From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, Down Under offers something for every traveler. Australia is the eighth-largest tourism market, and for the first time in a calendar year, welcomed 8.26 million international visitors in 2016. Thanks to its reputation for both safety and a diverse array of activities, it's a highly sought-after destination for business meetings and conferences.
With natural beauty, sightseeing, upscale accommodations and event facilities, rich history, and unique experiences, it's an impressive place for work or play. Moreover, Australia's culinary scene is brighter than ever. For world-class dining look no further than Melbourne, which will host the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2017 next month.
Western Australia
"Perth is experiencing an influx of new hotels and venues, with over 4,000 new hotel rooms currently in the pipeline and over 1,000 rooms already added in the last 12 months," explains Perth Convention Bureau CEO Paul Beeson. "Other new offerings have focused their attention on the natural beauty of Western Australia, embracing its coastline, golden beaches, and iconic Swan River."
Starwood's Aloft brand plans on debuting Aloft Perth Hotel this May. With 224 guest rooms and almost 10,000 square feet of meeting space, it also features a rooftop function space with panoramic views of the river.
New South Wales
The five-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is scheduled to open in November and will be located by the new International Convention Centre. Further strengthening the $3.4 billion redevelopment of the harbor area is the Hyatt Regency Sydney's newly opened Zephyr Bar, a rooftop bar with space for 200 guests. Moreover, InterContinental Sydney is set for an AUD$200 million renovation that will add 509 guest rooms, as well as a new ballroom.
In other news, Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines will double its direct Xiamen-Sydney flights to four per week this summer.
Further Afield
The boutique 93-room Sage Hotel James Street in Brisbane is open for business, offering guests spacious event facilities such as the James Street Conference and Function Center.
Now managing Brisbane's 68-room, five-star famed Gambaro Hotel is the Toga Far East Hotels Collection, which also is in charge of the new, luxury 178-room The Calile in Brisbane suburb Fortitude Valley.
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Center was recently named "World's Best Convention Center" at the annual general assembly of the International Association of Congress Centers in Nantes, France.
Cairns' five-star Pullman Reef Hotel Casino has completed AUD$6.5 million worth of refurbishments, resulting in an upgraded hotel lobby, expansion of its restaurant, and Bar 36 Live Lounge.
Opening this month is the 273-room Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands. In addition, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center's $200 million expansion is due for completion in mid-2018, making it the largest convention and exhibition space in Australia. Crown Resorts plans to begin development of One Queensbridge in 2018 -- a 90-story tower with a 388-room hotel, it will become Australia's tallest tower.
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This article appears in the April 2017 issue of Successful Meetings.