UN Tourism links with Slow Food to boost rural communities

The rise of gourmet travel is relentless and now UN Tourism and Slow Food have partnered to help tourism and agriculture links benefit destinations and communities.

The two organisations will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development.

In a new Memorandum of Understanding signed on the occasion of Sustainable Gastronomy Day (who knew?), the organisations commited to "strengthening the gastronomy tourism value chain, enhancing the linkages between food producers, tourism service providers, destinations, communities and tourists".

Pretty impressive jargon, but what does it mean?

The two groups says they will focus particularly on the development of value added, and innovative tourism experiences linked to local products, sustainable food systems, inclusivity and rural development.

Areas of collaboration will include research on trends in gastronomy tourism; identifying and sharing of case studies and best practices; training and skills development; as well as the creation of networks in gastronomy tourism.

“UN Tourism recognizes the vital role responsible, inclusive tourism can play in supporting communities everywhere," says UN Tourism secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili.

"The work of Slow Food is fully aligned with UN Tourism values and we trust this partnership will play an important role in advancing the development of a sustainable gastronomy tourism that leaves no one behind, for the benefit of communities and destinations.”

Slow Food director general Paolo Di Croce added: “Tourism can be a powerful force for strengthening sustainable local food systems.

"Our Slow Food Travel program is a sustainable culinary tourism initiative designed to create immersive travel experiences that support rural communities and celebrate local gastronomic heritage.

"In line with our values, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with farmers and producers around the world, while discovering and tasting the rich, often overlooked, biodiversity of food.”

Minor Hotels snaps up rights to major Brisbane development

 

Bangkok-based Minor Hotels, one of the world’s fastest-growing global hospitality groups, has expanded its Australasian portfolio by announcing the signing of the management letting rights for the landmark Queen's Wharf Residences development in Brisbane.

The residences open early next year and are being marketed as "a new benchmark for urban tourism in Brisbane".

Queen's Wharf Residences, the tallest tower within the Queen's Wharf precinct, is a 64-storey development that redefines the skyline of Queenland’s capital - a future Olympic Games host city.

The property features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with balconies and winter gardens equipped with lift-and-tilt windows, allowing guests to enjoy Brisbane’s subtropical climate year-round.

The design of the tower reflects the soft curves of the Brisbane River.

Guests will have exclusive access to amenities including a pool, spa, steam room, theatre, leisure lounge room and gym, as well as direct access to the precinct’s entertainment options, hotels and dining options including Sokyo, Fat Noodle and Cherry and spectacular views from the Sky Deck.

“Highly sought-after, Queen’s Wharf Residences has become Queensland’s fastest-selling development, offering more than just a place to stay, but an unprecedented benchmark in urban tourism for Brisbane.” said Lauren Sheldon, head of sales and marketing in Australia for property developer Far East Consortium.

“The scale of this project demanded a management partner with unmatched expertise to offer the premium management guests of Queen’s Wharf Residences will expect, and Minor Hotels’ extensive experience in property management across Australasia and beyond instils us with confidence that they are the ideal partner to deliver on this promise."

Craig Hooley, COO for Minor Hotels Australasia, said: “We are excited to add such a landmark Brisbane development to our portfolio, offering a product unlike anything the city has seen before with respect to size and scale, and proximity to Brisbane CBD’s most exciting dining and entertainment precinct.

“Given our extensive experience managing over 550 properties globally, including 11 existing properties in Brisbane CBD, we are well-equipped to manage this pioneering development which further establishes Brisbane’s position on the world stage as a global destination for entertainment, leisure and tourism.”

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating in 56 countries, operating brands including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow Hotels, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and Oak Hotels and Resorts.

Minor Hotels, founded by US businessman William Heinecke in 1978, is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s biggest group for independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

Holiday Inn goes big on the Sunshine Coast

The booming Sunshine Coast region of Queensland is to get a new high-rise international brand hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of a Holiday Inn & Suites property, partnering with Felix Capital to open Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast in early 2028.

Overlooking the beach, the new hotel will form part of a mixed-use development in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

The 160-room hotel will include 33 suites and feature Holiday Inn brand hallmarks including an open lobby, all-day dining restaurant and lobby café, meeting spaces, a fitness centre, outdoor pool and Kids Club.

The hotel's signature will be a rooftop restaurant and sky bar.

Caloundra is a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, and just 35 minutes from Maroochydore Airport.

A light rail with connectivity from Brisbane Airport was recently announced by Queensland State Government, to be completed in advance of the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.

Cameron Burke, Director of Development, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We're delighted to be bringing our Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the Sunshine Coast and thrilled to be partnering with Felix Capital on this exciting hotel in Caloundra."

Gosford a go go with new international hotel

Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast, is to get an international hotel as part of a new development project.

IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of the seventh voco hotel in Australasia, partnering with leading Sydney developer ALAND to open voco Gosford (render, above) in early 2025.

The new voco Gosford will form part of Archibald by ALAND, a mixed-use development precinct overlooking Brisbane Water.

Named after Archibald Acheson, the second Earl of Gosford, the development will cover 5,656sqm and will include 320 residential apartments, the 130-room lifestyle hotel, a portfolio of hospitality venues and an outdoor pool with swim-up bar.

The hotel will feature guest rooms of up to 41sqm and executive suites of up to 54sqm.

Guests will enjoy views over the Central Coast, a street level pub and pizzeria, a rooftop sky bar and lounge on level 28, a signature restaurant under celebrity chef Dany Karam (former executive chef at Black Bar and Grill in Pyrmont), a wellness centre and conference and events facilities.

Marking IHG’s continued expansion into regional Australia, the hotel will be the second voco in regional NSW.

“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 Cameron Burke, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Director of Development for Australasia & Pacific.

"I have no doubt the addition of voco to the city will help drive tourism across the region, and the adjacent hospitality amenity is sure to be a popular driver of patronage."

Andrew Hrsto, ALAND founder and director said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with IHG on this once-in-a-generation development in Gosford - one that will enliven the CBD and take this attractive regional city to the next level."

IHG is currently enjoying its largest ever period of growth in Australasia, with a significant number of new openings under its InterContinental, Kimpton, voco, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo brands.

New luxury hotel development for Byron Bay

Byron Bay is to be home to a new luxury hotel complex and leisure development.

Sydney-based development company Podia has unveiled its plans for The Barbotine in Byron Bay, a new hotel-apartment complex to be designed by Richards & Spence, Architecture & Design reported.

The development will see dining, retail and wellness outlets situated on the ground floor, with residential suites located above across three low-rise levels.

A landscaped central courtyard will be a focal point.

There will be 41 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom hotel apartments.

“The Barbotine is a new concept catering for guests who want the intimacy and home away from home feel of an Airbnb, but with the service of a boutique luxury hotel; and for investors who want the returns of an incredible holiday property but without the hassle of upkeep and security,” says Podia director Michael Grassi.

“The Barbotine intentionally redefines the hotel experience and curates an unforgettable destination in Byron Bay that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Director Jeremy Holmes says the company will look to create an unmatched guest experience (but don’t they all?).

“This is apartment living delivered through the lens of a hotelier,” he said. “Not only will guests enjoy the kind of luxury personalisation you’d expect of a hotel, but owners visiting for the weekend benefit from a concierge they can instruct from afar to have a surfboard tucked away in their room ready for their arrival.”

A communal rooftop will be a key feature with a central swimming pool set amid landscaped surrounds.

Developers Podia hope the development will reach completion in late 2023.

For more information see thebarbotine.com.au.

Melbourne to get a Four Seasons hotel

Melbourne is to get Australia's second Four Seasons hotel - but patience will be required by would-be guests.

Melbourne property developer Beulah has agreed a deal to bring a Four Seasons Hotel to the Victorian state capital.

It forms part of the new A$2.7 billion development, STH BNK By Beulah.

Four Seasons Melbourne will have 210 rooms within the western tower of STH BNK By Beulah, and will see guests arrive via a Sky Lobby situated on the 63rd floor.

The Hotel will also offer an integrated health and wellness experience, a rooftop restaurant and bar, and multiple event spaces.

STH BNK By Beulah is on track to become Australia’s tallest tower and also to have the tallest vertical garden in the world, Travel Mole reports.

"We are incredibly proud to be a part of the leading-edge STH BNK By Beulah development - this project will set a new standard for luxury in Melbourne," said Bart Carnahan, president, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (how does he fit all that onto his business cards?).

"We look forward to welcoming guests through our doors in the years ahead."

Guests will enjoy access to planned amenities at STH BNK By Beulah, including the gardens, art and culture spaces, coworking facilities, and more.

Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne becomes the second Four Seasons in Australia, joining the existing Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

Construction is expected to begin late 2022 and will take approximately five years to complete.