MEKONG TOURISM ALLIANCE AWARDS (MTAA)

Following the very successful organization of the inaugural Mekong Tourism Alliance Awards (MTAA) in 2015, the Organizing Committee has found reason to present the event again in 2016. This year marks the 8th time that we are celebrating and recognising the brightest tourism Stars in the tourism industry.

The MTAA is organised to celebrate and acknowledge the brightest tourism Stars in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to instil a greater sense of pride and achievement for professionals and organisations and serve as recognition for quality excellence in tourism and hospitality in the alliance countries.

Date: September 7th 2016
Venue: GEM Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (TBA)

ORGANISERS

Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia
Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar
Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kingdom of Thailand
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam

JUDGES OF MTAA 2015

David Bondi

• David Bondi

Chief Operating Officer for Informa Exhibitions Asia Pacific and President of Informa for ChinaInforma Exhibitions Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific

• Ang Kim Eang

President
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA)
Cambodia

• Maung Maung Swe

Vice Chairman
Myanmar Tourism Federation
Myanmar

• Chutathip Chareonlarp

Director
Tourism Authority of Thailand - Ho Chi Minh Office
Thailand

• Nguyễn Qúy Phương

Director General
Travel Industry Management Department, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Vietnam

• Vũ Văn Thanh

Director General
Hotel Industry Management Department, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Vietnam

Bùi Văn Dũng

• Bùi Văn Dũng

Director Training and Membership committee, Vietnam Tourism Association
Chief Membership and Training Center
Training and Membership committee, Vietnam Tourism Association
Vietnam

HOW TO ENTER

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD JUDGING CRITERIA
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES

AWARD CATEGORIES

1. The Best Airline of the Year
2. The Best Outbound Travel Operator of the Year
3. The Best Inbound Travel Operator of the Year
4. The Best Five-star Hotel of the Year
5. The Best Resort of the Year
6. The Best Tourism Website of the Year *new
7. Broadcast Excellence Award for Destination Promotion*new
8. The Best Festival of the Year *new

INFORMA ASIA / VIETNAM

Global Exhibitions
Address: Unit 10.08, 10th Floor,
Indochina Park Tower
4 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist.1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

MT BULLER TO OPEN 5 LIFTS THIS WEEKEND – 20CMS OF FRESH SNOW AND MORE FALLING

Snow has started to fall heavily when the cold front crossed the alps. At least 10cms fell on Thursday night bringing the average snow depth to 32cms on Friday morning and is continuing snowing.

With cold temps, currently -4, Mt Buller’s snowmaking team have also got in on the action adding to the cover since 10pm and guns still firing into the cold air now. More cold days and nights in the forecast are promising for plenty more snowmaking.

More lifts will open this weekend thanks to significant snowfall overnight and extensive snowmaking in operation. ABOM Chairlift is expected to turn on this afternoon and Buller Ski Lifts operational plan is for five lifts - Blue Bullet, Bourke Street carpet, Skyline, The Fox and ABOM - to all be rolling tomorrow, Saturday 25 June, for the opening of the school holidays.

More lifts are anticipated to come in next week thanks to the wintery conditions. Updates available at mtbuller.com.au

THE RISE OF FOOD HALLS IN NEW YORK CITY

Eataly

New York City is famed for its dining possibilities, from casual eats to high-end restaurant offerings, but food halls are proving the latest trend.

New York City has long been home to popular food markets like Arthur Avenue Retail Market, Chelsea Market, Eataly, Grand Central Market and Gotham West. In addition to these iconic places, the City is experiencing a trend in the rise of food halls, celebrating cuisines from around the world.

Highlights of recent openings include:

Berg’n: Since opening in 2015, the Brooklyn-based food hall in Crown Heights has quickly emerged as a local hotspot for its trendy food offerings. Visitors and locals can sample tasty burritos at El Meat Hook, Filipino-inspired cuisine at Lumpia Shack and pulled pork and brisket at Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque. Led by the founders of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg, Berg’n is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit bergn.com for more information.

City Kitchen at Row NYC: The Times Square food court, located within the Row NYC Hotel, opened in March 2015 and features a diverse collection of vendors such as Azuki Sushi, Dough, Gabriela’s Taqueria, ilili Box, Kuro Obi ramen, Luke’s Lobster and Whitman’s New York. For more information visit citykitchen.com.

Hudson Eats: The upscale dining terrace located in Lower Manhattan’s Brookfield Place features many of New York City’s top casual eateries, including Black Seed Bagel, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Chop’t, Dig Inn, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Num Pang, Skinny Pizza, Sprinkles and Umami Burger. The 30,000-square-foot space provides seating for up to 600 guests and offers views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Additional information can be found at brookfieldplaceny.com.

Le District: Brookfield Place is also home to an authentic French shopping district serving artisanal French foods. The 30,000-square-foot space boasts a brasserie-style restaurant called Beaubourg, the Market and Garden District offering French groceries, and a café where guests can snack on chocolate, coffee, macarons and croissants. Visit brookfieldplaceny.com for more information.

The Pennsy: Just steps from Madison Square Garden, the high-end food hall is home to vendors The Cinnamon Snail, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Mario by Mary, Lobster Press and The Little Beet. The space also includes an indoor dining lounge, an outdoor patio space and a full cocktail bar serving daily happy hour and new drink specials throughout the week. For more information visit thepennsy.nyc.

Queens Night Market: The large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens features independent vendors selling merchandise, art and food that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the borough. The market is located outside the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and currently runs every Saturday through August 20th. The market is open from 6:00 pm through Midnight. For a complete list of upcoming vendors visit queensnightmarket.com.

UrbanSpace Vanderbilt: Less than a five-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal, the Midtown food hall features over 20 artisanal and chef-driven food concepts, including notable Brooklyn pizza joint Roberta’s, popular doughnut chain Dough and the Red Hook Lobster Pound. Additional information can be found at urbanspacenyc.com.

TurnStyle: Manhattan’s new underground food hall and retail space located in the Columbus Circle subway station holds over 30 small restaurants and shops, including Blossom du Jour, Bolivian Llama Party, Doughnuttery, Dylan’s Candy Bar, The Pizza and Yong Kang Street. A MetroCard is not required to gain access to the market. Visitors can enter at Columbus Circle or 57th Street and Eighth Avenue. Visit turn-style.com for the complete list of shops and restaurants.

Upcoming in 2016:

Eataly: The popular Italian marketplace, home to restaurants, food and beverage counters, a bakery, retail items and cooking classes is expected to open a 40,000-square-foot outpost at 4 World Trade Center later this year. Visit eataly.com for additional information.

The Great Northern Food Hall: In early summer 2016, internationally acclaimed chef Claus Meyer will open a Nordic-inspired food hall inside Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. The 5,000-square-foot space’s offerings will include baked goods, granola and Danish open-faced rye sandwiches called smørrebrød. For updates, visit grandcentralterminal.com.

Gotham Market at The Ashland: Gotham West Market, the day and night dining destination in Hell’s Kitchen, will be opening a new location this fall inside The Ashland in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. The 16,000-square-foot space will have a pop-up place for local chefs and restaurateurs, in addition to full-time food vendors like Apizza Regionale (Italian fare), Flip Bird (rotisserie chicken), Mu Ramen (bowls of noodles, burgers and Japanese snacks) and popular Midtown barbeque restaurant Mason Jar. Visit gothamwestmarket.com for more information.

Upcoming in 2017:

Bourdain Market: American chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain will be opening a 155,000-square-foot international food market on Manhattan’s Pier 57 in 2017, which would make it the largest food hall in New York City. Complete details have not been announced, although the space will reportedly feature over 100 vendors from around the globe. For more information visit bourdainmarket.com.

Empire Outlets Marketplace (MRKTPL): Scheduled to open in November 2017, Empire Outlets will become New York City’s first shopping outlet, located in Staten Island’s waterfront St. George district and featuring 100 shops of the finest brands. Within the complex, an innovative artisanal food market, called Marketplace (MRKTPL), will showcase the best local and international purveyors. It will be Staten Island’s first artisanal food hall. Visit empireoutletsnyc.com for more information.

Upcoming in 2018:

The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards: When open in 2018, the Restaurant Collection at Hudson Yards will feature 12 luxury restaurants, including a steakhouse and American grill by chef Thomas Keller. The final 10 restaurants have not been confirmed, although Spanish chef José Andrés and Greek seafood chef Costas Spiliadis will reportedly be adding outposts to the collection. For updates visit hudsonyardsnewyork.com.

Eataly

“New York City’s food halls are an exciting way to experience the City’s vibrant and evolving food scene,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “From new openings like TurnStyle and The Pennsy to mainstays like Chelsea Market and Grand Central Market, there are so many fantastic food hall options to choose from, giving visitors more reasons to return again and again.”


For more information, visit nycgo.com.

Storytelling is alive with the Mary Poppins Festival!

Mary Poppins day in the Park

Visitors to the Fraser Coast can immerse themselves in a celebration of storytelling, with the region now officially alive with for a two-week festival revelling in the magic of Mary Poppins.

The celebration started on Friday June 24 and continues until July 10, featuring music, art, film and performances in some of Maryborough’s iconic heritage buildings and streets.

The magical celebration is dedicated to Maryborough’s link to P L Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins novels, who was born in Maryborough in 1899.

Darren Everard, Councillor for Events and Recreation said he was looking forward to another festival filled with fun and excitement for all ages over the school holidays.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the Fraser Coast to celebrate Maryborough’s link to the world’s most famous nanny. There’s something for everyone during the festival, so make sure you head to some of the other fantastic events we have on in Maryborough as well,” said Cr Everard.

This year offers one of the most diverse and action-packed schedules yet, from music concerts backstage and onstage at the Brolga Theatre, to pop up performances in the Bond Store and artists sharing their stories through exhibitions and public art installations, there is something for everyone.

The annual favourite Mary Poppins in the Park returns on Saturday July 2 – a free event featuring Mary’s Morning Tea, a Grand Parade, Chimney Sweep Challenge, street theatre, circus shows, costumed characters, children’s workshops and much more.

Other events not to be missed include NAIDOC week Moonaboola Steet Party, Bond Store Basement Club, Maryborough Art Festival Exhibition, Alice in Wonderland Party, outdoor movie nights just to name a few.

Award winning writer and performer Ian Brown is back in his hometown of Maryborough with his theatrical performance ‘What the River Told Me’ and one of Australia’s most iconic musicians Ian Moss, five time ARIA winner will deliver an unforgettable live sound as part of his Six Strings Classic Tour.

Take your time exploring Maryborough’s Story Trails – by a self-guided walk or take an evening guided tour lead by a member of the ancient guild of storytellers.

There is not a more perfect setting for the Mary Poppins Festival than Maryborough’s riverside parks and heritage streetscapes.

For further information and tickets, visit www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au

Positioning brands for meaning and purpose

Venerable Phra Anil Sakya

A Buddhist monk, an international branding legend and a rebellious Australian social commentator have been announced to speak at the Sustainable Brands Sydney conference, 27 – 29 June 2016. Over three carefully designed days, experts and influencers will teach brands how to embed purpose-driven environmental and social innovations into their businesses, so that sustainability becomes a core driver of business and brand value.

Venerable Phra Anil Sakya, Buddhist monk and Deputy Rector for Foreign Affairs/Lecturer on Religious and Cultural Studies at Mahamakut Buddhist University, will visit Australia to outline how individuals and companies can find their purpose whilst cultivating sustainable brand development, based on the thinking of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy developed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

“What we do each day, individually, has a profound effect on the natural environment. Our choices, in our personal lives and our professional lives, matter.

“Studying the puzzle of sustainability in a capitalist society raises a number of difficult questions. For example, can the long term economic objective of sustained agricultural growth be met if the ecological objective of preserving biodiversity is not? What happens to the environment in the long term if a large number of people cannot afford to meet their basic household needs today?

Simon Mainwaring

If we don’t balance our social, economic, and environmental objectives in the short term, how can we expect to sustain our development in the long term?” said Dr Phra Anil.

Further exploring this theme is Simon Mainwaring, the Founder of WeFirst Branding, a brand transformation agency that provides strategy, training and content that accelerates business growth and social impact. He will engage attendees by teaching them how to ‘activate purpose’ to protect their brands' longevity.

“By activating purpose, can brands maintain attention, loyalty and sales from consumers, or the productivity and engagement they need from employees? Purpose will shore up the relevance of the company and inspire a new generation of customers to support its brands. Purpose, sustainability and social impact are now key growth drivers, and as such, are sandbags against the rising economic storm,” said Mr Mainwaring.

Jane Caro, author, novelist, journalist, broadcaster, columnist, advertising writer and social commentator will join a panel session outlining an Australian CEO reflection on the international presentations. She will share advice with brand custodians on how to identify and reposition brands to ensure what is being passed onto the next generation is more sustainable than what was inherited.

“Whatever you do for a crust or however you live your life, you have a choice. Do you want to add to the sum of human happiness in the long term, or subtract from it? One is sustainable, the other always blows up in your face,” said Ms Caro.

Jane Caro

A global community of business and brand innovators will delve into key themes of purpose as a survival strategy in a shrinking economy, and purpose is realised through employee, customer and consumer engagement, marketing and culture that builds loyalty and drives leadership.

Sustainable Brands events are shaping the future of commerce worldwide with focused attention on understanding and leveraging the role of brands in shaping that future. Over a million people have attended Sustainable Brands events around the world since 2006, and the inaugural Australian event will be held in Sydney, 27 – 29 June 2016 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

SB16 Sydney is organised by MCI Australia and supported by host partners Banksia Foundation and Sustainable Business Australia and Strategic Partner, Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

Register to attend: http://www.sb16sydney.com/register

Ten Reasons to Visit Corin Forest Mountain Resort, Canberra's Closest Snow Experience

With the introduction of a magic carpet lift this year, Corin Forest Mountain Resort now offers winter adventurers the chance to ski and snowboard in Canberra's own backyard. While it's really a no-brainer to visit Corin Forest Mountain Resort this winter, here are 10 reasons why you should pack the car and head out into Canberra's secluded mountain valley for a day of snowflakes, snowballs, skiing, snowboarding and snowmen.

1) Turn and burn

With Corin Forest's new 75-metre-long magic carpet lift, you can now try skiing and snowboarding on the 80-metre-long slope. The custom-designed beginner slope will have you mastering the basics in a flash and the onsite equipment rentals and ski and snowboard school will have you covered for an awesome first day on skis or snowboard.

2) Let the pros show you how it's done

To help you slide off in the right direction, Corin Forest Mountain Resort's very own ski and snowboard instructors are trained to give you the ultimate first-timer ski or snowboard experience. Available as part of the #myfirstsnow experience package, you can take a two-hour group skiing or snowboarding lesson designed to help you master the basics with confidence.

3) Most affordable, most accessible snow to Sydney and Canberra

Accessible by car, just 45 minutes from Canberra, you are able to enter Corin Forest Mountain Resort without any national park fees. The #myfirstsnow experience offers very affordable options including lift access, lessons and equipment rental, meaning you can give skiing and snowboarding a go without breaking the bank balance.

4) Snowmen, snow angels and snowballs

If skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, Corin Forest Mountain Resort offers snow play for all ages. Ride a toboggan, build a snowman or make a snow angel in the purpose built snow play area. Run over three sessions daily, you can enter the snow play area after purchasing a ticket at just $15 per person plus toboggan and/or snow gear (snow boots, jackets and pants) rental if necessary.

5) Fun for all the family

Corin Forest Mountain Resort has something to delight all ages. If it's sometimes tough to find something for all your family to enjoy, Corin Forest has you and your family covered. Snowplay can be enjoyed by all ages, from the youngest Frozen lovers to the elderly. Ski lessons are available for anyone six years and above, and snowboarding lessons can be taken by anyone nine years and above. All ages, from newborns to the elderly will love the open fireplace and a natter in the lodge.

6) Hot chocolate and marshmallows by fireside

Nothing beats warming your hands and toes with a hot chocolate and marshmallows next to a toasty open fire. Corin Forest Mountain Resort's rustic lodge offers a menu complete with winter essentials like hot chocolate, coffee and a selection of hearty winter meals including wood fired pizzas. You can even roast giant marshmallows in the open fire, which is worth the drive out to the resort alone!

7) Let it go! Relax and rejuvenate in Australia's beautiful bushland

As soon as you set foot on the crunchy snow, you'll feel invigorated by the crisp mountain air and tall forests in the secluded Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges. The setting really is spectacular, and you will feel detached from the everyday grind in a second. Sit by the pond and admire the snow-covered serenity. It's therapy in itself.

8) Safety is no accident

Corin Forest Mountain Resort prides itself as being leaders in safety. For the safety and comfort of their guests, the capacity of the ski and snowboard area is limited to a maximum of 150 persons per session. Accordingly, advanced bookings via their website are strongly recommended. Corin Forest is also proud to be the first snow resort in Australia to have a compulsory helmet policy. Helmets are available for rental or guests can bring their own.

9) Consistency is key

To ensure there's enough snow for skiing and snowboarding throughout winter, Corin Forest Mountain Resort is equipped with the latest snowmaking technology. When the mercury falls below zero, you're likely to hear the snowmaking guns pumping snow out across Corin Forest's 5000m2 of terrain. It's a welcome sound to any snow lovers' ears.

10) And when the snow melts....

When winter draws to a close and the snow trickles away, Corin Forest Mountain Resort transforms into a spring and summer alpine adventure destination. In summertime ride on the exhilarating Alpine Slide that descends through the forest. You can also mountain bike ride or take a picnic and dine pond side. There's also a labyrinth of hikes in the Tidbinbilla National Park ranging from easy to hard, which will take you to some super spectacular spots with epic views over the mountain wilderness.

Stay up to date with all the latest winter news around Canberra and surrounds by visiting the VisitCanberra website at www.visitcanberra.com.au

NASHVILLE ROCKS IBTM AMERICA 2016

ibtm america held last week at Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort Nashville, exclusively connected the US and international meetings industry through a mix of business, education and networking. Kicking off with Discovery Day, where over 500 attendees experienced downtown Music City and the legendary Honky Tonks, the private event continued at the Gaylord Convention Center with some 5000 one-to-one mutually matched business appointments and 18.5 hours of networking opportunities over 2.5 days.

Tailored to the US market, the event was dominated by North America, Mexico, Canada and Caribbean suppliers that included hotel brands, convention centers, incentive destinations, CVB’s, NTO’s, Cruise Lines and tech suppliers. Each exhibitor has an all inclusive, uniformed Meeting Pod, which just requires their own branding so that clients just show up, sit down and start their business meetings.

First tier cities this year included NYC & Company, Greater Miami CVB, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and Detroit Metro CVB as well as Great Fort Lauderdale the destination for ibtm america in 2017. Some 2/3rd of exhibitors returned from their success at last year’s event.

Alex Michaels, Director of Sales for Virginia’s Blue Ridge “loved the privacy of the meeting pods” adding “We have been non-stop since Wednesday. I have really had a chance to have enough time with each buyer to explain about us and who we are and all in private. The mutual match has given me real appointments and planners who are already interested in us. I really believe I have met some great contacts for my business”.

This year’s international exhibitors included Costa Del Sol Convention Bureau, Valencia Region Tourist Board, Busan, Visit Flanders (Belgium), India Tourist Office, Turespana and Dubai Business Events.

Ishrat Alam – Tourist Information Officer, India Tourism confirmed the success of the event: “We have attended every year since the beginning of this event. Last year we picked up many leads but 2 of them will definitely turn into business in 2017. We know that any MICE business leads can take up to 2-3 years to make happen, but this has always proved to be a great ROI and it has given us the opportunity to really explain our experiential high end incentive and meetings products face to face. The mutual match appointment system is very good indeed.”

The Hosted Buyer program included 86% domestic USA and 14% international, (based on the research among exhibitors) including Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UAE and UK.
Exhibitor’s had requested planners from the corporate sector, as well as incentive planners as their priority – the first time this sector was at the event - associations and agency made up the rest.

Thomas L Fagan, Jr, PE , The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) said of his attendance: “We are the world’s largest not for profit association. In 2015 we had 1300 meetings worldwide. I am here looking at various hotels, venues and CVB’s and have found a number of opportunities. I had 18 serious appointments of which some will wind up getting business placed. We are looking at events up to 5 years ahead – it used to be 10 years but the lead time has now shortened. I have been to ibtm america for the past 3 years – it works for me”.

The top 5 products of interest identified by Hosted Buyers for their appointments this year were Conference and meeting venues, resorts and spas, destinations and non-hotel special event venues. Planners represented blue chip companies such as American Express, Colgate-Palmolive, National Association of African American Studies, Global Cynergies, Wells Fargo, The International Ecotourism Society, Herballife International, Maritz and many others.

The show floor had new features this year with a focus on Technology, displayed around a central hub that also enabled more connections to be made over breaks in the appointments schedule, the TechCollective showcased latest and emerging technologies, from start-ups and entrepreneurs highlighting new ideas for the industry through live demonstrations.

“Building a community for this industry is a key ingredient to the success of ibtm america and this year Nashville bought everyone together for a southern style US meetings experience. The mutual match system of appointments was refined still further to produce the highest quality of real business prospects, resulting in some great praise from our exhibitors and buyers. Designing a system that allows both buyers and suppliers to choose who they want to meet with from the outset of their journey with us, and then making this happen has produced some remarkable results and 100% of appointments that each party wanted to have for their diary – nearly 30 over the 1.5 business days”.

Continuing to rotate ibtm america to the country’s top meetings cities, The Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale will be the home of the event next year. Having received top honors from TripAdvisor and Orbitz, the property was also named a top 100 Meeting Hotel by Cvent.

ibtm america will take place from June 14 – 16 2017

Peninsula Hot Springs - World's best mineral spring spa at global awards in Switzerland

Peninsula Hot Springs was the winner in the World Luxury Spa Awards Mineral Springs Spa category held in Switzerland on Saturday 18th June. The 2016 World Luxury Spa Awards gala ceremony was held at Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland with hundreds of world-leading spas in attendance.

Charles Davidson, co-founder and CEO of Peninsula Hot Springs said “We’re extremely proud to be recognised at this level. I am thankful for the commitment and effort of the team and to all guests who took the time to show their support and vote.”

Peninsula Hot Springs’ board member Laurent Chappuis attended the event to represent Peninsula Hot Springs, and accept the award for Global winner in the Luxury Mineral Springs Spa category. “It is such an honour to be recognised amongst so many elite facilities from around the world.” said Mr Chappuis. The entire team at the hot springs would like to extend their congratulations to all of the winners who were recognised at the ceremony, especially Melbourne AURORA Spa for their win in the ‘Luxury Hotel Spa’ in Australia and Oceania Category.

Peninsula Hot Springs wellness ambassador Steph Prem said “I am delighted to hear that the hot springs has been recognised internationally.” Steph is a Winter Olympian who has travelled the world and experienced a variety of luxury spas and hot springs facilities that have assisted her training and rehab, “We are extremely lucky to have this world class facility on our door step, so much thought has gone into the guest experience. Every time I visit it’s better than the last! I can see why all of their customers have supported this mineral spring spa, and voted for them to win this incredible award.”

The World Luxury Spa Awards aim to recognise world-class spas. The awards are known to be the world’s leading initiative and set benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe. Awards are presented to luxury spas in 14 different categories on a country and global basis.

The winners and finalists were selected by means of an annual voting process where thousands of spa guests from 144 countries have been given the opportunity to vote online in order to have the fairest judging process possible. Competing spas in 2016 included small sized privately owned spas to globally renowned spa groups. The official response and comments from voters were phenomenal. Thousands of votes and feedback came in and as a result key brands and independent spas were rewarded for their extraordinary efforts. Award winning spas are announced on a country, continent and global basis. They stood up to the highest expectations and where tested by discerning spa-goers looking for the ultimate experience where only the absolute best is acceptable.

Awards Facts:

• The World Luxury Spa Awards give recognition and thanks to the Luxury Spa Industry.

• Setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe.

• Established as the world's leading Awards initiative for Luxury Spas.

• The World Luxury Spa Awards sets the spotlight on our spas, attracting the attention of global spa-goers and industry experts.

• The Awards aim to encourage & raise service standards within the Luxury Spa Industry.

• The Awards judging criteria is purely based upon service excellence, size of a spa is not taken into consideration during the nomination or voting phases.

• Voting is not reliant on a panel of judges but on the industry spa goers who are able to cast their votes during the official voting period on an annual basis.

www.peninsulahotsprings.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS ANNOUNCES KERRY HOTEL, HONG KONG WILL OPEN IN DECEMBER 2016

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced today it will open its fourth hotel in Hong Kong on Kowloon’s vibrant waterfront. Offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, the 545-room Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong is scheduled to open in December.

The 16-storey waterfront hotel is situated in the heart of Kowloon at Hung Hom Bay. The unique design of the building’s podium provides guests, meeting/event attendees and diners extraordinary outdoor and indoor space with spectacular views. Over 60 per cent of the guestrooms feature harbour views, with rooms ranging from 42 square metres for a Deluxe City View Room to 294 square metres for Kerry Hotel’s stunning rooftop suite.

Designed as an urban resort, the hotel will cater to residents of nearby offices and apartments as well as business and leisure guests. The hotel will offer five unique and affordable restaurants and bars, including a vibrant food marketplace with ten concepts that incorporate modern and traditional culinary techniques. Alfresco dining options will feature unobstructed views of the harbour and Hong Kong skyline.

Hong Kong’s newest hotel also will have the largest meeting, event and catering facilities. In addition to the 1,756-square-metre Grand Ballroom that seats 1,030 people banquet style, the hotel has 17 flexible meeting venues that can accommodate from 30 to 660 people, plus indoor and outdoor areas perfect for high-impact creative events. Other hotel facilities include The Club Lounge, a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre and select retail shops.

‘People no longer look just for accommodation and dining facilities in a hotel. They desire a holistic destination that satisfies a variety of needs while at the same time provides a sense of belonging and connection to the community,” said Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong General Manager Nicholas Smith. “With its extensive amenities and outlets, spectacular views and vibrant ambiance, Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong will become a favourite waterfront destination for both Hong Kong residents and visitors.’

The hotel will be seamlessly connected to the rest of Hong Kong via ferry, MTR, a bus interchange station and taxi and limousine services. The Hung Hom Ferry Pier is located at its doorstep and Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong is within short walking distance to the Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping district.

The hotel will begin taking room reservations in September 2016.

Launched in February 2011 in Pudong, Shanghai with a sister property in Beijing, Kerry hotels are seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment in multi-purpose complexes. Extensive sports and wellness facilities and trendsetting food and beverage concepts cater to the youthful and spirited business and leisure traveller looking for quality five-star hotels that focuses on their individual lifestyle needs. Kerry hotels represent passionate hospitality wrapped up in a stylish package.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, currently manages 98 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 40,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart.’ The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION IN SYDNEY

Image: ©David Doubilet (United States), 

Turtle Flight

Wrestling komodo dragons, ethereal egrets and thirsty squirrels are among the creatures captured on camera by this year’s finalists of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, on show for the first time at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, this world-renowned exhibition will showcase 100 awe-inspiring photographs, taken from beneath the freezing Antarctic ice to the shimmering heat of Okaukuejo Camp in Namibia.

Judged by a panel of industry-recognised professionals, images were taken by some of the world’s best nature photographers and selected for their creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

One of the winning images is by Australian author, explorer and conservation photographer Michael Aw. His image, A whale of a mouthful, shows an imposing Bryde’s whale, ripping through a mass of sardines and gulping hundreds in a single pass.

The competition was launched in 1965 and now receives over 42,000 entries from 96 countries highlighting its enduring appeal. There are 21 categories for both adults and younger photographers exploring the world’s natural environment.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opened on 23 June 2016.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.