Big Fat Hotel Wrap
AccorHotels showcase drives excitement as travel manager wins new peugeot 208
One of AccorHotels’ key client’s Celeste Burk, Travel Manager from Corporate Traveller in North Sydney claimed the keys to a new Peugeot 208 worth over $30,000, at last night’s AccorHotels Showcase extravaganza.
In its 13th year, the AccorHotels annual showcase invites over 800 travel industry attendees to partake in the event business card draw, with five lucky finalists called on stage by Channel Seven celebrity emcees Melissa Doyle and Larry Emdur to select a key at random and try their luck to unlock the Peugeot.
Fifth in line with key in hand, Celeste stepped towards the shiny red Peugeot and with one twist the car unlocked, lights flickered and horn sounded. Celeste’s face filled with disbelief and glee as it finally dawned on her that she would be driving the car out of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s Grand Ballroom.
The Peugeot was one of a whole series of accommodation and travel prizes drawn during the evening with Erin O’Shannessy from American Express Meeting and Events walking away with a trip to Hong Kong staying at The Pullman Park Lane and Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon hotels including business class flights thanks to Qantas.
Applying for a job at Mantra Group just went Hollywood
In an Australian accommodation industry first, Mantra Group has launched video job applications as an optional element for jobseekers applying for guest-facing roles through its online MyCareer recruitment platform.
Mantra Group Executive Director Human Resources Cherie McGill said the option of including a video cover letter was introduced as some applicants, especially Millennials, communicate very effectively in this format.
“We’re not looking for production quality. We’re trying to get to know the applicant on a deeper level so we can more easily identify candidates who embody our company values,” Cherie said.
“We are very excited about this new recruitment tool as it gives our team a greater personal understanding of applicants.”
The first Mantra Group property to utilise video in their recruitment process is the new Peppers Kings Square Hotel in Perth (opening in October 2016). Jobseekers applying for Guest Service Agent roles at the new hotel now have the opportunity to provide a video cover letter as part of their job application. Applicants are encouraged to create a 60 second video introducing themselves to the recruitment team and answering a couple of questions. For more information or to apply, visit www.peppers.com.au/dreamjob
Plaza Athénée Bangkok 7th annual UNICEF Check Out for Children Silent Auction & Challenge
Plaza Athénéé Bangkok, A Royal Méridien is preparing to host its 7th annual charity fund-raising event, UNICEF Check Out For Children Challenge (2016), having set a goal for all parties involved to exceed the remarkable record sum of THB1,189,000 raised in 2015.
As in years past, much of the funds is expected to be raised by a “SILENT AUCTION” in which anyone can bid for luxury getaways all over the world or autographed memorabilia, with the winning bids funding children’s education.
In addition, on Saturday 24 September 2016, the hotel will host “UNICEF CHARITY BOWLING” where teams of three people can enter a bowling competition at SF Strike Bowl, MBK Center in the heart of Bangkok. Each team pays an entry fee of THB 5,000 which includes the bowling, lunch and a UNICEF polo T-shirt.
Straight donations can also be made as follows:
Name: TCC Hotel Asset Management Co., Ltd
Bank: SCB / Chidlom
Account Number: 001-5-93127-0 (Saving)
Following payment, please fax the pay-in-slip with your name and contact details to 02-650-8799.
Ovolo Hotels Seals Arrival Down Under with Major Accolades at HM Award 2016
Ovolo Hotels, the new darling of Australia’s hospitality market, achieved resounding success at the 2016 HM Awards with a series of wins and commendations. From a pool of 20 nominees, the hotel group saw its Ovolo Woolloomooloo General Manager Adam Taloni awarded Australian GM of the Year at the 14th edition of the region’s leading award for the accommodation industry. Additionally, the multinational hotel brand and its Founder/CEO, Mr. Girish Jhunjhnuwala, were highly commended in closed nominations as Hotel Brand of the Year and APAC Hotelier of the Year respectively.
Ovolo’s success at the industry’s most prestigious regional award is further compounded when considering the fact that the brand arrived in Sydney just under one year ago. Its two current properties, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour and Ovolo Woolloomooloo, were just launched in November 2015. And within that time, the hotel group has not only won acclamations from the industry, but also from travellers around the world.
Stayz launches new campaign to help Australians find their ‘special place’
Australians are being inspired to find their ‘special place’ this summer through a new, multi-channel campaign from Australia’s number one holiday rental website, Stayz.
The campaign is centred around the important role that special moments play in creating memories that last a lifetime. With over 40,000 holiday rentals across Australia, Aussies are being reminded that they can create long lasting memories with family and friends through Stayz.
The campaign begins today, and is accompanied by a heavy digital schedule and integrated sponsorship of ‘The Block’ on Channel 9. The first TV spot playfully looks back at the memories of the hero lead woman and the unforgettable places she experienced during her childhood. Viewers are taken on a compelling journey that ends with the lead and her young family arriving at their latest ‘special place’, a Stayz house on NSW’s Central Coast. The emotion-filled soundtrack to the campaign is Fire and The Flood by Australian singersongwriter Vance Joy and perfectly depicts the importance of spending quality time with loved ones.
The date is set for The Johnson to swing open its doors
Asian Pacific Group has announced the official opening date for their long-awaited first east coast venture. The Johnson dedicated to master colourist and abstract artist; Michael Johnson, will welcome guests from the 16th September following a three year renovation of the heritage listed ‘Main Roads Building’ in Spring Hill.
Located on the fringe of Brisbane’s CBD, the mix use property will attract visitors and locals alike to stay, work, dine and play. The modernist property, originally designed by influential architect Karl Langer, will house a signature Art Series boutique hotel, residential apartments, serviced offices, a 50m Michael Klim designed rooftop pool and terrace, and adjoining restaurant, bar and café; Tumbling Stone.
The industrial undertone of the building provides the perfect gallery styled space to showcase Johnson’s work, with guests offered the opportunity to experience signature originals and giclee prints including ‘Oyster Line 2012/2013’ portraying Johnson’s fascination and close observation of the sea – including ripples in the water, reflections of light and the glow of phosphorescence creatures. Heritage-listed artwork has also been restored, including ‘The Red Cube’, a large metal sculpture at the entrance of the property, commemorating its original opening.
Gold Coast’s iconic hatted Seaduction Restaurant + Bar announces new executive chef
Seaduction Restaurant + Bar, located at Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, has appointed celebrated chef James Fiske, formerly of Michelin starred establishments across the UK and Europe and the Gold Coast’s Vanitas at Palazzo Versace, as Executive Chef.
James, who brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, said achieving Executive Chef at the premier, hatted Seaduction Restaurant + Bar is a career highlight and one which has enabled him to create a bespoke menu that celebrates his international culinary practices.
“I’ve drawn on my English heritage and transformative experience throughout Europe to create a new modern and dynamic European menu with Australian influences to perfectly complement the Seaduction Restaurant + Bar setting,” James said.
Fusing earth and sea and bursting with fresh local produce, the menu features exquisite combinations of taste and texture, and changes seasonally according to the finest and freshest available product on offer from niche providers around the country.
Southport Meriton opens sky high resort-style hotel
Meriton Serviced Apartments soars to new heights as they open the doors at Southport to their newest Queensland resort-style hotel today.
At an impressive 55 levels high, Meriton Serviced Apartments on Como Crescent opened as Southport’s tallest building and the Gold Coast’s newest hotel. This iconic, modern building can be seen from kilometres away.
With all 208 suites on level 25 and higher, every guest will be mesmerised by spectacular, unobstructed Pacific Ocean views and the Gold Coast, famous for its shimmering sands and iconic surf.
With a choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suites, this luxury hotel caters for everybody. With suites up to three times bigger, delight in uncompromised levels of comfort and space for similar prices to traditional hotels. Savour the fresh ocean breeze from the comfort of your private balcony or indulge in the pools and sundeck located on the podium level.
All suites include gourmet kitchens, fully self-contained laundries and relaxed living and dining areas. The 2 and 3 bedroom suites have two full bathrooms and additional TVs in each bedroom plus flexible bedding options to cater for any sized family.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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