RotoruaNZ Business Events: Where Māori Culture, Nature and Business Meet

RotoruaNZ Business Events

A destination that inspires successful events

Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive destinations for conferences, meetings, incentives and business events, combining impressive event infrastructure with geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and genuine manaakitanga, or hospitality.

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua provides an easily accessible destination for delegates travelling from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other major centres. The city is connected by air to New Zealand’s major cities and is within three hours’ drive of more than half of the country’s population, including Auckland.

Big-city facilities with a regional feel

Rotorua offers approximately 7,000 beds and a wide selection of conference venues, meeting spaces, accommodation, restaurants and activities. Event organisers can choose from venues suitable for intimate meetings through to large conferences of up to 4,000 delegates.

Among the destination's major venues is the Energy Events Centre, located beside Lake Rotorua in the Government Gardens. The centre can accommodate major conferences, exhibitions and banquets, while the Sir Howard Morrison Centre provides a distinctive heritage setting combining Spanish Mission architecture with contemporary Māori design.

This variety allows organisers to create events that are professional, flexible and memorable.

Māori culture at the heart of the experience

RotoruaNZ Business Events

What makes Rotorua particularly compelling for business events is the opportunity to incorporate Māori culture and the destination's strong connection with the land.

RotoruaNZ Business Events highlights the importance of Māori heritage and kaitiakitanga, the concept of guardianship and care for the land. Delegates can experience cultural performances, traditional food, storytelling and authentic local experiences that add meaning beyond the conference room.

The destination also offers geothermal attractions, native forests, mountain biking, golf, natural hot springs and wellness experiences, providing numerous possibilities for incentive programmes, team activities and pre- or post-conference touring.

Expert support for event organisers

Planning a conference in another city can involve finding venues, accommodation, activities, transport and suppliers. RotoruaNZ Business Events provides free and impartial assistance to simplify the process.

The specialist team can organise site visits, obtain quotes, develop destination proposals and connect organisers with suitable venues, accommodation providers, activities and event suppliers.

For organisers considering New Zealand business events, this destination support can make planning considerably easier while allowing the event to be tailored around specific delegate numbers, objectives and budgets.

Exhibiting at MEETINGS 2026

RotoruaNZ Business Events was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, the premier New Zealand business events trade show presented by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).

Its presence at MEETINGS provided an opportunity to showcase Rotorua's conference facilities, accommodation, cultural experiences and destination services to professional conference organisers, event planners and business-events buyers.

With its combination of infrastructure, accessibility, Māori culture and extraordinary natural environment, Rotorua offers event organisers a destination that delegates are likely to remember long after the final session.

RotoruaNZ Business Events

Tony Dickson, Business Events Portfolio Manager
1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Phone: +64 21 387 808
Email: Tony.Dickson@rotoruaNZ.com
Business Events email: businessevents@rotoruanz.com
Website: https://www.rotoruanz.com/meetings-and-conferences
BEIA: https://www.beia.co.nz/suppliers/rotoruanz-business-events

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/ .

Luxperience 17 - 20 Nov 2026 Sydney, Australia

Luxperience 2026

Sydney is set to become a global meeting place for luxury and experiential travel when Luxperience returns from 17 to 20 November 2026.

The specialist luxury travel trade event will bring together travel advisors, buyers and carefully selected travel partners at The Cutaway, Barangaroo, creating an opportunity for the industry to discover new destinations, experiences, hotels, cruises and personalised travel products.

A New Sydney Home for Luxperience

For 2026, Luxperience moves to The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve, an architecturally distinctive venue built beneath the reserve and featuring a dramatic 14-metre sandstone wall.

The new location reflects the event's continuing focus on sophisticated, experience-led travel while placing international luxury travel professionals in one of Sydney's most distinctive waterfront precincts.

The 2026 programme begins on Tuesday 17 November with The Inner Circle and an opening cocktail event. Three days of business meetings then follow from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 November, concluding with a farewell soiree.

Where Luxury Travel Meets Meaningful Connections

The Cutaway, Barangaroo

Luxperience is designed around curated business relationships rather than a conventional large-scale travel exhibition.

The 2026 event features pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and travel partners, alongside networking opportunities and the Indulge and Inspire series. The programme is intended to encourage meaningful conversations about the future of luxury and experiential travel.

More than 200 partners are expected to be represented in 2026, with the event's partner portfolio spanning luxury accommodation, expedition cruising, private villas, cultural experiences and tourism organisations across six continents. Organisers say about 70 per cent of the 2026 partners are participating for the first time.

Discovering Luxury Beyond the Hotel

Modern luxury travel increasingly goes beyond five-star accommodation.

Travellers are seeking private and personalised experiences, cultural connections, remote destinations, exceptional food, wellness, nature and journeys that are difficult to replicate. Luxperience provides a platform for travel professionals to discover these experiences and develop them into tailor-made itineraries for clients.

The event also offers familiarisation opportunities designed to give travel professionals first-hand destination knowledge. Among the 2026 offerings is a Blue Mountains retreat following the Sydney event, showcasing the World Heritage-listed region's dramatic landscapes and luxury tourism experiences.

Sydney at the Centre of Luxury Travel

Luxperience 2026

With its combination of harbour scenery, restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions and easy access to destinations throughout New South Wales, Sydney provides a fitting setting for an international luxury travel event.

For travel advisors and suppliers, Luxperience 2026 offers an opportunity to build relationships, discover new products and explore the changing expectations of high-end travellers.

For Sydney, it is another chance to showcase the city and Australia to an influential international travel audience.

Luxperience
17 - 20 Nov 2026
Sydney, Australia

Luxperience

Website: www.luxperience.com.au
Phone: +61 403 844 543
Address: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Event dates: 17–20 November 2026

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

China’s Guangxi Turns Ancient Caves into Fascinating Tourist Attractions

Guangxi cave

For travellers looking for an extraordinary experience beyond China’s famous mountains, rivers and cities, Guangxi is opening the door to another world beneath the surface.

China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is increasingly developing its spectacular karst caves into tourism attractions, combining natural geological wonders with cultural experiences, interpretation and improved visitor facilities. At the same time, authorities are placing strong emphasis on protecting these fragile environments and keeping visitors safe.

Discovering Guangxi’s Underground Wonders

Guangxi is internationally recognised for its dramatic karst landscapes, particularly around Guilin and other areas where limestone has been shaped over millions of years by water.

Beneath this landscape lies an extraordinary underground world of caves, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and natural chambers.

Rather than treating caves simply as geological sites, Guangxi’s tourism planning is looking at ways to create carefully managed visitor experiences. The region’s tourism development plans include the themed development of cave tourism products and the creation of dedicated cave attractions.

From Natural Cave to Tourism Experience

Guangxi cave

The planned approach aims to combine the natural beauty and scientific value of karst caves with engaging visitor experiences.

Guangxi’s tourism planning identifies caves with high scenic and geological value for carefully managed development. Proposed experiences include geological interpretation, displays based on local folk stories and exploration of underground waterways.

Modern lighting, sound and other presentation technologies may also be incorporated where appropriate, helping visitors understand the geological and cultural stories of the underground environment while keeping conservation at the centre of development.

Among the cave attractions identified for development are Yiling Cave and Jinlun Cave, demonstrating the potential for Guangxi to build a distinctive cave tourism network around its karst resources.

Safety Comes First for Cave Tourism

For visitors, the development of caves into formal tourist attractions has an important advantage: professionally managed attractions can provide safer and more controlled ways to experience underground environments.

Guangxi’s tourism authorities regularly remind visitors to check weather warnings, attraction opening information and access conditions before travelling. During periods of heavy rain, tourists are specifically warned against entering undeveloped caves and other areas without safety protection.

This is particularly important in Guangxi because heavy rainfall can increase the risks associated with underground waterways, slippery surfaces and mountainous terrain.

Travellers should therefore choose officially developed and open cave attractions rather than attempting to explore wild or restricted caves independently.

Protecting a Fragile Underground World

Guangxi cave

Cave tourism also brings an important responsibility: protecting the geological formations that make these places special.

Stalactites, stalagmites, underground waterways and other karst formations can take extremely long periods to develop. Careful tourism management can allow visitors to enjoy these natural treasures while limiting damage to sensitive areas.

Guangxi’s wider tourism strategy emphasises improving tourism products and services while supporting sustainable development, cultural interpretation and environmental protection.

A New Reason to Explore Guangxi

For international travellers, Guangxi’s emerging cave tourism offers another compelling reason to explore the region.

A journey through a developed karst cave can combine geology, nature, local culture and adventure in a single experience. As Guangxi continues to develop selected caves into professionally managed attractions, the region is creating new opportunities for travellers to discover one of China’s most fascinating hidden landscapes.

For visitors planning a Guangxi holiday, the message is simple: explore responsibly, follow local safety advice and choose officially developed attractions. The most memorable journey may begin not on a mountain peak, but deep beneath it.

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Department of Culture and Tourism

Website: https://wlt.gxzf.gov.cn/
Phone: 0771 5529019
Address: 24 Jinhu South Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi, China

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Te Pae Christchurch Wins Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre for a Second Year

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre 

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has again placed Christchurch in the international business events spotlight, retaining the title of Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre at the 2026 World Travel Awards.

The back-to-back award was announced at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September 2026. The World Travel Awards recognise leading organisations across the international travel and tourism industry, with winners determined through voting.

A Major Award for Christchurch Business Events

The 2026 achievement follows Te Pae Christchurch receiving the same Oceania title in 2025, making the convention centre one of the venues in the region to secure consecutive wins.

Ross Steele, General Manager of Te Pae Christchurch, said the award was an honour for Canterbury and Aotearoa New Zealand and recognised the work of the venue team together with the wider visitor economy, tourism and business events sectors.

Te Pae Christchurch was nominated alongside other major convention venues in the Oceania region, including ICC Sydney, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Cairns Convention Centre.

A Modern Convention Centre in the Heart of Christchurch

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre 

Since opening in May 2022, Te Pae Christchurch has established itself as a major venue for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and business events.

The convention centre is located at 188 Oxford Terrace in the heart of Christchurch, close to hotels, restaurants, retail, arts and entertainment. Its purpose-built facilities include flexible meeting spaces, an auditorium, exhibition areas and a riverside banquet room.

Te Pae has hosted more than 980 events attended by more than 447,000 local, national and international visitors since opening, according to the venue's latest figures.

Sustainability at the Centre

Sustainability is an important part of Te Pae Christchurch's operations.

The centre has reported a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2022 and has retained Toitū Net Carbon Zero and Enviromark Gold certifications. Its current Net Carbon Zero certification is valid through February 2027.

Te Pae also holds Qualmark Gold certification, reflecting its focus on visitor experience, accessibility and sustainable operations.

Connecting Delegates with Christchurch

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre 

Beyond conference facilities, Te Pae provides a gateway for delegates to experience Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

The convention centre promotes opportunities for visitors to connect with local communities, Māori culture, researchers, innovators and businesses, while Christchurch itself offers attractions, restaurants, galleries, gardens and easy access to the wider South Island.

For international conference organisers, the combination of a modern convention centre, a walkable central city and the natural attractions of Canterbury provides a setting for business events that extends beyond the conference room.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre 

Contact: Ross Steele, General Manager
Address: 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Postal Address: PO Box 899, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 266 1400
Email: info@tepae.co.nz
Sales Email: sales@tepae.co.nz
Website: https://www.tepae.co.nz/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

The Roxbury Catskills: A Unique Hotel Where Every Room Tells a Story

The Roxbury Catskills

Forget predictable hotel rooms. In New York's Catskill Mountains, The Roxbury offers travellers an extraordinary accommodation experience where colourful interiors, pop culture and imagination replace conventional hotel design.

Located in the village of Roxbury, about three hours north of New York City by car, this distinctive boutique hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Catskills while providing a memorable stay in its own right.

A Hotel Where Minimalism Takes a Holiday

The Roxbury is famous for its individually themed guest rooms, inspired by movies, television, cartoons and popular culture, particularly the colourful styles of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Roxbury Catskills

Every room has its own personality. Guests might find themselves surrounded by the futuristic atmosphere of a Star Trek-inspired suite, complete with a fibre-optic shooting-star display, or step into a Wizard of Oz-inspired room featuring a yellow brick road leading towards a spectacular Emerald City mural.

Another room draws inspiration from Gilligan's Island, with playful tropical details and imaginative furnishings.

The result is accommodation that feels more like entering a movie set than checking into a conventional hotel. For travellers searching for unusual hotels in New York State, The Roxbury offers an experience that is difficult to forget.

The Roxbury at Stratton Falls

The Roxbury Catskills

If the original Roxbury is fully booked, travellers can also consider The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, located approximately two miles from the main property.

This sister property continues the hotel's playful approach to design while adding a spectacular natural setting around Stratton Falls.

Both properties appeal to visitors who want their accommodation to be part of the holiday experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Discover the Catskills Beyond the Hotel

The Roxbury is surrounded by the natural attractions of the Catskill Mountains, making it particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Stratton Falls is a highlight for walkers and waterfall enthusiasts. A forest trail leads towards the impressive 90-foot cascade, providing an opportunity to experience the quieter side of the Catskills.

The nearby village of Hobart offers something completely different. Known for its concentration of independent bookshops, Hobart is an enjoyable stop for anyone who loves second-hand books, browsing and small-town atmosphere.

For dinner, travellers can head to Big Indian and enjoy a meal at Peekamoose, where locally inspired dishes complement the rural Catskills setting.

When to Visit The Roxbury

The Roxbury Catskills

Mid-October is an excellent time to visit for travellers hoping to experience the Catskills at peak autumn colour. The surrounding forests become a spectacular backdrop for scenic drives, walks and photography.

June to August is particularly appealing for hiking and enjoying the region's warmer weather and outdoor attractions.

Getting to The Roxbury

The Roxbury is approximately a three-hour drive north of New York City. Hiring a car is the most convenient way to reach the hotel and explore the surrounding Catskills, where attractions and small towns are spread throughout the mountainous region.

For travellers seeking a unique hotel in New York, The Roxbury combines themed accommodation, nostalgia, creativity and Catskills adventure. It is a place where the hotel itself becomes one of the highlights of the journey.

The Roxbury

Website: www.theroxburyexperience.com
Email: info@theroxburyexperience.com
Phone: +1 607 326 7200
Address: 2258 County Highway 41, Roxbury, New York 12474, USA

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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/.