2011 HM Awards nominations now open

Nominations for the 2011 HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy, are now open at www.hmawards.com.au

A Blu rebrand for Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney

On May 1, 2011 the intimate, boutique style, five-star Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney will be renamed Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

Capricorn Tourism backs new luxury Rockhampton resort

BY RODERICK EIME

The recent announcement by Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development Limited’s CEO, Mary Carroll, looks like bringing to a close the ongoing saga of the failed resort development at Tanby Point near Rockhampton.

Shangri-La Asia Limited buys The Pier in Cairns

Shangri-La Asia Limited, the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group, has entered a joint venture with Abelian Proprietary Limited to acquire The Pier at The Marina, consisting of the 255-room Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns and The Pier shopping complex.

Hilton unveils culinary team for Queenstown resorts

Hilton has announced the line-up of chefs for its new Kawarau Village development, comprised of the five star 178-room Hilton Queenstown and the four star 98-room Kawarau Hotel, managed by Hilton, set in a fully fledged retail and dining village.

Mercure launches new website

Mercure, Accor’s midscale hotel brand has launched a totally revamped website with more images and content and a stronger focus on the teams at Mercure, whose commitment to delivering excellent hospitality is one of the brand’s distinctive features.

Alila chefs present the best of Bali

The four key figures behind the culinary helm of each Alila Resort and Villa property in Bali will converge at Alila Villas Soori’s Coast restaurant to present a special Alila Chefs Dinner on April 30, 2011.

Christchurch tourism given NZD$1.6 million funding boost

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has recognised the severe impact on Canterbury tourism from the February 2011 earthquake with a funding boost.

Qantas resumes direct Tokyo flights

BY JAMES WILKINSON

Qantas is set to resume direct Sydney-Tokyo services on April 19, following the diversion of flights via Hong Kong in the wake of last month’s deadly earthquake and tsunami.

Fiji kicks off 2011 with record arrivals

Hot on the heels of its record breaking 2010 performance which saw more than 318,000 Australians visit Fiji across the year, the destination has kicked off 2011 in strong form with Australian visitor arrivals for January closing in on the 26,000 mark.