An exciting debate on branded versus white label operators is set to unfold at AHICE Asia Pacific on Wednesday May 1. The conference kicks off with this ‘Mini Debate’ at 8:15am, as part of a Breakfast Masterclass moderated by JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group Managing Director, Gus Moors. Six key leaders will argue for and against the topic: “Branded Operators are better at running hotels than White Label Operators”. Arguing in favour of branded operators will be TFE Hotel’s Tish Nyar; Minor Hotels’ Craig Hooley; and Marriott International’s Richard Crawford. Those flying the flag for White Lab ..read more

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has once again been named the world’s best airport hotel at Skytrax’s 2024 World Airport Awards. The hotel clinched both ‘World’s Best Airport Hotel’ and ‘Best Airport Hotel in Asia’ for the ninth consecutive year at the annual awards list, which represents the benchmark of excellence in the world airport industry. “We are immensely honoured to receive these prestigious recognitions for the ninth year running,” said Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel Manager, Abdul Hafid. “This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment towards service excellence, and we are c ..read more

Hotel development leader Andrew Taylor is sharpening his focus on lifestyle hotels with the launch of a new company name and direction. On Tuesday evening, at an intimate event in Sydney, Taylor launched Cre8tive Hotels and Lifestyle, marking a shift away from the former name Cre8tive Property. Acting as an advisor to owners, Taylor and his team have developed a strategy to support owners, developers and funding partners in delivering world-class lifestyle hotels, which he believes is an underserved segment in the Australian market. “We are passionate about hotels and fostering community withi ..read more

The Langham, Gold Coast is partnering with international fashion and beauty house, Carolina Herrera, on an afternoon tea to promote the brand’s latest fragrance. Hosted within The Langham’s Palm Court restaurant from May 9 – June 2, the Carolina Herrera Afternoon Tea marks the launch of Good Girl Blush Elixir and showcases a collection of delicacies crafted by the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, Johann Vanier. The Langham, Gold Coast’s Executive Pastry Chef, Johann Vanier The exclusive partnership will run for three weeks, coinciding with Mother’s Day. “We are thrilled to bring together the tim ..read more

Air New Zealand has revealed updates to its capacity and network this Southern Hemisphere summer, with the confirmed return of two routes, an extended pause on another, and additional capacity into key markets. The airline will make a welcome return to Hobart and Seoul in October 2024 after both were paused over the New Zealand winter period. Both the Auckland to Hobart and Auckland to Seoul routes will be seasonal services, with Air New Zealand operating three direct flights a week to each destination over the summer months from October to March. The airline will also be expanding its capaci ..read more

Pier One Sydney Harbour will open the doors of a new harbourside restaurant, Pier Dining, next week, on Wednesday May 1. Replacing The Gantry restaurant, Pier Dining will offer a seafood-driven menu in a relaxed and approachable setting. “For the past eight years, Pier One Sydney Harbour has led with fine-dining degustation and chef-selection menus,” said Pier One Sydney Harbour General Manager, Kim Mahaffy. “After listening to our guests and the local community we have evolved the restaurant to celebrate a more casual and relaxed style of dining, leading with an a la carte menu, or feed-me m ..read more

Hilton’s recently appointed Vice President of Luxury Brands for Asia Pacific, Candice D’Cruz, is set to make her first appearance at AHICE Asia Pacific next week, speaking as part of a panel on What Global Customers Want – a deep dive into what the customers want now and into the next decade. Based in Singapore, D’Cruz is responsible for luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, LXR Hotels and Resorts and Conrad Hotels and Resorts, across Asia Pacific. Speaking exclusively to HM, ahead of the conference, D’Cruz discusses changing expectations in the luxury landscape. How have the exp ..read more

Schwartz Family Company has acquired Leura Gardens Resort in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains region for AU$25 million from the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund. As the 15th hotel in the Schwartz network, Leura Gardens Resort joins the company’s award-winning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and Leura Golf Club, all within a few minutes’ drive of each other, and strengthens its position as a premier leisure and conference provider in the region. “The Blue Mountains is Sydney’s holiday playground and one of the most popular destinations for weddings, retreats, leisure groups, conferences and events ..read more

Independent hotel management company, Trilogy Hotels, is expanding its team with the appointment of five experienced executives to its leadership team. Shaizeen Contractor has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer; Mardi Sparrow joins as Chief People Officer; Ben Salter has been named Director of Distribution and Systems; Josie Hungerford has been appointed Director of Growth; and Corporate Affairs and Amanda Warner takes up the role of Corporate Support Manager. Bringing over 20 years of industry experience, Shaizeen Contractor was previously Senior Commercial Director of Australasia at Hil ..read more

Elanor Hotels has expanded its regional accommodation offering with the recent launch of an eco-friendly and pet-friendly glamping experience, Mudgee Retreats. Located within the 30-acre Parklands Resort Mudgee – a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney – Mudgee Retreats encompasses 15 design-led canvas tents featuring luxurious four-poster king size beds, private ensuites and an outdoor deck. A curated selection of local gourmet treats is available to guests, as well as continental breakfast, which is delivered to the door. Retreat guests also have access to a private tennis court, indoor pool, fitness ..read more