Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Pumpkins: A Mesmerising Art Experience in Dubbo

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Pumpkins

Visitors to regional New South Wales have an extraordinary opportunity to experience the imaginative world of internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, with The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo until 1 November 2027.

This immersive art experience brings Kusama’s instantly recognisable pumpkins, polka dots, mirrors and vivid colour to the heart of Dubbo, creating a memorable cultural attraction for art lovers, families and visitors exploring the Central West.

Step Into Yayoi Kusama’s World

The installation transforms part of the Western Plains Cultural Centre into a striking yellow environment covered with black polka dots.

At the centre is a mirrored box containing dozens of illuminated pumpkin sculptures. Visitors look through a window into the mirrored space, where the pumpkins appear to continue endlessly, creating an optical illusion of infinite colour, repetition and space.

The combination of glowing pumpkins, reflections and Kusama’s distinctive visual style makes the installation an immersive experience rather than simply an artwork viewed from a distance.

A Major Kusama Artwork in Regional NSW

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Pumpkins

The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, 2017, is on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Australia and is being presented in Dubbo through the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The opportunity brings a significant work from the national collection to regional audiences, allowing visitors to experience Kusama’s celebrated artistic vision without travelling to a major capital-city gallery.

Discover More of Dubbo

A visit to the Western Plains Cultural Centre can form part of a wider Dubbo holiday. The city offers attractions ranging from wildlife and history to food, regional culture and outdoor experiences.

Visitors can combine their Kusama experience with a stay in Dubbo and explore attractions such as Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience and other local cultural and regional attractions. Dubbo Region has also developed itineraries specifically inspired by the Kusama exhibition, encouraging visitors to stay longer and discover more of the destination.

Plan Your Kusama Visit

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Pumpkins

The Western Plains Cultural Centre is located at 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo, in the heart of the city. The centre is open seven days, with current general opening hours listed as 9am to 4pm, extending to 6pm on Fridays. Visitors should check with the centre before travelling for the latest exhibition information and any changes to opening arrangements.

With its vivid yellow room, black polka dots, glowing pumpkins and seemingly infinite reflections, The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens offers travellers a distinctive reason to visit Dubbo and experience world-class contemporary art in regional Australia.

Western Plains Cultural Centre

Website: https://www.westernplainsculturalcentre.org/yayoikusama
Email: wpcc@dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6801 4444
Address: 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830

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Rutherford Hotel Nelson: A Central Nelson Stay for Leisure and Business Events

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

A prime location in the heart of Nelson

For travellers looking for accommodation in Nelson, New Zealand, Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers a combination of central location, comfortable accommodation, hospitality and business events facilities.

Located at 27 Nile Street West in central Nelson, the hotel places guests close to the city's attractions, restaurants, galleries, local markets and outdoor experiences. Nelson is also an excellent base for exploring the wider Nelson Tasman region, including its beaches, walking trails and nearby national parks.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson describes itself as an oasis at the centre of Aotearoa, with its N.E.L.S.O.N. philosophy representing Nature, Exceptional, Local, Safe, Optimistic and Neat.

Comfortable accommodation for every type of traveller

The hotel caters for leisure travellers, couples, families, corporate guests and conference delegates, with premium rooms, deluxe suites and larger accommodation options.

Premium rooms provide comfortable surroundings with complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar facilities and views that can include Nelson Harbour, the city, historic South Street or the cathedral and gardens.

For families and groups, the hotel also offers larger suites and apartments, providing additional space for longer stays or shared travel.

As a 24-hour hotel, Rutherford Hotel Nelson provides the convenience of service around the clock, particularly useful for business travellers and guests arriving outside conventional hotel hours.

Dining with a taste of New Zealand

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Food and beverage are an important part of the Rutherford Hotel Nelson experience.

Oceano Restaurant offers breakfast and an à la carte dining experience featuring fresh New Zealand produce, while Port o' Call Bar provides a relaxed setting for drinks and socialising.

The hotel's central location also makes it easy for visitors to discover Nelson's wider food and café scene, including the popular Nelson Market held each Saturday.

A strong choice for conferences and business events

Rutherford Hotel Nelson is particularly well suited to New Zealand business events, conferences, meetings and corporate functions.

The hotel features six meeting rooms and event facilities capable of hosting gatherings of up to 700 people. BEIA lists capacity for up to 700 delegates in theatre and cocktail configurations, together with approximately 650 square metres of exhibition space.

Flexible room layouts, natural light, outdoor access, modern audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, catering and on-site accommodation make the property a practical option for conferences where delegates can stay, meet and dine in one location.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson was also one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, the major Business Events Industry Aotearoa trade show, where it showcased its accommodation and conference facilities to event planners and business-events professionals.

Discover Nelson beyond the conference room

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

One of the hotel's greatest advantages is its location. Visitors can combine business with leisure by exploring Nelson's attractions before or after a conference.

The region offers walking opportunities, beaches, local arts and crafts, food and wine experiences, and access to Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi national parks.

For business-event organisers, this combination of conference facilities and memorable destination experiences provides opportunities to extend an event beyond the meeting room.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Sarah MacRitchie, Conference and Events Manager
27 Nile Street West, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
=-Phone: +64 3 548 2299
Reservations: reservations@rutherfordhotel.co.nz
Conferences and events: functions@rutherfordhotel.co.nz
Website: https://www.rutherfordhotel.nz/
Facebook: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
BEIA: https://www.beia.co.nz/suppliers/rutherford-hotel-nelson

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/ .

How to Get to Okinawa from Australia: Fly China Airlines via Taipei

China Airlines 

Planning an Okinawa holiday from Australia? Getting to Japan's tropical southern islands can be straightforward with China Airlines, offering convenient connections through Taipei to Okinawa's Naha Airport.

For Australian travellers departing from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, flying via Taipei provides a practical way to reach Okinawa while enjoying a smooth international connection. China Airlines serves Okinawa as part of its Japan network, making Taipei an attractive gateway for an Okinawa holiday.

Australia to Okinawa via Taipei

China Airlines connects Australia with Taipei, where travellers can continue to Okinawa. The airline's current Australian network includes services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Taipei, with onward flights from Taipei to Okinawa.

For Sydney travellers, China Airlines operates evening services to Taipei, providing the convenience of travelling overnight and arriving in Taiwan the following morning. Melbourne and Brisbane travellers can also connect through Taipei before continuing to Naha, Okinawa.

The airline's published schedule includes regular Taipei to Okinawa services, with the flight from Taipei to Okinawa taking approximately one hour and 30 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Why Choose China Airlines for Okinawa?

China Airlines 

Flying China Airlines via Taipei offers Australian travellers the convenience of booking an itinerary with a single airline and making a connection at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.

The route can be particularly appealing for travellers who want to combine an Okinawa holiday with a Taipei stopover. Depending on the itinerary, visitors can spend time exploring Taiwan's capital before continuing to Japan.

China Airlines currently lists Okinawa among its destinations from Australia and provides flight options from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

From Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

Travellers from Australia's major eastern cities have several options for reaching Okinawa.

Sydney to Okinawa travellers can fly to Taipei and connect onwards to Naha. Melbourne travellers can similarly connect through Taipei, while Brisbane passengers can use China Airlines' Taipei services to continue to Okinawa.

Current China Airlines fare searches show Okinawa itineraries from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, although fares and schedules change and should be checked at the time of booking.

For travellers planning an Okinawa holiday, the Taipei connection also opens the possibility of adding a short Taiwan stay to a Japanese itinerary.

Start Planning Your Okinawa Holiday

China Airlines 

Okinawa offers a very different experience from mainland Japan, with subtropical scenery, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, distinctive Ryukyuan culture and unique local cuisine.

From Naha, travellers can explore Okinawa's cultural attractions before travelling further north to discover beaches, marine activities and attractions such as Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

For Australians searching for how to get to Okinawa, China Airlines provides a convenient option to fly from Australia via Taipei to Naha.

China Airlines

Website: https://www.china-airlines.com/au/en
Phone: +61 2 9262 6000
Address: Level 17, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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How Cambodia’s Artisans Are Putting Angkorian Heritage on the World Stage

Artisans Angkor

Just minutes from the magnificent Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap, a remarkable cultural story is unfolding. At Artisans Angkor, traditional Cambodian craftsmanship is being preserved, revitalised and introduced to an international audience through the hands of skilled artisans.

The story brings together determined Cambodian businessmen, generations of traditional craft knowledge, the global luxury jewellery house BVLGARI and one of Southeast Asia’s most famous cultural destinations: Angkor Wat.

From Angkor Wat to Artisans Angkor

Visitors to Siem Reap can discover Artisans Angkor at its flagship craft centre on Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey Street, where artisans demonstrate traditional techniques including stone carving, woodcarving, silk weaving, silverware and lacquerwork.

The organisation describes its mission as preserving Cambodian traditional artistry through high-quality handmade products while supporting cultural heritage for future generations. Its stonecarving tradition is particularly connected to Angkor, with artisans drawing inspiration from the temples and techniques associated with ancient Khmer craftsmanship.

For travellers, the experience provides a fascinating opportunity to see Cambodian culture being created rather than simply displayed.

When Luxury Jewellery Met Khmer Craftsmanship

Artisans Angkor

The international profile of Cambodian craftsmanship received an extraordinary boost when BVLGARI selected Artisans Angkor artisans to create stone pedestals for a private jewellery presentation in Siem Reap.

The commission placed traditional Cambodian craftsmanship alongside one of the world's best-known luxury jewellery names. The pedestals incorporated distinctive Cambodian materials and visual influences associated with Khmer heritage, creating a striking connection between contemporary luxury and centuries-old artistic traditions.

The collaboration is particularly meaningful because BVLGARI itself places great emphasis on the transmission of specialist craftsmanship and the role of highly skilled artisans in creating its luxury products.

Rebuilding Skills After the Pandemic

Artisans Angkor

The survival of these traditional skills was not guaranteed. According to Artisans Angkor Managing Director Kay Lot, the organisation's artisan workforce fell dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After becoming involved with Artisans Angkor, Kay Lot and business partner Kim Leang Kean invested in revitalising the organisation, including workshops, galleries and silk production while maintaining traditional methods.

Their approach has helped reconnect Cambodian craftsmanship with both international visitors and Cambodian communities.

A Living Cultural Experience in Siem Reap

Artisans Angkor

Artisans Angkor is more than a place to purchase Cambodian handicrafts. It is a living cultural experience where travellers can observe skilled artisans at work.

The organisation's craft collection includes silk-weaving, silverware, stonecarving, woodcarving and lacquer. Visitors can also explore the Angkor Silk Farm, where the process from mulberry cultivation and silkworm production through to traditional silk weaving is demonstrated.

The result is an experience that adds another dimension to visiting Angkor Wat. The temples reveal the extraordinary achievements of ancient Khmer civilisation, while Artisans Angkor demonstrates how related artistic traditions continue into the modern era.

Putting Cambodian Heritage on the World Map

Artisans Angkor

For travellers exploring Cambodia, Artisans Angkor offers an opportunity to look beyond the spectacular temples and discover the people and skills behind the country's artistic heritage.

The combination of Angkor Wat, Cambodian artisans, traditional craftsmanship and international luxury has created a powerful cultural connection. As visitors watch stone being carved, silk being woven or lacquer being carefully applied, they can see that Cambodia's heritage is not simply preserved in ancient monuments.

It is alive in the hands of today's artisans.

Artisans Angkor

Website: https://artisansangkor.com/
Email: infos@artisansdangkor.com
Phone: +855 (0) 12 222 404
Address: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Silk Farm: National Road 6, Puok District, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Silk Farm Phone: +855 (0) 92 777 464

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Auckland Gets Easier to Explore as City Rail Link Opens

City Rail Link

Getting around Auckland has become easier for business event delegates following the opening of the City Rail Link on 13 September 2026.

The landmark rail project introduces new underground stations and changes to Auckland’s rail network, creating improved connections between the city centre and surrounding areas. For conference organisers and delegates, the new network provides another convenient way to travel between accommodation, meeting venues, restaurants and visitor experiences across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Auckland Convention Bureau, one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, has been promoting Auckland as a destination where accessibility, experiences and business events can come together.

A Major New Transport Connection

The City Rail Link is New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project, featuring 3.45 kilometres of twin underground rail tunnels and two new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape.

Waitematā Station has also been redeveloped as a two-way through station, while Maungawhau Station has been upgraded to connect with the new rail link.

The new network introduces three new rail lines and more direct cross-city connections, giving delegates additional options for reaching Auckland destinations.

Easier Travel for Business Event Delegates

Maungawhau Station

For conference organisers, improved public transport connections can make delegate movement around Auckland simpler.

Delegates staying in central Auckland can use the rail network to reach different parts of the city, while connections with Auckland’s wider bus network provide further travel options.

The City Rail Link also supports Auckland’s growing business events infrastructure, including major venues, hotels, restaurants and attractions located throughout the city.

Auckland Convention Bureau provides specialist assistance to conference and incentive organisers, including advice on venues, accommodation, transport, activities and itinerary planning.

Explore Auckland Beyond the Conference

One of the advantages of easier public transport is the freedom it gives delegates during their free time.

Instead of remaining close to a conference hotel, delegates can use Auckland’s public transport network to discover more of the city, explore different neighbourhoods, visit attractions and experience Auckland’s dining and entertainment options.

The new rail network includes Karanga-a-Hape Station, connecting delegates with the Karangahape Road precinct, and Te Waihorotiu Station in the heart of the city. The network also provides improved connections through Maungawhau and the wider Auckland rail system.

Plan Your Auckland Business Event

City Rail Link

Auckland Convention Bureau has developed resources including an Auckland Visitor Map and transport information to help conference organisers and delegates navigate the city.

The City Rail Link also adds another option alongside buses, AirportLink services and other public transport choices. Delegates should check Auckland Transport’s Journey Planner for current routes, timetables and service information before travelling.

The opening of the City Rail Link marks a significant change for Auckland visitors and residents, creating new ways to connect the central city with destinations across the region.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: https://aucklandconventionbureau.com/

City Rail Link

Contact: Auckland Transport
Phone: +64 9 366 6400
Email: CityRailLink@at.govt.nz
Website: https://www.cityraillink.co.nz/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Monuments For Fishes: Giant Sculptures Make a Splash on Sydney Harbour

Monuments For Fishes

Sydney Harbour has gained a spectacular new visual attraction with Monuments For Fishes, a striking floating art installation by Sydney artist Mikala Dwyer. Rising dramatically from the water at Barangaroo, the colourful sculptures bob, sway and change appearance as they catch the light and move with the harbour.

Visible from several waterside locations, the installation provides a memorable reason to explore Barangaroo while discovering an artwork inspired by Sydney's history, culture and waterways.

Giant Fishing Floats Become Harbour Art

Monuments For Fishes consists of five enormous sculptures inspired by the small striped fishing floats in Dwyer's Sydney studio. Their unusual forms resemble oversized fishing floats, totems, curved minarets or even giant tenpin bowling pins.

The tallest sculpture reaches 22.6 metres, while the heaviest weighs an impressive 16.1 tonnes. Positioned on the harbour, their movement creates an ever-changing spectacle that looks different from every viewing angle.

For visitors exploring Sydney, the installation offers exceptional photography opportunities, particularly when the sculptures are framed against the city's harbour skyline.

A Tribute to Sydney's First Nations Heritage

The artwork has strong connections to Sydney Harbour and its cultural history. Dwyer's inspiration includes Barangaroo and the First Nations women who have a long history of fishing in these waters.

The installation also references Kenneth Slessor's famous 1930s poem Five Bells, which reflects on the death of Slessor's friend Joe Lynch in Sydney Harbour.

These cultural and historical connections give the colourful sculptures a deeper significance, transforming them from a striking harbour attraction into an artwork connected to Sydney's people, stories and waterways.

See the Sculptures from Around the Harbour

Monuments For Fishes is located near Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo, making the installation easy to combine with a walk through the Barangaroo precinct and along the Sydney Harbour foreshore.

The artwork can also be viewed from Pyrmont, East Balmain and other harbourside locations. Pier Pavilion itself is an attraction, constructed using the recycled shells of approximately 450,000 Sydney rock oysters.

Watermans Quay at Barangaroo provides a convenient location for viewing the sculptures close to the water. As the installation moves gently with the harbour, visitors can enjoy different perspectives throughout the day.

A Colourful Sydney Harbour Experience

Monuments For Fishes

Monuments For Fishes demonstrates how contemporary public art can connect visitors with Sydney's harbour environment, history and culture. Its enormous scale, distinctive design and constantly changing position make it an unusual addition to a Sydney sightseeing itinerary.

Whether viewed while exploring Barangaroo, photographed from across the harbour or discovered during a leisurely waterfront walk, Mikala Dwyer's giant floating sculptures provide a memorable Sydney experience.

Monuments For Fishes – Barangaroo
Website: https://www.barangaroo.com/see-do-stay/monuments-for-fishes
Address: Watermans Quay, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia

Barangaroo
Website: https://www.barangaroo.com/
Phone: 1300 966 480
Address: Barangaroo, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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Bullanginya Dreaming: An Immersive Journey Through Bangerang Culture and Country

Bullanginya Dreaming

Discover the Stories of the Bangerang People

Along the tranquil banks of Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga, New South Wales, an extraordinary cultural experience is inviting visitors to discover the stories, heritage and Dreaming of the Bangerang People.

Bullanginya Dreaming is an immersive Indigenous cultural experience combining storytelling, art, light, water and fire to create a memorable journey through Country.

More than a spectacular evening experience, Bullanginya Dreaming celebrates community involvement and cultural empowerment while encouraging visitors to develop a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural legacy of the Bangerang People.

A 1.8 Kilometre Journey Through Country

Bullanginya Dreaming takes place along a 1.8-kilometre track, with visitors encouraged to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete and fully experience the journey.

Along the route are 12 unique activations, each presenting a different story and perspective. Visitors are encouraged to spend around four to five minutes at each activation, allowing time to absorb the experience.

The journey begins with Welcome to Country before continuing through People of the Tall Trees, Patterns of Nature, Flora and Fauna, Cosmos and Waterways.

The experience then explores Chaos, Regeneration, Shields, Life of a Tree, By the River and Reflection.

Together, these activations create a journey through nature, culture, Country and the continuing connection between the Bangerang People and their traditional lands.

Indigenous Heritage Meets Light and Storytelling

Bullanginya Dreaming

One of the distinctive elements of Bullanginya Dreaming is the way Indigenous knowledge and artistic storytelling are brought together with contemporary technology.

Laser light, water and fire combine with cultural storytelling to create an atmospheric experience beside Bullanginya Lagoon.

The result is designed to illuminate, educate and inspire visitors while celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.

For travellers exploring regional NSW, Bullanginya Dreaming offers an opportunity to experience something different from a conventional attraction. It provides a space to pause, listen, learn and reflect while discovering stories connected to Country.

Complete the Experience with Dinner

Visitors can make an evening of their Bullanginya Dreaming experience with dinner at The Sporties Bistro at Sporties Barooga.

The bistro is conveniently located at the bus pick-up and drop-off point and is open seven days a week from 5pm to 8:30pm.

Guests can dine before or after their Bullanginya Dreaming experience. Those dining before their session are recommended to make a reservation at least 90 minutes beforehand, while visitors dining afterwards should allow approximately 90 minutes to complete the Luna Light Journey and return to the club.

Experience Bullanginya Dreaming

Bullanginya Dreaming

Bullanginya Dreaming provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with the stories and artistic expression of the Bangerang People in a distinctive regional NSW setting.

Whether travelling as a family, couple, group or individual, the experience offers an engaging way to discover Indigenous heritage while enjoying an evening beside Bullanginya Lagoon.

For travellers searching for Indigenous cultural experiences in NSW, things to do in Barooga, regional NSW attractions or immersive Aboriginal cultural experiences, Bullanginya Dreaming offers a journey that aims to illuminate, educate and inspire.

Bullanginya Dreaming

Website: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/
Tickets: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/bullanginyadreaming
Enquiries: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/contact

Email: info@bullanginyadreaming.com.au
Phone: 03 5873 4448
10-16 Burkinshaw St, Barooga NSW 3644

The Sporties Barooga

Website: https://sporties.com.au/Dining: https://sporties.com.au/dining/
Address: Barooga, NSW, Australia

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Scenic Hotel Group: New Zealand Hospitality for Business Events from North to South

Scenic Hotel Te Weheka

From the subtropical Bay of Islands to the dramatic landscapes of Queenstown and the remote Pacific setting of Niue, Scenic Hotel Group provides business travellers with accommodation, meeting and conferencing options across some of New Zealand's most memorable destinations.

Proudly New Zealand owned and operated, Scenic Hotel Group is a multi-region accommodation and conference provider with properties located throughout the country. The group was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, connecting with event organisers and business events professionals looking for accommodation and conference solutions in New Zealand.

Accommodation Across New Zealand

Scenic Hotel Group offers a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts, giving organisers the flexibility to select a destination and accommodation style suited to their event.

Its locations include the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Marlborough, Christchurch, the West Coast, Fox Glacier, Haast, Queenstown and Dunedin, together with Scenic Matavai Resort Niue in the South Pacific.

For event planners, this geographic diversity opens opportunities to combine business programmes with destination experiences, whether delegates are exploring Northland, discovering the South Island or travelling to the tropical Pacific.

Meetings and Conferences with a New Zealand Difference

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Group provides accommodation and conference facilities designed for meetings, corporate gatherings and business events.

Individual properties offer different facilities and capacities, allowing event organisers to match their requirements with the destination. For example, Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport is located close to Auckland Airport and provides function rooms, accommodation and an on-site restaurant for conferences and meetings.

The group's portfolio also provides options for executive retreats, incentive programmes and smaller corporate gatherings where location and personalised service are important considerations.

Executive Retreats and Incentive Experiences

New Zealand's scenery provides a natural backdrop for corporate retreats and incentive programmes.

Scenic Hotel Group's destinations range from coastal and alpine environments to cities, wine regions and the Pacific island setting of Niue. These locations can allow business events to incorporate sightseeing, local attractions and destination activities alongside formal meetings.

For organisers planning an executive retreat, the range of properties provides opportunities to create programmes that combine accommodation, meetings and experiences within the same destination.

From Queenstown to Niue

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the group's most distinctive business events locations, with Scenic Suites Queenstown and Heartland Hotel Queenstown positioned close to the centre of the resort town.

For something completely different, Scenic Matavai Resort Niue provides a Pacific island option for travellers seeking an event environment away from New Zealand's main centres. The resort is located in Tamakautoga on Niue's western coast.

New Zealand-Owned Hospitality

Scenic Hotel Group's New Zealand ownership and nationwide portfolio give it an established presence within the country's accommodation and business events sector.

With options spanning meetings, conferences, accommodation and executive retreats, the group provides event planners with a range of destinations from which to build a distinctly New Zealand business event.

Scenic Hotel Group

Contact: Aaron Smith
Address: 14 Airpark Drive, Māngere, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 929 1390
Central Reservations: 0800 69 69 63 or +64 3 357 1919
Email: reservations@scenichotelgroup.co.nz
Website: https://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScenicHotelGroup/

Scenic Hotel Group's current corporate office is listed at 9 Sheffield Crescent, Burnside, Christchurch, while its central reservations team can be contacted on +64 3 357 1919.

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

ETA Group Launches Bwnd Events After Flight Centre Global Gathering Success

Pete Make-Arun, Max Boontawee Jantasuwan, and El Kwang

ETA Group, a leading Asian destination management company specialising in integrated event, logistics and fulfilment services, has officially launched Bwnd Events, a new creative event and incentive agency focused on delivering high-touch experiences across Asia.

The new specialist brand was unveiled at ETA Group’s Annual Partner Gathering at Capella Bangkok, bringing together event professionals, clients and industry suppliers following a period of strong growth for the group.

Bwnd Events Brings a New Approach to Business Events

Bwnd Events has been created to design and deliver progressive experiences that connect people, strengthen relationships and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Led by Chief Executive El Kwang, the agency will work with clients throughout the entire event journey, from initial concept development and creative strategy through to onsite execution.

Kwang said the concept for Bwnd came from listening closely to clients and industry partners and identifying an opportunity to provide a different style of event agency.

“Bwnd started by firstly listening,” Kwang said.

The agency aims to combine creativity, purpose and exceptional delivery to create memorable corporate events, incentive programs and business experiences across key Asian markets.

Flight Centre Global Gathering Provides the Launchpad

Launch at Capella Bangkok

The launch of Bwnd Events follows ETA Group’s successful involvement in the Flight Centre Global Gathering 2026 in Bangkok.

Held in July, the major international gathering attracted 2,100 guests from around the world. ETA Group delivered 32 events and activations across the senior leaders and sponsors program as part of the wider week-long event.

The scale and complexity of the program demonstrated ETA Group’s ability to manage sophisticated international business events while coordinating multiple experiences, stakeholders and operational requirements.

The successful delivery also gave ETA Group Founder and Executive Chairman Max Boontawee Jantasuwan the confidence to move forward with the creation of Bwnd Events.

A Strong Partnership Behind a Major Event

Dee Kelly, Senior Project Director at FCM Meetings & Events, a Flight Centre Travel Group business, praised ETA Group’s performance during the Global Gathering.

Kelly highlighted the team’s specialist structure, service and collaborative approach, describing the relationship as a true partnership.

The successful Bangkok program demonstrated the importance of experienced local expertise when delivering large-scale international events, particularly when multiple activations must operate seamlessly across a destination.

ETA Group Expands Its Specialist Brands

Capella Bangkok

ETA Group has also appointed experienced business events professional Pete Make-Arun as Chief Operating Officer.

Bwnd Events becomes the fourth specialist brand within ETA Group, joining Events Travel Asia, E-Transportation and E-Distribution.

Together, the businesses provide complementary expertise across event strategy, creative delivery, destination management, transportation, logistics and fulfilment.

For event planners, incentive organisers and corporate clients looking to create memorable experiences in Asia, the expanded ETA Group structure provides access to a broader range of specialist services through one integrated network.

With Bwnd Events now launched, ETA Group is positioning the new agency to support the next generation of corporate events and incentive experiences across Asia, with Australia and Singapore identified as immediate key markets.

ETA Group
Website: https://www.etagroup.asia/
Email: info@etagroup.asia
3761/161 Charoen Rat 7 Alley, Lane 7-5-3, Bang Khlo, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 672 3669

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Four Silos, Two Artists and a New Reason to Explore Queensland Country

‘When the Rain Comes’ in Yelarbon, near Goondiwindi,

Forest Hill’s New Silo Art Attraction

Queensland Country is preparing to welcome a spectacular new addition to its growing collection of regional art attractions, with four grain silos at Forest Hill set to become the newest stop on the Lockyer Valley Murals Trail.

Located about an hour’s drive west of Brisbane, Forest Hill sits in the fertile Lockyer Valley, one of Queensland’s important food-producing regions. For decades, the four silos beside the railway line have been part of the town’s agricultural landscape. Soon, they will become a giant outdoor canvas telling a new story about the region and its community.

Painting is expected to begin in early October, with the artwork and a new viewing precinct targeted for completion by mid-November, making it a timely attraction for travellers exploring Queensland Country during summer.

Two Australian Artists Create a Giant Canvas

Artists Jordan Bruce of Brightsiders and Joel Fergie, known as The Zookeeper, have been selected to transform the Forest Hill GrainCorp silos.

Bruce is a co-founder of the Brisbane-based Brightsiders art collective, which specialises in large-scale public murals. Fergie is an experienced Australian silo and water-tower artist whose work includes major regional artworks throughout Queensland.

The pair have previously collaborated on one of Australia's major silo artworks, When the Rain Comes at Yelarbon near Goondiwindi. The artwork rises approximately 24 metres into the sky across eight GrainCorp silos, creating a remarkable landmark in Queensland Country.

Fergie has also painted the famous Watering Hole silos at Thallon, another destination that demonstrates how large-scale regional art can encourage travellers to venture beyond Queensland's major cities.

A Mural Inspired by Forest Hill

Jordan Bruce of the ‘Brightsiders’
Joel Fergie ‘The Zookeeper’

While visitors will have to wait to see the final design, Lockyer Valley Regional Council says the Forest Hill mural will capture the essence of the region.

The artists have spent time talking with Forest Hill residents and community groups, learning about the stories, values and character of the area. The nearby railway line will also influence the artwork and its setting.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Cr Tanya Milligan said the artists had taken the time to understand the community before creating the work.

The result is expected to be more than a large mural. The accompanying viewing precinct will provide visitors with a place to stop, appreciate the artwork and discover more about Forest Hill and the surrounding Lockyer Valley.

Discover the Lockyer Valley Murals Trail

The Forest Hill silos will add another attraction to the Lockyer Valley Murals Trail, joining existing murals and public artworks in towns including Gatton and Laidley.

For travellers, the trail offers an opportunity to combine regional art with food, farming, heritage and country-town experiences. It also provides another reason to take a road trip through Queensland Country rather than simply passing through on the way to somewhere else.

As the new Forest Hill artwork takes shape, the Lockyer Valley is proving that giant public art can transform familiar agricultural infrastructure into memorable tourism landmarks.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Website: https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/
Address: 26 Railway Street, Gatton, Queensland, Australia

Queensland Country Tourism

Website: https://www.queenslandcountrytourism.com.au/

Brightsiders

Website: https://www.instagram.com/_brightsiders/

The Zookeeper

Website: https://www.instagram.com/_thezookeeper/

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