Solomon Airlines Terminates CEO – Gus Kraus to step into temporary CEO role

Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Chairman of the Board of Solomon Airlines Limited, Austin Holmes has today announced the termination of Solomon Airlines CEO, Ron Sumsum (pic above) with immediate effect.

Announcing the news to the executive management team at the airline's Henderson Airport head offices, Mr Holmes advised the board of directors has appointed General Manager Operations and Commercial, Gus Kraus to the acting CEO role in the interim period it will take to seek and appoint a new full time CEO.

Mr Holmes advised this process will require approval by the Solomon Islands Civil Aviation, Authority (CAASI) following a thorough review of nominated persons to the "substantive position involved."

"The implications will have far reaching effects," Mr Holmes said.

"And this is being worked through by the airline's executive team with notifications and change processes already underway to ensure the airline complies with all relevant regulations and authorities within the country and with countries that we have approvals to operate to."

Ratifying the temporary appointment to the CEO role, CAASI Director, George Satu stated that Mr Kraus had for several years held approval as stand-in for the CEO role as the occasion required.

"Gus is a very fit and proper person to step into the CEO role," Mr Satu said.

"I believe his 48 years of airline service and experience will see Solomon Airlines successfully  through its next phase of transition as we await the appointment of a new CEO."

New hotel complex announced for Brisbane

Brisbane is about to gain its most sophisticated new hotel and lifestyle address, THE CALILE, in Fortitude Valley’s chic dining and boutique destination, James St.

Sydney-based TFE Hotels will operate THE CALILE, which is being developed by Calile Malouf Investments (CMI) and due to open in 2018. CMI also delivered the highly acclaimed James St Market.

THE CALILE will become the second hotel under the TFE Hotels Collection brand and will encompass the brand’s ethos of beautiful design, bespoke service and attention to the individual.

Designed by Richards & Spence Architects, the seven-storey hotel will be located on bustling James Street – bounded by James, Doggett and Wandoo Streets – and will comprise 178 generously sized luxury hotel rooms and suites with over 2600 square meters of new retail and hospitality space.

Subtropical in style, THE CALILE promises a resort feel in a city-fringe location, making it a true urban oasis. It seeks to embrace Brisbane’s sunshine, blue skies and love of outdoor living to create a hotel that will set a new standard in design and service for travellers and locals alike

There will be a mix of ground floor boutiques, restaurants and cafés linking to a podium level designed as a raised urban landscape – complete with pool, cabanas, a poolside restaurant, day spa, fitness centre and business centre. The podium level will also house a function room with capacity to host banquets for up to 300 seated guests. Basement parking will be provided for 220 vehicles

James St in Fortitude Valley, just 2.5 km from the Brisbane CBD and 14 km from Brisbane airport, has rapidly become Brisbane’s foremost retail and lifestyle precinct. Having emerged organically from its inner-city industrial roots, the street and surrounding area has evolved into a high energy urban hub.

James Street has a mix of 130 specialty shops, art galleries and day spas, award-winning restaurants Cru Bar & Cellar and James St Market and Palace Centro Cinemas.

TFE Hotels CEO Rachel Argaman said THE CALILE would be much more than a hotel – it would be a new icon for Brisbane and a destination for the city’s stylish set and visitors to the city.

“We are really excited to be partnering with CMI, who have been instrumental in transforming James Street into the most sought-after destination in one of Australia’s fastest growing cities,” she said.

“This will be a sophisticated and fun resort experience in an urban location - where people will meet for drinks with friends, to shop or for a fun night out, taking advantage of that glorious sub-tropical outdoor lifestyle that Brisbane has to offer.”

Swiss-Belhotel International Appoints Dinah-Louise Marrs As Launch General Manager of Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA : Leading global hospitality management company, Swiss-Belhotel International, has named industry veteran Dinah-Louise Marrs as General Manager for the launch of Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane.

Dinah-Louise Marrs, General Manager for the
launch of Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane.

Mrs. Marrs brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in key positions in the hospitality industry in Australia and Thailand over a distinguished 20-year career.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President, said Mrs. Marr and her team would ensure all pre-opening preparations were in place while achieving high operational and branding standards and the financial goals set by Swiss-Belhotel International.

"Dinah-Louise is the ideal person to steer the 4.5-star Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane when the leisure and business hotel opens on 15 October 2016 at this beautiful city's vibrant South Bank precinct overlooking the Brisbane River," Mr. Faull said. "This is a project hotel - our first in Brisbane - and we are very excited about expanding our footprint in Australia and imparting our unique brand of passion and professionalism in another key destination."

Prior to joining Swiss-Belhotel, Mrs. Marrs was General Manager of The Point Brisbane Hotel for a decade. She also spent three years at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts in Thailand, first as a Reservations and Guest Relations Manager and then as a Strategic Planner and Operations Analyst.

Mrs. Marrs graduated from the prestigious US-based Cornell University School of Hotel Administration's General Managers program in January 2016. She is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

"It's a huge honour to be entrusted with the role of launch General Manager for this property and to begin my relationship this way with such an esteemed group as Swiss-Belhotel International," Mrs. Marrs said. "South Bank is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination, with South Bank Parklands boasting 17 hectares of key attractions such as world-class restaurants and cafés, parks, markets, the Wheel of Brisbane - a 60-metre ferries wheel - and a massive man-made beach. We couldn't be situated in a better location."

Swiss-BelHotel Brisbane offers 134 guest rooms and suites and a range of international-standard amenities including a pool, fitness center and conference facilities.

Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane is also located close to international sporting facilities, private hospitals, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland Maritime Museum, Griffith University and many more popular attractions and facilities.

The hotel offers 134 guest rooms and suites and other international-standard amenities include a pool, fitness center and conference facilities. Café 63, a very successful café and restaurant group in Brisbane, is subleasing a space at the hotel and will also provide room service as well as other F&B services.

The spacious, beautifully designed rooms and suites span levels one to seven. The room categories are Superior Rooms, Deluxe Studios, Executive Studios and Swiss-SuperSuites. There is also a residential component called Peak Apartments, located above the hotel comprising 46 spacious apartments and penthouses. Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane will also manage and service the apartments and their residents.

"With the highest quality finishes throughout, the rooms flow effortlessly to make the most of the elevated position overlooking the picturesque Brisbane River," Mr. Faull said.

“Unlock The Sea” - Underwater Discoveries Unveiled at Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles

This interactive program helps guests discover a treasure trove of marine life around the island

Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles (www.LeMeridienFishermansCove.com), launched “Unlock the Sea”, a unique programme to help the creative and curious minded traveler experience and explore the island and ignite their inspiration with an incredible underwater encounter. Created in partnership with The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, this interactive program helps guests discover a treasure trove of marine life around the island through a curated snorkeling experience and learn and educate themselves on the importance of marine conservation. Guests can also witness an underwater art gallery or post a postcard to friends or family from under water! “Today’s travelers are looking for active adventure and new ways of experiencing a destination. Seychelles, with its pristine white sands lapped by topaz waters, coral sunsets and enchanting underwater sites provides all this and more,” said Romain Chanet, General Manager Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles. “Drawing inspiration from the brand’s commitment to help travelers unlock destinations through the Filters of Discovery - Coordinates, Culture and Cuisine, we hope this initiative will help us create an enriching guest experience.” Marine experts from The Marine Conservation Society will guide the guest journey through five underwater zones. This includes the Welcome zone which is the sea grass bed, the Coral Village which houses the dramatic and beautiful coral reefs, Blue or the open waters, the Reef Town where the reef elevates from the sandy bottom towards the rocks and the Fish Ville, the untouched and preserved area. Through these zones not only can guests see a variety of fish but also gain insights into the ecosystem and how we can preserve it. What is more while unravelling the mysteries of the underwater world, guests can get a glimpse of an underwater art gallery curated as part of the Arterial Network’s Giant Tortoise Art Project, inspired by a number of celebrated street art projects in major cities across the world. Painted by celebrated artists from Seychelles, the Giant Tortoise Art Project is a showcase of the local art scene on the Island and underpins the fragility of the eco system in the face of global warming and rising sea levels and also reinstates the reputation of Seychelles as a champion of the natural environment. Proceeds from the donations collected through the programme will go to sustain the marine conservation projects led by The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles. To find out more log on to www.LeMeridienFishermansCove.com.

AFTA 2016 NTIA Awards - Winners announced

Best Cruise operator (International Deployment) – Royal Caribbean (supplied)

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) delivered the biggest award celebration the industry has witnessed.

Celebrated on Saturday 16 July at The Pavilion Darling Harbour, the Gala Dinner recognised 38 travel industry individual and businesses who have been awarded for their excellence and contribution to the travel industry.

2016 NTIA Awards AFTA National Travel Industry Awards.

1. Young Travel Agent of the Year – Brendan Ma, Carlson Wagonlit

2. Best Travel Consultant Retail – ‪Deryk Neighbour, Flight Centre MET Centre

3. Best Travel Consultant Corporate – Sam La Rosa, Show Group Enterprises NSW

4. Best Travel Agency Manager Retail Single Location – Kobi Henderson, Flight Centre Sydney Airport

5. Best Travel Agency Manager, Corporate Single Location – Cherie Drummond, CTM (Corporate Travel Management)

6. Best Travel Agency Manager Retail, Multi Location – Louise Dann, helloworld Hunter Travel Group, Newcastle

7. Best Travel Agency Manager Corporate Multi Location – Andre Moten, CTM (Corporate Travel Management)

8. Best Travel Agency Retail, Single Location – Bicton Travel

9. Best Travel Agency Retail Multi Location – Helloworld Hunter Travel Group/RACT Travel, Newcastle

10. Best Travel Agency Corporate Single Location – Spencer Travel, Sydney

11. Best Travel Agency Corporate Multi Location – Stage and Screen Travel Services

12. Best Business Events Travel Agency – Event Travel Management

13. Best National Travel Management Company – (CTM) Corporate Travel Management

14. Best Travel Agent Technology Innovation – Qantas (Agent Site)

15. Best Travel Writer – Allan Leibowitz

16. Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution – TAFE Sydney Travel and Tourism

17. Best Hotel/Resort Group – Outrigger Resorts

18. Young Sales Executive Industry supplier – Sarah Hoskin, Topdeck

19. Best Sales Executive Industry Supplier – Elizabeth Hutchinson, Air New Zealand

20. Best Agency Support Service – Covermore ‪Travel Insurance

21. Best Tourist Office International – Tourism Fiji

22. Best International Airline Offline – ‪Finnair

23. Best International Airline Online – ‪Emirates

24. Best Domestic Airline – ‪Virgin Australia

25. Best Car/Campervan Rental Operator award – Hertz

26. Best Online Travel Agency (OTA) – ‪Cruise Guru Australia

27. Best Specialty Wholesaler – Africa Safari Company

28. Best Tour Operator (Domestic) – APT Touring

29. Best Wholesaler (Australian Product) – Sunlover Holidays

30. Best Tour Operator (International) – Trafalgar

31. Best Wholesaler (International Product) – Excite Holidays

32. Best Cruise Operator (Domestic Deployment) – Royal Caribbean

33. Best River Cruise Operator – APT Touring

34. Best Cruise operator (International Deployment) – Royal Caribbean

35. Emirates Travel Consultant Scholarship – George Hedley, Events Worldwide Travel

36. International Traveller People’s Choice: Retail Travel Agency of the Year – Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise

37. Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group – helloworld for Business

38. Best Branded Travel Agency Group – helloworld

The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley unveils multi-million dollar transformation

Under the command of internationally renowned award-winning interior designer, Greg Natale, the historic The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley has received a multi-million dollar refurbishment which has transformed the resort from quaint country manor to 21st Century sophisticated chic, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Hunter Valley region.

All 70 guestrooms and interior public spaces have been rejuvenated by Greg Natale and his team, combining classic country heritage character with contemporary elegance. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an intimate arrivals precinct, complete with Natale's Hudson lounge chairs and tables, and Ralph Lauren lamps. The reception and atrium are coated in Natale's Atlantic Blue wallpaper from Porter's Paints. Continuing up the grand hall, the glass-domed ceiling has now become a classic congregational atrium area with a custom-built circular bench seat – a feature that adds to the drama and sense of arrival.

Interior designer, Greg Natale, said, "There is nothing better than arriving to a luxurious hotel room or suite that gives that sense of being transported into your own little oasis. With The Sebel Kirkton Park's design, we were really careful to make sure the rooms were not 'cookie-cutter rooms' – we really wanted to create that sense of occasion by heightening the guests overall experience.

"The overall design is a carefully planned combination of patterns with whites and blues that link back to the common areas of the hotel. The black carpets and rich blue drapes offset the pops of gold the floor lamps and wallpaper. It's very layered and it's very decadent. It transports you to somewhere very much unlike your own bedroom and that's part of the fun of a hotel stay."

In addition to the guestroom makeover, The Sebel Kirkton Park has also updated its lobby, lounge bar and restaurant.

Guestrooms

With uninterrupted views across the manicured gardens of The Sebel Kirkton Park or the Brokenback Ranges, all 70 guestrooms are layered in rich fabrics, bold colours and drenched in natural light. Striking modern furnishings from Natale's Hudson furniture collection and Axminster wool carpets have created a bespoke sense of homeliness and character true to the region.

Epoche Lounge Bar

The sunken central lounge area radiates from the fireplace creating a split-level space with intimate seating pods. Dark, Greg Natale designed carpets add to a sense of luxury in the lounge. Timber, luxurious upholstery, metals and stone all come together to create a decadent space for guests to unwind, socialise and enjoy the local produce on offer at Epoche Lounge Bar.

Epoche Lounge Bar also features an outdoor pizza oven and deck area overlooking Wyndham Estate.

Locavore Dining

With interiors inspired by the hotel's blue and white china sets, Locavore Dining is The Sebel Kirkton Park's new fine dining restaurant. Floor to ceiling windows have been treated with white timber shutters and a dark timber floor features a chic herringbone pattern - a hero of the space.

The refurbishment of the restaurant called for a new, elevated dining experience in line with The Sebel Kirkton Park's new food philosophy. Sustainable farming methods are used to support the restaurant and bar, with 30% of the menu sourced from the hotels 70 acre grounds, and 50%

from local partners/farmers. The wine list has been expertly crafted by 2016 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year Liz Silkman, chief winemaker from First Creek Wines.

Belinda Paterson general manager The Sebel Kirkton Park, said "It is exciting to see The Sebel Kirkton Park embark on a new chapter with such an impressive transformation, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Hunter Valley region. We congratulate the owners for their investment into updating this historic hotel and to Greg Natale and his team for creating beautiful spaces for our guests to enjoy for years to come."

About The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

Set on a 70 acre estate, The Sebel Kirkton Park is one of the Hunter Valley region's most historic hotels, offering sensational vistas of the Brokenback Ranges and picture perfect manicured gardens, making it one of the Hunter Region's most popular resorts.

Kirkton Park is named after the first vines established in the area in the mid 1800's by James Busby. The undulating retreat boasts tennis courts, a billiards room, an onsite Grecian-style pool house with indoor heated pool, sauna and spa, and a gymnasium.

Room rates at The Sebel Kirkton Park start from $179 per room per night. To book, visit www.accorhotels.com

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Mantra Group Launches World's First #PokemonGo Friendly Hotels

#pokemongo




Today Mantra Group launched the world's first Pokemon Go-friendly hotels in Sydney and Melbourne, encouraging fans to 'Pokestop By Our Bar' with free Pokemon Go Lures to increase their chances of catching one of the virtual pocket monsters.

Gamers can Pokestop by Mantra 2 Bond Street in Sydney from 3pm every Friday during July to receive a free bowl of fries with any drink purchase.

Melburnian Pokemon Go catchers can also cash in on happy hour drinks at Mantra on Little Bourke, Melbourne from 3pm every Friday during July.

Since Pokemon Go - a game based on augmented reality where players use their smartphone camera to walk around the street finding and catching Pokemon - launched just one week ago, it already has more daily active users than Twitter and, according to Similarweb, one in five Australian Android users have the game installed on their device.

Mantra Group Executive Director Marketing and Digital Matt Granfield said the free Pokemon Go Lures will encourage the spawning of valuable in-game creatures at two of the Group's tech savvy city properties.

“Our mantra is 'knowing what matters' to people, and it's pretty clear from the popularity of the game that playing Pokemon Go matters to millions of people all over the globe,” Matt said.

“We're always keen to find new and innovative ways of making our hotels great places to stay, so helping our guests catch a few extra Pokemon during their stay was a no-brainer.”

Pokemon have also invaded the property pages of Mantra 2 Bond Street, Sydney (click here to view) and Mantra on Little Bourke, Melbourne (click here to view).

Visit www.mantra.com.au

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