HM December 2023 by The Intermedia Group

THE BUSINESS OF ACCOMMODATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC Vol.27 No.6 Bi-monthly December 2023

Wanderlust MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S

Marriott International continues to soar in 2024 with exciting brand debuts across Australasia and the world.

IN THIS ISSUE: HM AWARDS WINNERS, AIRPORT HOTELS, STYLISH UNIFORMS, SIGNATURE SCENTS AND MORE

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2023

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CONTENTS AND CHANGE 28 CULTURE AHICE Aotearoa returns with a thought-

DECEMBER

SAYS ‘ALOHA’ TO HAWAI’I 30 AHICE Leading executives in the Hawaiian hotels

Vol. 27 No.6

provoking conference in Wellington.

2023

market gather for the launch of AHICE Aloha.

OF THE INDUSTRY 38 STARS A night to remember at the 2023 HM Awards – catch up on all the winners and highly commended recipients in our annual wrap-up feature.

STYLE 68 STATEMENT Hotel teams put a stylish foot forward to elevate the guest experience.

DESIGN 72 TIMELESS Woods Bagot’s Tracey Wiles talks hotel refurbishments and heritage projects.

HIGH 78 FLYING Operators reveal hot demand for airport hotels.

HM Q&A CHILD 32 WILD Moxy Sydney Airport GM Michelle Scott on introducing Marriott’s ‘Wild Child’ to Australia.

APPROACH 34 PREMIUM Accor Global Chief Development

Officer, Camil Yazbeck, talks premiumisation in the hotel sector.

REGULARS

LETTER 08 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S James Wilkinson reveals a new AHICE event.

Accor’s Camil Yabeck discusses premiumisation in hotels

AHICE Aloha launches in Hawai’i

LETTER 10 EDITOR’S Ruth Hogan reflects on a mega year for hotels. TO KNOW 12 NEED The essential stories you need

to know this month.

STORY 16 COVER Marriott International readies for exciting brand debuts across key markets.

OF TOMORROW 81 LEADERS The Langham, Gold Coast’s Morgan

Meredith on hospitality as a career choice.

THE MOVE 82 ON Your roundup of key hotel industry appointments.

On the cover

Marriott International set to soar in 2024

HM The Business of Accommodation

Inside the transformation of InterContinental Sydney with designer Tracey Wiles

1 9 H O T E L B R A N D S • 6 , 0 0 0 G LO B A L D E S T I N AT I O N S • O N E LOYA LT Y P R O G R A M

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S LETTER

Celebrating Australasia’s finest for 21 years

n Friday November 24, it was an immensely proud moment as we hosted the HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, for the 21st time. As the Founder of the HM Awards, I’m excited to see how far the event has come over the past 21 years and the amazing involvement from the industry in Australasia, which saw almost 2000 entries again this year. Once again, the entries this year – from chefs to housekeepers, five-star resorts and apartment hotels – were incredible and it was terrific to see thousands of staff and properties highlight many achievements in another busy year. From what started as an event for 100 people in Sydney to one that’s become the benchmark in the Australasian industry has been amazing and on behalf of our team, we have been honoured to recognise the finest people, departments and properties with some incredible award winners again this year. What’s also been fantastic is the support of our major partners who have once again made this event happen, including our presentation partner Sealy; our co-hosts the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and Australia’s leading industry super fund, Hostplus; and entertainment and AV partner, Foxtel Business. Without these fantastic major sponsors and our Award Presenters and Supporting Companies this event would not be possible. On behalf of the HM Magazine team, thank you again for your support. As the HM Awards has seen amazing growth, so has our Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) brand, which now has five events in the region, spanning Singapore to the United States. On November 29, we launched AHICE Aloha in Honolulu with over 100 leading industry executives in attendance and it showcased what to expect at the full event in 2024 (see p30). Up next, we will launch our newest event, the AHICE Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit on December 14 and while you haven’t seen an announcement around it, watch this space as the full event also promises to be a spectacular one in mid-2024. Oahu and Fiji are two places I have visited over 100 times each – a lot of my childhood was spent there – and I’m excited for our expansion into these markets, where accommodation and tourism are massive economic contributors in both destinations. Over the coming weeks, you’ll see lots of news about these 2024 events – alongside AHICE South East Asia, AHICE Asia Pacific and AHICE Aotearoa – and definitely stay tuned to hotelmanagement.com.au for the latest. I trust you will enjoy our latest issue of HM and as always, I look forward to your feedback. Yours in hospitality

James Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief, HM magazine Chair & Convenor, AHICE global conferences

The 2023 HM Awards was another resounding success

The HM global hot list Hotels around the world capturing our attention this month. ONE: The West Hollywood Edition @wehoedition

TWO: Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort @sheratonfijiresort

THREE: Conrad Centennial Singapore @conradcentennialsingapore

FOUR: Park Hyatt Doha, Qatar @parkhyattdoha

Stay tuned for details about AHICE in Fiji in 2024 8

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Cause for celebration

Managing Director

here was plenty of cause for celebration at the 2023 HM Awards – as evidenced in our spread this issue (p38-67) – as teams cheered on their top people, properties and programs after a year which saw countless hotel openings, big brand debuts and major signings across the region. What a year it has been. One major milestone was the amalgamation of two major accommodation associations to form Accommodation Australia in July. In this issue, Chief Executive Michael Johnson looks back on the progress that has been made since uniting (p20). This year, there were positive steps taken to support the return of tourists from China, with Australia deemed an approved destination for group tours to travel to, and an agreement between Australia and China to support multi-entry visas between the two countries (more on p20). One of the big brand debuts of the year was Marriott’s Moxy brand, which entered the market in August with the opening of Moxy Sydney Airport. In this issue, General Manager Michelle Scott shares how she is using her background in sales and marketing to drive fun activations at the hotel (p32). Renovations and refurbishments have dominated the hotel news cycle over the last couple of years as hotels upped their experience in an increasingly competitive market. In this issue, Tracey Wiles of Woods Bagot discusses key considerations in the refurbishment process to create a timeless design, particularly when working with heritage buildings (p72). Also in this issue, in the age of aesthetics, we explore how uniforms are playing a powerful role in conveying the guest experience within hotels (p68). We examine the airport hotels segment amid a resurgence in travel with key operators revealing innovative approaches to win both leisure and corporate travellers (p78). I hope you enjoy this issue and, as aways, please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to share or discuss.

Simon Grover

Publisher

James Wells

Editor–In–Chief

James Wilkinson jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au

Editor

Ruth Hogan rhogan@intermedia.com.au

Group Commercial Manager

Tara Ducrou tducrou@intermedia.com.au

Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au

Graphic Designer Sean Barlow

Photography

Cover photography by Oneill Photographics.

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Team Langham celebrating numerous wins at this year’s HM Awards

Moxy debuted this year with a colourful approach to an airport hotel

MEET THE HM TEAM…

James Wells Publisher

Tara Ducrou Group Commercial Manager

HM The Business of Accommodation

James Wilkinson Editor-in-Chief

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NEED TO KNOW The essential hotel and travel industry news and trends from across the globe. Read more at HotelManagement.com.au

IHG signs 130-room Voco in NSW IHG expands its footprint in regional Australia with its seventh Voco property. IHG Hotels and Resorts is taking its Voco brand to the New South Wales Central Coast with the signing of a Gosford hotel in partnership with Sydney developer Aland. Opening in early 2025, the 130-room Voco Gosford will offer a contemporary lifestyle hotel as part of a landmark mixed-use development precinct, Archibald by Aland, which will overlook Brisbane Water. “This is an incredibly exciting development, and we are delighted to be part of a project that will transform the city of Gosford into a new lifestyle destination,” said IHG’s Director of Development for Australasia and Pacific, Cameron Burke. The new hotel will feature a street level pub and pizzeria, a rooftop sky bar and lounge on level 28, a signature restaurant under celebrity chef Dany Karam, a wellness centre and a total of 610sqm in conference and events facilities. The 5,656sqm Archibald by Aland development will also include 320 residential apartments, hospitality venues and a podium outdoor pool with swim-up bar. Aland Founder and Director, Andrew Hrsto, described the project as a “once-in-a-generation development in Gosford”, saying it will take the city “to the next level”. “Archibald is set to reposition Gosford as a major destination for holidaymakers and corporate hospitality,” he said.

Voco Gosford will be part of a major mixed-use development in the city 12

HM The Business of Accommodation

NEED TO KNOW

Kimpton Margot brings beach feel to rooftop bar

Pets are welcome at Kimpton Margot Sydney’s new rooftop bar

Harper is reportedly Sydney’s largest open-air rooftop bar.

KIMPTON MARGOT SYDNEY has unveiled Sydney’s largest open-air rooftop bar with the opening of Harper Rooftop Bar on Level 7 of the hotel. With capacity for up to 180 people, Harper will present live music as well as wellness and lifestyle-centred events. Designed by Five Foot One Design, Harper features contemporary beach-club interiors, bright yellow booths, a pastel pink mosaic bar, movable drink stations, leafy greenery

as well as a rooftop pool, which is exclusive to in-house guests. “We want the rooftop to be as welcoming and as inclusive as possible, and you’ll see there is plenty of space for guests to linger – whether it’s in the booths, by the deck chairs, propped on the long tables, curled up or sunbathing on couches – we invite people to come up and drink, eat, relax and soak up the glorious Sydney weather,” said Pro-invest Hotels Regional Director Food and Beverage, Jean-Baptiste Robert.

Patrons can enjoy a selection of signature cocktails, freisling and award-winning wines alongside a coastal-inspired menu by Luke Mangan, designed for sharing. “Our menu celebrates local flavours and the joy of sharing, inviting diners to savour the simple pleasures of life,” said Chef Luke Mangan. The pet-friendly space can cater to a variety of meetings and social gatherings, long table dinners, tailored experiences and exclusive buyouts.

Are you still paying for content that no one’s watching? Today’s guests are on the move, taking their entertainment travelling with them.

provides total entertainment experience for guests www.silant.tech Phone: 1300 428 808 hotelmanagement.com.au

NEED TO KNOW The Old Clare Hotel spans two buildings in Chippendale, Sydney

The Old Clare Hotel sold for $61.8 million Singapore-based Invictus Developments has snapped up the 69-room boutique hotel.

SYDNEY’S THE OLD Clare Hotel will be under new management in 2024 following the AU$61.8 million purchase of the historic hotel by Singapore-based Invictus Developments. The 69-room boutique hotel, which spans two buildings in Chippendale, includes hatted restaurant, Longshore, The Clare Bar, rooftop bar and swimming pool, as well as event spaces and meeting rooms. Hotelier, restaurateur and CEO of Unlisted Collection, Loh Lik Peng, opened the hotel in 2015 following a four-year restoration project. “I am proud to have developed The Old Clare Hotel into one of Australia’s foremost boutique hotels,” said Loh Lik Peng. “I am pleased to be handing over the hotel to Invictus, who I know will be the best long-term guardians to continue the legacy of this historic property. I would like to express my gratitude to the whole team at The Old Clare, past and present, who made this journey such a success.” 14

HM The Business of Accommodation

The Old Clare Hotel is the latest acquisition in Invictus Developments’ growing Australian hotel property portfolio, now valued at around $270 million. Its recent additions include the AU$25 million purchase of The Inchcolm by Ovolo Hotel at Spring Hill in Brisbane and the AU$52.5 million purchase an office building at 39 York Street in Sydney, which will be refurbished into an upper upscale hotel. Last year, Invictus Developments also purchased the Harbour Rocks Hotel in Sydney and Quest Woolloongabba in Brisbane. “As the tourism sector continues to thrive amidst the post pandemic recovery, we are very pleased to be able to find superb hotels across Sydney and Brisbane,” said Invictus Developments Principal, Chayadi Karim. “Having set in stone our property improvement plans and management strategies, we remain committed to further

investment within the Australian hotel sector.” The Old Clare Hotel is a feature of the Central Park residential and commercial development at Broadway and within proximity of the proposed NSW Government’s Central Precinct Renewal program. Intergen Property Group advised Invictus on the acquisition, which was led by Colliers, and will continue as investment managers to support Invictus in meeting their growth strategy. “Invictus has taken up the rare opportunity to acquire a freehold heritage boutique hotel in Sydney, where hotels are difficult to develop as a result of tight planning controls and expensive land and construction costs,” said Colliers Head of Hotels, Australia, Karen Wales. “Sydney’s accommodation offering is critical to Australia’s tourism positioning as it is the single most popular tourist destination in the country.”

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Marriott’s ANZP leadership team at the recently opened W Sydney

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S

WANDERLUST With 43 hotels under 19 global brands across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International will continue to soar in 2024 with brand debuts across several key markets.

HM The Business of Accommodation

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The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne opened in March 2023

his year has seen tremendous growth in Marriott International’s portfolio, with new brand introductions to the market, cementing Marriott’s reputation as master innovators in hospitality. In October this year, Marriott unveiled the world’s largest W Hotel to the public with the opening of W Sydney – a meaningful extension of the W brand along the east coast and a milestone for the distinctive luxury brand in one of Australia’s most populous, cosmopolitan cities. Arguably, the hottest hotel opening of the year, W Sydney continues to attract national and international interest and is a prime reflection of the W brand evolution. “We were thrilled to have Chairman of the Board David Marriott here with us to celebrate the opening of W Sydney and to have the chance to showcase our incredible portfolio of hotels in Australia. We were proud to showcase our exponential growth in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific market, having increased from seven hotels in 2016 to 47 in 2023 – all of which excel in providing the exceptional hospitality that Marriott are famed for,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific. Earlier this year in March, Marriott celebrated two milestone brand introductions to Melbourne with Le Meridien Melbourne and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. The latter marked Marriott’s 1000th hotel in Asia Pacific and signaled Marriott’s confidence in the long-

term potential for growth in the region. Since then, Marriott has achieved its goal of adding 100 hotels – roughly two per week – in key Asia Pacific markets including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, and India. A brand debut into the Australian market, Moxy Sydney Airport, was yet another important opening in August 2023, bringing Moxy’s unconventional and playful energy to reinvent the hotel experience.

“We [have grown] from seven hotels in 2016 to 47 in 2023.” Sean Hunt, Marriott International 2023 was the first full year that JW Marriott Auckland welcomed guests under the banner of Marriott’s flagship brand following its conversion in December 2022, marking Marriott’s first luxury property in New Zealand, with a total transformation expected to be revealed late 2024. Looking forward into 2024, the journey for Marriott International will follow much in the same trajectory. Marriott will start the year with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch in February, marking the debut of the Courtyard brand into Western Australia in line with Marriott’s commitment

to expanding into key growth corridors outside of CBD locations. Marriott will make its debut in South Australia with the opening of Marriott Hotel Adelaide in mid-2024. Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby will follow shortly thereafter, establishing its inaugural foothold in Papua New Guinea. “Marriott International now has 19 of the 31 global brands represented here in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, including powerful global brands such as Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, Westin, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Marriott and more,” said Sean Hunt. To support its brand expansion, Marriott continues to attract and retain the best talent. “We have over 7,500 associates in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Our promising expansion in the region and our strong people-first culture provide enormous opportunities for our talented associates to grow within the company,” said Natasha Rasheed, Senior Area Director Human Resources - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific. Encompassing all of the brands that members know and love, Marriott Bonvoy continues to forge its way forward as a world leading travel loyalty program. With close to 200 million members worldwide, and 3.3 million in Australia, the strong active and loyal membership base in the region is both an asset for Marriott, and a key driver of the brand’s programming as Marriott sets out to meet the hotelmanagement.com.au

PARTNERSHIP

W Sydney features four dining and bar venues desires of the next generation traveller. “Marriott Bonvoy is based on giving our guests unparalleled, money-can’t-buy experiences that speak to their aspirational lifestyles. We understand our guests are

Marriott Bonvoy’s Suite at the Australian Open offers members a VIP experience

HM The Business of Accommodation

passionate about the worlds of sport, culture, cuisine and luxury experiences so we make a point to show up in these spaces and delight them with enriching ways to experience the power of travel with Marriott Bonvoy,” said

Florencia Aimo, Senior Area Director of Marketing - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific. “More than ever, travellers are looking for human connection, genuine hospitality, and those pinch-me moments that can make their entire travel experience. That’s what we intend to bring to life through our Marriott Bonvoy Moments as we connect with our millions of members across the Australian Open, Mardi Gras and Formula One next year in 2024.” Members can also look forward to behindthe-scenes, front-row and VIP experiences through Marriott’s long-standing partnership with Tennis Australia, The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, as well as glamorous moments to be unveiled surrounding their multi-year partnership with The Rolex Formula 1 Grand Prix. With a prosperous outlook for 2024, Marriott International looks forward to connecting with new guests and returning members through major moments and at their ever-growing portfolio of exceptional hotels across the region. n

www.dallendes

ign.com.au

NEED TO KNOW Travel between Australia and China is expected to ramp up under a multi-entry visa system

Smooth sailing By Michael Johnson CEO Accommodation Australia

THE FIRST SIX months of our amalgamated organisation has, on the whole, been pretty smooth sailing. Accommodation Australia now represents more than 1400 accommodation hotels nationwide – including every major hotel chain – with the bulk of membership along the tourist-heavy east coast. A lot of the mundane, but important, foundation work for our organisation has now been done. Our National Board – now with 13 members – is in place and the state and territory advisory committees have been established. We certainly hit the ground running in July and have been active on many issues right across the country. We had a good win when hotels were exempt from the Tourism Levy in Victoria – and a big thanks should go to AHA Vic and AA Vic team for their work on that bed tax issue. Short Term rental accommodation is a hot topic right around the country and we are working on a co-ordinated national policy as this is destined to pop up again soon. We are working on Group Payroll Tax with the team in South Australia and also working on the ABS review of ANZSCO positions which will affect migration and training funding. We are also in the final stages of negotiation for a $10 million Austrade grant. Once finalised it will see us producing a super platform covering employment, training and career opportunities for the hospitality, tourism and travel industry. The Christmas break is a busy time for our industry, but I hope everyone has a chance to be with the ones they love and rest up for what is set to be a huge 2024 for our association and our industry.

HM The Business of Accommodation

Multi-entry visa spells good news for Chinese tourism A new visa agreement between China and Australia is expected to boost travel between the two nations. AN AGREEMENT TO create a new multientry visa to facilitate exchanges and closer links between China and Australia has been welcomed by peak accommodation industry body, Accommodation Australia. In November, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and premier, Li Qiang, discussed ways to facilitate exchanges and closer links between people in the two countries. In a joint statement, the governments of Australia and China, welcomed “the contribution of people-to-people exchanges to the bilateral relationship, including the increasing exchanges of students, tourists and businesspeople following the lifting of border measures”. The leaders agreed to the facilitation of exchanges, including the agreement to provide access to “three-to-five-year multientry visas” for visitors and businesspeople on a reciprocal basis. Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said the agreement between China and Australia is “a very positive outcome”. “Whilst we are still yet to have received the final details, the improved opportunity for both countries tourists and families visiting friends and relatives (vfr) will be a win for driving accommodation demand and the

visitor economy of Australia and China,” Johnson told HM. “We are currently seeing the increase in direct flights back into Australia from the major China airlines and this new multientry visa process will allow convenience for travellers.” Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia CEO, Margy Osmond, said the new visa arrangement will make travel between the two countries “much easier and [will] encourage more Chinese tourists and students to visit Australia”. “This is fantastic news, not just for local tourism operators, but for all other businesses, from retail to hospitality, who benefit from increased visitor numbers,” Osmond told HM. “TTF raised the issue of visas when we were part of the Australia-China High Level Dialogue in Beijing in September this year. We’re very pleased both the Australian and Chinese Governments have listened to our plea for change. “While China was Australia’s number one source market for international tourism prepandemic, arrival numbers are still well below pre-Covid levels. We hope these changes can help ease the way for more Chinese tourism to Australia and help our sector recover.”

NEED TO KNOW

Luxury hotel Ardo opens in Townsville The 132-room hotel opens to guests in December.

MORRIS GROUP OPENS Townsville’s first luxury hotel, Ardo, in December, with CEO Michael Jones describing it as one of North Queensland’s most anticipated openings of the year. “Ardo is unlike anything Townsville has ever seen, it is a luxurious offering that will elevate how visitors can experience this beautiful tropical region,” said Ardo and The Ville CEO, Michael Jones. “It is the perfect getaway for couples, families and friends, there truly is something for everyone and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests from mid-December.”

Cork floors, terrazzo surfaces and mosaic tiles are key to the interior design The hotel features 132 rooms and suites, each offering 33sqm of space, finished with cork floors paired with free-form concrete ceilings and bathrooms with terrazzo surfaces and mosaic tiles, and either a private balcony or courtyard. Three restaurants are on offer including Marmor, offering contemporary Australian cuisine inspired by the region’s world-class

meat and seafood offerings; ‘casual yet cool’ Japanese restaurant, Terasu; and Ardo Rooftop, overlooking the infinity pool and coral sea. The hotel will also feature the luxury Ardo Day Spa and guests will also be able to access the amenities at Morris Group’s neighbouring resort The Ville, which include an oceanside swimming pool with a swim-up bar, gym and casino.

The Sebel Yarrawonga is located on the Victoria/NSW border

60 YEARS OF THE SEBEL Accor’s The Sebel celebrates a legacy of excellence in Australia and New Zealand

The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood caters to a growing local corporate and commercial landscape

he Sebel is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary in Australia and New Zealand. Over the past six decades, The Sebel has established itself as a leading provider of exceptional accommodation and unparalleled guest experiences. Under the guidance of Accor, The Sebel has continued to thrive and

evolve, catering to the changing needs and preferences of discerning travellers. From opening its first property in 1963 to the present day, The Sebel has remained committed to providing exceptional service, stylish and comfortable accommodation, and unforgettable moments for every guest. The Sebel Townhouse in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay opened its doors in 1963, and fast developed a reputation as the destination to mingle with the likes of Elton John, Zsa Zsa Gabor or Bette Davis. A hotel of great character and exceptional taste, The Sebel Townhouse was the quintessential “place to be”. Staff were trained in the art of outstanding customer service and absolute discretion. Whilst The Sebel Townhouse closed in 2000, today The Sebel continues to evolve and build on its reputation for stylish design and outstanding service with 34 The Sebel properties in Australia and New Zealand. 22

HM The Business of Accommodation

Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry spoke about the remarkable journey of The Sebel, expressing her admiration for the brand’s achievements and future prospects, “As we celebrate 60 years of The Sebel, we reflect on the brand’s enduring legacy of excellence. The Sebel has consistently delivered exceptional experiences to its guests, and we are proud to be part of its success story. We look forward to continuing to elevate The Sebel brand and creating memorable moments for our guests.”

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The Sebel offers a contemporary hotel in Melbourne’s vibrant Docklands precinct

In recent years, The Sebel has expanded its presence across Australia and New Zealand, opening several noteworthy properties that have garnered high praise from guests. The Sebel’s commitment to design and quality in short or long stay apartment accommodation exemplify the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, combining contemporary design, personalised service, and prime locations. The Sebel is also a popular choice for dining, meetings, weddings or events. As The Sebel celebrates its 60th anniversary, it looks back on an incredible journey filled with success, growth, and countless moments of joy for its guests. With Accor Pacific’s unwavering support and a dedication to excellence, The Sebel continues to set new standards in the hospitality industry, ensuring that every guest’s stay is nothing short of extraordinary. n The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt is one of two properties under the brand in this city

“The Sebel has consistently delivered exceptional experiences to its guests.” Sarah Derry, CEO, Accor Pacific

Highlights from The Sebel hotels: The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood: Gateway to the Yarra Valley, and perfectly positioned to access the most frequented business and leisure destinations in Melbourne’s east, with spacious rooms and apartments, and access to a range of dining options. The Sebel Lower Hutt Wellington: Offering a luxurious and comfortable stay. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, it is the perfect choice for both business and leisure travellers visiting Wellington. The Sebel Yarrawonga: Located in Silverwoods, the No.1 Golf & Lifestyle Resort on the Murray River, near Lake Mulwala and features luxurious apartments with spacious balconies overlooking stunning Lake Mulwala or beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour: Located in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, this stylish hotel offers self-contained apartments, with views overlooking the Viaduct Harbour and proximity to the city’s top attractions and dining destinations.

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NEED TO KNOW Presidential apartments feature luxurious wallpaper and pendant lighting

More, more, more James Doolan, Strategic Director, Hotel Council Aotearoa WITH A NEW government now in place, New Zealand hoteliers are optimistic about fresh perspectives on tourism industry growth. There is no doubt that tourism faces headwinds, including climate change, icon site overcrowding, visa processing concerns and systemic funding challenges. Growth done well is likely to be the best way to address many of these issues successfully. The outgoing New Zealand Labour government refused to commit to postCovid growth targets. It also cut funding to Tourism New Zealand, a questionable move when the rest of the world was competing to attract post-pandemic tourists. New Zealand has open skies agreements with more than 40 key trading partners. Our pre-Covid arrivals reached 3.9 million, which is a tiny fraction of the 1.5 billion international trips taken globally. With global population and wealth on a longterm upward trend, it seems that growth in tourism demand is already baked in. Numerous opportunities exist for New Zealand to grow well. With three new international-standard convention centres, the MICE segment feels like lowhanging fruit and a way of easing pressure on icon leisure sites. Plans to build better roads between Auckland and the Far North are encouraging, but why not also start thinking about better aviation connections and denser resort destinations. More than 10% of New Zealand’s landmass is designated as national parks but the famous hiking trails are full. What role is there for innovative public-private partnerships or access pricing in order to fund new development and upkeep of these areas? Industry is keen to work with the incoming government on smart and sustainable growth strategies.

HM The Business of Accommodation

Wyndham Melbourne reveals $3 million apartments upgrade Melbourne’s renowned artistic heritage is reflected in the design choices of contemporary new-look hotel.

WYNDHAM HOTEL MELBOURNE has unveiled a contemporary new look following a AU$3 million refurbishment of its 87 holiday club apartments and common spaces. The mixed-use property, which is managed by Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific, features Club Wyndham South Pacific apartments, hotel inventory and private residences. Interior design firm BSPN was tasked with transforming the apartments – a mix of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom standard and deluxe configurations, as well as three-bedroom Grand and Presidential Suites. Following a refreshed colour palette of vibrant teal, coral, and sophisticated greys, the apartments now feature modern furniture and vibrant flooring, inspired by Melbourne’s famous laneway street art.

Refurbished apartments include modern furniture and vibrant flooring

Wyndham Hotel Melbourne General Manager, Peter Dias, says the new looks fuses a contemporary design with “Melbourne’s vibrant artistic spirit” – which is captured through locally inspired art and photo montages of the city streets by local photographer David Simmonds. “The revitalised spaces, modern colour palettes, and captivating artwork reflect our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our club members and guests,” Dias said. “The refurbishment pays homage to the city’s renowned artistic heritage. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, guests can indulge in an unforgettable stay that seamlessly blends comfort, style, and Melbourne’s vibrant energy.”

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Hotel Indigo makes Sydney debut Pro-invest Group and IHG open Potts Point hotel following multi-million-dollar refurbishment.

The hotel lobby includes a curated art collection with NFT dance projections

HG’s neighbourhood-inspired boutique brand Hotel Indigo has made its Sydney debut with the opening of a 105-room Potts Point hotel in November following Pro-invest Group’s multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the property. Tucked behind the city’s iconic Coca-Cola billboard, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point is designed to reflect the eclectic Kings Cross neighbourhood, a long-time hotspot of hospitality and entertainment. “Our multi-million-dollar refurbishment has reimagined this property, introducing Hotel Indigo’s creative spirit to Sydney for the first time and adding to the incredible reenergisation taking place in this famous part of the city,” said Pro-invest Group, CEO, Asia Pacific, Jan Smits. “Our whole team have revelled in finding ways to celebrate the storied history of the neighbourhood from arrival to departure, and we look forward to sharing Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point with curious travellers seeking a new style of hotel where they can stay and play.” The hotel’s “theatrical” lobby is home to a specially curated art collection featuring NFT dance projections that come alive at night as well as photographic portraits of famous and up-and-coming performance artists that have graced local stages. Guests can set the mood by choosing from a selection of vintage vinyl records to spin on the lobby’s turntable each evening. On the guest room floors, lenticular signage and commissioned artwork pay tribute to the area’s deco architecture and famed cabaret and drag show scene. 26

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Rooms – some offering private outdoor terraces and balconies – are kitted out with local designer bathrobes and Biology care amenities. Guests can order from an all-day in-room breakfast menu and enjoy a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine from neighbouring French Izakaya, Luc-san, in the comfort of their rooms. Run by renowned chef Luke Mangan, the new restaurant and bar is another part of Pro-invest Group’s revitalisation of the site. Mangan also oversees The X Café – open from early morning to late afternoon – in the hotel lobby for guests and locals. Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point is Pro-invest Group’s fourth owned and operated hotel in Sydney and represents its third hotel under the brand. It follows the August opening of Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders and the opening of Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre late last year. Guest rooms are kitted out with local designer bathrobes and Biology care amenities

“No two Hotel Indigos are alike and with Sydney’s most famous neighbourhood as its inspiration, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point will be another exceptional example of the brand’s culturally rich boutique offering,” said IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director – Australasia and Pacific, Matt Tripolone. “I’d like to congratulate Pro-invest Group and thank them for their continued partnership that’s debuted Hotel Indigo in Sydney and helped grow the brand across Australasia.” Pro-invest Group is IHG Hotels and Resorts’ largest franchise partner across Australasia with Holiday Inn Express, Kimpton and Voco among the brands in its 32-hotel ANZ portfolio. Part of IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio, Hotel Indigo currently has 278 open or pipeline hotels globally, with each hotel drawing from the surrounding neighbourhood. n

PARTNERSHIP

Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin is a stylish resort nestled on the shores of Khao Tao

LOOKING TO 2024 AND BEYOND BWH Hotels is gearing up for growth in Asia Pacific with new leadership and numerous new properties on the horizon.

WH Hotels is looking to the future as it reflects on the last few years of growth, development and change across the region. With 14 openings this year, BWH Hotels Asia Pacific is gearing up for a bustling few years ahead with an additional 15 openings set for 2024 and around 12 properties slated for 2025 across Australia, Vietnam, Thailand and other key markets in our region. With the appointment of Rod Munro as Managing Director of Australasia, the organisation is poised to advance into a new era of expansion. Now working closer than ever with its counterparts in Asia, the brand offers 150+ existing hotels in APAC and 16,000 keys currently in the pipeline across the region ranging from luxury to economy. Operating alongside BWH’s VP of International Operations for APAC, Olivier Berrivin and the

Asia team to harness the power of the global brand, BWH is elevating its presence in the market with a powerful centralised approach. As the brand prepares for 2024, BWH is looking to diversify its offering turning to Hotel Management Agreements (HMA) leveraging the extended experience in Asia Pacific and local partners in ANZ. Off the back of 20+ existing BWH HMA assets in Asia Pacific, some of which hold 1000+ keys, the Australasia team is exploring the opportunities based on stakeholder demand. With several properties currently in the pipeline for HMA solutions, BWH is expanding its services in the market. Responding to the demand of travellers’ concern for sustainability, BWH’s Earth, People and Community (EPC) initiative was conceived. With an emphasis on developing and testing practical solutions to change hotel

Rod Munro has been appointed BWH Hotels Managing Director of Australasia guest behaviour, hoteliers are implementing strategies that have the potential to reduce negative environmental impacts. The EPC program reflects BWH’s belief that driving progress towards a sustainable future requires collective action. Things are heating up for BWH Hotels across Asia Pacific, with a new MD at the helm, a powerful integrated strategy, new full-service management options and a trajectory to expand greater than ever. The desire for travel is alive, and remains strong, giving BWH the opportunity to capitalise on traveller and investor demand for 2024 and beyond. n hotelmanagement.com.au

CONFERENCES A presentation on Te Reo and Māori culture led by Sofitel Wellington General Manager, Raymond Faulkner

Culture and change AHICE AOTEAROA RETURNED WITH A BANG IN OCTOBER WITH A THOUGHT-PROVOKING CONFERENCE. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.

James Wilkinson joined on stage by Sudima Hotels’ Les Morgan

ver 550 hotel industry professionals descended on Wellington’s new Takina Convention and Exhibition Centre for the second Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition, marking a new attendance record for the event. On Tuesday October 10, delegates had the opportunity to explore new and upgraded hotels in Wellington including Tryp by Wyndham Tory Street Wellington, Naumi Wellington, Mövenpick Wellington and Oaks Wellington. The conference kicked off that afternoon with a powerful Maori welcome from Peter Jackson, who had the New Zealanders on their feet to sing a traditional Maori song. Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) Chair Lani Hagaman had a powerful message about the importance of investing in the New Zealand hotel industry to raise the standard of hotels and ultimately drive better results. STR’s Matthew Burke opened the conference sessions with an insightful presentation outlining the state of play in the New Zealand hotel market. Burke had plenty of positive news to share with occupancy trending back to 2019 levels, while rates are up 25%. He revealed that ADR more than occupancy separates the major markets; and luxury still leads in total growth, although midscale is making major strides. EVT’s Director of Hotels and Resorts Norman Arundel discussed the introduction of budget hospitality brand Lylo and the evolution of Rydges following the opening of a Melbourne flagship. 28

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QT Wellington General Manager Jodi Brown moderated a panel of young leaders who were passionate about encouraging the industry to embrace change and value diversity. The two-day conference saw CEOs from a number of major operators from Choice, Langham, Minor Hotels and more take to the stage to share their outlook for the industry in New Zealand for the year ahead. Leaders from New Zealand-based Hind Management, NZ Hotel Holdings and Stonewood Group were among the many panellists to discuss the importance of promoting New Zealand as a tourist destination globally with many calling for better government support for the industry.

CONFERENCES

Safari Group’s Rob Neil called for changes to restrictions around investment to get more money back in the country. The operators also discussed the value of smaller city locations like Wellington, particularly with investment in large events, conferences and events. The inaugural Aotearoa Hotel Industry Leadership took place at Te Papa Tongarewa on Tuesday evening at a gala networking reception presented by IHG Hotels and Resorts. Day 2 kicked off with a technology masterclass over breakfast, where leading suppliers discussed key trends and innovations in the hotel sector. Development experts from leading operators including Accor, Marriott and IHG to name a few, discussed development activity in the market, key signings and their plans for expansion in New Zealand. Major global hotel leaders had their say at AHICE Aotearoa with powerful one-on-one interviews including Marriott International Chair David S Marriott, Wyndham Hotel Group CEO, Geoff Ballotti, SwissBelhotel Hotels and Resorts International Chairman, Gavin Faull, and United Airlines Managing Director of Global Sales Marcel Fuchs. In the leadership sessions, Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry sat down with Hospitality New Zealand General Manager – Accommodation, Sally Attfield to discuss the impact of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the New Zealand market, while IHG Hotels and Resorts SVP Managing Director Leanne Harwood’s conversation with KiwiHarvest Founder Deborah Manning revealed the threat of food insecurity and food waste. Minor Hotels Chief Operating Officer Craig Hooley and Minor Hotels’ Area Manager New Zealand Jamie O’Donnell presented both a local and global view of their business and discussed the opportunities for NH Hotels and other brands in the New Zealand market. People, culture, technology and sustainability were among the top

Wellington City Council Mayor Tory Whanau speaking at AHICE Aotearoa talking points over the two days with leaders tackling the challenges and opportunities in each area. Delegates also had the opportunity to connect with industry colleagues at networking events at QT Wellington’s Hot Sauce venue on both evenings. n Nesuto CEO Mark Ronfeldt and Heritage Hotel Management’s Rachael Nicholson joined the Operator’s Outlook discussion

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CONFERENCES Aaron Sala of Cirque du Soleil Hawai’i alongside Outrigger Hospitality Group President and CEO, Jeff Wagoner, speaking at the launch of AHICE Aloha

AHICE says Aloha to Hawai’i

LEADING HAWAIIAN HOTELS EXECUTIVES GATHERED FOR THE LAUNCH OF AHICE ALOHA IN NOVEMBER. JAMES WELLS REPORTS.

he Aloha Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) launched in Hawai’i with over 100 delegates at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort on November 29. AHICE Aloha 2023 represents the first time the AHICE brand has entered a market outside of Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia and this launch event was a preview for a much larger conference scheduled to be held in Hawai’i in late November 2024. Some of the key issues discussed on stage included the impact of rising interest rates and debt maturity on transactions in the region as well as access to capital for renovations and development; delays with permitting for development and renovations; capacity for more luxury and ultra-luxury properties in the region focusing on cultural and regenerative tourism; mandates for social housing as well as the potential for a recession that may also lead 30

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to a boom from Asia and Japan. The event attracted leading executives in the Hawai’ian hotels market including Jerry Gibson (President of the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance), Jeff Wagoner (President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group), Paul Gorman (General Manager – Business Development – Luxury Escapes), Kevin Aucello (Principal of Powell & Aucello), Emily Reber Porter (Chief Operating Officer – MacNaughton), Kenneth Kan (Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Outrigger Hospitality Group), Mark Bratton (Senior Vice President – Hawai’i – Investment Services Division – Colliers), Teri Orton (General Manager – Honolulu Convention Centre) and Aaron Sala (Director & Creative Cultural Producer – Cirque du Soleil Hawai’i. The conference also featured a special media panel on how hotels can benefit from ‘earned media’ which is coverage that a hotel does not create or pay for itself.

This panel featured a broad range of media representatives including Kam Napier (Editor in Chief at Pacific Business News), Allison Schaefers (Waikiki Bureau Chief at the Honolulu Star Advertiser), Kristina Lockwood (General Manager – KHON2 TV) and Monica Salter (VP Global Communications & Social Responsibility for the Outrigger Hospitality Group). One of the most exciting developments to take place in the Hawai’ian hospitality industry has not been a hotel development or transaction – but the announcement of deal with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group to secure a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawai’i at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel from late 2024. Speaking on a panel chaired by AHICE Convenor James Wilkinson, Aaron Sala, the director and creative cultural producer of Cirque du Soleil Hawai’i shared his vision for

CONFERENCES

the production which is scheduled to open in late 2024. Outrigger Hospitality Group President and CEO, Jeff Wagoner, explained what it meant to his hotel group and the broader Hawai’ian community. “Aaron has done an unbelievable job to curate the show and this is going to reflect all of the beautiful elements of Hawai’i and it is going to be an experience that will include hula, dance and song and it will also have the acrobatics of Cirque. “What can we do differently, and we need people to spend more money when they get here – so you have to give them something to spend it on, and will create a reason for people to come to Hawai’i and also create a lot of buzz among the community as well.” AHICE Aloha sponsor and panel moderator, Rodger Powell from THSA, has strong ties to the Hawai’ian hotel market and shared his thoughts on the outcomes from the conference. “It was clear that there is a hunger for this type of event in Hawai’i – people were very keen to discuss the issues affecting the local hotel market as well as enjoy the networking opportunities. I am confident that this event will evolve and grow in the future. “The hotel industry is very different in every global market with specific issues as well as cultural influences. The content for this conference – like every other AHICE

Emily Reber Porter - Chief Operating Officer at real estate developer and investor - MacNaughton

Conference – has been very relevant to the people working in this market. “The key take-outs from this conference that I am interested to address in 12 months will be to see if the local hotel industry has been successful with making progress on getting more government support. “There is a strong movement for transition from traditional tourism that the community does not want to a higher yielding and higher value tourism that the community does want and it will be interesting to see whether the government will put up the money for that to happen. “Coming out of Covid, the message from the community in Hawai’i was that they want better behaved tourists – so they want to

Director of Cultural Activities at Outrigger, Luana Maitland, welcomed guests to open AHICE Aloha

reclaim their island home which makes sense if you are attracting a lot of tourists and you can’t enjoy your own backyard, you want some of your space back. “They are right to think that there is an opportunity to shift, but you can’t shift without a plan and a plan takes money and the hotel industry is already putting up $845 million in hotel taxes and the government can probably spend some of that to help transition the category to the product that the community wants.” The launch of AHICE Aloha was proudly sponsored by Outrigger Hospitality Group, THSA, Luxury Escapes, Macnaughton, Travmedia, American Robotic Services, Hilton Grand Vacations and Wayfarer. n Over 100 delegates gathered for the launch of AHICE Aloha

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GM Q&A Moxy Sydney Airport is Marriott’s first hotel in the Sydney Airport precinct

WILD c hild

FIRST-TIME GM MICHELLE SCOTT SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT FLEXING HER SALES AND MARKETING SKILLS TO BRING MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S ‘WILD CHILD’, MOXY, TO LIFE IN ITS FIRST AUSTRALIAN HOTEL.

Michelle Scott, Moxy Sydney Airport

ichelle, tell us about the Moxy brand and what makes this hotel different?

This brand has been described by some of our clients who use Marriott globally as Marriott’s Wild Child. Everything we do at Moxy challenges that traditional hotel experience. To start with, check-in is at the bar; every guest who checks in receives a free cocktail. When you walk into this hotel, you’re just greeted with that amazing industrial chic design and Art Deco pops throughout. There’s a lively atmosphere at the bar and that homely feel in the lounge area around the fireplace, so it really does make our guests want to sit down and enjoy the space. Our rooms are cosy. Additional furniture hangs on the peg wall so it’s not taking up space, and the safe is tucked away under the bed.

What type of traveller does Moxy appeal to?

It’s for the young and the young at heart – it’s more of an attitude than a number – so guests will range from 22 to 82. I was talking to a guest at the bar a few nights ago who was 82 years old, and she was saying that she felt younger just by staying here. It’s great to see people of all ages come together and connect in the social spaces. 32

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How does that ‘playful’ guest experience come to life?

We want to give guests a fun place to stay with those playful touch points throughout – games in the lobby area, Happy Hour every day and a DJ on Friday nights. Our team members are encouraged to mingle with guests and challenge them to a game of Skeeball or Jenga.

GM Q&A

Moxy guests check-in at the bar and receive a complimentary cocktail on arrival

We work with local and global partners for activations – there’s always something happening. We’ve recently had a Red Bull activation where guests complete a virtual reality game to get a free Red Bull at the bar. Throughout the bar experience we also have mini activations. For example, at the start of Happy Hour, our guests can ‘spin the wheel’ to win different prizes – it could be anything from a free drink or a free meal to Marriott Bonvoy points. It’s really about creating an urban lifestyle hotel in the airport precinct.

international market share has been increasing from day one. We’ve set some high goals in terms of our occupancy level, and we continue to ramp up. Within the first month of opening, we sold out over the Grand Final weekend, and we have increased month-on-month occupancy since opening. We’ve also recruited some more team members which to me is a real sign of success. n

How is the hotel catering to that airport traveller?

We have our own shuttle bus that runs every half from 5am to 11pm to take guests to the domestic and international airport. And we’re reasonably priced as well. We have an extended minibar in the lobby with everything from healthy bites and sandwiches to frozen meals that can be heated up for guests who arrive late at night after the kitchen has closed or are leaving in the wee hours of the morning to catch a flight. And we have all the travel essentials that that might need. We also have a stash cupboard on level 4 where guests can help themselves to extra towels, pillows etc.

How is the hotel performing since opening? Are you welcoming a lot of airport travellers?

We do see a lot of Aussies travelling domestically and flying internationally and then quite a few corporates coming in as well domestically, but certainly our

Moxy’s eclectic social spaces are designed to facilitate connection with others

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HM Q&A

Accor’s Handwritten Collection launched in January 2022 with two hotels now operating in Australia

Premium approach ACCOR GLOBAL CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – PREMIUM, MIDSCALE AND ECONOMY DIVISION, CAMIL YAZBECK, SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT PREMIUMISATION IN THE HOTEL SECTOR AND HIS 2024 OUTLOOK.

he economy segment has elevated in recent years with a stronger focus on design, technology and service. How is Accor elevating economy and what does that means for rates?

Globally, we are witnessing a consumer trend toward ‘premiumisation’ in all sectors – cars, airlines, dining, retail shopping, and so forth. Consumers have always appreciated a well-priced product or service that delivers good value – and in our current market, good value can be felt through an experience of wellbeing, an appreciation of good design, or genuine, heartfelt service. The fact is, there is no reason why an economy or mid-priced brand cannot make their customers feel respected, connected and valued – these are not qualities exclusive to luxury, rather, it is the essence of delivering a great hospitality experience. 34

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Among Accor’s brands for example, Ibis was one of the first in the industry to deliver modern, comfortable hotel experiences at an economic price. Today, Ibis Styles leverages the powerful awareness of the Ibis name, while bringing a fresh, trendy, and delightful experience to design-driven guests and families. With 650 hotels open and ambitious development underway, Ibis Styles enjoys an excellent brand love score and one of the strongest ADRs in the market. We also have Ibis Budget, which allows guests at a lower price point to also enjoy the quality of ibis with a fun, social, and sports-driven experience. Tribe is another fast-growing brand in the midscale segment. Tribe offers well-priced and cleverly designed guestrooms with advanced technology, lively bars and outdoor terraces for great social experiences. So, while we continue to elevate the experiences of our economy brands, the purpose is not to aggressively raise rates, it is to continue to offer a rich diversity of experiences across all our guest segments.

The economy segment is not as dominant in Australia as it is in other markets like the US and Europe. Why do you think this is and do you see it changing?

We do see the current economic climate as temporary, yet very challenging. We continue to support our partners and hotel owners by helping them find the right solutions and opportunities in their markets. Having the most diverse portfolio of hospitality brands in the world

HM Q&A The 32-room Peppers Gladstone opens in 2024 under the same roof as Mantra Gladstone

helps us to provide options and flexibility for our partners. For example, Accor is the hospitality market leader in the midscale and economy segments of the Pacific region, with strong brands such as Mantra, Mercure, Ibis and Novotel. Traditionally, we have experienced excellent ADR growth in Australia, with these brands accounting for a high portion of new development projects. As debt and construction costs continue to prove challenging, we are finding that midscale and economy brands are quite appealing to investors as they require easier financing. We are also experiencing strong demand for mixed brand projects, such as Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport (opening 2024).

Accor is investing heavily in the extended stay segment. In what ways is this offer evolving to meet modern guest needs?

Accor has developed expertise as one of the world’s largest operators of extended stay and serviced apartment properties, with a diverse portfolio of more than 300 extended stay properties all over the world. Here in the Pacific region, two of our most popular brands include The Sebel and Mantra. These apartment-style living accommodations are increasingly attractive to younger generations of travellers who enjoy mixing business trips with leisure pursuits and want to explore destinations while feeling like locals. For example, Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse allows guests to enjoy the beach lifestyle of Bunbury while staying connected to vibrant arts community and nightlife of downtown. Similarly, The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt offers apartment-style accommodations that allow residents to live like a local, while relying on the brand’s high level of services and amenities. Many of Accor’s extended stay properties are designed to be as attractive to locals as they are to travelers, with lively bars and patios that draw local crowds for socialising after work, weekend brunches, and fun nightlife scenes.

From the perspective of developers and hotel investors, there is growing interest in extended-stay properties given the segment’s attractive business model. The operating model for extended stay is often more cost efficient, with properties requiring less changeover and lower demand on housekeeping. This can mean lower breakeven occupancy rates, higher operating margins, and ultimately higher return on investment.

Boutique and independent hotels are on the rise. Can you share any thoughts on how hoteliers can balance demand for trendy hotels with the importance of creating a timeless offering?

Since 1967, Accor has been at the forefront of introducing great brands that are in sync with the times and consumer sentiment. We deliver on the evolving trends that travellers crave when it comes to food and drinks, entertainment, and even décor, but we also recognise that some elements of the guest experience will never go out of style – a great sleep in a comfortable bed; friendly, genuine service; and a positive sense of wellbeing throughout the stay. With this in mind, Accor recently unveiled Handwritten Collection, a global portfolio of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience. Handwritten Collection brings together hotels with individual personalities, reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them. From a warm welcome to freshly baked treats, no two hotels or stays are the same. Handwritten Collection properties that arrived in Australia this year include Wonil Hotel Perth – Handwritten Collection, and Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection. The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030. hotelmanagement.com.au

HM Q&A

Pullman Sydney Penrith is the city’s first international five-star hotel

What exciting new brands or openings are on the horizon at Accor? Across the Pacific region, our Premium, Midscale and Economy division is poised to capitalise on the opportunities for growth with new hotels and new brands coming including Handwritten Collection and Tribe. Pullman Sydney Penrith, which is now open, is the city’s first international five-star hotel, located adjacent to the Western Sydney Conference Centre and Panthers Leisure and Entertainment Precinct. It features 153 sophisticated guest rooms and suites along with some of the region’s best dining, bars, elite fitness centre, sauna as well as a fully equipped 1,250sqm premium Conference and Exhibition Centre. Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport opens in Q4 2023. The 313room hotel will provide a spectacular gateway for guests arriving and departing Aotearoa New Zealand. Infused with uniquely Waikato-Tainui cultural elements, the hotel features a top floor restaurant and bar with spectacular views across the runway and out to the Manukau Heads, and a ground floor café. Peppers Gladstone, which opens in 2024, will refine the hospitality landscape in Central Queensland. The hotel merges the prestigious 32room Peppers Gladstone with the stylish 60-room Mantra Gladstone under one roof in a vertical, dual-branded hotel concept. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool, complimentary drinks at the pool deck bar, exclusive access to Peppers’ eight-seater cinema room, a gym, undercover car parking, a choice of two onsite restaurants, plus a member’s lounge offering a welcoming space for a hot or cold beverage. Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport also opens next year. It’s a new-build 464-room Novotel and Ibis Styles hotel at Melbourne Airport located steps from Terminal 4 within a new Melbourne Airport precinct. The 10-storey hotel will be dual-branded operating under Accor’s Novotel and Ibis Styles’ brands, offering guests a signature restaurant, gym and pool facilities, a café and bar plus innovative co-working facilities and conference facilities. We also have the 60-room Tribe Auckland Fort Street opening in 2024 with a bold design, the latest technologies, a lobby bar, and terrace.

What is your outlook for Accor and for the hotels industry more broadly in 2024?

We are optimistic about 2024, as we continue to see an increasing 36

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number of investors enter the hospitality space, attracted to the sector’s ability to deliver high returns versus other asset classes. The industry is also experiencing numerous tailwinds which bode well for future growth, such as the re-emergence of demand for corporate travel and events; and demographics that increasingly support travel as a priority. As we look ahead, it’s important to note that Accor’s development teams are committed to expanding responsibly and sustainably – a factor appealing to a growing number of investors and owners. As building costs continue to rise, conversion and collection brands are a huge growth driver, accounting for more than 40% of Accor’s worldwide development projects. These projects can be easier on the environment than undertaking new construction, although our new building projects are equally designed to support the achievement of Accor’s strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Mixed-use projects are now more popular than ever, as traditional asset classes continue to be challenged by shifting consumer behaviors. Accor was at the forefront of this movement, reimagining how the population could live, work, and play, all within the same building or location. A project may include one or two hotel brands, branded residential, extended stay along with elements including excellent food and drinks, comfortable coworking spaces, boutique wellness and fitness offerings, lively bars and patios that draw local crowds for socialising after-work, weekend brunches, and fun nightlife scenes. Our development partners seem to appreciate Accor’s approach to augmented hospitality as an essential way to diversify risk, unlock value and compress their cap rate when these various businesses are amalgamated together. Meanwhile, the resilience of the leisure sector has also inspired huge growth in resort development – which includes new build projects and conversions. We are particularly interested in leisure destinations that are less populated and can offer a pristine and positive hospitality environment. Here in New Zealand, the Pacific and Australia, we are leveraging our strengths and extraordinary assets – our powerful brands, our unrivalled loyalty program, our strategic partnership with Qantas, our incredible talent – creating many opportunities to attract and engage with clients and driving performance and value for our owners and business partners. n

grohe_australia virtualshowroom.lixil.com/au/

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A record crowd gathered to celebrate the 21st HM Awards at The Star Event Centre in Sydney

Stars of the industry I

t was a night to remember at the 21st HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, with a 1000-strong crowd gathered to celebrate outstanding properties and industry legends. A whopping 52 categories were presented at the 2023 Awards, which took place at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on November 24, with deserving winners across people, departments, properties and chains. “On behalf of the HM magazine team, I’m proud we have been able to recognise the leading people, departments, properties, chains and brands across Australasia in front of our largest ever audience,” said HM Awards Founder and Chief Judge, and HM magazine Editor-InChief, James Wilkinson. “There is some incredible talent in the accommodation industry in Australasia and so many received the recognition they most definitely deserved. Well done to everyone.” Marriott International was a big winner on the night, taking home wins across 11 categories including Hotel Brand of the Year for luxury lifestyle brand W Hotels, as well as best New Hotel and Luxury Hotel 38

HM The Business of Accommodation

for The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. Marriott International Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, was named HM Magazine’s Australasian Hotelier of the Year. “We’re delighted to be establishing a foothold as a leading operator in the region’s accommodation sector,” Hunt said of the wins. “Our family of strong global brands, our pipeline of hotels to come, and our powerful loyalty programme Marriott Bonvoy, make us a strong choice for hotel owners and hospitality associates to want to be a part of our company. The recognition received from HM Magazine is a testament to this.” Accor was awarded Accommodation Chain of the Year for the second consecutive year, with people and properties under the group recognised across several categories. Sofitel Queenstown was named the top New Zealand Luxury Hotel as well as Australasian Hotel of the Year, with Crown Towers Sydney also successful in that category. Kenneth Macpherson of IHG Hotels & Resorts was awarded HM

Magazine’s Asia-Pacific Hotelier, while the Global Hotelier of the Year award went to Hilton CEO Christopher J. Nassetta, marking another major win for Hilton following its recent win as World’s Best Workplace. Langham Hospitality Group celebrated several wins including Hotel Day Spa and the Ashley Spencer Service to the Industry award, which was awarded to Cordis Auckland Managing Director, Franz Mascarenhas. After more than 35 years in the industry, Mascarenhas intends to retire next year. “I am absolutely humbled with this award,” Mascarenhas told the crowd. “At the end of the day, whatever you achieve has to be because of the people you work with – you can’t do things yourself.” He dedicated the award to his colleagues at Cordis Auckland and paid tribute to his wife for supporting him throughout his career. “I have to talk about my wife,” he said. “We both passed out of hotel management school together. She gave up her career to let me focus and she looked after the family – she has done such an amazing job and she has constantly been the rock in our family.” The late Antony ‘Rat’ Raiteri, Sealy of Australia was inducted into

the Hall of Fame with a heartfelt tribute from Intermedia Group’s James Wells. “We lost a dear friend this year,” Wells said. “Antony was a long serving employee of Sealy and was always the life of the party at the annual HM Awards. “You could say that the HM Awards was Rat’s annual dinner party; he got to see all his friends, he got to see his customers, and he sold a few beds on the side. I’m sure Rat is with us tonight.” The 2023 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence was presented by Sealy Posturepedic; co-hosted by the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University Australia and Hostplus; sponsored by Foxtel for Business, ahs Hospitality, De Beaurepaire Wines, FutureLog, Encore, Silant, Assa Abloy Global Solution and Vittoria Coffee; and supported by Accommodation Australia (AA), Hotel Council Aotearoa, Beer Republic, TravMedia, Watson Farley & Williams and WAYFARER. n Visit hmawards.com.au for the full list of winners and highly commended. hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

1. Apartment Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders Avani Broadbeach Residences

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Quest North Sydney The Star Residences Gold Coast Award presented by Leanne Graham, ahs hospitality, and accepted by Stephen Moore, TFE Hotels, and Brett Hohn, Minor Hotels

2. Economy Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS: Brassey Hotel, Canberra Outback Hotel & Lodge

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Adabco Boutique Hotel ibis Styles Hobart

Award presented by Shaun O’Bryan, Minor Hotels, and accepted by Matthew Cameron Smith, Voyages

3. Midscale Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Moxy Sydney Airport Mantra Melbourne Epping

Award presented by Tara Ducrou, HM Magazine, and accepted by Ajay Vaid Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

HM The Business of Accommodation

Co-hosted by

4. Upscale Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Quincy Hotel Melbourne Rydges Melbourne

Award accepted by Adrian Williams, Accor

5. Upper - Upscale Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER: Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hotel X Fortitude Valley Manly Pacific, Sydney

Award presented by Michael Benikos, ASSA ABLOY, and accepted by Jeremy Healy, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street

6. Luxury Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS: Crown Towers Sydney The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Eos by SkyCity Park Hyatt Sydney

Award presented by Swashna Deo, Silant, and accepted by Chris Kemlo, Crown Towers Sydney, and Sean Hunt, Marriott International

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2023

Presented by

7. Australian Lodge Sponsored by

WINNER:

Sequoia Lodge

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Spicers Peak Lodge Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Award presented by Shaun O’Bryan, Minor Hotels, and accepted by Parth Tantry and Christopher Speck, Sequoia Lodge

8. Business Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

Hilton Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne Shangri-La Sydney Award presented by Helen Wood, Hostplus, and accepted by Thomas Diehl and Amelia Benjamin, Hilton Sydney

9. Resort Sponsored by

WINNERS:

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa The Langham, Gold Coast

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Crystalbrook Byron Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Award accepted by Sean Hunt and Ravinder Dhesi, Marriott International, and John O’Shea, The Langham, Gold Coast

HM The Business of Accommodation

Co-hosted by

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2023

Presented by

10. Hotel Interior Design Sponsored by

WINNER:

Lancemore Milawa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Moxy Sydney Airport The Interlude

Award presented by Ruth Hogan, HM Magazine, and accepted by Rhys Jones, Lancemore Milawa

11. Boutique Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Kimpton Margot Sydney QT Sydney

Award accepted by Bruce Ryde, Kimpton Margot Sydney 44

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Aiden Darling Harbour The Playford Adelaide - McGallery

Award accepted by Chris Lee, James Kidman, Danelle Ayers and David Sude, QT Hotels and Resorts

Co-hosted by

12. New Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Motel Molly The Interlude

Award presented by Scott Wiedemann, Foxtel Business, and accepted by Sean Hunt, Marriott International

Elite graduates in their own class. No.1

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2023

Presented by

13. Meetings and Conferencing Property Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Hotel Realm Hyatt Regency Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hilton Sydney Shangri-La Sydney

Award presented by Katherine Pfahl, Encore, and accepted by Jane Lyons, Hyatt Regency Sydney, and Caitlin Garrett, Hotel Realm

14. Regional Property Sponsored by

WINNERS:

QT Newcastle Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Award accepted by Liliana Brogan and Michael Stamboulidis, QT Newcastle 46

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns Lancemore Milawat

Award accepted by Steve Molnar, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Co-hosted by

15. Day Spa Sponsored by

WINNER:

Chuan Spa, The Langham Gold Coast

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Eléme Day Spa, Crystalbrook Riley The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Melbourne Award presented by Kim Cowper, Spa + Clinic, and accepted by John O’Shea, The Langham, Gold Coast

2023 HM Awards Presentation Partner Message AS A PROUD sponsor and presenting partner for the 15th consecutive year of the HM Awards, Sealy Posturepedic® would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees for 2023. Over the years, this event has become synonymous with excellence, showcasing the industry’s best and brightest stars, from visionary hoteliers to innovative marketing campaigns and everyone in between. Our congratulations go out to all the remarkable individuals and establishments that were recognised this year. Your hard work and commitment have not only earned you well-deserved accolades but have also played a crucial role in driving the continued growth and evolution of the accommodation industry. We would also like to express our gratitude to the exceptional HM team. Their relentless efforts and meticulous planning ensured that

the 2023 HM Awards was a night to remember. Their dedication to recognizing excellence in the industry is truly commendable, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to making this event a shining beacon in our industry. Thank you also to everyone who kindly donated towards raising funds for the hospitality training charity, Sala Bai through the silent auction and sparkling bar. This is a great charity raising much needed funds for young underprivileged Cambodians to receive social and professional training in the hospitality industry. And finally, on behalf of Sealy we would like to thank everyone who attended on the night and in particular all the people and properties nominated for awards and those who won. We look forward to the future and to continuing our support for this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

16. Hotel Bar Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Dean & Nancy on 22, A by Adina Sydney Sol Rooftop, Eos by SkyCity

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Cameo, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne Zephyr Sky Bar, Hyatt Regency Sydney Award presented by Will De Beaurepaire, De Beaurepaire Wines, and accepted by Jay Hore, A by Adina Sydney, and Siddhartha Kaul, Eos by SkyCity

17. Hotel Restaurant Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Alibi Bar and Dining, Ovolo Woolloomooloo Peppina, The Tasman, Hobart

Award accepted by Rachel Quinn, Gabiel Polias and Mehul Desai, Ovolo Woolloomooloo 48

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Gowings, QT Sydney Tesoro, Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

Award presented by Simon Creswick, Vittoria Coffee, and accepted by Sean Hunt, Marriott International

Co-hosted by

hotelmanagement.com.au

TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER TOP PERFORMER With super, long-term performance matters. Hostplus’ Balanced (MySuper) option delivers top performance over 20 years.

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SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, Sept 2023. General advice only. Consider the relevant Hostplus PDS and TMD at hostplus.com.au, and your objectives, financial situation and needs, which have not been accounted for. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2723

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Canstar 5 Star Rating for Outstanding Value Superannuation awarded March 2023 for the Balanced (MySuper) option. Visit canstar.com.au for awards criteria. Awards and ratings are only one factor to consider. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. General advice only. Consider the relevant Hostplus PDS and TMD at hostplus.com.au and your objectives, ﬁnancial situation and needs, which have not been accounted for. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2723

2023

Presented by

18. Tech Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

Crown Towers Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dorsett Gold Coast Little National Hotel Sydney

Award accepted by Chris Kemlo, Crown Towers Sydney

19. New Zealand Boutique Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER: The Carlin

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Award presented by Given Angel Marcial, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, and accepted by Kevin Carlin, The Carlin

20. New Zealand Midscale Hotel Sponsored by

WINNER:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Oaks Wellington Hotel Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama Award presented by Ruth Hogan, HM Magazine, and accepted by Shantha De Silva, Pro-invest Group

HM The Business of Accommodation

Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable Swiss-Belboutique Napier

Co-hosted by

21. New Zealand Upscale Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Hilton Auckland Rydges Latimer Christchurch Award accepted by Christian Khayat and Ashley Oliveri, Hilton

Award accepted by Luke Roberts-Lalli, Rydges Cronulla Beachside and Joanna Carruthers, Rydges Sydney Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

TRYP by Wyndham Wellington voco Auckland City Centre

22. New Zealand Luxury Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Park Hyatt Auckland Sofitel Queenstown

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cordis Auckland QT Auckland

Award presented by Gina Lawrence, and accepted by Mark Foxwell, Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Award accepted by Christianne Nejm, Natasha Brooks and Marcus Hanna, Accor

23. New Zealand Lodge Sponsored by

WINNER:

The Landing

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort Wharekauhau Country Estate Award presented by Tara Ducrou, HM Magazine, and accepted by Garth Solly, The Landing

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2023

Presented by

24. Fijian Property Sponsored by

WINNERS:

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Castaway Island Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Award presented by Will De Beaurepaire, De Beaurepaire Wines, and accepted by Sean Hunt, Marriott International

Award accepted by James Young, IHG Hotels and Resorts

25. South Pacific Property Sponsored by

WINNER:

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso & Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila The Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby Award presented by Robert Williams, Watson Farley and Williams, and accepted by James Young, IHG Hotels and Resorts

26. Marketing Campaign Sponsored by

WINNERS:

ALL FOR LOVE, Accor Hygge, Ovolo Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Holiday in Full Colour, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Marriott Bonvoy Summer of Tennis Award presented by James Wilkinson, HM Magazine, and accepted by Anne Gill and Sarah Derry, Accor 54

HM The Business of Accommodation

Award accepted by Aidee Medina and Stephen Howard, Ovolo Hotels

Co-hosted by

Award presented by Ian Wilson, Beer Republic, and accepted by Kerry Williams, Accessible Accommodation and David Mansfield, Ascott Australia

27. Innovative Collaboration Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Marriott Bonvoy x Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix Quest Apartment Hotels x Accessible Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Laneways by Ovolo x Neale Whitaker QT x Four Pillars: Gilded Chaos Gin

2023 HM Awards Co-Host Message

HOSTPLUS IS A very proud partner of the HM Awards and would like to congratulate all the 2023 winners and finalists. The HM Awards provide an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the success of industry over the past 12 months. The Awards also enable us to recognise the talent and diversity of the people, teams and organisations who make up the hospitality and accommodation sector across Australia. We look forward to continuing to show our support for the important work you do in 2024. On behalf of Hostplus, congratulations to all the 2023 HM Award recipients. Award accepted by Florencia Aimo, Marriott International hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

28. Environmental Program Sponsored by

WINNERS:

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Accor Pacific The Landing

Crystalbrook Byron Sudima Hotels

Award accepted by Adrian Williams, Danesh Bamji, David Young and Sarah Derry, Accor

Award presented by Melissa Starbuck, Sealy, and accepted by Garth Solly, The Landing

29. Concierge Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Martin Dunlop , Cordis Auckland Joseph Zuniga, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Award presented by James Wilkinson, HM Magazine and accepted by Joseph Zuniga, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney 56

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Amir Ayoub, Accor Hotels Sydney Olympic Park Salote Naisua, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Award presented by James Wilkinson, HM Magazine and accepted by Franz Mascarenhas, Cordis Auckland

Co-hosted by

30. Hotel Chef Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Alessandro Pizzolato, The Westin Brisbane James Laird, QT Auckland

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ashish Dhar, Sarin Hotels Shaon Sen, The Star Sydney

Award presented by Will De Beaurepaire, De Beaurepaire Wines, award accepted by Carsten Siebert, Marriott International, and David Sude, QT Hotels and Resorts

31. Food & Beverage Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Liinaa Berry, TFE Hotels Emmanuel Fumanu, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Awards presented by Benjamin Krieg, FutureLog, and accepted by Dominika Dryjski, Travmedia

Nicolas Simonucci, Wharekauhau Country Estate Josephine Torrejon, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

32. Human Resources Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Joanne Craughwell, Accor Hotels New Zealand Nicole Downs, Ovolo Hotels

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Ravineel Kumar, Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas and Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji Raylene Paleologos, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Award accepted by Angela Howard, Jacqui Paurini and Sarah Derry, Accor

Award presented by Scott Richards, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and accepted by Nicole Downs, Ovolo Hotels hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

33. Sales Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Daniel Csortan, Minor Hotels Sarwan Singh, Cordis Auckland

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Mark Newey, InterContinental Sydney Michael Bell, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Award accepted by Sarwan Singh, Cordis Auckland

Award presented by Peter Aldini, Hostplus, and accepted by Daniel Csortan, Minor Hotels

34. Marketing & Communications Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Deb McDiarmid, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas Ginni Post, GP Communications

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Awards accepted by Dominika Dryjski, Travmedia, and Deb McDiarmid, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

Victoria Peterson, The Langham, Gold Coast Ravesi Konrote, Marriott International Fiji Hotels

35. Front Office Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Alan Mayorga Leyva, The Star Sydney Gerald Sharma, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Irlanda Garcia, SKYE Suites Parramatta Vaughn D’Souza, Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki

HM The Business of Accommodation

Award presented by Kimberley Roberts, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, and accepted by Dominika Dryjski, Travmedia, on behalf of Outrigger

Award accepted by Alan Mayorga Leyva, The Star Sydney

Co-hosted by

hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

36. Finance Associate Sponsored by

hospitality

WINNERS:

Curtis Harris, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Chathura Kandamby, Swiss-Belhotel International

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Shehan Vilathgamuwa, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley Obnesh Reddy, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Award presented by Leanne Graham, ahs hospitality, and accepted by Nicholas Parkinson-Bates, Swiss-Belhotel International

Award presented by Leanne Graham, ahs hospitality, and accepted by Oliver Hanson, Wyndham Destinations

37. Revenue Management Associate Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Ainsley Baldwin, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Kirshan Kant Singh, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Joyce Mann, Hilton, Western Australia Raknesh Ravneel Chand, Accor New Zealand Award presented by Lara Dredge, Hostplus, and accepted by Todd Simms, Accor

38. Housekeeper Sponsored by

hospitality

WINNERS:

Grace Esogon, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Jesse Lawakeli, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Suranga Hewagamage, RACV Torquay Resort Aman Sidhu, Swiss-Belboutique Napier 60

HM The Business of Accommodation

Award accepted by Monica Taylor, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific

Award accepted by Dominika Dryjski, Travmedia, on behalf of Outrigger

Co-hosted by

39. Hotel Engineer Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Angelique Le Signor, The Star Gold Coast Rory Breslin, Mercure Queenstown Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Anton Van Den Brink, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park David Slight, Hilton Auckland

Award accepted by Angelique Le Signor, The Star Gold Coast

Award presented by Scott Wiedemann, Foxtel Business, and accepted by Adrian Williams, Accor

40. Rising Star Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Skye Barling, The Star Gold Coast Jacqui Paurini, Accor New Zealand

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Scott Bear, Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah Noelle Mah, Park Hyatt Auckland Award accepted by Jacqui Paurini, Accor

Award accepted by Skye Barling, The Star Gold Coast

41. Ashley Spencer Service to the Industry Award Sponsored by

RECIPIENT:

Franz Mascarenhas, Cordis Auckland Award accepted by Franz Mascarenhas, Cordis Auckland

hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

42. South Pacific General Manager Sponsored by

WINNER:

Darren Shaw, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Steven Andrews, Castaway Island, Fiji Carey Osborne, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Award presented by Paul McDonagh, Sealy, and accepted by Dominika Dryjski, Travmedia, on behalf of Outrigger

43. New Zealand General Manager Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Chris Ehmann, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa Doron Whaite, QT Auckland & Rydges Formosa

Award accepted by Paul Hutton and Ashley Oliveri, Hilton

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Ali Appelman, Sudima Queenstown Five Mile Craig Wood, Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Award accepted by Michael Stamboulidis and James Laird, QT Hotels and Resorts

Co-hosted by

44. Australian General Manager Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Jane Lyons, Hyatt Regency Sydney Atsuko Asano, Hotel Morris

Award accepted by Jane Lyons, Hyatt Regency Sydney

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Jeroen Meijer, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Saraid Carey, Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Award accepted by Atsuko Asano and Nathan Cox, Accor

2023 HM Awards Co-Host Message THE HM AWARDS is truly the night of nights for our industry to celebrate and showcase their incredible achievements, and Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia (BMIHMS) was once again honoured to be a co-host. This year, we were excited and proud to see the largestever number of alumni nominated for awards. Our graduates and their journey to become world-leading hoteliers continues to inspire us. The success of our alumni is why we are incredibly passionate about quality hotel management education. Our purpose remains

to create the world’s best hoteliers through transformational immersive learning and industry experiences, and we have stayed true to this purpose since the school was founded in 1991. Designed in partnership with industry, our courses develop students’ professional, personal, social and cultural skills to succeed in the Australian and global hotel industry. Our students experience immersive learning and industry placements that reflect the truly unique hospitable essence of Australian hotel management. We sincerely congratulate all the 2023 HM Award winners and wish you every success; we will continue to applaud your achievements.

hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

45. Service To The Community Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Quest Apartment Hotels Wyndham Destinations

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Coogee Bay Hotel, Sydney Sudima Hotels and Hind Management Award accepted by David Mansfield, Ascott Australia

46. Hall Of Fame Sponsored by

INDUCTEE

The Late Antony ‘Rat’ Raiteri, Sealy of Australia Award presented by James Wells, Intermedia, and accepted by Mila Todorovic, Sealy

47. Hotel Brand Sponsored by

WINNER: W Hotels

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hilton QT Hotels & Resorts

Award presented by Simon Pawson, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, and accepted by Sean Hunt, Marriott International

HM The Business of Accommodation

Co-hosted by

48. Accommodation Chain Sponsored by

WINNER: Accor

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Award presented by Helen Wood, Hostplus, and accepted by Sarah Derry, Accor

IHG Hotels & Resorts The Ascott Limited

49. Australasian Hotel Sponsored by

WINNERS:

Crown Towers Sydney Sofitel Queenstown

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cordis Auckland The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

Award presented by Marco Gugliucciello, and accepted by Natasha Brooks, Accor

50. HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier Sponsored by

WINNER:

Sean Hunt, Marriott International

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Robert Dawson, Hyatt Sarah Derry, Accor

Award accepted by Sean Hunt, Marriott International

hotelmanagement.com.au

2023

Presented by

51. HM Magazine AsiaPacific Hotelier Sponsored by

WINNER:

Kenneth Macpherson, IHG Hotels & Resorts

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Rajeev Menon, Marriott International Alan Watts, Hilton Award presented by Ruth Hogan, HM Magazine, and accepted by Leanne Harwood, IHG Hotels and Resorts

52. HM Magazine Global Hotelier Sponsored by

WINNER:

Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton

Award accepted by members of the Hilton APAC team

HM The Business of Accommodation

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Sébastien Bazin, Accor Anthony Capuano, Marriott International

Co-hosted by

hotelmanagement.com.au

STYLE

W Sydney’s team members are decked out with stylish on-brand uniforms

STATEMENT

style

IN THE AGE OF AESTHETICS, HOTEL TEAMS ARE PUTTING A STYLISH FOOT FORWARD TO ELEVATE THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.

ne of the first things a guest notices when they enter Sydney’s new W hotel – perhaps even before the striking W sign at the doorway – is the stylish kit that its team

is wearing. Bright red bomber jackets, cool black jumpsuits with the letter W emblazoned across them, pinstripe suits, playful texts and patterns, and pops of colour throughout. Having previously worked on W hotels in Brisbane and Melbourne, Dallen Design was tasked with creating a suite of uniforms for the Sydney team, incorporating the hotel’s larrikin spirit, the colours of Sydney Harbour, and the Waratah – the state flower of New South Wales. “W is always about fun,” Dallen Design Creative Director, Paul Fitzpatrick, tells HM. “W Sydney’s uniform is a very distinct look with really 68

HM The Business of Accommodation

luxe fabrics – and you can tell. When you’ve got a fivestar hotel, the uniform should be able to undergo close scrutiny by the discerning guests.” The coordinated range allows team members to pick and choose different combinations – trousers one day, shorts or a skirt the next – keeping the look fresh and, most importantly, comfortable. Further afield, Mondrian Hong Kong is also moving beyond traditional hotel uniforms with a wardrobe of contemporary, comfortable and chic urban streetwear for its team. Mondrian collaborated with emerging designer Frances Yim from Three Pound Void to bring her unique street fashion inspired style to the hotel team. “The concept is an intentional departure from traditional uniforms towards a sophisticated streetwear style with a purpose that synchronises with the city’s vibe, its progressive youth culture, unique fashion movement and innovative art scene,” said Yim. The collection utilises Klopman crease-resistant, longlasting and colour-fast wash-and-wear fabrics. “We want our team to feel good, fashionable, cool

STYLE The W Sydney uniform incorporates playful texts and patterns as well as the colours of Sydney Harbour

and comfortable,” said Mondrian Hong Kong General Manager, Dirk Dalichau. “A core brand feature of Mondrian is to create opportunities, bring people together and celebrate innovation. We partner with visionaries who align with our progressive thinking. Pushing boundaries and delivering a modern approach which challenges the status quo is part of our DNA.” It’s not just the hotel industry that is pushing beyond the confines of conventional uniform style. Air New Zealand is partnering with renowned Kiwi fashion designer Emilia Wickstead to create a new uniform that it says will set the airline apart on the global stage. Wickstead’s approach is inspired by people and centres around a deep respect for New Zealand’s cultural heritage. “I’m a big believer that clothing can be transformative, uplifting and empowering, and my hope is that the new uniforms will instil a sense of pride and purpose in Air New Zealand’s incredible, world-class team,” Wickstead said. “It’s important to me that these uniforms are an extension of this, tempered with creative twists and innovation to create a distinctive uniform that will stand out for years to come.”

‘BRAND IS EVERYTHING’

Beyond W Hotels, Dallen Design is responsible for uniforms at a number of major hotels including Capella Sydney, which debuted in March 2023, as well as InterContinental Sydney, which revealed a new look for its team as part of the recent transformation. In the age of aesthetics, perpetuated by social media, uniforms cannot escape the critical eye of consumers. Fitzpatrick says they have become a powerful tool in the curation of a brand experience. “Brand is everything,” Fitzpatrick tells HM. “The uniform should be seen as an extension of the brand and as an integral component to be carefully considered just like interior design and social media strategy. Whether wanting to project understated cool, refined elegance, or anything in between, that’s all part of the experience.” While durability and comfort are essential in the hospitality business, Fitzpatrick says uniforms with a fashion edge instil a sense of pride in staff – but there’s a fine line between keeping up with current trends and achieving a result that will not date quickly. Taking a brand-led approach can help give the style more longevity. “We are seeing a significant shift with hotels of all sizes moving away from an off-the-shelf solution and towards a bespoke design that represents the brand in a more significant way,” Fitzpatrick tells HM. “They are after a point of difference. They want to provide their guests with a meaningful, resonant, and positive story relating to the design or history behind the hotel.” n

Mondrian Hong Kong’s new team uniform is inspired by urban streetwear hotelmanagement.com.au

ROOMS DIVISION

Sleek steamer SURPRISE AND DELIGHT hotel guests with the addition of a handheld garment steam iron in the wardrobe. The JVD Velyss Garment Steam Iron has become a talking point for hotel guests this year, according to Swisstrade, replacing the iron in smaller hotel rooms and adding wow factor in highend hotels. The steam iron hangs beautifully in the wardrobe, features a sleek dark grey design and is easy to use.

Nifty gadgets YOUR ROUNDUP OF NIFTY IN-ROOM APPLIANCES.

Capsule coffee station WHEN IT COMES to their morning caffeine hit, guests are looking for quality coffee, fast. Vittoria Coffee’s Espressotoria is a coffee capsule system that produces aromatic cafequality coffee at the touch of a button. The stylish and compact machine is compatible with a range of locally roasted coffee brands, including Vittoria Coffee. Espressotoria is used exclusively by the Meriton Group as its in-room solution. It is also found across InterContinental hotels as well as Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott groups.

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Noise-free fridge SAY GOODBYE TO the noisy, conventional compressor fridge. The Nero 40L Thermoelectric Fridge, available through Weatherdon, operates silently, thanks to its solid-state cooling system doing away with refrigerant and moving parts. Boasting a low energy consumption regulation system and CFC free, it’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective. The reversible door, adjustable glass shelf and two full-width door racks offer customisable storage, while an interior soft LED light offers perfect visibility.

Retro ringers RETRO TELEPHONES ARE all the rage at today’s boutique hotels, offering a vintagestyle throwback to decades past. Spotted in rooms at Moxy Sydney Airport and Hotel Indigo Potts Point these funky phones, supplied by AEI Communications, bring a playful touch to the guest experience. “Guests are loving making calls to arrange room service or hit up our team for tips of where to head to drink, dine, shop or explore our Kings Cross neighbourhood,” says Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point Hotel Manager, Caitlin Walter.

InterContinental Sydney relaunched in late 2022 following a $120 million redesign of the 171-year heritage building

Timeless DESIGN WOODS BAGOT PRINCIPAL AND REGIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN LEADER TRACEY WILES SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT HOTEL REFURBISHMENTS AND HERITAGE PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE RECENTLY TRANSFORMED INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY.

t a time when everyone is trying to operate more sustainably, how do you ensure a hotel redesign is current but has longevity.

For me, it’s important to have really conscious choices about materials that are going to wear well, that will get a great patina to them – a handrail or a door handle that feels worn, not worn out, but certainly loved and cherished and something that stands the test of time. I think that is really heartwarming to people. We know that generations have come before us and hopefully they’re there for longer. Beauty is definitely going to be part of sustainability – choosing beautiful materials that last a long time and start to slow down those refurbishment cycles. There’s always a spotlight on architecture but with interiors we need to take responsibility for all that turnover after the building has been built. 72

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Demands are changing and as with any industry, the hospitality industry has to be agile.

You’ve worked on many major heritage projects including InterContinental Sydney. Can you speak to the additional challenges that you’re dealing with when working in a precious building like that?

It’s an extreme privilege to be working on these buildings. We learn so much about what architects and designers have done before us, and it gives us a base, something really grounded in heritage; and to be part of a lineage makes it less fickle. I’m really interested in designing for permanence and longevity. With a heritage building, the client is usually already on board with that, and there’s a certain quality of materials that are already there. At Intercontinental Sydney, there is incredible detailing around the lift portals, to a level we wouldn’t put the emphasis on or the spend today, so we can take that detail and pull a materiality thread from there and from the brickwork and the sandstone and then look at it with a contemporary eye. Certainly, the oversizing of the black and white tiles was a reference back to heritage, but it was also looking to what is contemporary, bold and courageous – something that has been touched with the hand of today. There are so many stories and narratives to pull on. It’s an incredible thing to work on heritage buildings, but technically, they’re difficult. They throw up all sorts of problems – they’re like a petulant teenager.

DESIGN AND BUILD

Is it difficult, today, to find craftspeople that specialise in the various elements of heritage projects?

I think it’s absolutely imperative that we seek that out. We’re going back to this level of craftsmanship that has more of a lifespan to it and a sense of longevity and durability. All the big fashion houses are marketing the ‘making of’ and that’s why you have these pop-up stores where you can see someone stitching, engraving, embossing or personalising something. With architecture, we need to get better at highlighting the craftspeople that we’re sourcing things from. Civardi, the joiners on the project, are insanely talented. They worked on the reception desks and the beautiful feature wall behind them. The desks are beautiful sculptures in themselves and the wall (a curved lenticular wall with alternating pleated strips of marble and limestone) resembles an ocean wave. It’s about a collective of people being committed to doing something beautiful and unique, and I think that’s where the magic happens; where design meets buildability meets quality materials and craftsmanship to become art, and something that we hope that future generations couldn’t rip out – that their souls wouldn’t let them.

Storytelling has become really important in hotels, creating that sense of place and honouring the history of the site.

are really beautiful – when they’re not so precious or so weak that you can’t touch them, I think that’s really important. Sound is incredibly important. Sound installation is becoming a really big thing, whether we have white noise, background music, it really affects the way people interact in a space. Smell; InterContinental has invested greatly in that – I think good hotels do. All of those things create the full experience. The low-level lighting in the bar with the candle lanterns – that transition from day to night – and bringing the Botanical Gardens in. I think there’s a human need to be more at one with nature; it makes us feel good. I’m obsessed with transitional spaces and how we move from one space to the other – it’s like a palate cleanser. I’ve never talked corridors, they are rooms, and they deserve so much attention, equally as much as the big wow moments. n A former storeroom at the hotel has been reimagined into a luxurious private dining room

Yes, and making that indelible and not erasable. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing generations interacting with something that is permanent. That’s why I think a product like Intercontinental Sydney will always feel better than something that is a new build in lighter materials. We’ve got history to thank, and we would hope that future generations will thank us for not pulling things out. When we discover things that the last generation protected for us to uncover, they’re magical moments.

Sensory design is becoming another big trend. What are the important aspects of sensory design that were considered during this project?

I’m a big believer in sound, smell, touch. We need visual texture and tactile to touch. I think buildings that invite you to interact with them The new Club InterContinental lounge offers Club Room guests panoramic views of Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House

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EXPERIENCE Scent can be a powerful tool in creating and evoking memories

FEAST FOR THE SENSES AS SENSORY DESIGN CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM, RUTH HOGAN SPOKE TO DANNY LATTOUF, PARTNER AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER AT CREATIVE AGENCY, THE GENERAL STORE, ABOUT THE POWER OF SCENT IN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE.

How important is scent in evoking memories?

Our sense of smell is so powerful, yet it’s often forgotten by brands when they create experiences. They’ll focus almost entirely on what customers can see, sometimes what they can hear, minimally what they can touch – and almost never smell. It’s such a lost opportunity, because some of our favourite scents are associated with our favourite things, whether it’s freshly baked bread at a patisserie or fresh popcorn at the cinemas. Our olfactory senses are directly connected to our emotions and memories. Imagine the incredible opportunities for brands that tap into that.

How can signature scents aid in branding and storytelling?

Depending on the hotel’s brand identity and the intention, a signature scent can instantly create the right environment for your guests, from elegant and luxurious to cosy, warm and inviting, and everything in between. Just like the physical environment is an extension of the brand, fragrance is a further extension of a hotel’s identity. In the same way that every hotel’s touchpoint needs consistency, scent is no different. It’s worth noting that a fragrance needs to work contextually, too. If your hotel is based in a tropical location, then a musky fragrance with leathery notes won’t work, but that might be perfect for the right brand somewhere in the mountains. For example, if your guests are coming from a busy road and into your hotel lobby, a relaxing scent can help them transition, quickly decompress and be more receptive to truly arrive and be consumed by the entire experience. 74

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Can you speak to the power of signature scents in terms of take-home experiences?

There are so many great opportunities for hotels to further extend their signature scents and brand experiences after their customers leave their premises. Hotels just don’t do it enough. Firstly, a signature scent should at least extend to a hotel’s bathroom amenities on offer, so guests can take them home as an instant souvenir from their holiday. Secondly, smart hotel operators will then give guests the opportunity to purchase their scent, whether it’s candles, diffusers or scent sticks. The Bellagio, The Wynn and Edition all have similar offerings. A great example of this is the Hotel Majestic in Barcelona, the city’s first ever luxury hotel. In 2015, it launched its own signature scent, Musc Imperial, a unisex woody floral musk fragrance. Guests loved it so much, they demanded to purchase it as a fragrance, and then a candle. Then the hotel swapped its existing Bulgari amenities line to feature Musc Imperial instead. It’s now available for purchase at stockists outside of the hotel.

What considerations should be made when creating a signature scent?

Of course, a hotel’s scent needs to align with the brand’s personality and promised experience – it needs to be an authentic extension of the brand. At the same time, it’s important that the fragrance doesn’t overwhelm guests as soon as they step into your space. It needs to be noticeable, but still sit in the background. After all, the best hotels have integrated food offerings, like open lobbies with cafes. The last thing you want while sipping a freshly brewed coffee is to smell an overbearing zesty citrus fragrance in the air. It’s important to note that for a signature scent, hotel operators don’t need to choose something off-the-shelf. There are industry experts who can create your own fragrance based on a specific brief and proposition so a hotel can have ownership over it. Importantly, while it may be tempting to create a unique scent, I would advise against creating something so wildly different that there’s nothing remotely like it elsewhere. Ideally, your fragrance will have certain notes in it that whenever and wherever your guests smell it after their holiday, like a special memento, they will be reminded of your hotel. n

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F lying DEVELOPMENT

EVT says increased domestic travel is resulting in higher airport hotel occupancy rates

HIGH

WITH THE RESURGENCE OF DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, AIRPORT HOTELS ARE IN HOT DEMAND ACCORDING TO MAJOR HOTEL OPERATORS.

Accor operates airport hotels under the Mantra brand in Sydney and Melbourne

ACCOR PACIFIC Lindsay Leeser, Chief Development Officer

WE ARE WITNESSING a steady recovery in the travel sector and domestic travel has become a significant contributor to the industry’s revival, with people seeking local destinations and staycations. This has led to increased demand for airport hotels, as they offer convenience and accessibility to travellers. Recognising the importance of providing exceptional dining experiences for travellers, Accor is committed to delivering a wide range of culinary options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From bars and lounges to upscale restaurants and casual cafes, guests can indulge in a variety of dining options conveniently located within the hotel premises. With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients, we aim to elevate the dining experience, ensuring that guests have access to high-quality meals that reflect the flavours of the Pacific region. Whether it’s a quick bite before a flight or a leisurely meal between connections, our airport hotels strive to offer an unforgettable culinary journey, making each stay a truly memorable one for travellers. One notable trend in airport hotels is the emphasis on health and safety measures. Travellers are now more conscious of cleanliness and hygiene, and airport hotels have implemented rigorous protocols to 76

HM The Business of Accommodation

ensure guest safety. This includes enhanced cleaning procedures and contactless check-ins. Accor has been at the forefront of these efforts, prioritising the health and wellbeing of guests across its portfolio of airport hotels. We are also actively exploring opportunities to introduce innovative concepts in airport hotels. This includes the integration of technology to enhance the guest experience, such as mobile check-ins, digital room keys, and personalised services. In terms of new openings and signings in the Pacific, we are expanding our presence in key airport locations. We have a number of new hotels opening near major airports. These include the Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport (opening December 2023), Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport (opening 2024), and Mantra Melbourne Airport is also undergoing a significant investment and refurbishment. Accor remains committed to providing exceptional experiences for

DEVELOPMENT

WorldHotels Crafted b’mine Frankfurt Airport allows guests to park their vehicle on their room balcony travellers. We look forward to welcoming guests and playing a vital role in the travel industry.

BWH HOTELS AUSTRALASIA Danilo Curcuruto, Director of Development

The role of airport hotels has undergone a significant transformation, reflecting the shifting landscape of domestic and international travel. Airport hotels have become pivotal hubs for travellers seeking seamless transitions between flights, demanding cost-effective options for shorter stays such as day use or time slotted bookings. Brands are embracing this trend by offering tailored booking arrangements that cater specifically to the needs of guests requiring accommodation for limited time frames while competing with city hotels. In tandem with the resurgence of travel, trends within this hotel sector are reshaping the guest experience. The integration of smart technologies for contactless check-ins, digital concierge services and elevated hotel experiences reflects the industry’s commitment to meeting the evolving expectations of travellers. WorldHotels Crafted property, b’mine Frankfurt Airport is embracing this trend by offering a unique and interesting stay. As the first hotel in Germany offering patented CarLoft technology, the property allows guests to transport their own vehicle to be parked on their room balcony located at the international airport. This newly opened, 240-room lifestyle hotel includes 160 Smart Rooms, 40 Smart Doubles, 40 “CarLofts” providing travellers with a stylish and unique experience combining architecture, design and innovation. This property speaks to the WorldHotels Crafted brand, capturing the spirit of the destination and appealing to guests who crave creativity, exceptional experiences, and world-class service. Airport hotels are seeing a surge in demand, catering to the diverse needs of passengers ranging from transient business professionals to leisure travellers looking for a convenient alternative to city hotels. Transforming the airport hotel interface for these guests has been essential in developing BWH Hotels, providing upscale and personalised experiences within the confines of an airport environment. By responding to these shifting trends and embracing technology, airport hotels are welcoming the opportunities to elevate their offerings for guests.

EVT Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels and Resorts

EVT Hotels and Resorts has one of the largest airport hotel footprints across Australia and New Zealand, including Rydges Sydney Airport, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Rydges Wellington and Atura Adelaide Airport. It goes without saying that we love airport hotels. They are fast paced, deliver strong occupancy rates and bring a diverse range of guests through our doors, enabling us to showcase our renowned EVT hospitality. Pleasingly, the travel market has recovered post-Covid with domestic air capacity back to 100% or more. This increased domestic travel is flowing through to our airport hotel occupancy rates, and we expect this to further increase as international travel continues to recover. At EVT, we have been expanding our hotel network which includes luxe to budget, and airport hotels play a critical role in this growth. We are continuously seeking opportunities to grow our travel sector hotel volume, as well as continuously optimise the experience for our customers. We are increasingly seeing that our guests, especially the business traveller, are seeking convenience and seamless check-in. Our online check-in and automated reception kiosks are the perfect answer, with

Rydges Wellington is one of three Rydges airport hotels across Australia and New Zealand

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DEVELOPMENT Crowne Plaza Changi Airport was recently recognised as the world’s best airport hotel at the 2023 World Airport Awards for the eighth consecutive year

over 85% of guests now selecting the option to check-in prior to arrival. They can then access kiosks at reception to quickly print their key and be in their room within minutes. This optimisation of the check-in/checkout process allows our hosts to assist those who prefer interpersonal service or need assistance with other questions. Another key market for airport hotels is the regional traveller, alleviating the pain of an early morning flight or night-time arrivals. Our guests value easy dining options such as the Hanger Bar and Grill at Atura Adelaide Airport or The Ascott at Rydges Sydney Airport. The signature Rydges Dream Bed also allows for a sensational night’s sleep before an early start. As the travel market continues to rebound, EVT is ready with exceptional airport hotels, world-class customer service and an optimised experience for all guests.

IHG HOTELS AND RESORTS Cameron Burke, Director of Development – Australasia and Pacific

As one of the world’s largest hotel operators, IHG Hotels and Resorts has the benefit of closely observing travel trends across all asset classes

throughout our managed and franchised estate – with over 150 hotels located adjacent to, or within immediate proximity of, domestic and international airport terminals around the globe. Within Asia-Pacific, the majority of IHG’s airport hotels are primarily positioned within the upscale and midscale segments. Both our Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands are strongly favoured by developers for their resonance with the global travel market, and highly regarded by 78

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guests for the brands’ consistency in comfort for overnight stays. A prime example of this is the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, which was recently recognised as the world’s best airport hotel at the 2023 World Airport Awards for the eighth consecutive year. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport caters to modern travellers on business, transit or leisure. The hotel features 563 thoughtfully-appointed guestrooms, including premier rooms with runway views and selected rooms with stunning vistas of Jewel – Changi Airport’s tropical wonderland. From extended stays to brief layovers or relaxing staycations, guests are kept productive, connected and restored. The level of amenity for airport hotels targeting overnight guests is of increasing importance to developers as both domestic and international visitation continues to recover in the Australasia and Pacific region. In the last 12 months, overnight trips exceeded pre-pandemic levels with an 11% increase in year-on-year holiday travel driving a 35% uplift in related spend. Importantly, we are expecting inbound airlift from China to reach 80% of pre-pandemic capacity in FY25. Fortunately, we will be well placed to capture this demand, with Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport, Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport and Holiday Inn Auckland Airport back to pre-pandemic levels despite inbound constraints.

We are looking forward to adding to our portfolio of airport hotels within Australasia and Pacific, with some exciting announcements over the next 12 months. Earlier this year we announced the arrival of the Crowne Plaza brand in Fiji with the signing of Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa. Set to open by the end of this year, the Crowne Plaza in Nadi Bay is conveniently located with easy access to Fiji’s international airport whilst being a key tourism destination in its own right.

DEVELOPMENT

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development ANZP

Marriott International’s portfolio of 31 hotels in Australia and 11 in New Zealand and the Pacific continues to expand, driven in part by a strategic placement of well-loved select brands in high-traffic travel corridors, including airport precincts. In August this year, Moxy Sydney Airport was the first hotel to open in Australia under the playful and next-gen Moxy brand. A milestone brand introduction, Moxy Sydney Airport also marked Marriott’s first hotel within the Sydney Airport Mascot region. The opening was well-timed to coincide with the revitalisation of the airport precinct and the return of air travel, at 89.9% of pre-Covid levels at the time of the hotel opening and continuing to grow. A total of 3.37 million passengers passed through Sydney Airport in September, representing a 92.3% recovery – the strongest post-Covid traffic recovery rate to date and a very optimistic outlook for Marriott’s first Sydney airport hotel. Since opening its doors in August, Moxy has seen a positive response in bookings and high occupancy levels. Offering a unique brand of affordable upper-midscale accommodation with a fun and playful vibe, Moxy has stood out among competitors as it taps into the mindset of the next-generation traveller – it’s an airport hotel that’s anything but conventional. With a focus on buzzing communal spaces from the point of check in, with a cocktail in hand at the Moxy Bar, the hotel is suited for travellers wanting to live in the moment, engage and connect on their travels. Whilst these travellers value convenience, they relish in the benefits they would expect from a lifestyle brand – down to touches such as the striking art throughout, a 24/7 gourmet Grab And Go Bar and bright Moxy shuttle bus to make late night and early morning transits seamless. Marriott also looks forward to opening the first hotel at Western

Sydney International Airport, a hub of industry and innovation and one of Australia’s most important infrastructure projects. Courtyard by Marriott Western Sydney Airport. Construction on the AU$70 million 200-key hotel is anticipated to be completed in 2026. Marriott International operates more than 500 airport hotels across the globe. It is an industry segment Marriott know well and are very confident in the success of the airport hotels in the Australian market.

TFE HOTELS John Sutcliffe, Director of Development

Airport precincts have evolved. No longer focused solely on air travel, they have transitioned into integrated commercial mixed-use precincts that incorporate commercial office space, industrial and in some cases - large scale retail. As a result, segmentation has shifted and with it, so too have consumer expectations. No longer viewed as purely a transit proposition, consumers are looking for experiences, wellness, and quality F&B, which opens the doors to a wider range of brands, including lifestyle. At TFE, we have rethought our ground floor spaces to create coworking/lounge experiences, driving incremental revenue streams from day-use consumers, as well as a greater value proposition for travellers seeking overnight accommodation. Airport hotels are also able to leverage the transient nature of their guests with meeting spaces and offerings akin to airport lounges, increasing occupancies and the revenue potential of these often-underutilised spaces. Our Adina Hotels, as well as our Travelodge and Vibe Hotels with apartment product, offer guests the ability to book-end travel with additional space and facilities, including laundry facilities, which provides an extra level of convenience whilst travelling. With domestic travel having recovered, and international travel showing promising signs, TFE Hotels is well placed to meet the evolving needs of travellers across our range of airport hotels. n

Moxy Sydney Airport marks the Australian debut of the Moxy lifestyle brand

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PEOPLE Trevayne Pierce and fellow NITA graduates celebrating the completion of their studies

Beginning JUST THE

NITA GRADUATE AND KUKI YALANJI MAN, TREVAYNE PIERCE, SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM AND HIS FIRST ROLE IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.

n enthusiastic bunch of talented hospitality and tourism graduates have entered the workforce after recently gaining National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) qualifications at Voyages’ Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. NITA’s world-class training and employment programs– offered at its Mossman Gorge and Ayers Rock Resort sites – provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in hospitality and tourism. The four newest graduates – who qualified in a range of areas from Food and Beverage to Tour Guiding – have all been snapped up for positions at companies such as Back Country Bliss and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. “We’re immensely proud of this year’s NITA graduates and can’t wait to see what they achieve next,” said Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith. “Over 60% of our Mossman workforce is Indigenous and it’s our hope for these training programs to contribute to Indigenous training and employment nationwide.” 80

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Kuki Yalanji man Trevayne Pierce is among the new graduates, having qualified with a Certificate III in Tourism, Tour Guide, and has since secured a role with Voyages’ Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre as a casual Tour Guide. Pierce told HM that his family members sparked his interest in the program and tourism as a career path. “I first heard about it through family members; my grandfather worked at the Centre and mentioned the program and one of my cousins previously did the training, which inspired me to apply to NITA too,” Pierce said. “Tourism is huge in this region, and I wanted to learn the skills to work in this space, be enabled to get out of my comfort zone and to meet new people every day.” Pierce’s experience of the program was a positive one, with NITA providing the necessary supports to help him succeed. “I felt welcome – from the spaces and accommodations as well as the support and everything that NITA provides to trainees,” he said. “The course is really good at preparing you to experience what it’s like to work in these jobs.” Now, in his first role at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, Pierce is excited about the possibilities that a career in tourism and hospitality offers. “It’s going wonderful – I love it,” he said of his new role. “I want to keep learning and explore more skills like hospitality, serving food and beverages. “I hope my career takes off. I want to explore and learn as much as possible. It’s the beginning of my journey.” n

PEOPLE Morgan Meredith at The Langham, Gold Coast

LEADERS OF TOMORROW AS A 2023 YOUNG TOURISM LEADER, MORGAN MEREDITH IS GOING BEYOND HER ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF ROOMS AT THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST AND THE JEWEL RESIDENCES TO INFLUENCE FUTURE GENERATIONS TO EMBRACE A CAREER IN HOSPITALITY.

ell us a bit about your hotel career journey to date?

My hotel career began during high school when I had a part-time role at a local resort. I realised how much I enjoyed working in hotels and pursued a career in hotel management. I then studied for a Bachelor of Business and Hotel Management at The Hotel School and have since been fortunate enough to work in several successful hotels. As Director of Rooms for the Langham Gold Coast, I am part of the hotel’s executive committee and oversee the entire Rooms Division operation. I joined as part of the preopening team, as my third hotel pre-opening and set up the rooms, spa and front office for the city’s newest luxury resort.

You’re also a 2023 Young Tourism Leader. Tell us about your experience with that?

I was fortunate enough to be nominated into the Young Tourism Leader program by my Director of Human Resources, Briony Low. The program promotes role models to represent Queensland Tourism and encourage or inspire our younger generation to consider

a career in our industry. During my time in this program, I have enjoyed speaking at numerous schools, career fairs and events to share stories and advice based on my professional journey.

Do you have a career mentor or support network?

In each role, I have been fortunate enough to have a mentor at that property who was kind enough to share their knowledge and advice with me. I am grateful to still be in touch with each of these mentors and often reach out to them for career advice and support. I recommend anyone in the industry with a leader you admire to seek their guidance and support throughout your professional journey.

Who inspires you professionally?

I have had the opportunity to work with several inspiring leaders throughout my career. Ashley Spencer, who stands out to me, was the Vice President of Operations for Australasia during my time at Hilton. Mr Spencer was visible in all areas of the hotel, particularly the staff lunchroom and would ask any colleague for suggestions on how we could improve the

guest’s experience or whether we had any ideas to share. He was a thoughtful, humble, and considerate leader. I respect a leader who is approachable to all colleagues and understands that the best ideas can come from anyone in the organisation.

What important lessons have you learned on your career journey?

Talk less, listen more and openly seek constructive feedback on your performance. I have learnt that a good leader understands when to listen and when to contribute. I also believe that seeking constructive feedback is our responsibility to ensure we are conscious of our development areas.

What change would you like to see in the industry?

Post-Covid, our industry has shown its resilience and adaptability, however we still have a way to go to catch up to other industries with embracing modern leadership and organisational structures. I would love to see more companies introducing female leadership programs as well as consider hybrid/shared senior leadership roles. n hotelmanagement.com.au

PEOPLE

ON THE Move

YOUR ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST KEY APPOINTMENTS ACROSS THE HOTEL INDUSTRY. Jessica Mellor, The Star Gold Coast

SALTER BROTHERS

Rahul Ghai, Salter Brothers SALTER BROTHERS HAS appointed Rahul Ghai as Managing Director, Asia; based in Singapore. Ghai joins from Partners Group where he was most recently, Managing Director and Regional Head of Real Estate for Europe. Prior to this, Rahul held the same role for Partners Group for Asia Pacific. “I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to work and successfully complete a transaction with Salter Brothers and was very impressed with their capability and culture,” Ghai said. “The immediate focus of the Asia team will be identifying opportunities with our capital partners that sit within our programmatic strategies for the region.”

Shihalini Rajaratnam, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne

THE STAR GOLD COAST

THE STAR ENTERTAINMENT Group has promoted The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer Jessica Mellor to the position of CEO at the Gold Coast operation. Mellor joined The Star in 2019 and was The Star Gold Coast’s youngest and first female COO. Since then, she has been responsible for The Star Gold Coast’s luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, entertainment, events, gaming and resort facilities, and a team of more than 2,500. “For me the focus has always been on delivering amazing experiences for our guests and being part of the fabric of the Gold Coast community,” said Mellor.

MERITON SUITES

Harry Singh, Meriton Suites MERITON SUITES HAS appointed Harry Singh to the position of Regional General Manager NSW/VIC/ACT. Singh commenced the role on November 13, following a 22-year career with Marriott. Reporting to Meriton Suites Group General Manager and Meriton Group Director Matthew Thomas, he will serve as the conduit between operations in these states and key stakeholders. “This is a very important role within our business whereby Harry will be accountable for and driving commercial returns, delivering outstanding guest experiences and producing a dynamic culture for our team members,” said Thomas.

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PRO-INVEST GROUP

PRO-INVEST GROUP HAS promoted Shihalini Rajaratnam to the position of Cluster Hotel Manager – Holiday Inn Express Melbourne. She takes responsibility for two Melbourne properties owned and operated by the company – Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank. Rajaratnam has a strong hotel operations background and is an advocate for developing next generation hoteliers and female leaders in the hospitality industry.

VISTA HOSPITALITY GROUP

VISTA HOSPITALITY GROUP has appointed Jacquie Prentice to the role of Director of Development. In this new role, Prentice will bring decades of insights to help existing and future owners and investors identify ways to optimise their assets – from development and asset management through to operations. “Jacquie’s diverse project expertise Jacquie Prentice, Vista means Vista’s distinct capability to Hospitality Group manage any and every stage of a hotel’s lifecycle is tailored to owners and investors from a place of deep insight,” said Vista Hospitality Group’s VP of Operations and Development, Jordan Rodgers. “While there’s new build deals on the horizon, we see Jacquie’s appointment as key to our ambitious plans to help owners realise the potential of their existing hotels through our third-party management and versatile right fit global brand offering.”

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HM December 2023

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DESIGN AND BUILD: INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

HM Q&A: ACCOR

GM Q&A: MOXY

CONFERENCES: AHICE HAWAII

PARTNERSHIP: MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL