Crowne Plaza announces the opening of the new Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, providing the largest and most comprehensive regional conference and exhibition facility north of Sydney.
Annette MacAndrew has joined Frasers Hospitality as Director of Sales and Marketing for Australia following a successful five year role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ishin Hotels Group in Japan.
Hilton Worldwide today announced the appointment of Ronald van Weezel as general manager of Hilton Sydney. He will be responsible for the entire operation of the 579-room flagship hotel in Sydney and will report to Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. Mr. van Weezel arrives to Hilton Sydney with extensive hospitality experience in several different functions across Europe and Asia.
Adam Taloni has been brought in as the General Manager of Blue Sydney. Ovolo acquired the Woolloomooloo Wharf-based heritage hotel from the Taj Group earlier this year. In this new role, Adam will manage the property’s day to day operations while simultaneously guiding its transition into an Ovolo branded hotel in 2015. He is a multi-award winning General Manager with strong leadership experience in boutique and large-scale properties. Having previously managed Soul Surfers Paradise and Peppers Broadbeach on the Gold Coast while earning consistent elite customer service ranks earned on Trip Advisor, Adam brings with him the ability to deliver a high level of customer experience and property performance.
The Langham, Sydney closed its famous doors in July, 2014 to undertake a $30 million grand transformation which will re-deliver this landmark hotel as Sydney's most exclusive harbourside address. World class design firm, GA Design, has worked direct from London with luxury building experts, ICMG and The Langham Executive Team, to ensure every construction accent is enthralled in perfection. "GA's vision, in conjunction with The Langham global brand power, is set to create a new addition to the Australian luxury sector that will transcend the market" said The Langham, Sydney General Manager, Ms. Sonia Lefevre.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it has sold Sheraton® on the Park in Sydney, Australia to Sunshine Insurance Group Corporation (SIG) for AUS$463.0 million [US$399.0 million]. Starwood will continue to operate the hotel as a Sheraton under a long-term management contract.
Present Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for AMEA, Karin Sheppard will move into an operational role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Australasia, Japan, Korea & AMEA Franchising. In her new role, Karin will oversee the operations and performance of over 100 hotels in more than 10 countries across brands ranging from the luxury InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to the midscale Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. A member of the AMEA Regional Operating Committee, Karin will also be responsible for the regional operations teams based in Sydney and Tokyo, as well as the AMEA Franchise Operations team. In her 13 years with IHG, Karin has held various senior commercial roles across Australasia, Europe and the Middle East and played a critical role in establishing the AMEA Franchise Operations. Karin will relocate from Singapore to Sydney, Australia and take on her new role from 1 January 2015.
John Gerrard, area general manager for Outrigger Resorts Australia, has appointed veteran sales and marketing executive, Paul Brent director of sales, Australia. In his role, Brent will oversee the development and implementation of sales strategy and planning for Outrigger Surfers Paradise in addition to providing support and leadership to the group’s three other Australian resorts - Outrigger Twin Towns Resort, Coolangatta; Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, Noosa and Boathouse Apartments by Outrigger at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. With the primary roles of driving revenue and occupancy growth, Brent’s depth of sales and marketing experience spans more than 20 years and he has held similar senior positions for global and national hospitality brands including Wyndham Hotel Group, Conrad Jupiters Hotel and Casino and Mantra Group.
Australian-based 'Wotif Group' (Wotif.com Holdings Limited), which operates a portfolio of leading travel brands in the Asia Pacific region including Wotif.com, has completed integration with eRevMax to offer XML connectivity to its growing base of hotel customers.
Pro-invest Group is pleased to announce InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently invested in its Australian Hospitality Opportunity Fund (AHO). Under the A$150 million fund, Pro-invest Group is currently developing a portfolio of up to 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Australia. The first closing of the fund has now taken place and in addition to IHG, the fund comprises investors from established offshore family offices.
Jan Jansen has been named Director of Business Development at Hilton Sydney. He will be responsible for directing all aspects of the hotel's commercial functions including sales and marketing, conference and event, revenue and reservations.
Pan Pan Pacific Pacific Hotels Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicola Chandler as Director of Sales for PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney.
Lauren joins The Langham, Sydney from her previous role as Director Of Creative & Strategy at DG Global, an award-winning live communications agency with offices in Melbourne, Perth and Singapore, where she was responsible for heading up all luxury accounts for the group. Lauren is a Marketing Communications professional with 15-years’ experience, predominately focusing in the disciplines of PR, brand management, social media, live experience and creative development.
The Langham, Sydney will be closing its doors on Thursday, 24th July for a period of four months to commence its highly anticipated $30 million refurbishment; transforming the landmark hotel into Sydney's most exclusive harbourside address. Leading London-based interior and architectural design firm GA Design have created a world class transformation for the luxury Sydney home. The renovation will include a complete redevelopment and refurbishment of the lobby, dining areas, guestrooms and residential-style ballroom with an aesthetic blending sophistication and timeless elegance with custom-made furnishings and treatments. Bringing the hotel into line with its international sister properties, signature Langham luxuries such as Chuan Spa and Palm Court will be also introduced. Sonia Lefevre, General Manager of The Langham, Sydney says the refurbishment was some years in the making. "We are so delighted to finally announce our refurbishment! These plans have been a work in progress since we took over the hotel in August 2012," she said. "We are committed to our tradition of delivering the luxury Sydney home experience, and are excited to be opening the doors to Sydney's most exclusive harbourside address of unsurpassed elegance and opulence this December."The 96-room residence boasts the largest guestrooms in Sydney at 49 square metres (527 square feet) with opening windows and balconies. From its central Kent Street address, guests can enjoy sweeping western harbourside views, and a tranquil yet convenient location in proximity to some of the city's most iconic destinations. Lefevre adds, "We are very fortunate to be located in such a historic neighbourhood. With The Langham, Sydney overlooking the revitalisation of Barangaroo and introduction of Headland Park, our guests will enjoy Western Harbour and lush parkland views with direct access to the Sydney Harbour foreshore."LobbyUpon entering the newly renovated Langham Sydney, guests will be greeted with a fresh and light space of luxurious and rich materials that hark back to the historical splendour of days gone by. The Lobby will feature a stunning floor of Calacatta marble with a simple Art Deco-inspired design and a large central reception desk of gold leaf crackled porcelain.The Lobby area will be extended and the existing staircase removed, flooding the area with natural light, creating the grandest of entrances.Palm CourtFamed as the birthplace of the traditional Afternoon Tea experience, Palm Court will be welcomed by The Langham, Sydney. From illustrious beginnings at The Langham, London nearly 150 years ago, Palm Court will offer Sydneysiders an exclusive Afternoon Tea experience – Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. 2014 marks the beginning of a global partnership between Wedgwood and Langham Hospitality Group to deliver the world's most distinct, memorable and unique Afternoon Tea experience.By evening, Palm Court provides a sophisticated backdrop drop for a signature Langham cocktail expertly prepared at the leather and stone bar.A hallmark of the Langham brand; Palm Court will be adorned by shades of teal and citrus golds, evoking a sense of English heritage in an elegant yet striking environment bathed in natural light. Kent Street KitchenHeaded up by recent acquisition, Chef de Cuisine Daniel Rudolph (formerly of est.), Kent Street Kitchen will deliver a unique and one-of-a-kind, contemporary fine-dining experience. With an interactive kitchen, Kent Street Kitchen will showcase innovative cuisine using premium local produce, executed with elegance and technical precision.Guests will enjoy a welcoming and enchanting atmosphere, created by high-end residential accents including rich oak flooring, walnut and leather chairs, customized lighting, freestanding wine libraries and an array celebrated Australian artworks curated exclusively by Sotheby's.Kent Street Kitchen will be flexible in design and layout to allow for intimate private dining functions.Chuan SpaThe existing Day Spa will be transformed into a Chuan Spa; a Langham signature, delivering a reinvigorated spa experience. Chuan Spas are exclusive to the Langham Hospitality Group and is consistently rated among the best luxury spas in the world.Chuan Spa's philosophy is as old as time itself; based on the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to create an optimal balance of the Five Wu Xing elements: fire, water, earth, metal and wood to harmonise the body and soul, and enrich our capacity for personal happiness and fulfilment.The spa will feature facials, massages and body treatments based upon TCM principles, as well as advanced skin care treatments from German beauty pioneers, BABOR.The all-inclusive Chuan Spa offers a holistic approach to health, fitness and wellness, with a fully-equipped Health Club, Jacuzzi and steam rooms. The Langham, Sydney's renowned 20m indoor pool, complete with pale stone columns and a star-dappled sky ceiling will remain, completing the ultimate oasis of quiet calm.GuestroomReferencing The Langham's heritage, the redesigned guestrooms combine high-end luxe appeal with colonial charm to evoke timeless elegance. Each spacious guestroom will feature an eclectic mix of furniture, and have designated and appointed areas for rest, relaxation and dining. Each guestroom is fitted with Langham's signature Blissful Beds and framed by a sophisticated linen-studded headboard; ensuring guests have a restful night's sleep. Grandeur abounds with painted shutters opening onto postcard-worthy views of Western Harbour or Sydney's skyline, while high ceilings, panelled walls and custom-made furnishings create a truly luxurious, residential feel.The BallroomDesigned as a much grander space with significant increases in capacity to 200 persons for cocktails and 150 persons for a banquet dinner, the colours in The Ballroom are rich gold amber against a soft sophisticated silver grey. Rich cream and gold panelling and grand crystal chandeliers contribute to a world class facility.The Ballroom will be the most lavish venue to delight guests and create enchanting memories.Experience elegance redefined when The Langham, Sydney reopens in December 2014.
Marc von Arnim has been appointed general manager of the Park Hyatt Sydney. An Australian national, Von Arnim’s career with Hyatt spans 22 years. He first joined Hyatt Regency Coolum in 1992 and has since held positions in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, before becoming GM of Hyatt Regency Auckland in 2008.
Effective from early June 2014, Matthew will be based at the company's Australia head office at Bond Street in Sydney. Matthew will lead IHG's strategic growth and development across its Australasia region, including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. He joins IHG from Accor Hotels where he held the role of General Manager, Development Pacific, since 2008. Prior to that Matthew has worked for a number of leading companies specialising in development, planning and acquisition including Scanna Developments and Urbis. The Head of Development role was previously held by Phil Kasselis, who has moved to take on the new position of Managing Director at Pro Invest, an international investment company which has partnered with IHG and established a $150 million fund to develop a portfolio of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Australia. IHG currently operates its InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands in the market and will be introducing Holiday Inn Express which will launch in the next 12 months. IHG has 41 properties open across six countries and territories in Australasia, with another four due to open in the next three to five years.
Mr Cottan was previously general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney from 2003 to 2008. He has now returned to the city he has always fondly referred to as his second home. In 2003, Mr Cottan was instrumental in the property’s successful journey from ANA to Shangri-La, which then became the blueprint for the group’s further development in other Western destinations. During his initial tenure at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, Mr Cottan also completed an AU$40 million refurbishment, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ first expansion programme into a non-Asian location.
David has an outstanding track record of driving ambitious results around Australasia having led successful hotel operations in Australia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea.
Karen Marvell has been promoted from head of Sales and Marketing for Castaway Island to Director of Sales and Marketing for both Castaway Island and Outrigger on the Lagoon•Fiji, also based in Sydney.
Previously Director of Sales and Marketing for Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji, Andrew is based in Sydney in his new role where he is focusing on the Australian and New Zealand outbound markets for all Outrigger properties.