Marriott enthused by New Caledonia collaboration

New Caledonia is enjoying a wave of popularity with tourists from Australia - and a new hotel expansion program is set to boost that appeal.

The Series by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, this week announced its debut in New Caledonia in collaboration with Societe Hoteliere de Noumea (SHN). 

SHN's three flagship Le Domaine du Pacifique resort properties in Noumea, the Isle of Pines and Deva will join the Series by Marriott portfolio, aimed at showcasing the consistency of Marriott’s global standards. 

The three resorts each highlight an element of New Caledonia’s natural beauty, from lagoons and pristine beaches to forest reserves, "offering cultural richness with art, cuisine, heritage and tradition reflective of the authentic blend of Oceanian, French, and Asian influences within New Caledonian society". 

"Series by Marriott is a regionally created, globally connected collection brand that celebrates the individuality of destinations through authentic local experiences and trusted hospitality standards," said Cristiano Rinaldi, regional Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer for Marriott International. 

"The addition of these three distinctive resorts in New Caledonia is a significant milestone for the brand's growth in the Pacific."

Jason Nuell, regional vice president for Marriott International, was similarly enthused. 

"We are delighted to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Societe Hoteliere de Noumea and

introduce Series by Marriott to New Caledonia," he said. 

"Through this collaboration, guests will be able to enjoy memorable local experiences with modern design and warm hospitality, alongside the trusted consistency and Marriott Bonvoy member benefits they know from Marriott across the globe."

For further details visit the website here.

Exciting times for Papua New Guinea

 

Things are moving fast in Papua New Guinea. 

Ahead of the arrival of an NRL rugby league team, the national capital of Port Moresby has welcomed the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites. 

It marks the debut in the Pacific nation of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands. 

The 394-key hotel is located in Port Moresby’s central business and government district, five minutes from Jacksons International Airport and connected to the Vision City Mega Mall. 

It is the first Sheraton Hotels & Resorts property in Papua New Guinea and Marriott International's second hotel in Port Moresby

The hotel features an infinity swimming pool, one of Port Moresby's largest fitness centres and a full-service day spa. 

“The opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites marks a significant milestone as we introduce one of Marriott International’s most global brands to Papua New Guinea," says Cristiano Rinaldi, regional Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer for Marriott International. 

"With Sheraton’s focus on intuitive design, technology-enabled experiences and spaces that foster connection, the hotel is positioned to become a central gathering place for both international travellers and the local community, seeking trusted hospitality.”

The room portfolio includes 284 guest rooms, 15 suites and 95 apartments that include separate living areas, kitchens and dining spaces. 

Silverleaf, the hotel’s destination restaurant, offers an à la carte dining experience, while Greenhaus offers a buffet experience across all meals with live cooking stations, artisan breads, New Guinea coffee, freshly baked pastries and themed dining experiences.

For more information visit the hotel website.

Hotel giant on a sustainability journey

Big business and sustainability are not always comfortable bedfellows, but Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, has reached a milestone on its sustainability voyage with the Sustainable Tourism certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia.

 
The landmark brings Accor closer to its goal of having 100% of its network across the Pacific region achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification by the end of next year.

The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments across all states and territories across Australia have each demonstrated their commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles, implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification.

"Just over a year after announcing our partnership with Ecotourism Australia, we have proudly reached the significant milestone of 100 Sustainable Tourism Certified hotels across the country, with Novotel Sydney City Centre (above) being the landmark 100th certification," said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams. 

“This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

"Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation. This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today's travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications.

“We will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and set new benchmarks for the industry.”

Of the 100 certified hotels, 30% are located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, making them well suited to meet the sustainability and business demands of Accor’s corporate clientele.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer Elissa Keenan said the commitment by Accor was significant.

“Ecotourism Australia is proud to partner with Accor Pacific in support of its ambition to certify all Australian properties with our world-class Sustainable Tourism Certification," she said.

“Achieving certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. It can take up to 12 months and includes an independent third-party audit before certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain certification.

“Accor continues to demonstrate their industry leadership through commitment to authentic sustainability, drawing on Ecotourism Australia’s 30 years’ experience upholding globally recognised sustainable tourism standards."

From luxury to economy, Accor operates 19 international brands and over 400 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/. See ALL.com