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Dreaming in the desert
8 January Like everything else in Dubai, the apartment suites at the Harbour Hotel & Residence are ridiculously large.
Toga grows its Top End
7 January Toga Hospitality has announced plans to open two new Darwin hotels in February: the Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront and Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
Ibis opens 800
7 January Global economy hotel brand, Ibis, has celebrated an impressive milestone with the opening of its 800th property - Ibis Shanghai Lianyang, in China.
The Quest for expansion
6 January Continuing its rapid expansion across Australia, Quest Serviced Apartments has recently opened a number of new properties in Sydney and Victoria.
Movie World cover up
6 January Building on its MICE appeal, Warner Bros. Movie World has taken the wraps off its new all-weather function venue. The 4000-square-metre roof covers a large area of the park, providing shade and all-weather cover to Main Street and The Plaza.
Regal Airport Hotel named world’s best
6 January It seems airport hotels are not all the same after all, with Hong Kong’s Regal Airport Hotel named the best airport hotel in Asia-Pacific and the World.
Metro takes over NT wilderness resort
15 December Metro Hotels is expanding its portfolio offering with the announcement it will take over the operation of the Dugong Beach Resort in the Northern Territory, in January 2009.
Peninsula Hong Kong named best for fifth year
11 December Hong Kong’s Peninsula hotel has celebrated its 80th anniversary with the news it has been voted Best Overseas Hotel in the prestigious Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List 2009.
Sheraton opens new Maldives resort
4 December Following an aesthetic refurbishment and rebranding, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has opened its doors as a luxury holiday destination for seasoned travellers.
Sheraton to open 30-story hotel in Vietnam’s Nha Trang
1 December Sheraton Hotels and Resorts have targeted May 2009 as the debut for its hotly anticipated Nha Trang property.
Ibis opens 800th property
24 November Global economy hotel brand, Ibis has reached 800 hotels worldwide, with the opening of the Ibis Shanghai Lianyang in the People’s Republic of China.
Novotel opens five in Asia Pacific
18 November Accor Asia Pacific has ramped up its Asia Pacific expansion with the opening of five Novotel properties over the next two months.
New era for timeless charm
17 November Eighty years after first opening its doors in Hong Kong, the Peninsula hotel group continues to build its reputation for ultra-luxury accommodation and exceptional service with refurbishments of landmark properties around the globe and the planned opening of new hotels.
Novotel expands Ningaloo
14 November The decision to build a world-class resort hotel at Western Australia’s remote Ningaloo Reef has payed off, with hotel operator, Novotel, opening the second stage of the luxurious resort complex.
Hot property in Kuala Lumpur
13 November With Australian visitor numbers to Malaysia on the increase again, (August arrivals were up by 50 percent), it’s reassuring for agents to know there’s a selection of new properties on the market, well suited to corporate and upper-end clients.
Cape Lodge hat trick
13 November You can’t hold a good lodge down, as proved by Western Australia’s favourite luxury getaway, Cape Lodge, with its recent string of awards and accolades.
Choice builds Tasmania
12 November Choice Hotels Australasia is enjoying unprecedented growth in Tasmania, almost doubling its total room stock with the signing of four new hotels in Hobart and Launceston.
Cairns gets new Pullman Hotel
6 November Accor is to launch its second Pullman hotel in Australia with the rebranding of its Cairns Reef Casino hotel on 1 December.
Metro Hotels launches Aspire brand
6 November Metro Hotels has launched a new hotel brand that will be used to differentiate its mid-market three to 3.5 star properties.
Sydney rooms from $79
6 November Cheap accommodation doesn’t mean you have to rough it in Sydney.
Carlson Hotels revamps agent loyalty website
5 November One of the world’s largest privately-held hotel companies, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific, has revamped its look-to-book travel agent loyalty program with a new website offering more user-friendly functions, online reward redemption and improved search capabilities in nine languages including Chinese.
Mantra Crown opens new day spa
5 November Gold Coast resort hotel, Mantra Crown Towers, has taken relaxation to new heights with the launch of a decadent new day spa.
Novotel Manly serves cocktail bonus
4 November One of Sydney’s leading beachfront conference venues, the newly rebranded Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific is celebrating its multi-million dollar refurbishment with a booking incentive for residential conferences.
More accolades for Cook Island resort
3 November The bubbles are flowing once again at Pacific Resort Aitutaki after being judged the best ‘Luxury Island Resort’ in the world at the recent World Luxury Hotel Travel Awards.
Stella adds new Tasmanian resort
30 October Stella Hospitality Group has expanded its property portfolio with the addition of a new waterfront resort overlooking the Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania.
Evason brand to pull out of Dalat
29 October Six Senses Resorts & Spas is to cease management of the Evason-branded property in Dalat, Vietnam from 31 October 2008.
Quest opens more in Brisbane
28 October Quest Serviced Apartments continues its expansion in Queensland with the opening of its newest property in Brisbane’s Chermside set for 17 November.
Strong growth for Club Med
23 October Despite the current financial climate, Club Med has reported exceptional sales growth with a 20 percent increase in the number of Australians choosing to travel with Club Med in 2008, with promising forward sales to international resorts for 2009.
Toga to open Medina and Vibe in Darwin
21 October Toga Hospitality will launch two new properties in Darwin in February 2009, with the Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront and Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront set to open their doors in the northern capital.
Special deals for Hawaii
21 October ResortQuest Hawaii has released an Early Bird Special for travellers looking for an affordable Hawaiian getaway in 2009.
Five eco-gold for NZ
20 October Only months after launching its new Qualmark eco-accreditation scheme, New Zealand’s tourism industry has awarded its first five Enviro-Gold certificates.
New resort to open on Koh Samui
20 October With tourism booming across this once sleepy island, Koh Samui is set to open the doors to yet another resort.
Sheraton on the Park opens new executive lounge
14 October Luxurious Sydney hotel, Sheraton on the Park has unveiled its new look Executive Club Lounge following a recent $500,000 refurbishment.
Movie World cover up
13 October Building on its MICE appeal, Warner Bros. Movie World has taken the wraps off its new all-weather function venue.
Radisson Fiji gets green star rating
10 October With eco-credentials becoming increasingly important, Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island has been rewarded for its commitment to sustainability with Green Star rating by AAA Tourism.
Best Western takes to the Mountains
8 October Best Western Australasia has signed another property, with the Best Western Tuscany on Tor Motor Inn from Toowoomba joining the group.
Wilderness retreat opens on WA Ningaloo Coast
2 October Luxury tented wilderness retreat, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef opens this month following a major renovation to enhance facilities at the world-class ‘bush luxury’ getaway.
New apartments open doors in Dubai
2 October Australian-based Oaks Hotels and Resorts has expanded its portfolio to include its first property in the booming Arabian Peninsula market, with the official opening of Oaks Liwa Heights in Dubai.
Tempo shows off apartments
1 October Growing demand for apartment-style accommodation has seen Tempo Holidays release its first-ever brochure dedicated to self-catering travellers.
Radisson Fiji gives away free nights
1 October Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island is celebrating the launch of Air Pacific’s direct Gold Coast to Nadi flights, with a special offer that gives travellers their second night’s accommodation free of charge.
Mercure Sydney rewinds rates to 1998
30 September To celebrate its first decade of operation, the Mercure Sydney is offering ten guests each day throughout October rates of $98 per room per night. The rate will be offered to the first ten bookings made from 1 October each day throughout the month.
Regal Airport Hotel named world’s best
25 September It seems all airport hotels are not the same, with Hong Kong’s Regal Airport Hotel named the best airport hotel in the Asia-Pacific and the World.
Metro Hotels expands into Ipswich
22 September Transmetro Corporation, operators of the Metro Hotels chain continues to build its portfolio of regional properties with the acquisition of the Ipswich International Hotel in Queensland.
Outrigger wins best in Pacific
17 September Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has won HotelClub.com’s ‘Best Service Hotel’, with 120,000 nominations from 70,000 consumers around the world.
Duxton Wellington to get major makeover
11 September Wellington’s (NZ) iconic city-centre hotel – Duxton - will shine like new next year following a major refurbishment program that will elevates its rooms to the most contemporary of any in the city.
New name for Samui hideaway
9 September Six Senses’ five-star property, Sila Evason Hideaway and Spa at Samui has recently undergone a name change and is now known as Six Senses Hideaway Samui – A Sala Property.
First for North Korea
8 September When the Ananti Golf and Hot Springs Resort opens in North Korea next April, its claim to fame will not only be GHM’s first Korean-based property, but the country’s first international luxury getaway.
Turning Japanese in Tokyo
5 September You’ve got to love a hotel where the first thing you do is take off your shoes, slip on a pair of slippers and PJ’s and wander down to soak in the hot springs on the ground floor. That is my attire for the next two days as I take a break from the bustle of Tokyo in this traditional Japanese spa hotel and onsen.
Major refurb for Mantra on Frome
28 August Mantra property group continues to upgrade its hotel stock with Adelaide’s Mantra on Frome the next to enjoy a makeover.
Best Western acquires Dunedin motel
26 August Best Western Australasia has acquired a new property in New Zealand, taking its total of properties in NZ to eight.
Langham opens first branded hotel in Thailand
15 August Langham Hotels International has signed a management contract for an all-villa boutique resort at Kalim Bay in Phuket, Thailand.
Hanoi’s pride and joy
13 August Open for barely nine months, Vietnam’s newest luxury hotel, the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake, is the only property in the country to feature on Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2008 Hotlist, selected for its extraordinary inner city lake-side location and stylish contemporary design.
First hotel opens on The Palm
12 August Dubai’s latest ‘wow-factor’ is scheduled to open next month, and Tempo Holidays is offering introductory rates for clients keen to be among the first to try out the new property.
Absolutely fabulous Furama
10 August Vietnam’s stunning five-star property, Furama Resort Danang, has attracted a string of local and international accolades of late.
Melbourne’s boutique apartment hideaway
8 August Tucked away in a narrow laneway, barely wide enough to fit a taxi, is one of Melbourne’s most delightful inner-city hotels - Metro Apartments on Bank Place.
Dubai hotels for free
6 August In an effort to promote Dubai as a world-class destination, Emirates is offering its first and business class passengers flying to or via the destination this month, free accommodation at a choice of five-star hotels.
Best Western stands by Customer Care
4 August Customer Care has been identified as the core program for hotel group, Best Western, following the launch of its national conference.
Novotel Benoa gets Green Globe
4 August One of Australia's favourite Bali beach resorts has achieved certification from Green Globe in recognition of its environmental management programs.
Tempo offers intro rates for Dubai’s newest resort
1 August Dubai’s newest wow-factor resort is set to open on 24 September, with Tempo Holidays offering introductory rates for clients keen to try out the new property.
Accor offers opportunity to Starbucks
1 August Accor Asia Pacific is offering displaced Starbucks workers the chance to move into the hotel sector with a request they submit resumes and expressions of interest to work at the group’s 140 hotels across Australia.
Best Western announces convention host
31 July Best Western has unveiled the identity of their special guest speaker for this year’s Annual National Convention.
Newly-Built Quality Hotels join Choice
29 July The brand new Quality Hotel Platinum International has joined the Choice Hotels Australasia (CHA) group as the first-ever 4.5-star hotel in Queensland’s garden city of Toowoomba.
Hotel Club hits one million members
28 July On the eve of its tenth anniversary, online booking agent HotelClub.com has notched up one million members in Australia.
Quest to open in World Square
28 July Consolidating its expansion into NSW, Quest Serviced Apartments, is soon to open 72 serviced apartments across eight levels in the Aspect residential tower located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Perth coast hotel looks set to stay
23 July Plans for the re-zoning and re-titling of Perth’s only high-rise beachfront hotel have been put on hold following a preliminary decision opposing plans to convert Rendezvous Observation City Hotel into residential apartments.
Quest moves to Ipswich
23 July Quest Serviced Apartments has expanded its portfolio with its latest opening in Ipswich, Queensland.
Metro completes Pitt Street refurb
21 July Metro Hotel group has just completed a major refurbishment of its boutique four-star Sydney CBD hotel, Metro Hotel on Pitt.
Accor drops rates for Brisbane fun
15 July As Brisbane prepares itself for another Royal Queensland Show in 2008, Novotel, Mercure and Terraces on Wickham hotels have announced special rates for every type of Ekka-goer to enjoy.
Silverwater offers event savings
15 July Silverwater Resort on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has introduced new Spring Overnight Conference Specials, with rates starting from $70 per delegate.
Family touch adds appeal to Blue
14 July It’s always interesting to see the evidence of a family touch on the management of an apartment property, and in the case of Blue C Apartments, at Coolangatta on the southern tip of the Gold Coast, the Douglas family have much to answer for.
Meriton opens first in Queensland
10 July On the heels of its Sydney success story, Meriton is preparing to open its first Queensland property at Broadbeach, in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Melbourne chimes in new era
8 July Melbourne will welcome its newest and largest multi-purpose accommodation facility, when Rydges Bell City opens on 1 August.
Quest shines at hotel awards
6 July Quest Serviced Apartments with two hotels taking out three categories at the recent Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) NSW Awards for Excellence 2008.
Fraser Suites Sydney wins top honours
4 July Luxury all-suites hotel, Fraser Suites Sydney has taken out dual honours at the recent 2008 Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) Industry Awards for Excellence, claiming two major awards.
Melbourne chimes in new era
3 July Melbourne is set to welcome its newest and largest multi purpose accommodation facility, when Rydges Bell City opens on 1 August.
Big savings on Africa rail
30 June The Africa Safari Co are offering huge savings on an upcoming Shongololo African Rail Safari.
Port Stephens resort joins Accor
30 June Accor Hotels has added the All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores to its NSW network, providing a coastal addition to its four other hotels in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley wine region.
Broome accommodation boom
24 June Leading the charge is the landmark beach resort, Cable Beach Club which has recently been renovated.
Family touch puts the appeal into Blue C
24 June It’s always pleasing to see when a family’s touch has been applied to the management of an apartment property.
Boutique apartment hides in Melbourne laneways
23 June Tucked into a narrow laneway, barely wide enough to fit a taxi is one of Melbourne’s most delightful hotel secrets - Metro Apartments on Bank Place.
Wilsons Prom rises to the occasion
20 June If your idea of getting away from it all includes peaceful sea views, nearby access to some of Australia’s best walking tracks and accommodation with a strong leaning towards luxury then Limosa Rise near Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory has the lot.
Stress free holidays
20 June An adults-only retreat designed to help stressed couples recharge and rejuvenate has introduced an irresistible short-break option in Central Queensland.
Pink Poodle gets premium upgrade
19 June One of the Gold Coast’s iconic landmark hotels has been given an extensive makeover, transforming the legendary Pink Poodle motel into the stylish Mantra Wings.
Emporium Brisbane celebrates first year
18 June Brisbane’s ultra-trendy boutique Emporium Hotel has celebrated its first birthday with news the property has been named as one of the world’s best in the prestigious 12th Annual Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List. The hotel was also named in the Best of the Best Top 30 Hotels worldwide as nominated by Australian Gourmet Traveller in April.
Accor adds Monaco to Marlborough
10 June Accor has spread its wings into New Zealand’s legendary Marlborough wine region adding the Monaco Hotel & Resort in Nelson to its portfolio.
Emirates completes first stage of Wolgan Valley
9 June Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ much anticipated ultra-luxury resort in Wolgan Valley is a step closer to reality following the completion of the first of 40 villas and the planting of the first 1000 native trees on site.
New boutique apartments open in Brisbane
6 June Travellers to Brisbane can stay in all-new luxury following the opening of brand new boutique apartments.
Tahiti gets new Legend
2 June Tahiti and her islands are rolling out the welcome mat for a new resort hotel catering to families.
Novotel Cairns gets $7 million facelift
28 May Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort emerges from a $7million refurbishment with a fresh new look and promotional pricing offers.
Quest expands regional footprint
28 May Quest Serviced Apartments is continuing its regional expansion into Victoria, with its latest opening in the Murray River township of Echuca.
Historic Hotel Windsor celebrates 125 years
27 May Melbourne’s famous Hotel Windsor is marking its 125th anniversary with a unique promotion to celebrate the landmark event.
New era for Kangaroo Island tourism
26 May Australia’s first ‘super lodge’ has opened its doors on Kangaroo Island, heralding a new era for the region and South Australia's tourism industry.
Design Hotels opens in Australia
23 May Global hotel group, Design Hotels, has entered the Australian market opening its eighth global office in Perth, and its first Australian hotel in Brisbane.
Corporates key to success
21 May Leisure tourism is kicking performance goals all over the country, but it is the corporate market driving the growth for the burgeoning serviced apartment sector, according to chairman and founder of Quest Serviced Apartments, Paul Constantinou.
Frasers reward loyalty
19 May Luxury apartment hotel group, Frasers Hospitality, has launched a new loyalty program for its Frasers Suites Sydney property, following healthy repeat bookings from a loyal corporate client base.
Raffles named Asia’s Best
16 May For the second consecutive year, Raffles Hotel Singapore has been named Best Hotel in Asia and presented with the ULTRA - Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Award, at the ceremony held at a gala luncheon in London.
Peninsula heads to Shanghai
16 May A recent topping out ceremony in Shanghai has signalled the completion of the new Peninsula Shanghai’s external structure, as the prestigious hotel group returns to Shanghai.
Metro builds GDS bookings
14 May Global Distribution System (GDS) sales have the potential to become the second major source of business for Australia’s oldest hotel chain, Metro Hotels, with the Group reporting a 25 per cent increase in bookings, via the traditional distribution channel in the six months to December 2007.
Westin moves into Queensland
14 May Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced it has entered into an agreement to open a new-build Westin hotel and residences in Brisbane.
Holiday Inn Express to launch in Bangkok
13 May InterContinental Hotels Group has expanded its Holiday Inn Express hotel brand into Thailand, with the signing of its first property in Bangkok.
Sofitel named #1
12 May Online travel booking giant, Expedia has named Sofitel Chicago Water Tower as the top hotel on its annual Insider’s Select list of the world’s best hotels.
Oaks banks $10.5 million from hotel sale
12 May Oaks Hotels & Resorts has settled the sale of its Management Letting Rights (MLR) for four properties to Staywell Hospitality Group, banking $10.5 million and signing two new properties in the key Sydney CBD market.
Accor adds Mercure at London Gatwick airport
9 May Accor has taken over the former Renaissance London Gatwick Hotel and is set to rebrand the property - Mercure London Gatwick – from 23 May 2008.
$1.4 billion for more rooms
6 May An investment of $1.4 billion into tourist accommodation is hoped to alleviate Western Australia’s property shortage – particularly in the major cities.
Tourism WA opposes Observation City plans
11 April Tourism Western Australia chairman, Kate Lamont, has opposed plans to convert the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel into residential apartments, citing concerns relating to Perth’s under supply of hotel rooms.
Icon scores Levendis Estate
10 April Mediterranean holiday specialist, Icon Holidays, has been appointed the Australian general sales agent for Levendis Estate, a three-hectare gated country residential establishment on the shores of the Ionian island of Ithaca.
Major makeover at Southern Cross
9 April With the popularity of serviced apartment accommodation at an all-time high, Clarion Southern Cross Suites has invested in a major refurbishment of its guest rooms and public areas that has transformed the central Sydney landmark.
Rainforest sleepover
9 April Travellers looking for a more holistic eco-tourism experience on the Gold Coast can stay within Lamington National Park at O’Rielly’s Rainforest Guesthouse.
Accor changes name for Club
9 April Accor's Gold Coast-based Vacation Club has been renamed to reflect the strong ties with parent Accor, and the brands it represents across the Asia Pacific region.
Peninsula Bangkok named best value
7 April The Peninsula Bangkok has been named the hotel offering the World’s Best Value - Overall in the US$250 to US$400 category by readers of US-based Travel + Leisure magazine.
New era for Kangaroo Island
4 April South Australia’s sleepy island getaway is about to change with the opening of Kangaroo Island’s first ‘super lodge’.
Rainforest hotel for NZ
2 April Building work has started on New Zealand’s newest purpose-built five-star hotel, at Franz Josef on the South Island’s West Coast.
Stella creates Australia’s largest brand
2 April Stella Hospitality Group has consolidated its corporate and leisure properties under the Mantra banner to create Australia’s largest 4 – 4.5 star hotel, resort and apartment brand.
Smoke-free is good for business
27 March It seems quitting cigarettes can be good for your health as well as business, with Metro Hotels reporting its no-smoking policies a big success.
New name for Perth Pagoda
25 March Owners of Fremantle’s Esplanade Hotel have expanded their property portfolio with the acquisition of boutique landmark, Pagoda Hotel in South Perth.
Radisson moves to Maldives
20 March Carlson Hotels Worldwide will manage its first Radisson hotel in the Maldives in early 2010.
Langham Hotels partners with THAI
19 March Langham Hotels International has signed a new loyalty partnership with Thai Airways International Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program, that will enable members to earn 750 miles per qualified stay at any Langham property.
Peninsular Bangkok celebrates first decade
To mark it’s first decade of operations, The Peninsula Bangkok is launching a year of celebration offers, including accommodation packages, wining and dining, as well as other unique experiences.
Daintree gets worldwide eco-credibility
13 March A boutique property situated in the dense tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland, has won global recognition, being named the “World’s Leading Eco-Lodge”.
Five stars for Realm
12 March Canberra’s newest hotel, Hotel Realm, has been officially recognised as a five-star accommodation outlet under the AAA star-rating program.
CX Holidays adds low season deals
10 March Cathay Pacific Holidays has expanded its low season deals and hotels with the inclusion of three boutique hotels and five iconic properties in Hong Kong.
Rydges launches online check in
10 March Rydges Hotels and Resorts has launched what it claims is an Australian first - web check-in.
Quest to build more apartments in Melbourne
7 March Quest Services Apartments is to build 120 apartments within Melbourne’s newest stage of the Docklands precinct.
New international resort for Townsville
6 March Townsville continues to grow with news of a new $80 million multi-level serviced apartment and residential building on Palmer Street, which will be managed by international hotel group, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
Quest opens in the Alice
4 March Quest Serviced Apartments has expanded its portfolio with the opening of its latest property in Alice Springs, providing much needed corporate accommodation into the Red Centre.
Bell City signs first deal
26 February Melbourne’s newest conference facility, the Bell City complex, has signed its first major bookings months before its opening in September.
Raffles Gateway Hotel named Fiji’s Best
25 February The Raffles Gateway Hotel, Nadi, has taken out top honours in the ‘Quality Accommodation’ category at the 2008 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Five star rooms for Canberra
22 February 2008 Canberra’s critical shortage of five-star hotel rooms has been alleviated with the opening on the city’s second luxury hotel.
InterContinental debuts in Vietnam
21 February Global hotel group, InterContinental is set to open its first Vietnam property next month.
Choice goes trackside
20 February Choice Hotel Australasia has signed its newest member, trackside at the world-renowned Mount Panorama racing circuit in Bathurst.
Mercure conferences go carbon neutral
19 February Mercure hotels across Australia have gone green on conferencing, with its new Mercure Meetings initiative the first to offer a national Carbon Neutral Conferencing product.
Issenberg gets new chair
15 February Accor has appointed Michael Issenberg as chairman and chief operating officer of Accor Asia Pacific.
Fremantle hotel goes carbon neutral
14 February One of WA’s largest and most iconic four-star hotels has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by becoming the first hotel in the state to be declared carbon neutral.
Three new sign ups for Choice
13 February Choice Hotels Australasia has further expanded its network of hotels with another three new property sign-ups – in Melbourne, Mandurah and Taupo on New Zealand’s North Island.
Select to manage NZ luxury lodge
13 February Select Hotels & Resorts has been appointed to manage Braemar Lodge in the New Zealand’s stunning southern alps, when it opens in April.
Four stars for Port Lincoln
13 February The once-sleepy South Australian fishing port of Port Lincoln has welcomed the opening of its latest hotel, as the town continues to expand under continued tourism and business growth.
Oakwood opens in Bangkok
12 February Bangkok’s newest apartment hotel, Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24 Bangkok, has launched with a US$70 introductory rate.
Party time at Tamassa
11 February Mauritius’ latest resort, Tamassa (which means party place in Mauritian Creole) launched in mid-December amid much fanfare and celebration that lived up to its name, featuring world-class singers, super models, fireworks and Australia’s own industrial tap-dancers, Tap Dogs.
Upgrade for Singapore landmark
11 February Pan Pacific Singapore’s has undergone a massive S$14 million upgrade taking the landmark hotel beyond aesthetic improvement, and providing state-of-the-art technological enhancements within guest accommodation.
Great Keppel savings
11 February Great Keppel Island has released a discounted accommodation package, with rooms from $99 per night.
Choice and Qantas Team Up
1 February Choice Hotels Australasia and Qantas Airways are offering double points for Qantas Frequent Flyer members who use their frequent flyer card to check into any Comfort, Quality or Clarion property in Australia and New Zealand.
Emirates names latest hotel
30 January Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ has named its first city-based hotel - The Harbour Hotel & Residence.
Ascott moves into Perth
24 January Ascott Residence Trust has expanded beyond Melbourne, with the acquisition of Perth-based inner city apartment hotel, Chifley on the Terrace.
Carlson hotels to double China
21 January Carlson Hotels Worldwide–Asia has entered a strategic partnership with the Sunshine100 Group, one of China’s top 10 property development firms, which will see the company more than double the size of its current hotel portfolio in China.
Anantara Resorts expands Arabia
21 January Anantara Resorts is expanding its portfolio, with two new management contracts for five-star resorts in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
New apartment hotel for Dubai
16 January Corporate travellers to Dubai will welcome news of a new apartment hotel opening in this city this month.
Wollongong enjoys hotel boom
16 January Wollongong’s thriving tourism industry has triggered a boom in hotel development, with the city preparing to welcome its fifth international-standard hotel in only two years.
Metro upgrades target corporates
15 January Metro Hotel Sydney Central has undergone extensive refurbishments to all 154 superior rooms, as part of its planned strategy to capture a larger slice of Sydney’s corporate and conference business.
Genting Highlands named world’s best
14 January Genting Highlands Resort has been named the World’s Leading Casino Resort at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards.
Three up north for Choice
14 January Choice Hotels Australasia has welcomed a third Northern Territory-based hotel into its portfolio, with the signing of the four-star Comfort Inn Outback Alice Springs.
Accor takes on iconinc Bondi resort
9 January One of Sydney’s most renowned beachside hotels – the Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa – has joined the Accor group.
Get away for Valentines Day
7 January Broome’s multi-award winning Cable Beach Club resort is offering a great deal for Valentine’s Day with 50 per cent off room rates during February.
Carlson to open Regent Phuket
7 January Carlson Hotels Worldwide is expanding to Phuket with a luxurious new Regent hotel scheduled to open in March 2009.
Big discounts for green NT
7 January Head north for a tropical summer with discounted prices across Top End hotels during the summer rains.
Four nights free at Phuket resort
4 January Boutique resort, Bundarika Villa, nestled in one of the most picturesque seaside pockets of Phuket, is offering clients four nights for free, when they pay for four nights through Honeymoon Worldwide Holidays.
Rendezvous opens in UAE
31 December Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts has signed its first hotel management agreement in the United Arab Emirates and expects to open the doors to its four-star hotel in late 2008.
Fairmont signs iconic Nairobi hotel
27 December Luxury property group, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, has further expanded its African hotels following the rebranding and renovation of the famous Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi.
Hilton Melbourne undergoes $40 million refurbishment
16 December Melbourne landmark, Hilton on the Park, has commenced a $40 million refurbishment program, which will see the property’s accommodation rooms, conference and events floor and famous Grand Ballroom receive a complete facelift.
Rooms still available at top resorts
14 December Despite claims that many popular overseas destinations are booked out, Sydney-based GlobaRES, said it is still securing rooms for quality accommodation in places like Hawaii, Phuket, Koh Samui in Thailand and Penang in Malaysia.
Occupancies remain steady despite strong dollar
12 December Despite growing industry concerns about the strengthening Australian dollar deterring international visitors and increasing pressure on Australia’s tourism industry, many hotels across Australia are reporting sustained growth in occupancy and rates.
South Yarra Quest
11 December Quest Serviced Apartments is celebrating the opening of its latest property in Melbourne – this time a nine-storey purpose-built apartment hotel on the edge of the Chapel Street shopping and leisure precinct in South Yarra.
Australian apartment concept for Berlin
10 December Toga Hospitality, operators of Medina Apartment Hotels in Australia, has opened its third European apartment hotel complex in Berlin, under the Adina brand.
Hunter Valley gets new Grand
7 December Tallawanta Lodge in the Hunter Valley Gardens will become even more ‘Grand’ when it is re-branded into Accor’s Grand Mercure collection from 21 January next year.
Select Hotels gets Victorian beauty
5 December Luxury boutique property management group, Select Hotels & Resorts International, has signed on another boutique property – this time in the Victorian Dandenong ranges.
Hotel occupancies rise despite strong dollar
4 December Despite growing industry concerns about the strengthening Australian dollar increasing pressure on the nation’s tourism industry, many hotels Australia-wide are enjoying a steady growth in occupancy and rates.
Boutique resort for Thai coast
4 December A booming tourism market has seen boutique resort group X2 Resorts open its first chain of designer resorts on coastal strip near Hua Hin.
History makes way for the future
3 December Another Las Vegas landmark hotel has been imploded to make way for the growing number of amazing resort casinos currently being developed in the desert city.
NZ chases more conferences
28 November A new convention centre opened in New Zealand’s south island wine region has been described as a contender for major convention and conference business, following its opening last weekend.
Naladhu Maldives joins luxury collection
23 November Luxury Maldives resort, Naladhu has joined the ranks of some of the most prestigious properties in the world, with its acceptance into the membership of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.
Carlson opens Thailand’s first Plaza
22 November Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific will launch its first Park Plaza hotel in Thailand, with the opening of the 95-room Park Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok, in mid-December.
Mantra completes tower project
21 November Mantra Resorts has completed the second and third towers of its premium 4.5 star resort, Mantra Trilogy, overlooking Trinity Bay in Cairns.
Ritz-Carlton upgrades Bali
7 November Luxury Bali resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Resort & Spa, has upgraded its Club rooms with recently completed renovations that see all rooms feature 42 inch Plasma TVs, indulgent new bathroom amenities, in-room coffee and tea options, new throw pillows, bed runners, bed skirtings, new carpets as well as new sofas and ottomans, night curtains, digital scales and JVD safety boxes.