International News

Marriott properties worldwide are saying ‘no’ to straws

Marriott International has announced plans to eliminate the use of disposable plastic straws and stirrers from its more than 6,500 properties around the world.

Famil spotlight: The Ultimate Download, Sands Resorts Macao

A delegation of 120 lucky international convention and exhibition professionals (incl Aussies) made their way to Macau recently for a four day, three night famil to explore MICE opportunities with Sands Resorts Macao.

Business Events Geelong celebrates new international flights out of Avalon Airport

AirAsia has announced the first-ever international flights from Geelong’s Avalon Airport will take flight from 5 December, 2018, connecting the port city to over 130 destinations.

Convention centre the missing piece of the puzzle, says Destination Queenstown CEO

Calls for a brand new purpose-built convention centre in Queenstown have been renewed following the arrival of the 6,000 strong Amway China delegation in the tourist hotspot just last week.

Say hello to the world’s most sustainable corporate retreat destination

Camp Glenorchy was deliberately designed with one thought in mind: “What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?” Learn more here.

SO/ Auckland slated to welcome its first guests in October

AccorHotels celebrated the official launch of its latest property SO/ Auckland last night with an exclusive event attended by VIP guests and media.

Auckland wins bid to host top international artificial intelligence conference

More than 500 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the five-day AAMAS conference in April/May 2020.

Weird and wonderful: First Luxury Space Hotel slated to open in 2021

For just US $9.5m your delegates could stay at a luxury hotel in space from 2022! Bargain.

International convention visitors show growth for New Zealand

Business events are generating high value for New Zealand’s visitor industry, and it can only get better, says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ)

Hot Hotel: Hotel des Arts Saigon, Ho Chi Minh

Spice Magazine jets off to the vibrant metropolis that is Ho Chi Minh City to discover the Hotel Des Arts Saigon property and all it can offer meeting planners.

IHG to debut new Hotel Indigo Saigon The City in 2019

There will be 150-guest rooms and three flexible meeting rooms. Find out more about the new property here.

Destination Hot Spot: Marvelous Macau

Spice heads to the dazzling city lights of Macau to discover all it has to offer the business events sector. As it turns out, if you can dream it, then it’s possible there…

St Regis Hong Kong set to debut by early 2019

The new 25-storey St. Regis Hong Kong will be within walking distance to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as and Victoria Harbor.

Fun idea: Sparkling water fountains

Paris has launched a twist on free public water stations. Say bonjour to sparkling water fountains.

Thailand introduces new drone laws

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has introduced a new registration process for both tourists and commercial operators wishing to fly drones whilst in the country.