News in Brief: Tuesday September 24

News in Brief: Tuesday September 24
By admin


Novotel’s flagship North American property in New York has undergone an $85 million revamp, with its new look unveiled this week.

The renovation makes it the first hotel in Times Square to undergo a “large-scale” redesign, according to Accor.

 

Serviced apartment firm Quest has offically opened its $30 million property in the centre of North Queensland town, Mackay, with "thriving business conditions" behind the property's development.

The 115-room Quest Mackay on Gordon consists of studio, one and two bedroom serviced apartments along with meeting and conference facilities.

 

President and chief executive of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Patrick Imbardelli, will stand down from the role on November 30 in order to pursue other career opportunities.

 

Sydney’s Radisson Blu Hotel is targeting the pharmaceutical sector with the launch of a range of catering packages designed to suit its specific needs.

The day delegate and dinner packages are “competitively priced” with the five-star property able to accommodate up to 200 delegates theatre-style.

 

Horse riding team-bonding skills for groups are now on offer in Macarthur in New South Wales, the latest addition to the town’s growing range of MICE-targeted experiences.

Grahame Ware, horse trainer to the Hollywood film industry, is offering the experiences at his new-look trail riding centre, 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD.

The launch follows the recent opening of the Maximum Skating centre and Ultimate Carting Sydney which also offer corporate-focused products.

 

Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, Etihad Guest, will integrate the Extra Flight Club frequent flyer program of Air Serbia, currently Jat Airways, from October 28.

The move follows Etihad’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Air Serbia, subject to regulatory approvals, with it to manage the Serbian national carrier under a five year contract.

 

The start of Boeing 777-200LR services between Dubai and Boston from March 10 will mark Emirates' eighth route into the US.

 

One year since the announcement of their alliance, Qantas and Emirates have launched their largest joint commercial offer to date with earybird airfares now available in all cabins for travel in 2014.

Under the offer, return fares to Europe start from $1547 to Copenhagen, with business class fares to Europe from $7598.

Emirates vice president commercial operations Australasia, Bryan Banston, predicted Scandinavian travel would be a particular growth area for the year ahead, based on strong bookings from Australia to Stockholm since the service launched on September 4.

 

Tune Hotels has appointed Nathan Copsey as general manager of its first Australian property in Melbourne, to open on November 1.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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