Daily News & Opinion

It’s a name on nearly everyone’s bucket list – Reykjavik. Now the Icelandic capital has been named the Best MICE Destination in Europe 2017 by Business Destinations magazine. Reykjavik lists its interesting people, its closeness with nature and spectacular scenery and the Aurora Borealis as its drawcards. This together with a high-tech infrastructure, security, short and frequent access by air from over 80 cities across Europe and North America, all add to its attraction as a C&I destination.  

A ban on electronic devices, imposed in March by the United State that affects airports from eight Muslim-majority countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, has now exempted Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi. The decision allows passengers to have all laptops, tablets, and other gadgets as carry-on items, after going through enhanced inspection procedures.      

Melbourne-based DMC Insider Experience has been appointed authorised agent in Australia and New Zealand for Super Bowl 52, giving local companies and individuals the opportunity to attend the world’s biggest sporting event, the NFL Super Bowl. John Collins, CEO of On Location Experiences, the official hospitality provider of the NFL, said Australia was a growing market for American Football, and the appointment of Insider Experience was critical to allow corporate customers wanting to experience the Super Bowl with the ability to do so.

The new Crowne Plaza Christchurch, opening on July 1, has been designed to bring a new, creative energy not only to the hotel but the heart of the city. Auckland-based design agency Designworks started with a blank canvas for the hotel’s interior design. Complementing the innovative interior, the work of New Zealand photographer Stuart Robertson – creator of the global project ‘Peace in 10,000 Hands’ – features prominently throughout the hotel’s public spaces and accommodation rooms.

Korea now ranks number #1 worldwide for global congresses according to the most recent findings by the Union of International Associations. The findings show Korea rising from hosting 891 meetings in 2015 to 997 in 2016, reflecting an 11.89 per cent increase over the previous year. Seoul maintained its third place city ranking, hosted 526 meetings in 2016, up from 494 in 2015.

When Barco previewed its projection technology at the ISE 2017 trade show, TDC CEO Michael Hassett said he knew this was the way forward for the future of large-format video projection. “Laser phosphor technology is the first significant change that we’ve seen in over 10 years, ever since the industry moved from CRT and LCDs to DMDs hailing a new era of projection technology,” he said. Image courtesy of TDC.

A milestone was reached yesterday when the Mantra Group’s new-build Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport completed the exterior. Now moving into the fitout phase – the nine-level hotel is on track to open in late June. Featuring 136 contemporary guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and car parking, Mantra’s CEO Bob East said it will mirror how people typically interact at an airport with its 24/7 atmosphere and service, informal meeting spaces and a relaxed dining and service culture.