Christchurch -- As Christchurch commemorates the fifth anniversary of the September 2010 earthquakes today, a sign of resurgence was symbolised with the official opening of the city's largest hotel – the 264-room BreakFree on Cashel.
AccorHotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Sherer to the role of General Manager at the new Novotel New Plymouth hotel, which is currently under construction and due to open in November 2015.A passionate hotelier with over 13 years’ experience working for major international hotel groups in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Sam marks more than ten years with AccorHotels with his first general manager appointment at Novotel New Plymouth.
The new senior management role has been specifically created for Ayers to strategically manage both the sales and marketing function across five New Zealand properties.
Chris Sedgwick, (right) former Vice President Operations Queensland/Northern Territory has been appointed Senior Vice President Operations, New Zealand, Fiji and Polynesia and is relocating to New Zealand. Chris is replacing former Senior VP Garth Simmons who is on the move to Indonesia to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore effective 1 July 2015.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement to develop the 200-room Crowne Plaza Christchurch, signalling IHG's commitment to Christchurch's economic revival.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Fu Wah New Zealand for a Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Expected to open in 2017, Park Hyatt Auckland will mark Hyatt's return to New Zealand, and the first Park Hyatt-branded hotel to open in Auckland.
DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the brand's first property in New Zealand –DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown. Formerly known as the Kawarau Hotel and managed by Hilton Worldwide, the stylish 98-room hotel is set in the heart of bustling Kawarau Village, convenient to Queenstown International Airport and just a short drive or water taxi ride from the center of Queenstown, popularly known as "The Adventure Capital of the World." "We are proud to mark our brand's entry into New Zealand with this exemplary hotel and to delight guests with the award-winning service culture for which the DoubleTree by Hilton name is known – starting with our signature warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and continuing throughout the guest's stay," said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "The addition of DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown to our fast-growing global portfolio further underscores our brand's commitment to delivering our upscale, full-service hotel offering in all key markets and gateway cities around the world." Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown will enjoy contemporary guest rooms featuring fully-fitted kitchenettes with an oven, microwave and fridge to provide all the comforts of home. Many rooms offer sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and feature an adjoining lounge area decorated in a modern alpine style. "Australasia is a key growth market for DoubleTree by Hilton, and the introduction of the brand into New Zealand marks a significant milestone as we continue to expand our offering to travellers in the region," said Ashley Spencer, vice president of operations, Australasia. "At DoubleTree by Hilton, we know that the little things mean everything when it comes to great travel experiences, and we look forward to delighting guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown with the services and amenities that have made the brand beloved internationally." In addition to the signature chocolate chip cookie welcome and upscale services and amenities offered at the hotel, guests will enjoy other DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices, a refreshing array of body care products and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community. As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, Hilton HHonors members visiting DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown will enjoy an introductory offer of 5,000 bonus HHonors points for stays of three or more nights, valid for bookings made through December 9, 2014, and for stays through February 9, 2015. To celebrate the opening, and coinciding with World Kindness Day, hotel team members will hit the streets on Thursday, November 13 to spread DoubleTree by Hilton's global "Cookie Care" campaign with cookie giveaways to thousands of unsuspecting consumers – all in hopes of making their days a little brighter, as DoubleTree is the hotel brand where "the little things mean everything." DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown is located at Kawarau Village, 79 Peninsula Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. For more information or to make a reservation, travellers may visit queenstowndoubletree.com or call +64 3 450 1650. Media can access additional information about DoubleTree by Queenstown at queenstowndoubletree.com. For more news about DoubleTree by Hilton hotel openings, visit: news.doubletree.com.
Expansion plans for Australian hoteliers Mantra Group are well on track with the announcements of the company's 50th hotel in Queensland – Mantra Midtown Apartments in Brisbane. The addition firmly establishes the Group as the largest accommodation provider in the State, with over 8,000 rooms offered across its Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree hotel brands.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Julie White as its new Director of Key Accounts for New Zealand. Julie will be based at InterContinental Wellington, reporting to Paul Rushton, Director of National Sales – Australasia.
Nick Honeyman has been confirmed as Executive Chef at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour with a wide ranging brief to make the 5-star hotel’s elegant Lava Dining his own.
Heritage Hotel Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Ana Vivas as the new resident manager of Heritage Christchurch.
Marcus has been the acting resident manager at the recently reopened Heritage Christchurch this year.
The IMF forecast in October 2013 that the New Zealand economy would grow by 2.9% in 2014, the 5th strongest in the Advanced Economies, up on 2.5% growth forecast for 2013.
Fast-growing Sydney-based accommodation operator StayWell Hospitality Group (StayWell) is set to expand to New Zealand after signing a major five-hotel management agreement with international hotel investor CP Group. StayWell, operator of the Park Regis and Leisure Inn hotel brands, will take over properties in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Rotorua and Picton, now operated by Accor under the Mercure badge.
Marieke Chataigner has been appointed director of business development for Hilton Hotels & Resorts South Pacific. A French national, Ms Chataigner brings 10 years of hotel experience to the new role, most recently as director of sales & marketing for Sofitel in New Zealand.
Carcaterra comes from a strong sales and business development background and brings with her extensive knowledge of the hospitality and travel industry along with impressive leadership skills.
Due to expansion, Heritage Hotel Management are pleased to announce the promotion of the following senior management staff. Vicki Bretherton, general manager of Heritage Hanmer Springs, will now jointly manage both Heritage Christchurch and Heritage Hanmer Springs as the Christchurch hotel settles into normal trading operations.
Shaun comes to Jones Lang LaSalle from CBRE Hotels, Auckland, where he spent approximately 14 years establishing himself as one of the most experienced hotel and tourism property advisors in New Zealand. Prior to this Shaun spent several years in Washington DC specialising in hotel and tourism property. Shaun brings extensive international and regional industry knowledge, and is a senior member of the Property Institute of New Zealand.
Stephen joins from CBRE Hotels, Auckland, where he spent five and a half years specialising in hotel and tourism property advisory assignments. Prior to this, Stephen was a member of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Auckland based commercial advisory team. A member of the Property Institute of New Zealand, Stephen brings with him extensive knowledge of hotel and tourism real estate across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) announced a new appointment to the GBTA AUS/NZ Advisory Board. Matthew Goss, Managing Director Australia, joined Concur in 2002 where he has held a number of senior management positions including that of Regional Vice President, Client Services where he was responsible for Concur’s Consulting and Product services in Asia Pacific.