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    <title>Articles (news) </title>
    <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/category/3</link>
    <description>Articles</description>
    <language>en-AU</language>
    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:09:43 GMT</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:09:43 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title>Free Wi-Fi at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/448</link>
      <description>The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is making it easier for visitors to stay connected introducing free Wi-Fi.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:38:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>New convention centre for Nelson</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/447</link>
      <description>Rutherford Hotel Nelson A Heritage Hotel is to complete a state-of-the-art conference centre extension, adjoining the existing hotel this year.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:56:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>The Langham Auckland awarded EarthCheck certification</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/446</link>
      <description>As environmental practices in business are increasingly valued, The Langham Auckland has been awarded an EarthCheck Gold Level certification, proving its environmental achievements and dedication over the past six years. It is the in the first in the Paci</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:54:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Air New Zealand top job up for grabs</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/445</link>
      <description>By Edwina Storie
Its all happening over at Air New Zealand with chief executive Rob Fyfe stepping down just after the airline accepted yet another award, this time the title of Airline of the Year in Air Transport Worlds (ATW) Airline Achievement Awards.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:52:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Australian agency wins global accolades at 12th Arab Games</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/444</link>
      <description>Australian digital design and production specialists Digital Pulse has received global accolades for its contribution to the opening ceremony of the 12th Arab Games in Doha in December.  Digital Pulse produced the content to complement the emotionally-cha</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:44:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Integrated resort trials new dimension in display screens</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/443</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Marina Bay Sands is launching the trial phase of Miracube Auto-Stereoscopic 3D Displays on its premises in an agreement with event organiser, Aonia, who markets and distributes the screens in Singapore.
</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:16:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>AIME partners ICCA to reach young professionals</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/442</link>
      <description>MELBOURNE - The annual International Congress and Conventions Associations (ICCA) Forum for Young Professionals, which takes place over two days prior to the Asia-Pacific Incentives &amp; Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne, will make career development advice </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:15:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Gold Coast Tourism celebrates Chinese New Year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/441</link>
      <description>BRISBANE - While Chinese around the world take a break to observe lunar new year celebrations this week, Australias leading resort city has declared the market one of its hardest working ones. Its tourism authority projects China will be the number one in</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:15:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Langham projects half century target within five years</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/440</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Following year-on-year increase in revenues of about 40 per cent on 2010 last year, Langham Hotels and Resorts is bullish on 2012 and the mid-term, saying it expects to have 50 properties within half a decade.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:11:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Happy old year results for gateway Chinese city</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/439</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has revealed visitor arrivals to the destination reached an all-time high in 2011 at 41,921,310, representing an increase of 16.4 per cent year-on-year.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:08:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Jumeirah at Etihad Towers enters second month of operations</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/438</link>
      <description>ABU DHABI - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers opened last month on the Arabian Gulf in the Ras Al Akhdar area of Abu Dhabi, which is close to the central business district and ministry compounds. It is the first Jumeirah property to open in the UAEs capital and h</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:46:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Pacific World consolidates branding and operations globally</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/437</link>
      <description>BARCELONA - Pacific World, the Asia-based destination and event management company, declared its intention to go global at the recent EIBTM 2011. It is incorporating the operations of Ultramar (Spain), TravelScotWorld, (Scotland, UK), TUI Hellas Corporate</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Thai convention bureau fights to keep World Expo aspirations alive</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/436</link>
      <description>BANGKOK - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is lobbying for collaboration from the Foreign Affairs and Commerce Ministries in its bid to host the World Expo 2022 in Ayutthaya, as its proposed 300-million baht extra budget has been rejec</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:16:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Etihad launches first class onboard chefs</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/435</link>
      <description>First class chefs are now officially onboard Etihad Airways flights to Sydney, Melbourne, London and Paris, and will be introduced progressively to the airlines other first class destinations by early 2012.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:39:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>New education award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/434</link>
      <description>In response to feedback from applicants, the judges and through its annual awards review, MEA has added an optional education question to each of its award categories excluding individuals. The optional education question will be judged as a standalone an</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:23:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Christchurch set to see first CBD hotel re-open</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/433</link>
      <description>Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch, formerly known as The Marque Christchurch, will be the first of the central city hotels closed following February's quake to re open its doors to guests. The property is on track to re-open on March 1, 2012 just in time for </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:21:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>The fourth annual PCO Association Conference comes to Auckland</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/432</link>
      <description>Auckland recently hosted the 4th annual PCO Association Conference, held from the 4th through to the 6th of December at The Langham Hotel.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Queenstown remodeled website</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/431</link>
      <description>Queenstowns official website has had a facelift with a remodelling to enhance the look and usability. After conducting extensive consumer testing the new site now has a strong social media element and new sections for trade, media and the conference and i</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Christchurch venue update</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/430</link>
      <description>As the city slowly approaches the one year mark of the February earthquakes, hotels and venues are preparing to celebrate new beginnings when they reopen in 2012. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Queenstowns Southern Lakes in Lonely Planets Top 10 destinations for 2012</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/429</link>
      <description>The cult guidebook that turned into a global travel bible, Lonely Planet, has put Queenstown on the map for travel trends in the New Year. It recently crowned Southern Lakes as one of the Top 10 destinations to see to in 2012.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Auckland's Waitekere Estate joins Heritage collection</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/428</link>
      <description>Aucklands Waitakere Estate has joined the newlycreated Heritage Boutique Collection with properties including Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands, Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands, Tuscany Villas Rotorua, and Akaroa Cottages Banks Peninsula in the South Islan</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:26:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>New Peppers property for Martinborough</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/427</link>
      <description>Peppers Parehua Country Estate is the latest property to open in the Peppers New Zealand portfolio, with the venue just one hours drive north of Wellington tailor made to the small corporate meetings market.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:24:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>EEAA announces research program</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/426</link>
      <description>The Exhibition &amp; Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) announced that from 2012 it has committed to an ongoing program of research which will measure the ongoing health of the exhibition industry.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:23:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>ID AUSTRALIA launches new name, website and services</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/425</link>
      <description>Leading Australian destination management company, ID Australia, has relaunched as ID EVENTS AUSTRALIA following the addition of a production team led by Lisa J. Martin. 

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:40:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Melbourne secures worlds largest medical meeting</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/424</link>
      <description>Melbourne will host the worlds largest medical meeting with an expected 14,000 delegates anticipated at the International AIDS Conference in July 2014. And that number could significantly increase with the 2012 event in Washington expecting around 25,000.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:29:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Korea offers 40 per cent discounts to planners</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/423</link>
      <description>The Korea Tourism Organization is aiming to attract more meetings and incentives by offering accommodation discounts of up to 40 per cent for groups of 100 or more who book in 2012.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Malaysian convention centre recognised as smart spender</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/422</link>
      <description>The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has won the Meeting Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) 2011s Best Use of Budget (Bronze) Award for its PlenaryOnCall offering.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:41:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Starwood opens China and Thailand destination hotels</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/421</link>
      <description>The home of Chinas famed terracotta warriors will see another art innovation in The Westin Xian, when the hotel becomes the first among the brand worldwide to have its own museum.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Melia adds in Asia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/420</link>
      <description>Melia Hotels International will open hotels in Xi'an, China and Danang, Vietnam.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:36:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Dreamtime is over but Sydney is wide awake</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/419</link>
      <description>Tourism Australias Dreamtime 2011 concluded last week with more than 70 select international buyers in attendance.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Hong Kong reaches MICE milestone</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/418</link>
      <description>Overnight MICE visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached a landmark of one million for the first time ever within the first nine months of a year this year. By end September, the figure totalled 1,028,989, a 15 per cent increase over the same period last year</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:29:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Thai meetings and events not all washed out, says MICE bureau</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/417</link>
      <description>The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau TCEB says while recent floods have affected central provinces along the Chao Phraya River, MICE destinations in other regions including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Had Yai have not been affected.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:27:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>A taste of Wellington pops up in Melbourne</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/416</link>
      <description>Melbourne is amid a culinary surprise party through Wellingtons pop up restaurant, WLG. Named after the citys airport code, the pop-up restaurant has inhabited Rue de Fleurus in Fitzroy and is giving Melbournians a taste of the coolest little capital in t</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:30:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Orange can make an event out of any space</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/415</link>
      <description>In the event equivalent of a model making a garbage bag look good, Orange Group has pulled off an event inside a highway tunnel. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:28:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Movers &amp; Shakers</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/414</link>
      <description>A brand new position servicing the Australian market has been created by Wellington Convention Bureau especially for Andrea Werner. The goal of the Sydney based Australian business development manager position is to increase the value of the Australian C </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>The Prime Minister heads for the hills</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/413</link>
      <description>Prime Minister John Key visited Queenstowns eco friendly tour company, Ziptrek Ecotours, last Friday in a statement for tourism.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:23:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>BLACK ZQN expands Queenstown fleet and offerings</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/412</link>
      <description>Specialty transfer company BLACK ZQN has grown its luxury fleet and teamed up with a number of Queenstown operators to offer a variety of Southern Lakes touring experiences.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:21:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Exclusive Events grows its Auckland operations</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/411</link>
      <description>Exclusive Events New Zealand is expanding its Auckland based operations following some recent high profile event successes.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:19:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>New study for business event sector a world first</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/410</link>
      <description>A new study by Meetings &amp; Events Australia in conjunction with the University of South Australia into the business event sector is believed to be a world first.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:09:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Uluru set to welcome the world </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/409</link>
      <description>By Lucy Ritchie - Ayers Rock Resort yesterday announced a new partnership with the worlds largest hotel operator Accor, to help take the iconic resort and tourist attraction to new markets as well as boosting employment and development opportunities for </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Comm Games a coup for Gold Coast</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/408</link>
      <description>Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter believes the regions international profile will hit new levels as the city builds its promotional momentum towards staging the two thousand and eighteen Commonwealth Games after being given the nod on the weekend.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Qantas shakeup hits business events</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/407</link>
      <description>The decision to cease all flights by Qantas on the weekend caused a shakeup in the business event segment. But despite this, many appear to be behind the Qantas management decision which aimed to stop future industrial disruptions.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Low carbon fuel to be developed for Virgin Atlantic</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/406</link>
      <description>Virgin Atlantic recently announced the development of a world first low carbon aviation fuel with just half the carbon footprint of the standard fossil fuel alternative. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:31:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>SilverNeedle Hospitality buys Constellation Hotels</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/405</link>
      <description>SilverNeedle Hospitality, a new integrated management, development and investment hospitality company, launched in Asia end-September, and has acquired Australia based Touraust Corporations Constellation Hotels business.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:14:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Paramount Hotel renamed East Village Hotel</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/404</link>
      <description>Far East Hospitality will refurbish and rename its newly acquired Paramount Hotel as East Village Hotel. 

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:55:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
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      <title>Asian convention bureaux association opens up</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/403</link>
      <description>The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus AACVB wants to engage MICE industry organisations across the region with a new membership structure.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:55:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>TravelRave enters sophomore year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/402</link>
      <description>TravelRave two thousand and eleven, Singapores week long festival of travel industry events, kicked off yesterday and runs until October twenty third. The two thousand and eleven edition has grown as a comprehensive regional platform with four new events.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:54:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Rix wins Lifetime Achievement Award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/401</link>
      <description>Long time industry practitioner Peter Rix received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Event Awards held in October at Allphones Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:07:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Orchard Hotel upgrades</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/384</link>
      <description>Orchard Hotel Singapore has renovated its Claymore Wing refurbishing its three hundred and thirty one rooms and the Executive Club floors</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>Green transformation begins at Westin in Chinese capital</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/383</link>
      <description>The Westin Beijing Financial Street has embarked on a Green Room Sustainability Programme to build environment and social considerations into the decisions it makes</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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      <title>British planners savour Seoul</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/382</link>
      <description>Reaching out to forty five top UK buyers and meetings industry professionals the Seoul Tourism Organization organised a road show in Londons Altitude three hundred and sixty on September eight</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Indonesian company wins Queensland incentive</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/381</link>
      <description>An Indonesian automotive components manufacturer ADR Group is the winner in Tourism Queenslands Million Dollar Memo featuring AUD1 million dollars worth of Queensland travel incentives</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Khon Kaen gets new convention centre by year end</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/380</link>
      <description>Centara Hotel and Convention Centre Khon Kaen a new development built by Khon Kaen Buri Company Ltd will be Centara Hotels and Resorts first property in the northeastern Thai city known as a university town</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Innovation on Malaysias mind</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/379</link>
      <description>Just shy of a year after the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureaus launch in November two thousand and ten plans for change are afoot</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MGallery bags heritage hotel in Vietnam</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/378</link>
      <description>La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa has joined the MGallery of memorable and unique hotels by Accor</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Star to emerge from Sydney casino revamp</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/376</link>
      <description>Following an eight hundred sixty million dollar redevelopment, Star City Casino will relaunch as The Star, with a three thousand square metres extension housing twenty new restaurants, bars and cafes on an open promenade overlooking Sydney Harbour.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thailand to present island meeting options in China </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/377</link>
      <description>The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau will kick off its China Road Show highlighting luxury beach destinations to attract the Chinese at CIBTM end August</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Social media campaign a success for Korean capital</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/375</link>
      <description>International visitor hits on the Seoul Convention Bureau website saw a significant increase this month when Seoul MICE Alliance partners were featured as part of its online promotion Seoul Sizzling Sweepstakes</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WTTC turns focus on Sendai</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/374</link>
      <description>According to the Japan Convention Bureau the World Travel and Tourism Council hopes to shine a spotlight on Sendai next year via its four day WTTC Global Summit which more than one thousand delegates are expected to attend</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch centre to be demolished</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/373</link>
      <description>Damage sustained to the Christchurch Convention Centre in the February 22 earthquake has now been confirmed as so extensive that the building will have to be demolished.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adelaides incentive inventive</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/372</link>
      <description>By Graeme Kemlo. Adelaide has upped the ante in its quest to draw more business visitors, announcing a plan to aggressively pursue the incentive market.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Delegates spend up big in Melbourne</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/371</link>
      <description>A study released by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) into the travel and spending habits of visiting convention delegates attending eight conferences in Melbourne has found they spend, on average, $4134 during their stay.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:50:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Melbourne centre chief moves on</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/369</link>
      <description>Chief executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Leigh Harry, is to leave the centre to take up the position of CEO of Tourism Victoria and Deputy Secretary of Tourism and Aviation, Department of Business and Innovation.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:46:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Green efforts in the Garden City</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/367</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Hotels along the Orchard belt are helping Singapore live up to its Garden City moniker. The Mandarin Orchard Singapore was named Singapore Green Hotel at the Singapore Green Hotel Awards organised by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) while</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:18:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sofitel opens Guangzhou hotel</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/366</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich has opened, increasing the brand's network to 20 addresses across China.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chinese island's time in the sun</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/365</link>
      <description>SHANGHAI -Sun Island will be the venue for a wellness conference from September 22 to 25 this year following the success of its inaugural 2010 Wellness Symposium which attracted 350 wellness enthusiasts, scholars and industry experts.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Euromic expands in Southeast Asia </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/364</link>
      <description>BRUSSELS - International MICE and destination management consortium, euromic, brought CDM - Creative Destination Management of Thailand into its fold this month. It has been operating programmes into the country for 22 years.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A month of MICE triumphs in Korea</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/363</link>
      <description>By Pauline Tan
SEOUL - News this month that South Korea has won its bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang is the icing on the cake following the three-day Korea MICE Expo (KME) in Seoul</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>micenet AUSTRALIA magazine and American Express  have formed a strategic alliance</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/362</link>
      <description>micenet AUSTRALIA magazine and American Express  have formed a strategic alliance. American Express Meetings &amp; Events, an extension of American Express Business Travel, has agreed to make micenet magazine available to some of its key meetings and events d</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rosalind Ng takes over as SACEOS president</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/361</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - IIR Exhibitions managing director, Rosalind Ng, has assumed the role of Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) president, succeeding immediate past president, Edward Liu. IIR is part of the Informa</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Butlers of St Regis in Bangkok</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/359</link>
      <description>BANGKOK - Thailands first St Regis hotel has opened along Rajadamri Road. With its location across the road from exclusive Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the location offers rare vistas of green in the city centre.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:35:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accor adds in Indonesia and Yunnan</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/358</link>
      <description>This years World of Accor kicked off its 11 city series in Hong Kong mid-April, and will end its tour in India staged at New Delhi on November 17 at the Pullman Gurgaon Central, and at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach two days earlier. World of Accor will al</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thailand eyes high-end MICE business</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/357</link>
      <description>BANGKOK - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has disclosed plans to focus on the highest end of the MICE market following steady growth in the segment.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Malaysia celebrates jump in ICCA standings</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/356</link>
      <description>KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia jumped to 28th position in the latest ICCA, International Congress and Convention Association country rankings. The number of meetings hosted grew 24 per cent, from 96 meetings (2009) to 119 meetings (2010). Malaysia retained its p</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:28:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shaolin Kung Fu masters summer in Hong Kong</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/355</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - The Ngong Ping 360 cable car and theme park will feature legendary Shaolin masters during the Ngong Ping Shaolin Kung Fu Showcase from July 1 to end August. Shaolin-inspired action movies have made the martial art form a global rage, and visit</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:27:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accor takes over Mantra Kooindah Waters</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/354</link>
      <description>Investa Property Group (Investa) has appointed Accor to manage the resort component of Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort on the Central Coast.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:15:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>QLD government delivers major events boost</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/353</link>
      <description>Queenslands events sector is one winner from the governments state budget released this week, with the government pouring a reported 83 million dolalrs into events funding over the next four years.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:00:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Watch out world, here comes New Zealand</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/352</link>
      <description>A new national convention centre with a capacity to seat 3500 proposed for Auckland will significantly boost New Zealands plans to be a serious player in the international meetings market.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:57:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>micenet and American Express unite</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/351</link>
      <description>micenet AUSTRALIA magazine and American Express have formed a strategic alliance. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:27:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Millennium resort scores on Expedia </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/350</link>
      <description>PHUKET - Online travel giant Expedia has listed the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket amongst its top-ranked hotels on its Insiders Select list for 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Marketing alliance adds partners</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/349</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - The Suntec Singapore Asias Convention City joint marketing alliance has added two new members - Pico and Pacific World.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Novotel Bangkok Impact soft opens</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/348</link>
      <description>BANGKOK - Accor, which signed an agreement with Impact Exhibition Management to introduce a property to one of the Thai capitals largest convention and exhibition centres, opened the Novotel Bangkok Impact in February.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ScreenSingapore in June to claw in film business for Lion City</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/347</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Singapore Airshow &amp; Events (SAe) is organising ScreenSingapore next month in June, an international cinema event offering industry players a platform to exchange ideas and showcase their product.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Attractions Expo returns to Asia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/346</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - The Asian Attractions Expo returns to the Hong Kong Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from June 5 to 8 next year.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Australia sets sights on Asia for business events</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/345</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Tourism Australia is leading a delegation of 22 representatives, including nine convention bureaux and four hotel groups, to target 400 organisations in Hangzhou, Taipei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta over this fortnight.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 01:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Confidence returns in US - IMEX America</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/344</link>
      <description>Meetings market confidence is on the rise in the US according to respondents of the IMEX America Index of Optimism poll.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 02:51:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Infosalons celebrates 21 years</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/343</link>
      <description>Australian success story Infosalons celebrates 21 years in 2011 after providing services to more than 3500 events in more than 10 countries, and now with six international offices.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 02:47:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Peppers partners with MasterChef Australia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/342</link>
      <description>Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels has announced a promotional partnership with the top rating television program MasterChef Australia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 04:41:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Favourable winds for inaugural Singapore Yacht Show</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/341</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - The Singapore Yacht Show, which is gunning to be Asias first-ever superyacht show, concluded recently with 3000 visitors from around Southeast Asia attending the three-day presentation of the luxury yachting lifestyle.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gloria adds in China</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/340</link>
      <description>BEIJING - Gloria Hotels &amp; Resorts says it will expand rapidly under a new ownership structure, with its stable of hotel expected to grow to 70 over the next five years. Over the next two years, it will add 13 new properties.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:52:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Internal Auditors Conference Picks KL for Asian first</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/339</link>
      <description>KUALA LUMPUR ? 3,000 internal audit professionals and governance stakeholders will convene in Kuala Lumpur for the 70th Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference 2011 from July 10 to 13. It is the biggest gathering for audit professionals th</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:51:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Courting the Chinese at IT&amp;CM China</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/338</link>
      <description>SHANGHAI - Chinese buyers were the objects of desire at IT&amp;CM China 2011, which was held last week from April 13 to 15. Official data listed 10,000 business appointments between 253 international and Chinese MICE suppliers and 344 international and Chines</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:50:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No April fools for hotels in Singapore</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/337</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE, ITB concluded a mere month ago, but April is proving the hot hotel roadshow period in Singapore. Besides Shangri La Hotels &amp; Resorts, Hyatt Hotels &amp; Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Group and Langham Hotels International were among major chains whi</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sydney heavyweight secures top status with international group</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/336</link>
      <description>The international Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI) announced this week that its first chairperson will be Lyn Lewis-Smith - chief operating officer of Business Events Sydney.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:26:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sane gets serious on carbon reduction</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/335</link>
      <description>The Sydney-based Sane Event Group has achieved low CO2 100% certification issued by the Carbon Reduction Institute. The company is now able to offer clients options on how to conduct low CO2 or carbon-neutral events in line with its own corporate responsi</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The new face of Air New Zealand</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/334</link>
      <description>Christopher Luxon has been appointed group GM for Air New Zealand and will start the role on May 30, 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:25:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown preps for its biggest event of the year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/333</link>
      <description>Organisers are busy putting together an exciting programme for the annual American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, which kicks off on June 24 to July, 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:22:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch open for business</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/332</link>
      <description>Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Leonie Ashford said the destination is still open for business and outside of Christchurch CBD there is a host of large scale venues ready for groups.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:20:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RWC business partnerships</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/331</link>
      <description>Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully said government-funded organisers were starting to gear up with promotion of a nation-wide festival of events for visitors, business sector show cases and the NZ 2011 Business Club.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Industry expert says competitive NZ dollar a strong lure for internationals</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/330</link>
      <description>Eventionz director Suz Baker said clients in Australia are increasingly considering Kiwi destinations as the New Zealand dollar becomes more attractive against the Australian dollar.  Similarly New Zealand clients are considering destinations further afie</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MCI snares Avanti Events</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/329</link>
      <description>Avanti Events and sister company Pharma Events have joined the MCI Group, headed up in Australia by Ray Shaw.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown represents NZ at Les Clef d'Or World Congress.</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/328</link>
      <description>Nathan Wise, Queenstown's youngest Les Clef d'Or concierge is today heading to Toronto to represent New Zealand at the organisation's World Congress.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:58:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NZ hotel re-brand update</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/327</link>
      <description>In the past month two hotels have rebranded, with Holiday Inn Wellington rebranded a Rydges from March ten, two thousand and eleven and the Heritage Rotorua ceased management on February twenty eight, two thousand and eleven, changing hands to a Holiday I</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aussie PCO's bask in Rotorua's C and I offerings</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/326</link>
      <description>Earlier this month a group of Australian business events buyers crossed the ditch to get up-close and personal with Rotorua's convention and incentive industry.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:51:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch's fighting spirit</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/325</link>
      <description>Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Leonie Ashford said there's no doubt the February twenty second earthquake has made an impact on key C and I operations, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prince William shares the love in Christchurch</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/324</link>
      <description>Just days after confirmation that Christchurch had lost its hosting duties for the Rugby World Cup, Prince William visited the city in an effort to boost moral.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:57:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NZ's X-factor too hard to resist for Aussies</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/323</link>
      <description>A new report released by the Ministry of Economic Development has shown Australians are still on top of the leader board for MICE arrivals into New Zealand.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chinese bookings made easier at Starwood</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/322</link>
      <description>Starwood Hotels and Resorts has added booking capabilities in Chinese to all of its Starwood-branded websites, including SPG.com. Chinese speakers can use double byte Chinese characters to search for a hotel, make reservations, retrieve booking informatio</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:54:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IHG appoints senior China roles</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/321</link>
      <description>IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has appointed Jerry Huang as president of Greater China, and Jolyon Bulley as senior vice-president of operations.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:52:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Merlin conjures wax museum in Thai capital</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/320</link>
      <description>Merlin Entertainments Group has officially launched its Madame Tussauds wax museum in Bangkok. Costing five hundred million baht, it is the tenth Madame Tussauds to open worldwide, the third in Asia after Hong Kong and Shanghai, and the first in Southeast</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seoul to host Future Convention City initiative</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/319</link>
      <description>Representatives of all seven city members of the Future Convention City Initiative (FCCI)will convene in Seoul for the first FCCI Action Forum. The newly established alliance is an international cooperative which seeks innovation and further development i</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Amway to bring largest-ever Indian incentive group to Australia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/318</link>
      <description>Amway India Leadership Seminar, attended by more than four thousand delegates, will be held in Melbourne next year.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Singapore corporates urged to consider strategic meeting management</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/317</link>
      <description>Delegates at the ACTE (Association of Corporate Travel Executives) education conference in Singapore last friday were encouraged to consider implementing Strategic Meetings Management Programmes (SMMP) to achieve savings of up to a fifth of their meetings</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Galaxy adding to Macau's glitter in May</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/316</link>
      <description>Galaxy Entertainment Group has announced Galaxy Macau, the newest integrated destination resort in Macau's Cotai entertainment area, will officially open May fifteenth.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Was flashmob at event the real deal</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/315</link>
      <description>The Melbourne Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau is claiming a world first for using a flashmob to entertain guests at this year's opening event of AIME in Melbourne. But was it really a flashmob?</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:28:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RWC Christchurch update</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/314</link>
      <description>The Rugby World Cup Christchurch decision is in the hands of the International Rugby Board, who are expected to make a verdict within the next week. This is in conjunction to the release of an extensive report for the government this weekend.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accor's Christchurch appeal</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/313</link>
      <description>Accor is donating two dollars from every room sold throughout its New Zealand network until March 31 to the Christchurch earthquake appeal.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>C&amp;I industry earthquake ripple effect</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/312</link>
      <description>CINZ CEO Alan Trotter says Christchurch's devastating earth quake has had a ripple effect across the country, with many medium and large sized association conventions relocating, yet not cancelling.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CINZ chooses Rotorua</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/311</link>
      <description>MEETINGS 2011 has been relocated to Rotorua and COnvention Bureau manager Denise Siviter sad while they are looking forward to hosting the event, their heartfelt thoughts are with their industry colleagues and friends in Christchurch.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Congress win for Christchurch</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/310</link>
      <description>In the midst of re-building the city, Christchurch has finally received some good news, winning the bid for the 6th Congress on Earthquake Engineering for 2015.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Continental catering in Christchurch fully operational</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/309</link>
      <description>One of New Zealands largest catering companies, Continental, reports that its Christchurch operation is fully operational.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:27:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Corporate Retreat With Wow</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/308</link>
      <description>The W Retreat Koh Samui, Southeast Asia's first W, has introuduced a corporate sensory meeting package.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:24:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MyCEB on the meetings map</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/307</link>
      <description>The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, officially launched late last year, said at AIME it has set its sights set high for 2011, after already reaping the rewards of winning a large scale event for 2013.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:21:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Suntec Partners Adelaide Convention Centre</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/306</link>
      <description>Suntec International will help the Adelaide Convention Centre establish a pipeline to the booming Asian events scene through a sales and marketing representation contract. The deal comes just eight months into Suntec's incorporation and is the second it i</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:12:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MCVB AIMEs High</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/305</link>
      <description>The Melbourne Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau took advantage of a strong turnout of international media and more than 170 international hostes buyers attendind AIME 2011 to announce its augmented reality porduct aimed at the ince</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seoul Gains Ground with GCC Meet</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/304</link>
      <description>Korea's capital became the first Asian city to host the GCC Days 2011 Seminars, previously held in European cities such as Paris, Berlin, and London, earlier this month.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tourism Queensland pushes incentive sector</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/303</link>
      <description>CEO of Tourism Queensland, Anthony Hayes, is keeping mum about a new major tourism campaign for Queensland that has been delayed for a month due to flooding in Brisbane and cyclone Yasii in TNQ.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AIMEs nineteenth outing full of hits and misses</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/302</link>
      <description>The nineteenth AIME exhibition concluded in Melbourne on Wednesday with some exhibitors recording strong business and others less than spectacular results.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown's new watering hole</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/301</link>
      <description>The Spire Queenstown has launched its new bar N° 5 Church Lane, which now features chic sophisticated décor with a contemporary twist. </description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Langham Aucklands new concept restaurant</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/300</link>
      <description>Last lat month The Langham Auckland launched its new dining experience, Eight restaurant, which was named after  the eight kitchens that make up the restaurant.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:30:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air NZ launches into new era</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/299</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand has welcomed a new era if air travel, with its new aircraft touching down in Auckland last week.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NZ taking AIME</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/298</link>
      <description>A host of New Zealand operators are getting ready this weekend to cross the ditch for one of the biggest industry exhibitions in the Asia Pacific.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CINZ CEO speaks out about Rugby World  Cup</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/297</link>
      <description>CINZ CEO Alan Trotter said there have been challenges at an international level of a misconception that New Zealand is 'closed for business' during the Rugby World Cup.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Whitsundays and TNQ in lockdown as cyclone looms</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/291</link>
      <description>Club Med Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays is evacuating 300 guests and staff today as Tourism Whitsundays advises all travellers in the region or those intending to travel there this week to seriously reconsider their plans.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:23:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wanted: your meeting in Capricorn</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/290</link>
      <description>Civic leaders are urging corporate companies, government agencies, and business to bring their 2011 meetings to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast to help kick-start the local economy.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:51:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>EXCLUSIVE micenet Australia on the ground in Brisbane</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/289</link>
      <description>micenet Australia assistant editor Johanna McKinnon was the only industry media to travel to Brisbane on Tuesday to get a closer look at how the city has recovered from one of the worst floods in the states history.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 05:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Amora launches into NZ</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/288</link>
      <description>The Amora Group has launched its hotel brand into New Zealand, rebranding three existing properties in its Asia Pacific portfolio.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Heritage Auckland debuts eco menu</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/287</link>
      <description>The Heritage Auckland has launched a healthy dining concept which is entirely plant based.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Two new properties for Queenstown</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/286</link>
      <description>Hilton has signed a deal to build two new hotels and resorts in Queenstown.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:24:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rotorua revved for meetings surge</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/285</link>
      <description>Rotorua Convention Bureau manager Denise Siviter says the year is looking strong for convention and incentive business.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air NZ spends millions on Virgin Blue shares</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/284</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand has further bonded its trans Tasman alliance by investing in Virgin Blue shares.</description>
      <dc:creator>Johanna McKinnon</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ATF Twenty Eleven Sold Out</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/283</link>
      <description>PHNOM PENH A total of One Thousand Six Hundred heads of National Tourist Organisations NTOs, tourism ministers, travel supplers from across ASEAN, buyers and media delegates are expected at this weeks ASEN Tourism Forum ATF TRAVEX Travel Exchange Twenty E</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AIME Twenty Eleven engages Saxton</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/282</link>
      <description>SYDNEY AIME has engaged the Saxton Speakers Bureau to present its Ultimate Event Experience for free to delegates as part of its education on February sixteen.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Staging Connections adds to China portfolio</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/281</link>
      <description>SYDNEY Staging Connections has signed a venue partnership agreement for the provision of inhouse venue and event staging services with the new Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao, taking its venue partnership in China to four.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brisbane centre lucky to avoid major damage</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/280</link>
      <description>BRISBANE Floodwater intrusion to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre was limited to car parking and some service areas, with general manager, Robert O'Keeffee anticipating a gradual return to business by the end of this week.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Capital Links for South Korea</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/279</link>
      <description>SEOUL Two new high speed rail services have boosted the connectivity of South Koreas capital of Seoul. The come at a time when plans are underway to revitalise the Seoul Station area, which in Twenty Fifteen will see the completion of a new convention cen</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Zabeel Properties Picks Jumeirah</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/278</link>
      <description>DUBAI Jumeirah Group has been appointed by Zabeel Properties, a subsidiary of Zabeel Investments, to manage Jumeirah Zabeel  Saray. The new five star hotel, located on the west crescent of Dubais Palm Jumeirah, opened this month.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brisbane centre lucky to avoid major damage</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/277</link>
      <description>Floodwater damage to the Brisbane Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre was limited to car parking and some service areas, with general manager, Robert O'Keeffe, anticipating a gradual return to business by the end of this week.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 05:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Miles Clarke Business Events Communication Award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/276</link>
      <description>Nominations are now being sought for the Miles Clarke Business Events Communication Award, now in its third year.
</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Heritage Auckland raises thousands for charity</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/275</link>
      <description>Last week the Heritage Auckland raised $18,000 at its annual charity night, in conjunction with the summer international tennis tournament hosted at the hotel.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:38:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch ready for bumper year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/274</link>
      <description>Convention Bureau manager Leonie Ashford says 2011 is becoming a busy year for the Christchurch and Canterbury region, which is welcoming a host of large-scale international C&amp;I groups.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air New Zealand trans Tasman go ahead</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/273</link>
      <description>The New Zealand Minister of Transport has approved the much anticipated trans-Tasman alliance between Air New Zealand and Virgin Blue, which followed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's earlier approval.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vale Alan Garner</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/272</link>
      <description>It is with much sadness that the industry marks the passing of Alan Garner, general manager, business development Vbase who died suddenly on Thursday December 16, 2010.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accors NZ take over</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/271</link>
      <description>Late last year Accor announced its plans to have a stronger presence in New Zealand, starting with The Hyatt Auckland, which will be rebranded to the Pullman Hotel from January 20.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hansar Bangkok to open in January</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/270</link>
      <description>Following the debut of its first property in Thailand, 74 room Hansar Samui, in July, the 94-suite Hansar Bangkok will open its doors on January 4, 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Le Méridien Taipei opens</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/269</link>
      <description>Le Méridien Taipei opened early December in Xinyi District, positioning itself as a gathering place for creative guests, with an emphasis on the arts, an inspiring atmosphere, and innovative cuisine. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thailand hosts high-profile 2011 UFI Open Seminar</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/268</link>
      <description>More than 200 international exhibition industry players are expected to convene in Bangkok for the 2011 UFI Open Seminar being held on February 24 and 25.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Malaysia secures first AIDS conference for Asia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/267</link>
      <description>The Malaysia Convention &amp; Exhibition Bureau recently reported a successful bid for the 7th International AIDS Society HIV Conference in Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention 2013 - the first time the meeting will be held in Asia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:07:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Top speaker line-up for AIME 2011 seminars</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/266</link>
      <description>AIME 2011 has an impressive line-up of speakers including Kati Quigley, director of event marketing for the CMG Events team at Microsoft in the US, and founder and CEO of HelmsBriscoe, Roger Helms.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:01:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New online business events promotional tool for Mildura</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/265</link>
      <description>Mildura now has an online conference and business events promotional tool after securing funding from Tourism Victoria</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:09:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>American Express Business Travel partners with micenet ASIA</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/264</link>
      <description>In a partnership to add value to corporates in the travel industry, American Express Business Travel will be distributing 3000 bonus copies of micenet ASIA magazine to its corporate clients in Asia.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chateau on the Park's new day spa</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/263</link>
      <description>Christchurch's Chateau on the Park has unveiled its newest addition, the Linden Leaves Day Spa.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Terrace Downs launches art gallery </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/262</link>
      <description>Terrace Downs High Country Resort has launched an art gallery as a way to exhibit works from renowned artists Clark and Ron Esplin. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wellington named NZ's favourite destination </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/261</link>
      <description>After being ranked as the 'coolest little capital in the world' by Lonely Planet, Wellington has been touted as the country's favourite in a recent traveller survey. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Auckland's Qualmark Enviro Gold accreditation</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/260</link>
      <description>CityLife Auckland and the Heritage Auckland have been recognised with Qualmark Enviro Gold status. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown to host auto extravaganza</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/259</link>
      <description>The Queenstown Auto Extravaganza will be kicking off in full throttle come February 2011, with New Zealand's finest collection of classic, motorsport and performance cars on show. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Study shows renewed optimism for business events sector</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/253</link>
      <description>A study released at EIBTM in Barcelona yesterday reports corporate budgets are expected to grow in 2011, incentive business will improve, and signs are that there will be sustained growth in the meetings sector generally.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:26:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FIFA 2022 World Cup announcement just hours away</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/252</link>
      <description>Australia's bid to secure the FIFA World Cup in 2022 is just hours away now with the announcement on who will host the event expected direct from Zurich at 2am on Friday morning (December 3).</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Australian agents follow the African sun</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/251</link>
      <description>The allure of South Africa proved irresistible to a group of Australian conference and meeting planners recently when they explored South Africa on a luxury famil trip.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AJ Hackett Bungy jumps on excellence award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/244</link>
      <description>Adventure specialists AJ Hackett Bungy have been recognised in the large business category of the Westpac Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:21:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New TRENZ for next year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/243</link>
      <description>TRENZ will be relocated to the Queenstown Events Centre next year, opening its doors in late May.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:16:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ziptreck eco award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/242</link>
      <description>Having just celebrated its first birthday, Ziptreck Eco Tours has continued the revelry by being recognised for a Sustainable Business Award at the annual Westpac Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Business Awards last week.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:12:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch gets ready to wow Aussies</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/241</link>
      <description>The final countdown is on for Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau which is preparing to impress delegates at the Australian PCO Association Conference in Hobart next month. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New CEO for Wellington </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/240</link>
      <description>Wellington Venues has appointed Glenys Coughlan as CEO and added two venues to its growing portfolio. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:02:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Radisson ratchets up</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/239</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE Carlson will increase the number of Radisson hotels in Asia Pacific to over a Hundred by Twenty Fifteen.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Meetings a Breeze in Bangkok </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/238</link>
      <description>BANGKOK Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumit fifteen, is introducing a Make Meetings a Breeze programme when it opens December First, Twenty Ten.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Greenlight for HKCEC Green Efforts </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/237</link>
      <description>HONG KONG The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Management HML has won the status of Champion in Awards in Energy Saving, Class of Excellence in Awards in Waste Management, and Good Class in Awards in Air Quality. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>August Arrivals Retain Momentum </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/236</link>
      <description>BANGKOK The Pacific Asia Travel Associations PATA preliminary figures for international visitor arrivals into Asia and the Pacific for the month of August indicate a year on year growth of Ten per cent. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Singapore Hooks Entrepreneurship Event </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/235</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE  Leading business personalities from around the world will convene in Singapore at the Fourth World Entrepreneurship Forum WEF next year.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Korean Capital Gains</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/234</link>
      <description>SEOUL Korean capital, Seoul, which hosted the G twenty Summit earlier this month, has been selected to host the Seventy Third SKAL International Congress.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Web in Travel event comes to Melbourne</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/233</link>
      <description>WIT - Web In Travel - the inspiration and mentoring event that started in Singapore - is coming to Melbourne next week November 25.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Toga Hospitality CEO goes undercover</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/232</link>
      <description>Toga Hospitalitys Rachel Argaman stepped out from behind her desk and in front of television cameras as the latest CEO to go undercover in the Undercover Boss Australia series aired last night November 15.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Rock expected to double international groups </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/231</link>
      <description>Late last month PM John Key officially opened the new Wellington International Airport, which has been dubbed The Rock because of its architectural style. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wellington architect recognised for convention marvel</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/230</link>
      <description>The unique design of Wellingtons Michael Fowler Centre was recognised last week for an Enduring Architecture award. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aucklands Rugby World Cup warm-up</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/229</link>
      <description>Like elite athletes, Auckland is stretching its muscles in preperation for next years Rugby World Cup. And this week the Auckland Convention Bureau gathered a host of operators to look at ways to make the most of this international sporting event. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air Asia X touches down</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/228</link>
      <description>Air Asia X has chosen New Zealands South Island as its next long haul destination, announcing plans to fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch. </description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clinton calls into Christchurch</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/227</link>
      <description>US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton flew into Christchurch this week as part of her tour of Australasia. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Follow Me mobile event app now available in Australia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/226</link>
      <description>The number one mobile event application for trade shows and coferences in the United States is now available in Australia, with Melbourne-based Invisage Creative Services becoming the exclusive Australian distributor for Follow Me.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:19:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Executive Assistant Network celebrates five years</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/223</link>
      <description>The Executive Assistant Network recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with a stunning gala dinner at Luna Park with more than 265 EAN members, sponsors and friends in attendance.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Inaugural industry golf day a hit</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/222</link>
      <description>The inaugural Meeting on the Green industry golf day organised by Tourism Portfolio, micenet AUSTRALIA, and with generous support of Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort and many other sponsors, was regarded by the majority who attended as a re</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ICCA study reports tough financial conditions for associations</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/221</link>
      <description>A joint study carried out by ICCA and IMEX of international associations has found that financial pressures on association events are increasing.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:50:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Airfares, accommodation set to rise</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/220</link>
      <description>American Express' latest survey predicting price rises in airfares and accommodation in the Asia Pacific in 2011 should prompt business event planners to book their programs early to reduce the impact of the expected increases.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:40:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>InterContinental Wellington wins international accolade</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/219</link>
      <description>The InterContinental Wellington Hotel has been recognised at the 17th annual World Travel Awards, as New Zealand's leading business hotel. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:38:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Auckland wows Aussie buyers</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/218</link>
      <description>The Auckland Convention Bureau welcomed nine Australia C and I organisers to the 'city of sails' last weekend, to experience the region's renowned hospitality and product first-hand. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch still rocking </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/217</link>
      <description>Even though the region has been hit with another earthquake and tremors, this hasn't stopped Christchurch from welcoming the recent release of positive conference figures. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wellington Conference and Events Expo record turn-out</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/216</link>
      <description>Last week's Wellington Conference and Events Expo attracted a record number of event planners, almost doubling last year's turn-out. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New CEO for the South Island</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/215</link>
      <description>Tim Hunter has joined the helm as CEO for Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism. Mr Hunter will take over the role on December 6, and is currently GM of operations for Tourism NZ and chair of Qualmark. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:25:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Outrigger Consolidates Pacific Operations in Asia Office</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/214</link>
      <description>HONOLULU - Outrigger Enterprises Group is consolidating its Australia and Fiji operations into Asia office located in Phuket, Thailand. Outrigger Enterprises Group president and CEO, David Carey, said: 'We have grown quickly in the few years that..'</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Starwood Launches Meetings Microsites </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/213</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Starwood Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of meetings microsites for its Asia-Pacific properties in Shanghai,Bangkok,Beijing,Kuala Lumpur,Sydney and Fiji which include destination-specific details.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MyCEB Announces Key Appointments </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/212</link>
      <description>KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau MyCEB has recently strengthened its team in line with its development as a fully-accountable business-unit. It has a mandate to lead winning bids for Malaysia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hong Kong Readies for Sporting Q4</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/211</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - Hong Kong hosts the DHL Hong Kong 2010 Bledisloe Cup, one of the world rugbys great contests, next weekend when the All Blacks and Wallabies battle at the Hong Kong Stadium.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lion City Pushes to be Travel Trade Events Hub</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/210</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - The Singapore Tourism Boards STB inaugural bundled series of travel-related events, marketed under the TravelRave 2010 umbrella, kicks off from today until October 28.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>BeChallenged in Melbourne</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/209</link>
      <description>The ever motivated BeChallenged team have ventured further south, opening an office in Melbourne. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New face at Simmer Events and Catering</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/208</link>
      <description>Shari Carr has joined the team at Simmer Events and Catering as senior business development manager. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bangkok back on track at IT and CMA</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/207</link>
      <description>The joint 18th IT and CMA Incentive Travel and Meetings Asia and 13th CTW Corporate Travel World outsold the 2009 editions, with 483 buyers and corporate travel managers from 54 countries, and more than 2300 international delegates in attendance.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Perth Event Show's preferred media partner announced  </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/206</link>
      <description>micenet Australia magazine and EventConnect.com have been appointed as preferred media partner for the Perth Event Show, to be held at the Perth Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre on May 6 and 7, 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:46:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New face of ICMS Australasia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/205</link>
      <description>ICMS Australasia has welcomed Adeline Keh to the fold as director for business development, after working for 12 years internationally in rolss om the C and I industry.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Orange Group Rugby World Cup win</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/204</link>
      <description>There is no doubt that 2011 will be busy year for venues throughout New Zealand. And it will be no different for Auckland based event experts, The Orange Group, that have had significant bid wins for events during the Rugby World Cup.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 05:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air New Zealand legend recognised </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/203</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand groups development manager for international conferences and incentives, Lynn Simmonds was recognised last week with the CINZ Annual Outstanding Contributors Award.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 04:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch back on track</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/202</link>
      <description>Christchurch is back on track and is giving visitors to the region an unforgettable experience from the minute they land.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Final countdown for Wellington Conference Expo</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/201</link>
      <description>Wellington Conference and Event Expo will open its doors this Wednesday and is promising to be a well attended event.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:15:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CINZ latest inspiration</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/200</link>
      <description>More than 150 delegates converged in Taupo last week for the Conventions and Incentives New Zeland AGM.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:13:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Constellation recognised as hotel chain of the year</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/199</link>
      <description>Constellation Hotels was crowned Hotel Chain of the Year at the annual Hotel Motel and Accommodation Association's National Accommodation Awards for Excellence last week.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Merivale's call heard by PCOs</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/198</link>
      <description>Last week 190 Sydney meeting and event planners converged on Geogre Street for a chance to tour through Justin Hemmes' Establishment and Ivy dedicated event spaces.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:06:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AMEX meets in virtual world </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/197</link>
      <description>American Express has launched an initiative promoting telepresence technology as a viable option for cost-effective meetings.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>World Expo bound for Australia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/196</link>
      <description>Well that's the dream according to Sydney Olympic Park Authority chairman, Michael Knight who says the international event would put Australia back on the map as a global player.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Congregate, Celebrate, Convene or Convey with PlenaryOnCall</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/195</link>
      <description>KUALA LUMPUR - Plan your next town hall meeting, annual general meeting, seminar series, signing or graduation ceremony in the award-winning Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's PlenaryOnCall.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:56:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Meetings where you feel right at home</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/194</link>
      <description>CHIANG MAI - Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has unveiled the Rachawadee Residence, its new residential-style meetings and events space surrounded by the resort's working rice fields and lush, tropical gardens. The flexible space accomodates different kind</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:53:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Langham inks deal for Ningbo property</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/193</link>
      <description>HONG KONG-Langham Hotels International has signed a management agreement for Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza, Ningbo with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment &amp; Development Company, marking it first move into one of China's strategic second tier cities.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:54:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chefmakers at sea on Royal Caribbean</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/192</link>
      <description>MIAMI-Royal Caribbean International is partnering Chefmakers Cooking Academy to offer Chefmakers at Sea classes taught in the actual galleys of the Liberty of the Seas and beginning in the fall, aboard Freedom of the Seas.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:50:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Indian agents pick Phuket for meet venue</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/191</link>
      <description>PHUKET - Some 900 delegates of India's largest travel industry association, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), hold their annual conference at Laguna Phuket this weekend (September 24-26).</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Asia's first Waldorf Astoria opens</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/190</link>
      <description>SHANGHAI - An iconic English Renaissance-style landmark dating back to the Victorian era has been revamped by HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and re-opened as the Waldorf Astoria On The Bund, Hilton Hotel Corporation's first Waldorf Astoria in Asia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Costa Cruises partners Lotte Tour for first Korean charter</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/189</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - Lotte Tour is chartering Costa Classica this month for a sailing from Shanghai to South Korea and Japan. It will be the first and largest Korean group to take a holiday on a Costa cruise ship.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:32:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown JazzFest expected to draw a decent crowd</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/188</link>
      <description>JazzFest is rolling into Queenstown for the Labour long weekend, and is expecting to attract musicians and jazz aficionados from near and far. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title> Apex Christchurch expands</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/187</link>
      <description>Apex Car Rentals Christchurch has committed to a $25 million fleet expansion, in spite of rebuilding after the citys recent earthquake. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:24:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Post-quake Christchurch Update</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/186</link>
      <description>Christchurch has cleaned up after the earthquake that rocked the city three weeks ago, and local hoteliers are once again in fine form to welcome corporate groups.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ex-Tourism NZ CEO joins Karori Sanctuary Trust</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/185</link>
      <description>Former Tourism New Zealand CEO George Hickton has been appointed to the board of trustees for the Karori Sanctuary Trust. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PATAs new eco initiative</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/184</link>
      <description>The Pacific Asia Travel Association and EarthCheck have teamed together in an initiative to help green its travel and tourism members. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sydney Showground showcase</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/183</link>
      <description>Sydney Showground played host to around 120 executive assistants and meeting planners last week (September 9) in a one day Mastering Events workshop aimed at highlighting some of the venue's facilities as well as providing participants with a few tips and</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:54:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CINZ charitable side</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/182</link>
      <description>CINZ accredited conferences in New Zealand will soon offer the option for delegates to support a registered charity.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lake Taupo manager says farewell</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/181</link>
      <description>After eight years, Di Christie will be hanging up her hat as convention bureau manager this month to take on a sales manager role at the Hilton Lake Taupo from September 27. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Virgin and Air NZ deal off</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/180</link>
      <description>Sir Richard Branson was left astounded after regulators knocked back an application for joint initiatives with Air New Zealand.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:52:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch: shaken but not stirred</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/179</link>
      <description>After the 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the city and a week of tremors,Christchurch is still open for business.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Wharf wins business award </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/178</link>
      <description>Last week Auckland venue The Wharf won a prestigious new business award at the 2010 Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stars and chefs grease F1 ticket sales</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/177</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - Demonstrating the pulling power of star wattage, four categories of tickets to the 2010 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix were sold out last month soon after organisers announced a star-studded entertainment line-up featuring Mariah Carey</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:17:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Amusement parks body adds Asia Pacific arm</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/176</link>
      <description>HONG KONG - The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has established a regional office in Hong Kong, naming Andrew Lee its executive director for the trade.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:13:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Association meetings take spotlight at ITB Asia</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/175</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - ITB Asia has attracted more than 25 speakers to address Association Day, a specialist forum on October 20 and 21 dedicated to the association meeting sector in Asia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:09:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Latitude lifts meetings in Phuket to new altitude</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/174</link>
      <description>PHUKET - Laguna Phuket had unveiled a new waterfront function area - Latitude - launching the purpose-built venue at a business exchange session for 100 MICE buyers and sellers during Connections Plus 2010, organised by the Thailand Convention &amp; Exhibitio</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:06:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exhibitions under fire for sexist promotions</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/173</link>
      <description>First it was an exhibitor at the CeBIT event who was criticised for using women in nurses uniforms on their stand, and more recently it was Microsoft at its TechEd conference on the Gold Coast that was lambasted for using Meter Maids in a promotion.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:17:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New GM for Terrace Downs Resort </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/165</link>
      <description>Terrace Downs Resort in Canterbury has appointed a new general manger and revealed a new bold plan to increase its international profile.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Suncourt Hotel &amp; Conference Centre Taupo appoints new GM</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/164</link>
      <description>Andrew Milne has joined the team at Suncourt Hotel &amp; Conference Centre as general manager and has replaced Simon Cox after more than three years at the helm. Mr Cox has remained in Taupo at Baycrest.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:13:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Good Group in running for five awards</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/163</link>
      <description>The Good Group has become a finalist in five categories of The Remarkables Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards for its Queenstown and Wanaka operations.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:12:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Auckland's Rugby World Cup won't stop conferencing</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/162</link>
      <description>Tourism Auckland CEO Graeme Osborne said theres no doubt that the city has the capacity for convention and incentive groups during next years rugby tournament.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bay of Plenty lures major conference </title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/161</link>
      <description>Tourism Bay of Plenty will be playing host to the 2011 Inbound Tour Operators Council Conference, winning over bids from Taupo and the Wairarapa.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chinese tourists enrich Gold Coast tourism coffers</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/160</link>
      <description>QUEENSLAND - Chinese visitation to the Gold Coast increased by 15 per cent in 2009, with 106,000 Chinese tourists spending more than A$60 million in the destination.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:02:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Palace wing of The Taj Mahal Palace hotel restored</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/159</link>
      <description>MUMBAI - The Taj Mahal Palace has re-opened its Palace wing following an extensive restoration project after terrorists stormed its premises two years ago.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Singapore storms into cloud-based information sharing</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/158</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the first NTO to come onboard as a partner in Microsoft's data-sharing platform, Project Nimbus - Asia's first cloud-based information marketplace.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>World's biggest water show opens September in Macau</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/157</link>
      <description>MACAU - The House of Dancing Water, a production costing more than HK$2 billion in a purpose-built venue at the City of Dreams, is set to open its doors to the public on September 17, 2010. Story by Pauline Tan.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Premium marques make mark in Japan and Osaka</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/156</link>
      <description>OSAKA, HONG KONG - Starwood's top tier St Regis and Marriott International's iconic Ritz-Carlton brands will open in the tallest buildings in Osaka and Hong Kong respectively in coming months.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Inaugural Youth Olympics is a numbers Games</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/155</link>
      <description>SINGAPORE - The singapore 2010 Youth Olympics is clocking high scores - some 5000 athletes and officials and nearly 200 media representatives from 204 countries are in attendance and an additional 27,000 spectators and 5000 performers, including children </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Platform event aims to secure more business</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/154</link>
      <description>The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Business Event Sydney's Platform program recently gave those considering putting up their hand to run or bid for a major meeting the opportunity to learn from past successes.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:49:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Perth bureau exceeds meetings targets</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/153</link>
      <description>The Perth Convention Bureau has exceeded its targets for securing meetings for the city, delivering more than $93 million worth of business in the 2009-10 financial year.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:26:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hilton welcomes new face</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/152</link>
      <description>Briar Nash has joined the Hilton Auckland and Lake Taupo sales team as sales manager for the inbound and wholesale market. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Langham Auckland wins top rating</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/151</link>
      <description>Guests of Australian Luxury tour operator Scenic Tours have rated The Langham Auckland as number one.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Grand Pacific Tours voted best fourth year in a row</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/150</link>
      <description>Grand Pacific Tours passengers have voted the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands as the best accommodation on the popular 19 day tour for the fourth time.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vbase's reward programme</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/149</link>
      <description>Vbase recently launched a new loyalty programme targeted at rewarding devoted professional conference organisers and event managers who regularly use the groups venues.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown recognised for Winter Festival</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/148</link>
      <description>On the back of popular figures from Junes accommodation results Queenstown is celebrating some more after recognition for its annual Winter Festival. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Queenstown guest nights double national average</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/147</link>
      <description>Figures released by the NZ Commercial Accommodation Monitor yesterday showed total guest nights were up almost 15 percent compared to this time last year. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TCEB aims to rebuild confidence with new campaign</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/146</link>
      <description>The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) last week launched a new campaign in Singapore aimed at rebuilding confidence in the MICE sector which has failed to recover from political unrest in early 2010.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sarawak secures another big win</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/145</link>
      <description>The Sarawak Convention Bureau this week announced it had won the right to host the 15th International Peat Congress in 2016, paving the way for more major conference wins in the next 12 months.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>micenet ASIA announces new editor</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/144</link>
      <description>BT Publishing Pty Ltd, publishers of micenet ASIA, micenet AUSTRALIA and micenet NEW ZEALAND, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pauline Tan as editor of the revamped micenet ASIA magazine.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Industry wages war against tourism vultures</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/143</link>
      <description>Political unrest in Thailand has seen the emergence of tour operators acting like vultures who are seeking excessive hotel rate cuts in the troubled country. And the net effect is damaging to the entire MICE sector, according to some experts.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CentralWorld Bangkok set to re-open with a bang</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/142</link>
      <description>Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre will be offering a range of promotions later this year to coincide with the reopening of CentralWorld, described as Southeast Asias largest lifestyle and leisure complex.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shangri-La Beijing property opens next week</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/141</link>
      <description>Shangri-Las 200-room China World Summit Wings situated in Beijings tallest building is set to open next week. The property is reportedly heavily focused on the MICE market.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Star City project nears $1 billion</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/140</link>
      <description>Star City management today announced a new event centre development that its managing director Sid Vaikunta says will change the landscape of conferencing and events for Sydney. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Perth launches business events trade show</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/139</link>
      <description>An exhibition for the Perth events sector has been announced with the first one being held on May 6 and 7 in 2011.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:50:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Opposition commits $28 million to business events</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/138</link>
      <description>Shadow Minister for Tourism, the Arts, Youth and Sport, Steven Ciobo, has committed $28 million in new money for initiatives to reinvigorate business events tourism in Australia.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:43:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Team Adelaide does it again</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/137</link>
      <description>Adelaide... an inspiring and innovative destination that brings people together to share in the exceptional! This is the clear promise made by 'Team Adelaide' to a record number of Australian and international buyers who experienced the largest expo and a</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:19:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Win a personalised trip to Auckland</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/136</link>
      <description>The Auckland Convention Bureau is keen to host you for a personalised famil of Auckland to help plan your next event.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Holiday Inn welcomes new GM</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/135</link>
      <description>Renier Eulink has been appointed general manger of the Holiday Inn City Centre Christchurch.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:59:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Huka Lodges international accolade</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/134</link>
      <description>Travel and Leisure magazine readers voted Huka Lodge as top lodge or resort in Australia New Zealand and the South Pacific in  the annual Worlds Best Awards Readers Survey.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:59:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Crossing the Tasman for Millennium face</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/133</link>
      <description>Millennium Hotels &amp; Resorts Helen Bambry has moved to Sydney in a new role with the company as sales manager for conferences and incentives Australia. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:55:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Airline investment could lead to low cost flights for Queenstown</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/132</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand GM for Australasia, Bruce Parton thinks allowing airlines to invest in Queenstown Airport will ensure the infrastructure can cater for growing traveller numbers. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:54:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>South Africa celebrates World Cup legacy</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/131</link>
      <description>The FIFA World Cup created significant benefits for South Africa and the tourism market with the investment in the event leading the way for major programs and infrastructure to support and grow local communities.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:29:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Australian company lights up Marina Bay Sands</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/130</link>
      <description>Australian company Laservision lit up Marina Bay Sands for its opening event, helping to give the new integrated resort a spectacular look.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:22:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Companies losing money through lack of MICE strategy</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/129</link>
      <description>A global study by Carlson Wagonlit Travel could result in big savings for those with a clearly defined meetings and events strategy. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:10:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ITB Asia ramps up MICE offering</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/128</link>
      <description>ITB Asia 2010 is ramping up its MICE offering, this year holding an inaugural Association Day for association executives.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:03:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Destination Marketing Services celebrates 18 years</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/127</link>
      <description>Destination Marketing Services headed up by Leila Fiedler this month celebrated its 18th year in operation.
</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:30:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ABEE and RSVP set to kick-off in Sydney next week</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/126</link>
      <description>The co-located Australian Business Events Expo and RSVP 2010 kick off in Sydney next Thursday, July 22. As well as highlighting plenty of new product, both shows will be running separate talks presented by experts in their fields.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:23:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Record year for Business Events Sydney</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/125</link>
      <description>Sydney has won more business events in the financial year of 2009/2010 than ever before, says Business Events Sydney. The bureau has secured 69 events in comparison to a previous record of 47 in 2002/3. </description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:09:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Heritage Hanmer Springs awarded</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/124</link>
      <description>Heritage Hanmer Springs has received an upgraded Qualmark rating to four star plus as well as securing an Enviro Silver accreditation for sustainability practices.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Club Med appoints new GM for Australia and NZ</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/123</link>
      <description>Quentin Briard has been appointed GM for Club Med Australia and New Zealand, replacing Heidi Kunkel who was promoted to GM of Japan and Korea earlier this year.
</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Registration opens for Wellington Conference and Events Expo</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/122</link>
      <description>This year will mark a decade of the Wellington Conference and Events Expo and the show is growing from strength to strength with a host of buyers and exhibitors locked in.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rotorua lures Australasian conference</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/121</link>
      <description>Rotorua will host a significant Australian conference of 350 delegates in August next year thanks to the Events &amp; Venues team following up on a lead gleaned at a conference in August 2009.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CINZ CEO approves joint trans-Tasman initiative</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/120</link>
      <description>At a Tourism Futures conference last week in Brisbane, a survey was released showing a third of the Australian industry is keen to co-operatively market with New Zealand.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Winners announced in the e-awards 2009 for excellence in events</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/119</link>
      <description>Winners have been announced in the BT Publishing e-awards for excellence in events in what was a closely contested battle for first place. The e-awards, now in their third year, are judged independently of BT Publishing and are entirely not for profit.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:42:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ray Shaw fit as a fiddle after health scare</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/118</link>
      <description>Just days after signing a landmark agreement which now sees Event Planners Australia part of the international MCI Group, Event Planners chairman Ray Shaw underwent treatment in St Vincents Hospital in Sydney for a cardiac-related issue.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:23:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The countdown is on to RSVP Sydney 2010</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/117</link>
      <description>Thousands of event professionals will meet at RSVP Sydney 2010, the premier tradeshow for the events industry, when its doors open in only three weeks, with brand new features, exciting seminar talks and a social media presence.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:20:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SKYCITY Auckland wins international summit</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/116</link>
      <description>SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre has been chosen to host the 2010 International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit which kicks off in November.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:07:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>QT Event Managements new product</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/115</link>
      <description>QT Event Management is working with Theme Queenstown to offer event planners a revolutionary theming product.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:06:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CCCB face named NZ bureau chair</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/114</link>
      <description>Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Leonie Ashford was appointed New Zealand Convention Bureaux chairperson last week. And she is already looking forward to working as a collective to attract more convention and incentive opportunities.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:05:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air New Zealand shows off its new style</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/113</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand was sporting a new stand, new premium economy seats and new staff uniforms at this years MEETINGS.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:02:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>National convention centre dream realised</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/112</link>
      <description>CINZ CEO Alan Trotter revealed at MEETINGS the good news on the development of a national convention centre that he says will take New Zealand as a destination to the next level.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:01:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MEETINGS NZ wows again</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/111</link>
      <description>With record numbers of exhibitors and hosted buyers from around the world, the scene was set for another spectacular MEETINGS.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Green Adelaide centre wins gold</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/110</link>
      <description>The Adelaide Convention Centre's international standing just got a whole lot bigger after receiving the 2010 Green Supplier Gold Award in Europe.
</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:59:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>China gamble pays off for Off-Site</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/109</link>
      <description>Some may have said it was a big gamble when Off-Site Connections Event Management set up in China a few years back. But it seems as if the decision is starting to pay dividends with the company currently riding the wave that is the Shanghai World Expo.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Auckland Airport gives back to mother earth</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/108</link>
      <description>Auckland Airport earlier this month was recognised by EarthCheck for its sustainable business practices.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:59:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Renowned NZ chef at Queenstown Winter Festival</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/106</link>
      <description>Famous Kiwi Chef Al Brown from acclaimed Logan Brown restaurant in Wellington will be gracing the stag at the Millbrook and Brown show at the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shotover Canyon Swing has heart</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/107</link>
      <description>Shotover Canyon Swing managed to raise more than $4000 for the Central Otago chidren with heart conditions with a two week annual fundraiser.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Final countdown to MEETINGS</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/105</link>
      <description>In just 11 sleeps Meetings NZ will be opening its doors for another two day showcase of New Zealands best products and services.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Marque Christchurch opens</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/104</link>
      <description>The new state-of-the-art property was officially opened in Christchurch earlier this month by Associate Minister of Tourism, Dr Jonathan Coleman.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air New Zealand increases domestic capacity</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/103</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand has announced its plans to increase domestic jet capacity from September by more than four per cent, taking main services to more than 750 per week.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Solution RED emerges from voluntary administration</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/102</link>
      <description>Melbourne-based Solution RED has emerged from voluntary administration to the next phase by entering into a Deed of Company Agreement.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:50:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Regional Victoria receives major funding boost</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/101</link>
      <description>With $300,000 in its kitty regional Victoria is set to embark on a campaign to promote conferencing beyond Melbourne's borders.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 13:53:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cairns embarks on half million dollar marketing campaign</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/100</link>
      <description>Business Events Cairns &amp; Great Barrier Reef has embarked on a half million dollar campaign after receiving $265,000 from the Federal Government's tourism stimulus package.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 13:49:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Event Planners Australia merges with global partner</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/99</link>
      <description>Event Planners Australia has merged with international event management company MCI, which has 43 offices in 21 countries, employing more than 900 staff.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 13:43:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rydges Harbourview Auckland Hotel upgrade</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/98</link>
      <description>After a $25 million redevelopment, the Rydges Harbourview Auckland has been upgraded from four-star to four-and-a-half star.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch part of a global wine network</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/97</link>
      <description>Christchurch is now the newest member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network and will represent New Zealand internationally.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aussies get a taste of Auckland</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/96</link>
      <description>Auckland became the hostest-with-the-mostest last week when seven Australian conference and incentive organisers experienced a four-day Taste of Auckland famil.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Award-winning Air New Zealand</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/95</link>
      <description>Air New Zealand has been named Best Airline at this years 2010 Which Awards. Organised by the UKs top consumer magazine, the awards are independently voted by its readers.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christchurch wins international forum</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/94</link>
      <description>Christchurch has been chosen to host the fourth US NZ Partnership Forum in 2011, which is likely to be attended by US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tourism Auckland welcomes national convention centre</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/93</link>
      <description>Speaking to miceNZ DIGITAL last week, Tourism Auckland CEO Mr Osborne said if and when a mooted 5000-seat national convention centre did materialise it would mean far more for New Zealand than possibly imagined.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 17:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Australia brand launch</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/92</link>
      <description>A $20 million four-year Brand Australia program was launched by Minister for Trade Simon Crean at the Sydney Opera House last Friday (May 14) with significant input from the business event sector.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 15:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lovett returns to NT roots</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/91</link>
      <description>Staging Connections WA GM, Scott Lovett, is returning to the NT to take up the position of director of business tourism with the Northern Territory Convention Bureau.
</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 15:31:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ID Events launches in Melbourne</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/90</link>
      <description>Theme production house I.D Events has launched in Melbourne, with the company reporting it offers the most detailed, individual and highly developed production pieces and packages available to the events industry.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 15:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Qantas launches domestic mobile check-in</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/89</link>
      <description>Qantas has launched new technology enabling domestic mobile check-in.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 15:30:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Winners in MEA national awards announced</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/88</link>
      <description>Winners were announced in MEA's Meetings &amp; Events Industry Awards in Melbourne on April 20 at a glittering ceremony in the Melbourne Convention Centre.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 15:24:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Solution Red voluntarily appoints administrator</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/86</link>
      <description>On April 22 Solution RED voluntarily appointed an administrator to manage the financial commitments of the business. Solution RED said this is a proactive measure in order to improve the financial strength of the organisation.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bali set to welcome first group</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/85</link>
      <description>Not since the Bali bombings in 2002 has there been an Australian convention or incentive group in the once idyllic destination... until now.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:46:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Holmes a Court heads new Sydney body</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/84</link>
      <description>Former South Sydney Rabbitos chairman Robert Holmes a Court is heading a new body aimed at growing Sydney's brand on the world stage.

</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:41:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sunshine Coast Convention Bureau safe</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/77</link>
      <description>Chair of Tourism Sunshine Coast, John Atkin, has dismissed rumours that there has been a decision to close the Sunshine Coast Convention Bureau.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:49:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>EIBTM optimism tempered by wake-up calls</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/75</link>
      <description>Elizabeth Rich found there was plenty of talk in Barcelona about future-proofing the events business.</description>
      <dc:creator>Joanna Walsh</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>It's a numbers game</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/76</link>
      <description>Fast-growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle class has seen growth in trade and professional associations and a concomitant rise in business events in Asia. Elizabeth Rich talks to two industry bodies and their plans for the future.</description>
      <dc:creator>Joanna Walsh</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New bureau chief for Tassie</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/74</link>
      <description>The Tasmania Convention Bureau has appointed Stuart Nettlefold as new CEO.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>GCCEC the best in QLD</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/62</link>
      <description>The Gold Coast Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre has been recognised as Queensland's best venue for meetings and business tourism.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Another win for MCVB</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/61</link>
      <description>Record results of the Melbourne Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau have seen the organisation awarded in the Meetings and Business Tourism category at the Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>verve creative wins project management award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/60</link>
      <description>Following its success in the ACT Division Australian Institute of Project Management Achievement Award, the Canberra Days in the Diocese and World Youth Day project, verve creative recently won the national AIPM Award.</description>
      <dc:creator>brad foster</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Winner Miles Clarke Business Events Communication Award</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/54</link>
      <description>Time to Embrace the Unvirtual</description>
      <dc:creator>Joanna Walsh</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sydney Olympic Park bucks trend</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/53</link>
      <description>It's all systems go at Sydney Olympic Park with hotels in the precinct recording strong growth.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Online strategy imperative to success</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/50</link>
      <description>Organisers of some of Sydney's most recent international conferences shared their tips for success at a special seminar recently, with a good online strategy imperative for success.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Beijing Fusion</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/47</link>
      <description>A post Olympic slump, exacerbated by the GFC, has seen Beijing presenting what may be a one-off opportunity for event organisers looking to cut a good deal in the capital of the world's future number one economic power.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Expertise Events launches new Brisbane motor show</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/25</link>
      <description>Expertise Events recently announced plans to launch The Motor Show in 2010, running over five days in February at the Brisbane Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre after signing a 10-year agreement with the Motor Traders Association of Queensland.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A new car for Phillip</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/24</link>
      <description>The World of Accor expo held in Sydney on August 13 and attended by more than 1000 throughout the day culminated in the announcement of the winner of the Peugeot 207, won by Corporate Traveller NSW GM, Philip Wilson.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ISES Sydney launches new campaign</title>
      <link>http://www.btp.net.au/230/section.aspx/23</link>
      <description>The Sydney Chapter of the International Special Events Society launched a new marketing campaign: The Gold Standard at its sold out networking event held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in mid-August.</description>
      <dc:creator>Geoff Batt-Rawden</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <category>news</category>
    </item>
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