The big fat hotel wrap is here to get you up to date on what is happening in the world of hotels, resorts, lodges and accomodation offerings around the globe.

Tourism growth attributed to accommodation sector

Growth in the accommodation sector has been a major contributor to the impressive performance of the tourism industry in 2014-15 according to figures released in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Tourism Satellite Account.

The ABS figures showed that tourism contributed $47.5 billion to the economy, representing 5.3% growth for the year and delivering 3% of Gross Domestic Product, three times the growth for the total economy.

The accommodation sector led the way, with growth of 7% to $7 billion. Tourism continues to drive employment growth across Australia.  In 2014-15, the number of people directly employed in the tourism industry reached 580,800, an increase of 6.3 per cent on 2013-14.

Direct employment in the accommodation sector grew by 10,500 to 87,500 in 2014-15, making accommodation the third largest contributor to tourism jobs.

Booking.com partners with Huawei for app

Booking.com has partnered with Huawei to become the first accommodation platform that will come pre-installed on Huawei devices globally. With Booking.com’s more than 880,000 accommodation options in over 87,000 global destinations, Huawei users will be able to conveniently access and book accommodation around the globe the moment they switch on their Huawei device.

The pre-installed app will be available in 42 languages and give Huawei users instant access to all the benefits of booking accommodation through Booking.com, including 24/7 multi-lingual customer service, maximum flexibility on cancellation, pay after you stay on most properties and no booking fees. They will also be able to make smart and informed travel decisions using Booking.com’s 80 million plus genuine, verified guest reviews.

Minor Hotel Group partners with Emirates Skywards

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 145 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce a new partnership and offer with Emirates Skywards, the award-winning frequent flyer programme of Emirates Airline.

Emirates Skywards provides members the chance to earn and spend Miles with Emirates and its partners. Emirates Skywards members can now enjoy rewards at Minor Hotel Group properties during stays booked under the special offer.  The special offer with the Minor Hotel Group rewards travellers with triple Skywards Miles and a 10 – 30% discount off Best Flexible Rates, plus 10 – 20% off dining at participating restaurants, as well as spa treatments, single room upgrades*, early check-in*, late check-outs* and complimentary breakfast, in addition to earning nights towards each guest’s DISCOVERY tier status.

Australian Company Opens First Hotel in Europe

Australia-based and owned hotel management company StayWell Hospitality Group has opened the doors of the brand’s first European property, situated in Birmingham, England.

Park Regis Birmingham is approximately two and a half hours drive northwest of London and brings the Sydney based company’s international portfolio to 31 properties.

StayWell Hospitality Group CEO Mr Simon Wan said that the opening of the European hotel is a strategic move for his company which owns high profile brands Park Regis and Leisure Inn hotels across Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Colin Fassnidge to host gourmet getaway

My Kitchen Rules (MKR) fans need not worry now that season seven is over, with judge Colin Fassnidge set to join the culinary team at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery by Sofitel on Saturday 9 July 2016 for two exceptional gastronomic events – a masterclass and four-course gala dinner.

The cheeky Irish chef and MKR judge who is best known for his signature nose-to-tail cooking philosophy, will take guests on a spectacular culinary journey during a masterclass presentation from 1:30-3pm, sharing all his tips and tricks along the way.

During the evening event, from 6:30-10:30pm, Fassnidge will share his passion for food and his journey to becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs over an extraordinary four-course gala dinner, paired with a range of impressive regional NSW wines.

“I look forward to partnering with the culinary team at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains to present and celebrate the very best of the region’s fresh local produce in my nose-to-tail masterclass and gala dinner,” said Fassnidge.

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains General Manager Scott O’Neile, said “Winter is the perfect time to escape the city for a gourmet getaway in the Blue Mountains, with the occasional dusting of snow surprising our guests. We look forward to collaborating with Colin and delighting our guests with two exciting unique culinary events this July.”

The nose-to-tail masterclass is priced at $80 per person, including canapés and beverages.

The four-course gala dinner is priced at $160 per person, including paired wines.