Le Meridien Strengthens Presence in India With the Debut of Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced the  opening of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa in Western India. Marking the first Le Méridien resort in India, Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa is the brand's ninth property in the country, further strengthening the Paris-born brand's presence throughout India. Nestled in the scenic Western Ghats, the resort is a few hours' drive from the cosmopolitan centers of Mumbai and Pune, and offers guests an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

“Le Méridien and India share a passion for culture, the arts and cuisine,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “As our first Le Méridien resort in India, we look forward to inviting our creative and curious minded travelers to unlock the destination through our locally-inspired programming, culinary creations and of course, relaxation.”  

Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa features 122 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites, all complemented with private balconies that offer expansive views of the surrounding natural scenery. Each room features the brand's signature amenities and destination-inspired moments of discovery.  The brand's reinterpretation of the traditional lobby, the signature Le Méridien Hub, transforms the public space into a social gathering place. Guests are greeted by a 24-hour curated soundtrack by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, exclusive illy coffee prepared by Master Baristas, and Sparkling cocktails, inspired by Europe's aperitif hour. 

For culinary experiences, guests can indulge in the resort's destination restaurants and bars. Latest Recipe, the interactive all day dining restaurant, features an evocative mix of international, Asian and local cuisine. Chingari, the Indian specialty restaurant, offers some of the most diverse flavours and fiery preparations of Northern India. The pool-side restaurant, Plunge Bar, allows guests to savour canapés and sublime blends and spirits, while Longitude 73transforms from a casual coffee house by day to a vibrant social scene in the evening. 

“We are pleased to unveil the spectacular Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, a highly anticipated addition to our India portfolio”, said Dilip Puri, Managing Director India and Regional Vice President South Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “With its culturally-refined design and atmosphere combined with stunning views, the resort is sure to impress and attract travelers for a refreshing break, and emerge as a leading resort in the country.” 

Owned by BrahmaCorp, the resort endorses Starwood's growing partnership with the hospitality company. “With the opening of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, we have further strengthened our partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the world's leading hotel company,” said Ajay Agrawal, Managing Director of BrahmaCorp. 

Other resort facilities include the Explore Spa by Le Méridien with eight treatment rooms including a hammam bath treatment room and a vichy shower treatment room. The well-equipped fitness centre along with both a lagoon style swimming pool and a rooftop infinity pool make for the ideal rejuvenating experience. The resort also offers 250 square metres of banqueting space including a ballroom, four versatile meeting rooms and a well-appointed business centre. The serene outdoor venues provide for inspiring spaces for meetings and events. 

Additionally, Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar offers Le Méridien Family Kids Clubwith programming that allows families to play and strengthen their bonds during their vacation. As part of the brand's global partnership with LEGO, children up to the age of 12 will also receive a complimentary LEGO Welcome Amenity to enjoy during their stay and take home as a keepsake from their travels. 

The resort provides seamless access to the quaint hill town's rich tapestry of offerings, including a curated visit, courtesy of the brand's UNLOCK ART programme, to the Devrai Art Village and the 5,000 year old Krishna Devi temple, using only the room's key card for access. In addition, guests can indulge in strawberry picking at a farm and return to cook with the chef at the hotel. 

For more information or to book, please visit www.lemeridien.com/mahabaleshwar.

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Fly & Flop at ibis Mackay Airport Room Rates from $109

To celebrate the recent opening of ibis Mackay Airport, the only hotel located in the airport precinct and a well-connected gateway to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions, the hotel is offering an opening special.

For travellers stopping in Mackay for business or leisure, the Fly & Flop Package includes breakfast for two, wifi and late check-out of 4pm in queen rooms - from just $109 AUD.

Located just a stone's throw from Mackay Airport and 10 minutes' drive from Mackay, the hotel opened in June 2015. The 152 room hotel offers stunning views across Mackay sugar plantations and some rooms have ocean views.

The hotel aims to provide guests with a premium economy experience featuring a modern design with outstanding use of space, 'Sweet Beds by ibis' and a gymnasium, all assuring a high quality stay at an affordable price. The hotel restaurant and bar, TurBARlence delivers gourmet food and enjoys a sunny outdoor courtyard.

Bookings are via email to h9266-re@accor.com or booking online at www.accorhotels.com. This special is available for bookings and stays until 30 November 2015, subject to availability.

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Pan Pacific Perth and Telstra Perth Fashion Festival Host Perth's Most Stylish at Exclusive VIP Event

Pan Pacific Perth and Telstra Perth Fashion Festival hosted an exclusive invitation only cocktail event on Thursday 17 September in the hotel's lavish restaurant, Origins. Media personalities, designers, bloggers, VIPs and Perth's most stylish rubbed shoulders ahead of the Jaime Lee show at Fashion Paramount.

Upon arrival, guests sipped on an exclusive festival inspired cocktail. 'The Akira,' named after one of the show's iconic Australian designers, is a twist on the classic mojito combining Bacardi Rum with muddled chopped strawberries, berries, lime, sugar syrup.

The hotel's Head Chef Paul Gaspa handcrafted a bespoke canapé menu for the evening which included his inventive pulled pork doughnuts, crayfish club sandwiches and an impressive dessert buffet laden with delicate sweet treats. Luxurious touches added to the opulent atmosphere including a champagne bar as well as an oyster bar offering local West Australian oysters with an array of accompaniments, from caviar to flavoured foams and salsas.

DJ Adam Kelly set the mood for the evening with easy listening tunes playing in the background as guests mingled. Pan Pacific Perth General Manager, John Kockan warmly welcomed the crowd to the hotel and Danicia Quinlan, Executive Director of the Fashion Council WA shared her gratitude to Pan Pacific Perth for hosting.

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Australian States and Territories Participate in Social Media History for #helloworldRELAY

Australia's leading integrated travel group, helloworld, has announced that seven states and territories will be part of an innovative and world-first social media initiative - the #helloworldRELAY.  Taking place on World Tourism Day on Sunday 27 September 2015, the campaign will see over 60 countries and 80 destinations around the world showcase inspiring Instagram images.

With Instagram as a primary channel, the #helloworldRELAY provides each state with a platform to showcase the unique attractions and diversity of their region.  From wine tasting to whale-watching, vibrant cities to the dusty outback, trail walking to snorkelling, images that make Australia so extraordinary will be shared across the globe during the relay.

The State tourism bodies as well as Australia's leading luxury coach tour operator AAT Kings, will craft bespoke itineraries for renowned instagrammers to experience over 12 hours, from sunrise to sunset featuring scenery, culture, nature, cuisine, wildlife and distinctive qualities of each region. Some of the highlights anticipated from each territory are as follows:

New South Wales

New South Wales will kick off the Australian mainland leg of the instarelay in Byron Bay at Cape Byron, the country's most easterly point and the place where day breaks first in Australia. Instagrammers will capture the beauty of this seaside town and the colourful community, which makes it unique.

Sydney will showcase its sparkling Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House - three iconic Australian locations and must-see tourism experiences. The city's appeal will be on show as Instagrammers visit world-famous Bondi Beach and the well-trod Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.

New South Wales will also feature its World Heritage-listed paradise, Lord Howe Island, located 660 kilometres east of Port Macquarie in the crystal clear waters of the South Pacific Ocean. The Island promises to provide a spectacular canvas with Instagrammers set to capture the heights of Mount Gower, the beauty of the 48,000 hectares marine park and lush Kentia palm and banyan forests.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@William_Patino in Sydney, @sydney #ILoveSydney

@lordhoweislandtourism #lordhoweisland #lovelordhowe @Jewelszee in Lord Howe Island

@visitNSW #NewSouthWales

Queensland

Continuing up the East Coast into Queensland, warmly known as the Sunshine State presents a photographer's paradise.  With backdrops such as the 2300km long, breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, pristine white sandy beaches, world class luxury resort islands and into Tropical North Queensland, the only place where two world heritage wonders meet: The Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforest wilderness of the Daintree National Park, the itinerary choices in Queensland will be infinite.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@Alyssa_Adventuring @TropicalNorthQueensland #ExploreTNQ

Northern Territory

The critical question for Tourism Northern Territory is, will it be top end or red centre?  Water or dust?  Crocodiles or culture? Spiritual or physical?  With a reputation for being a vast and apparently empty expanse the itinerary for this location will be anything but.  With so many incredible experiences to celebrate, this ambitious itinerary will include Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Alice Springs, Devils Marble, Katherine, Kakadu, Croc Cove and Darwin.  It's no wonder Tourism Northern Territory will engage in a number of influential instagrammers to capture this striking landscape.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@AusOutbackNT #NTAustralia 

Western Australia

Western Australia is the largest and most diverse state in Australia, from the Margaret River Wine Region in the south; to the underwater wonderland of Ningaloo Reef; and one of the world's last true wilderness areas in the north. For this campaign, Tourism Western Australia will shine a spotlight on the epic Kimberley region – a land of breathtaking contrasts covering billions of years in history and over one million square kilometres. Follow the extraordinary journey from sunrise in Kununurra to sunset in Broome to see why this location steals the heart of anyone who is lucky enough to visit.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@ConnellPix  @WesternAustralia  #thisisWA

South Australia

From Adelaide's innovative eateries to vineyard restaurants and beachside cafes, Southern Australia Tourism Commission will be celebrating the #helloworldRELAY with an itinerary that will include famed wineries; pristine coastlines, fine dining experiences and wildlife.  No trip to South Australia is complete without these curious experiences.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@DuyDash @SouthAustralia #curiousatheart 

@Bonniemade @SouthAustralia #curiousatheart

Victoria

Onto the state that is geographically the smallest on Australia's mainland but certainly not insignificant when it comes to the cities it houses, the people who reside there and the art and culture that it exudes. Victoria is Australia's most densely populated state and home to Melbourne, Australia's second largest city.

Federation Square, which has become the heart and soul of Melbourne, will be a highlight during the relay.  The modern piazza is home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an array of exceptional bars, restaurants and specialty stores.

Moving out of Melbourne and to celebrate the states world famous scenery, the itinerary will also include the 12 Apostles.  Located on Victoria's Great Ocean Road these magnificent rocks rising up out of the ocean provide a dramatic backdrop.  Originally caves corroding into arches and eventually succumbing to complete erosion, the now impressive rock stacks are a remarkable act of nature.

Instagram handles and hashtags to follow:

@aatkings  #smilekings

Australia's Island State - Tasmania

Finally Australia's island state which Lonely Planet named the island fourth most desirable region in the world to visit in 2015. In many ways this island really epitomises the essence of Australia's destination appeal - raw, unspoilt natural beauty, incredible fresh food, wine and culinary experiences, all shared by warm and passionate people. Tourism Tasmania's itinerary will showcase this island's alpine and accessible wilds and wildlife through to its history and the coastal experiences and iconic Wineglass Bay on its east coast.

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The Great Migration Is Coming to Victoria!

Wildlife tourism professionals are migrating to Melbourne and Geelong for the biggest event of its kind – the Australian Wildlife Tourism Conference. 

Australia's most prominent wildlife tourism operators, international academics and government decision-makers will flock to the 3 day conference, to be held in Geelong, Victoria on 29th September - 2nd October 2015 to discuss the future of tourism.

Minister for Tourism, the Hon John Eren MP - a local – is excited about opening the event: “Whether it's our unique Phillip Island Penguin Parade, our captivating Werribee Open Range Zoo or our world renowned Melbourne Zoo, when it comes to wildlife tourism we really do have the best of everything. This conference is our chance to showcase our strengths to industry experts from all over Australia."

Reflecting the importance of wildlife tourism to Victoria, major sponsor for the conference is Tourism Victoria. Other sponsors include Parks Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Park.

Top Australian speakers include the Federal Commissioner for Threatened Species and representatives from Zoos Victoria, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Exceptional Kangaroo Island, Echidna Walkabout, The International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Australian Greens Senator Janet Rice. International speakers from Indonesia, the USA, Japan, Sweden and Kenya will provide a global counterpoint.

Pre and post field trips to the Mornington Peninsula, East Gippsland, Wilsons Promontory, the You Yangs, Phillip Island and Mt Rothwell will showcase mobs of kangaroos, parades of penguins, pandemoniums of parrots, harems of seals, pods of dolphins and colonies of fruit bats.

For more: http://www.wildlifetourism.org.au/wildlife-tourism-conference-2015 

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Aloft Hotels and Mtv Reveal Winners for 2015 Project Aloft Star in Asia Pacific

After more than half a million online votes and over 350 entries received, Starwood Hotels & Resorts' leading-edge Aloft® brand and MTV today revealed the winners of the second annual Asia Pacific edition of music talent discovery competition Project Aloft Star, Amplified by MTV. The contest aims to identify and support the hottest emerging music artists throughout Asia Pacific, with three competition clusters. 

This year's cluster winners are: 

Gusian Yu (China) – View his winning entry submission HERE. 

“I really appreciate this opportunity that Aloft and MTV has given for me to perform and be a part of Project Aloft Star. I'll remember this night forever! I was over the moon when I was announced as the winner of 2015 Project Aloft Star - really thankful for the esteemed judges that saw my passion through my performance and song.” 

Run Pussy Run (India) – View their winning entry submission HERE. 

“We are absolutely thrilled that we won the Project Aloft Star, Amplified by MTV competition! It is the first time we have participated in a competition, and winning it has been the most encouraging and rewarding experience so far. All the participants were lovely, and it was humbling to meet and share the journey with everyone. This equips us to release our debut album and perhaps a video too! Kudos to Aloft and MTV for supporting and paving pathways for independent artists!  

Jennifer Lackgren / Jenny & The Scallywags from Thailand (Southeast Asia, comprising Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) – View their winning entry submission HERE. 

”We're completely thrilled to be the winners for Project Aloft Star 2015, amplified by MTV. From the day of our video submission to the very moment of our winning performance, our journey has been an exciting whirlwind. We definitely want to use the US$10,000 and the momentum from this amazing platform to create good music videos and our extended play that will be released early next year for Sounds Like Maybe and How to Break Up with Somebody. We're over the moon and can't wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you MTV and Aloft!” 

The top finalists battled it out at the finals held at Aloft Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore and Guangzhou over the weekend in front of a panel of judges. They were evaluated on music composition and song-writing skills, originality and creativity, technical skill, “wow” factor, showmanship, and stage presence. The judging panel comprised the following representatives from Aloft Hotels, MTV, celebrities and music industry experts: 

• For Southeast Asia,
  • Paras Sharma, Vice President, MTV and Comedy Central Brands and Digital Media, Viacom International Media Networks Asia
  • Vincent Ong, Senior Brand Director, Asia Pacific Brand Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  • Aliff Aziz, a Singapore born singer and actor who won the reality TV singing competition, Anugerah when he was 16 years old, making him the competition's youngest winner. He is currently working on his fourth  album, having just released his current single “Selayaknya Aku”
  • Aziana Ali, General Manager – Marketing,  Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia
  • Valent Soisuvarn, Executive Director, MTV Thailand 

• For China,
  • Charles Chan, Creative Director, Head of Content Production, MTV China
  • Master Dong Shan, a pop singer who won multiple newcomer awards when he debuted. His fourth and latest album《四张机》 was released this year.
  • Shan Qi, renowned planner-musician-producer-director who is also known as 'China Fashion Festival Godfather'
  • Sofia Wong, Hotel Manager, Aloft Guangzhou University Park 

• For India,
  • Bobin James, Head of Programming and Artist Relations, MTV Indies
  • Clinton Cerejo, award-winning composer, producer and singer who has lent his inimitable voice to a number of Bollywood hits
  • Hazel Ooi, Manager, Brand Management, Asia-Pacific, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, Element 

As part of the prize package, each winner was awarded a US$10,000 cash prize and will soon be featured in MTV Seen, a video spot of that will air on MTV Asia, MTV China and MTV India channels in October. Winners will also be featured in individual vignettes on the Project Aloft Star website. 

“Cool and dynamic experiences in music, design and technology have made Aloft the must-have brand for today's hyper-connected global traveler; and our partnership with MTV Asia underscores those passion points,” said Vincent Ong, Senior Brand Director, Brand Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “Since last year's Asia Pacific debut, Project Aloft Star has seen immense response and quality submissions – a testament to the immense pool of talent in the region— and Aloft is proud to continue to offer a platform of exposure for emerging artists.” 

“MTV is proud to partner Aloft for the Asia Pacific edition of Project Aloft Star for the second year running. We were impressed with the quality of work submitted and the increase in the number of entries and votes received shows us the amount of fresh music talent out there and the extent of public support for them. The competition has given these young performers the chance to shine and they are definitely the ones to watch. Keep playing!” said Paras Sharma, Vice President, MTV and Comedy Central Brands and Digital Media, Viacom International Media Networks Asia 

The 15-week competition kicked off on 22 May, garnering close to double the number of published original music video submissions from aspiring music talent compared to the inaugural edition held in 2014. Fans lent their support by voting for their favourite music videos, with voting numbers skyrocketing over 20 times last year's, to more than half a million. 

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AccorHotels Launches MyResorts Program

AccorHotels MyResorts program introduces specially crafted resort experiences to make travel dreams come true

New benefits help travellers make the most of their holiday at more than 100 breathtaking destinations across Asia Pacific

Travellers looking to live the high life and get more value can enjoy a range of inclusions and benefits when staying at AccorHotels resorts across Asia Pacific, with the launch of the group's MyResorts program. With over 100 resorts across the region, from private villas designed for romance to sprawling beachside resorts designed for family fun, AccorHotels has the perfect resort for every occasion and now there is a new way to enjoy them.

The program includes a comprehensive suite of benefits including MyGlass, My Kids, My Connect, My Host and more, with a range of inclusions and rewards – some free, some for a nominal fee – that will ensure travellers get the best value for their money and can experience their destination in style.

One of the signature elements of the program is My Glass, whereby for a small fee guests can enjoy unlimited soft drinks, juice and water all day long and two hours of free-flow house wine and beer (even cocktails in some resorts).

Families will especially appreciate the MyKids offer, which, for a set fee includes everything you need to ensure the kids have a fun stay including a welcome gift, kids meals and drinks all day long, a surprise treat each day, free in-room children's movies and free activities at the Kids Club.

The activities on offer at the Kids Clubs have also been enhanced to include more local arts and crafts, treasure hunts, nature trails and things like tree planting, where children can learn about the environment and get a certificate of ownership for their tree. They can even come back to see how it grows over the years.

Exclusive to members of the Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program, MyResorts is aimed at giving guests more whenever they holiday in the region. 

“We know that travellers are increasingly looking to have more exclusive experiences and get more for their money when they travel,” said Javier Cedillo-Espin, Senior VP Loyalty and Guest Experience. “MyResorts is our way of recognising and rewarding our loyalty members and ensuring their experience is absolutely the best possible, thanks to a full range of meaningful and tangible benefits.”

Depending on their status level, there are other inclusions such as premium high-speed wifi for as many devices as they like including for their family members, early check-in and late check-out, upgrades for gold and platinum members, a dedicated MyHost to take care of all their arrangements during their stay and, for platinum members, the ability to extend their privileges to a family member or friend staying at the same resort.

Le Club AccorHotels is free to join and includes more than 2700 participating hotels worldwide in 92 countries across the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, The Sebel, Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, ibis Styles and Thalassa Sea & Spa brands. Benefits include a VIP welcome on arrival, exclusive offers throughout the year, advance access to discounts of up to 50% several times a year, as well as a range of exclusive private events such as concerts, sporting shows, celebrity events and more. Best of all, if you stay with AccorHotels just once a year your points will never expire.

Le Club AccorHotels was named the Best Hotel Loyalty Program for 2015 in the prestigious Freddie Awards for Asia Pacific/Oceania/Middle East/Europe and Africa and also was voted as having the best hotel loyalty program promotion for the year.

AccorHotels has resorts in all the most beautiful destinations across Asia Pacific from the azure waters of French Polynesia to Fiji, from Bali to the Barossa Valley, from Palm Cove to Phuket, and from Goa to the Gold Coast.

For a full list of AccorHotels resorts in Asia Pacific go towww.accorhotels.com/resorts.

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