘Evolution Revolution’.

They say women make the world go around. Well, now women who go around the world will have their needs catered to. On May 10, hotel chain Sofitel launched ‘Inspired by Her’, a program designed specifically for female travelers, at The William Inglis Hotel, McGallery by Sofitel. Inspired by Her ambassador and international model Candice Lake spoke at the launch, heralding the brand’s efforts to add thoughtful touches for women. The changes include quality bathroom lighting and high-powered hair dryers.

Is 2018 the year you should finally give in to the Vivid hype? To help you along, Fantasea Cruising are offering a range of cruises between May 25 and June 16. The boats range from large vessels to water taxis and can cater up to 1200 people. Delegates will be treated to a complimentary drink as they enjoy the customary light displays in Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and Walsh Bay.

The Sebel brand will open the doors to its seventh Queensland property this month. The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach, the result of a partnership between AccorHotels and Traders in Purple, will include 58 studio rooms, an onsite bistro and bar, conferencing facilities and rooftop entertainment space. Traders in Purple CEO Brett Robinson said “We’re delighted to be partnering with AccorHotels through The Sebel brand to deliver superior boutique accommodation, dining, conference and wedding amenities.”

Tourism Australia has more money to play with following Tuesday night’s federal budget – $17 million in fact over the next four years. The Association of Australian Convention Bureau’s Andrew Hiebl says more funding, along with the recently announced $12 million national bid fund will help Australia secure more business events, “especially when competing against its Asian rivals.”