19 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW...

19 Things You Need To Know

The essential hotel and travel industry news and trends from across the globe.

Read more at HotelManagement.com.au

1. La Vie snaps up The IslingtonLa Vie’s

boutique portfolio grows with acquisition of Hobart hotel.

LA VIE HOTELS and Resorts is fleshing out its five-star collection with the acquisition of award-winning boutique property, The Islington Hotel Hobart.

Located in South Hobart, with views of Mount Wellington, The Islington is a 175-yearold property with 11 guestrooms and an expansive collection of art and antiques. “The Islington Hotel has long been one of Australia’s most charming boutique properties thanks to its understated luxury offering and we plan on further elevating the hotel’s offering and expanding on the incredible service and experience the hotel delivers to guests,” said La Vie Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Craig Bond.

“Acquiring the Islington is part of a wider, strategic expansion plan the group has within Australia and we look forward to further developing and growing our boutique hotel portfolio over the next 12-18 months.”

2. Accommodation Australia launches

IHG’s Leanne Harwood appointed to lead new industry body.

THE NEW INDUSTRY body representing Australia’s accommodation sector following the amalgamation of Accommodation Association and the Australian Hotel Association’s TourismAccommodation Australia will be known as Accommodation Australia.

Accommodation Australia's new President Leanne Harwood

IHG Hotels and Resorts SVP ManagingDirector – JAPAC, Leanne Harwood, has been named as President of the amalgamated organisation’s Executive Committee, while Marriott InternationalArea Vice President of Australia, NewZealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, will be Vice President. Hotelier and TFE HotelsIndependent Company Director, BruceCopland, will take up the position of Treasurer.

Speaking exclusively to HM, Harwood said that she is honoured to lead the new amalgamated industry association.

“The amalgamation to create Accommodation Australia brings together two industry-leading organisations to form one key strong voice,” Harwood said.

“Now – more than ever – we need one key voice for our industry as we build our hospitality and accommodation category as the place to work and the place to be.”

The merger process of the two associations is on track to be completed in late 2022, subject to the member vote, with Martin Ferguson AM playing a critical role as Special Counsel.

3. QT Newcastle unveils F&B offering

An inventive dining experience will be led by acclaimed chef Massimo Speroni.

THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED QT Newcastle opens its doors in June, three years on from the initial signing with Iris Capital. The property will house a signature food and beverage offering that heroes local produce.

Jana restaurant and rooftop bar, Rooftop atQT, will be led by acclaimed Chef Massimo Speroni, from multi-award-winning Brisbanerestaurant, Bacchus.

QT Newcastle's restaurant highlights local provenance

Having worked at two-Michelin-starred restaurant San Domenico in Imola, Italy, and one-Michelin-starred restaurant Café le Paillotesin Pescara, Speroni brings a wealth of experience in premium dining.

“True to the QT philosophy, QT Newcastle will offer a highly inventive food and beverage experience, highlighting local provenance,” said Speroni.

4. The Langham Gold Coast opens

Luxury hotel brand dips toes in resort market.

AFTER EIGHT YEARS in the making, The Langham is introducing its first beachfront property in Australia with the opening of The Langham Gold Coast and Jewel Residences on June 23.

The 339-room luxury hotel, which is at the centre of three majestic towers situated between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, is the first development with direct beachfront access to be built on the Gold Coast in more than 30 years.

The Gold Coast hotel is The Langham’s first beachfront property

“Opening our first beachfront property in one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations is an incredible milestone, giving Australians and international travellers a new luxury resort experience through The Langhamlens,” said the Langham Hospitality Group’s Regional Vice President, Operations – Pacific & Southeast Asia, Jeffrey van Vorsselen.

“The Gold Coast is a rich and diverse landscape which offers everything from rainforest adventure and golden beaches to vineyards and farmers markets which we want to introduce to our guests travelling for leisure or business.”

5. Qatar, Virgin launch strategic partnership

Qatar Airways’ passengers will be able to travel to 35 destinations on Virgin Australia’s domestic network.

QATAR AIRWAYS AND Virgin Australia have signed a new strategic partnership, commencing mid-2022, that will give travellers greater access, elevated customer experiences and unique benefits when travelling between Australia and Qatar Airways’ global network.

Virgin customers can access Qatar Airways’ route network of over 140 worldwide destinations

“Today is more great news for VirginAustralia and Velocity Frequent Flyer members who are hungry to travel internationally,” saidVirgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer, Jayne Hrdlicka.

“We are incredibly focused on creating great travel experiences and our new partnership with Qatar Airways will significantly expand Virgin Australia’sfootprint into the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, offering hundreds more ways our guests can seamlessly see the world.”

Thanks to the new codeshare agreement,Qatar Airways’ passengers will be able to travel seamlessly to 35 destinations on Virginas well as recently relaunched short-haul international markets, including Fiji and Queenstown, New Zealand.

Similarly, Virgin Australia customers and members of the airline’s award-winningVelocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program, will be able to directly access Qatar Airways’ route network of over 140 worldwide destinations.

6. Accor introduces Mövenpick to New Zealand

Auckland and Wellington will welcome the premium brand.

ACCOR IS INTRODUCING its premium Swiss-born hospitality brand Mövenpick Hotels andResorts to New Zealand with two hotels opening in Auckland and Wellington respectively.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, located in the heart of the city, opened its doors to guests on May16, while the Wellington property will open in July.

“Mövenpick Hotel Auckland offers something different to the New Zealand market,” said AccorPacific Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Derry.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland will feature 207 guestrooms and suites

“Guests will receive a world-class hotel experience and enjoy the distinct moments and flavoursof Mövenpick.”

The hotel will offer guests signature Mövenpick experiences such as a 24-hour Sundae Service,available in-room, and a Chocolate Hour.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland will feature 207 guestrooms and suites, on-site and virtual gyms,signature bar and restaurant BODA, street-side café and a dedicated meeting and events space.

7. Outrigger reveals $80 million Waikiki resort transformation

The flagship property has reopened to the public.

OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP has reopened the company’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, following an extensive US$80 million transformation.

Outrigger welcomed approximately 500 VIP guests to the official opening

Outrigger’s President and CEO, Jeff Wagoner, reiterated the company’s drive for authentic hospitality and renewed commitment of the place – divulging that Outrigger is spending upwards of US$300 million across its Hawai‘i assets to uplift the destination while preserving and perpetuating the vibrant heritage of the Islands.

“It is with great pride that we welcome friends old and new to celebrate our reimagined Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort,” he said.

Outrigger is spending upwards of US$300 million across its Hawai‘i assets to uplift the destination

“Through this extensive transformation, our goal was to ensure that this was a place for locals and visitors alike to come and enjoy Waikīkī as it should be – where Hawaiian music lifts our spirits, where local foods nourish our bodies and local culture enriches our minds.”

8. Selina debuts in Australia

Melbourne welcomes destinations for digital nomads.

PANAMA-BORN HOSPITALITY BRAND Selina has introduced its 'stay, work and play' concept to Australian shores with the launch of Selina Central Melbourne and Selina St Kilda in May.

Targeting Millennial and Gen Z travelers, Selina aims to take advantage of the post-COVID boom in remote working and travel by offering an accommodation that caters to the lifestyle of the digital nomad.

Selina invites young travellers to stay, work and play

"Selina is for people who prioritise experiences and human connections, have adventurous spirits and tick off their to-do list to move, and have seamlessly merged work and life (and not divided them into two competing segments)", Selina Managing Partner for South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Godi Hassin, told HM exclusively.

Selina's Melbourne properties offer budget-friendly accommodation as well as co-working and recreational spaces including in-house cinemas, libraries, kitchens, wellness spaces, cafes and bars.

9. Marriott lands first Western Sydney Airport hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Western Sydney Airport will open in 2026.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL HAS signed the first hotel to be part of the Western Sydney International Airport Aerotropolis through an agreement with 1990 Developments Pty Ltd.

The AU$70 million Courtyard by Marriott Western Sydney Airport hotel is expected to be completed in 2026, to coincide with the opening of Nancy-Bird Walton airport.

The 200-room hotel will be an important part of the new Aerotropolis

“Western Sydney International Airport is one of Australia’s most important infrastructure projects, and today we are delighted to announce the first hotel to be part of the new Aerotropolis,” said Marriott International Vice President of Hotel Development – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Richard Crawford.

“As the world’s largest hotel company, Marriott International operates more than 500 airport hotels across the globe. It is an industry segment we know well, and we are very confident that a new hotel, under our Courtyard by Marriott brand, will have outstanding prospects of long term success."

The 200-room hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, cafe and bar, while additional plans include a fitness centre and 580sqm of meeting and ballroom space.

10. Trivago fined $45 million by Federal Court

The bookings platform was found to have misled consumers about hotel rates.

TRIVAGO HAS BEEN fined $44.7 million by the Federal Court for making misleading representations about hotel room rates on its website and in television advertising.

In January 2020, the Federal Court found that Trivago had breached Australian Consumer Law by misleading consumers into believing its website would help them find the best deal or cheapest rates for a given hotel.

According to consumer watchdog the ACCC, Trivago used an algorithm which favoured online hotel booking sites that paid Trivago the highest cost-per-click fee and therefore did not highlight the cheapest rates for consumers.

Consumers overpaid approximately $38 million for rooms between December 2016 and September 2019

“One of the ACCC’s key priorities is to hold online businesses accountable for their representations to consumers and to ensure consumers are fully aware of the way these supposedly free services actually work and what influences the prices they display,” said ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

“The way Trivago displayed its recommendations when consumers were searching for a hotel room, meant consumers were misled into thinking they were getting a great hotel deal when that was not the case.”

Trivago admitted that between December 2016 and September 2019 it received approximately $58 million in cost-per-click fees from clicks on offers that were not the cheapest available for a given hotel. As a result, consumers overpaid hotel booking sites approximately $38 million for rooms featured in those offers.

11. Choice adds Melbourne CBD hotel

Choice builds its portfolio of city-based properties.

CHOICE HOTELS ASIA-PAC is expanding its metropolitan portfolio with the addition of Comfort Hotel Melbourne Central.

The 54-room hotel, located close to popular shopping precincts and tourist destinations, includes one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities.

The 54-room hotel includes one- and two-bedroom apartments

“There is no doubt that Melbourne’s CBD was hit hard during the pandemic, but with holidays at the forefront of the agenda now, particularly for international visitors, we’re looking forward to delivering on strong growth for our CBD hotels,” said Choice Hotels Asia-Pac CEO, Trent Fraser.

Comfort Hotel Melbourne Central’s General Manager, Samir Chandnani, is a third-generation hotelier with family properties across Asia Pacific including in India and New Zealand. He said he is excited to welcome back travellers.

“Now that Australia is open, it is a wonderful time to capitalise on this opportunity and get overseas travellers excited about what Melbourne has to offer,” Chandnani said.

12. Holiday Inn Express completes dual-branded NZ development

Pro-invest and IHG have opened a Holiday Inn Express alongside a voco property in Auckland City Centre.

PRO-INVEST HOTELS AND IHG Hotels and Resorts have introduced New Zealand’s first dual-branded hotel development with the opening of Holiday Inn Express in Auckland this week alongside the recently opened voco Auckland City Centre.

The 294-room Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre offers affordable accommodation with a contemporary design. Each of the guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and dedicated workstations.

Holiday Inn Express Auckland offers modern accommodation at affordable prices

“Much thought has been put into every detail of this hotel and we are very proud to have the Holiday Inn Express brand sitting alongside voco Hotel in New Zealand’s first dual branded hotel development,” said Proinvest Hotels Chief Operating Officer, Shantha de Silva. It has been a year of ‘firsts’ for Pro-invest Hotels, according to de Silva. “We were the first to bring the voco brand to New Zealand and the first to bring Holiday Inn Express to the country with our Queenstown property,” he said.

“Now, with quarantine free travel returning to New Zealand we look forward to welcoming travellers to Auckland and can’t wait for our guests to experience these new properties.”

13. Sydney´ s Porter House Hotel to open in July

The luxury hotel will occupy 10 floors in reimagined precinct

AN 1870S HERITAGE-LISTED building in Sydney will be home to a new luxury hotel, with the opening of The Porter House Hotel – MGallery this July.

The luxury hotel includes 122 rooms and suites

The Castlereagh Street hotel occupies the first 10 floors of a 36-storey mixed-use tower within the re-imagined Porter House precinct.

Over 130 residential apartments sit above the hotel, while three different food and beverage venues span four levels.

“Emanating an effortless duality, the redeveloped Porter House precinct plays with the concept of intriguing contrasts,” said General Manager, Joleen Hurst.

Artist's impression of the Castlereagh Street hotel

By placing two extraordinary buildings together, we have created something remarkably original that we hope local, interstate and international guests will be fascinated by.”

The property features 122 rooms, fitness centre, heated pool level, break-out rooms and several private dining rooms.

14. Wyndham opens its first Microtel in New Zealand

The 81-room property takes Wyndham’s NZ portfolio to 16.

WYNDHAM HOTELS AND Resorts opened New Zealand’s first Microtel in the nation’s capital city of Wellington.

The property's 81 guestrooms feature unique statement pieces such as Banksy art prints. The hotel will also incorporate sustainability initiatives such as a recycling program for in-room amenities.

Microtel by Wyndham Wellington opened in May

“As borders gradually open up, we are pleased to be introducing our Microtel by Wyndham brand into the Australasian market to tap into the pent-up travel demand and cater to corporate and leisure travellers looking for a simple and seamless travel experience, without sacrificing important creature comforts and exceptional customer service,” said Wyndham Hotels andResorts President, Asia Pacific, Joon Aun Ooi.

Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Centraljoins Wyndham’s growing portfolio of 16 hotels in New Zealand, and Ooi says there are many more in the pipeline over the coming years.

“Looking ahead, we will have three unique brands located in the city of Wellington to cater to all types of travellers looking for an economic, midscale, or lifestyle accommodation options while taking advantage of the city’s major corporate and leisure hubs,” he said.

16. Historic Sydney pub to reopen as boutique hotel

The Strand Hotel Sydney is set to open this winter.

THE STRAND, A 99-year-old pub in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, is set to reopen after a major refurbishment in which it has been transformed into a four-level dining and hotel precinct.

The first in a series of venues by Public Hospitality to open over the next year, the property includes a modern French-inspired bistro, which is open now, and a boutique hotel and rooftop bar, which are due to open in winter.

“As Darlinghurst continues its evolution seen over recent years, we believe in the potential, growth and revitalisation of the local area,” said Public Hospitality Executive Director, Peter Crinis.

A French Bistro on the property has already opened to the public

“With The Strand’s opening, we want to offer something that leans on the charm, history and character of the building and neighbourhood right on the fringe of Sydney’s bustling city, while creating something new and fresh for locals and travellers.

“As the experience of dining and travel continues to evolve, we are looking forward to welcoming guests to experience something truly boutique for a more intimate experience of Sydney.”

The Strand will also feature a rooftop bar

The Strand Hotel, which occupies the middle floors of the William Street venue, includes 17 hotel rooms, a library and common work and kitchen spaces, with “distressed yet refined designer details throughout”.

The Strand Bistro, helmed by Head Chef Alex Kavanagh, heroes Australian produce through a menu of modern French food.

17. Veriu announces four Victorian properties

The openings kickstart a major national expansion.

THE VERIU GROUP has announced that it will open four new apartment hotels in Victoria over the next two years as it seeks to grow the business to become a national operator.

The Group will introduce its first two Victorian Veriu Hotels – Veriu Collingwood and Veriu Queen Victoria Market – later this year, while two new apartment hotels – Punthill Essendon North and Punthill Geelong – are expected to open in August 2022 and May 2024 respectively.

“We’re delighted to be adding the new properties to our existing apartment hotels portfolio,” said Veriu Group CEO, Zed Sanjana.

An artists impression of Veriu Collingwood

“Each one is specifically situated to take advantage of substantial key catchment areas, which are currently relatively underserviced in terms of quality corporate accommodation.

“Like all properties in our Group, they are ideally positioned to be able to provide both corporate and leisure guests with premium accommodation in vibrant and convenient locations.”

The new sites signal the beginning of what the company says will be “a significant period of expansion” for the Group. Construction of a further five properties is set to commence in the second half of 2022 bringing the Group’s portfolio to almost 1,320 rooms and apartments operating or in development across 20 sites. The Veriu Group is expected to grow by an additional 10 properties by 2025.

18. Major transformation project for Berrima Gaol

The historic property will be redeveloped by Blue Sox Group.

BERRIMA GAOL, A former correctional facility in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is to be redeveloped into a hotel and entertainment precinct following a $7 million sale to Blue Sox Group.

As part of a “rigorous” Expressions of Interest (EOI) process, BlueSox’s winning proposal carefully considered the heritage-listed buildings on site and their historical significance to the local community.

“The proposal incorporates a boutique hotel whilst retaining the beautiful grounds of the estate, and will include café, restaurant, bar, community and event areas, and spaces which will cater for small business opportunities such as antique and book shops, personal services, art galleries, library and museum,” said Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts.

The project will preserve and celebrate the site’s heritage

Since opening in 1839, the Berrima Correctional Centre has had a variety of different purposes – acting as a German prisoner camp during World War I, a training centre, and a minimum-security prison for men that was later converted to also accommodate women, explained Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee.

“The NSW Government retired the correctional centre in 2020 and I’m excited to see how the site will be transformed,” Lee said.

Blue Sox Group will collaborate with the community, local Indigenous groups, and the Local Aboriginal Land Council on ideas to “preserve and celebrate the wider site’s heritage”.

Colliers’ Nick Estephen, Thomas Mosca and Frank Oliveri brokered the sale and the EOI process was conducted by Property andDevelopment NSW (PDNSW).

Colliers Associate Director, Thomas Mosca, said there was a lot of interest in this property. “We received enormous amounts of enquiry from around Australia with a record number of inspections and interest from every sector,” he said.

“There is huge attraction and appeal associated with the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.”

19. Countdown is on to 25hours´ 2023 opening

The lifestyle brand will make its Australian debut in Sydney’s east.

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST 25HOURS hotel is set to open next year with construction officially kicking off at the Paddington site in May.

Operated by Accor, the 105-room property will be a leisure and lifestyle destination that reflects the local community.

Located at 1-11 Oxford Street Paddington, this historic site was originally home to Marshall’s Paddington Brewery before being replaced by West’s Olympia Pictures in 1911. In the 90s, it become a popular Sydney nightclub, Grand Pacific Blue Room.

Sydney property developer Central Element and joint venture partner Boston Global Group are leading the project which will be built by Richard Crookes Constructions, with architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.

Accor Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Derry, spoke to HM about the latest development and what makes 25hours unique.

An artists impression of the bar view at 25hours Sydney

“The phrase that we use is, ‘You know one, you know none'. Each location is unique – it takes on the spirit of the city, the local community, it reflects the culture, the art, and the precinct that it’s in, and that’s what makes 25hours so special,” Derry told HM.

“The food and beverage element is a really special part of 25hours, and so the site that we have here in Sydney will have incredible restaurant on the street front and an incredible rooftop bar.”

The building itself is a unique Sydney landmark steeped in history – a Gadigal pathway for Australia’s First Nation’s people and home to Sydney’s first theatre.

“This has always been a site of firsts, and so it’s makes sense that it’s the first 25hours in Australia for us,” Derry said.

The Sydney opening will be followed by a Melbourne edition of 25hours, due to come to fruition in 2024.

“Our second location in Melbourne is in the Malt District in Cremorne, which again will be another iconic location for us,” Derry added.