 Bonville the best Bonville International Golf Resort is the toast of the Australian catering industry after claiming two awards at the National Restaurant & Catering Association Awards for Excellence recently. Bonville’s awards were: Event Caterer of the Year and Wedding Caterer of the Year. General manager Brad Daymond said: “these awards highlight the significance of Bonville Golf Resort Australia-wide. The awards will add to the reputation of the Coffs Coast nationally. It’s the best recognition for all the hard work and dedication that our food and beverage team apply to each function and event throughout the year.” The announcement comes at the end of Bonville’s biggest week in its 16 year history after hosting 700 people for a three-course dinner in the middle of the golf course for the Local Government Association gala dinner. They then hosted a degustation dinner for around 130 people as part of the 2007 Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival just three days later.
First-class conferences in Torquay Offering an idyllic surf coast location, luxury surrounds and outstanding conferencing facilities, Peppers The Sands Resort is setting new standards within the convention and incentive travel market. The recently-opened Torquay resort strikes a great balance of business and pleasure for visiting delegates, featuring state-of-the-art conference facilities for events of all sizes and a host of team-building recreational pursuits to choose from. Located at the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Peppers The Sands offers conference and banquet facilities with seating capacity for up to 400 guests. From Hanners Restaurant to a selection of six other conference zones including the 445-square-metre ballroom, the resort is the perfect choice whether it’s for small board meetings or large-scale events. Delivering 112 guest rooms and suites, the resort allows delegates to relax in spacious surrounds and enjoy stunning vistas, tasteful furnishings and modern conveniences. Visit www.peppers.com.au for further details.
Dream team for Dreamworld Dreamworld and WhiteWater World on the Gold Coast have doubled their Mandarin-speaking guest services team in anticipation of the rapid growth in visitors from China. The team now comprises six international staff hailing from China, Singapore and Vietnam. Dreamworld’s international sales manager, Erin Rolfe, said the Chinese market had gained so much momentum that it surpassed Japan last financial year to become Dreamworld’s largest international source market after New Zealand. Taiwan trails close behind in third place. “China is a critical market for us and there is still enormous potential for growth,” she said. “Our CEO Stephen Gregg visited the market in July 2007, and instantly saw the importance of having an expanded team to ensure our Chinese guests have the best possible experience in park. We now have a team that not only loves interacting with our Chinese guests, but is able to help them choose the best activities for the day.”
Hoyts Space The Hoyts Cinema Group recently launched its new complete function venue solution – Hoyts Space. With unlimited creative spaces to host meetings and entertain guests, Hoyts Space is said to be both a luxurious and technologically-savvy venue space. Hoyts Space is conveniently located across Australia and New Zealand at 46 locations (including 19 signature locations). With a choice of four personable and unique venues, your event is described as standing out from the crowd. The lounge atmosphere of La Premiere, the intimate space of the Directors Suite, the informal setting of Lounge 9, and the playful scene of the Half Pipe allow event organisers to set the mood and make the space their own. For more information go to www.ninemsn.hoyts.com.au or contact the Hoyts Space team on (02) 8275 6169 or nationalgroupsales@hoyts.com.au.
Raffles opens in Paris Raffles Hotels & Resorts recently signed an agreement with Royal Monceau Pty Ltd to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris. The hotel will join Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ collection of luxury properties in summer 2008. Le Royal Monceau is jointly owned by Alexandre Allard and Qatari developer, Barwa Real Estate, with Mr Allard assuming majority ownership. He is a well respected French entrepreneur, known for his association with luxury brands and his visionary ventures. His heartfelt passion and vision for Le Royal Monceau is an inspiration, bringing together the sophistication of Parisian culture and the inimitable service for which Raffles is renowned worldwide. Le Royal Monceau is scheduled for refurbishment in 2008 and is greatly anticipated to re-open as a 21st century French masterpiece, fully restored to its former glory under the creative eye of renowned French designer, Philippe Starck. When it re-opens, the hotel will feature 152 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites, with each guest room exuding the elegance and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts are known for, while maintaining Le Royal Monceau’s unique style which celebrates the French tradition of “art de vivre”. Visit www.raffles.com for further details.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort refurb The Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is currently undergoing radical surgery during a $6 million renovation program that will enhance all guest rooms and public areas. The refurbishment program began in mid-October with an anticipated completion date of May 2008. A more contemporary décor will be embraced with muted natural tones and materials employed throughout. The reception foyer, bars, restaurant and conference rooms will be refurbished to reflect the four-and-a-half-star hotel’s position as one of the premier business and leisure destinations in the city. New beds and bedding will be fitted in all rooms. All carpeting and curtains will be replaced, new mini bars installed and all existing television sets replaced with flat-screen models. Due to the resort’s layout, disruption to guests will be minimal with refurbishment taking place in one accommodation wing at a time. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort recently joined the Accor portfolio to become part of the largest hotel accommodation company in the world. Hotel general manager Greg Erwin said the extensive refurbishment is part of Accor’s policy of providing world-class facilities and surrounds for all guests. For details, visit www.accorhotels.com.au.
 Meet you at the Metro Boutique four-star hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Metro Hotel on Pitt, is attracting significant growth from the corporate business sector, particularly interstate and intra-state guests visiting Sydney for conferences and events. COO of Metro Hotels, George Bedwani, says the hotel offers a centrally-located, affordable option which is proving increasingly popular with the corporate and MICE market. “The hotel’s location at 300 Pitt Street means we are conveniently positioned within walking distance for guests attending events at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour and other major CBD function centres. There are also a lot of business travellers who attend conferences in some of the nearby five-star hotels, but they or their companies aren’t prepared to pay higher accommodation rates for them to stay on-site. We provide a convenient, affordable alternative for them, without compromising on comfort and modern conveniences.” Metro Hotel on Pitt offers 115 four-star guest rooms complete with facilities such as broadband internet connection, key card access to rooms and lift, cable television and the latest pay-per-view movies. The hotel offers a mix of standard, superior and executive rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and offers 24-hour reception and room service. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au for further details.
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