Introducing our very own Kathy Knipp, Corporate Events Specialist at ATPI Events. 

Recently, our adventure began with a 7:35am departure from Sydney and to our delight the group received an upgrade to Cathay Pacific Business Class, allowing us to savour a delightful breakfast and lunch as we soared toward our destination. Settling into my seat on the new A350 900 with a 1-2-1 configuration I felt like I was in my own world with a view plus direct aisle access. My 18.5 inch screen provided plenty of first class entertainment from the latest releases to box sets and games. The crew were fantastic and very attentive. After tucking into breakfast, I felt like a little nap and my flight attendant helped arrange the padded seat mattress, pillow and duvet.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Darren, who guided us through the airport and introduced us to our local guide, Wing. While Darren offered the choice of walking or taking the train to immigration, we opted for the walk, unaware it would take approximately 20 minutes. A tip for future travellers: the train runs every two minutes and is a much quicker option!

After a swift 27 minutes in the immigration line, our bags were waiting for us, and we boarded a bus for a scenic 40-minute transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central Hong Kong. We were immediately whisked away for high tea in the Club Lounge, a fitting welcome. Our harbour-view room came with Club Lounge access, offering complimentary afternoon tea—a perfect way to unwind after a long journey. That evening, we enjoyed a fusion dinner at Ho Lan Jeng, a trendy spot just a short walk from the lively Lan Kwai Fong district.

Day two kicked off with a ride on the Peak Tram, offering stunning views. We explored the PMQ (Police Married Quarters) and participated in a ceramics painting team-building exercise. Later, we enjoyed cocktails at The Aubrey, one of Asia’s top bars, followed by a traditional Cantonese dinner at Man Wah.

That evening, we enjoyed a cocktail session at The Aubrey, ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, which was followed by an exquisite traditional Cantonese dinner at, Man Wah, showcasing the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s blend of history and luxury.

On Sunday, we inspected the recently renovated Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, boasting seven Michelin-starred restaurants and an impressive room they dub the Entertainment Suite. Interestingly, Landmark Mandarin Oriental had a completely different atmosphere to that of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Central Hong Kong. A dim sum lunch aboard the Aqua Luna junk boat followed and we enjoyed a scenic 1.5-hour cruise on Victoria Harbour. 

This adventure was followed by visits to Tai Kwun Historic Site and Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel, known for its picturesque function spaces and chapel. We capped off the day with a transfer to the Kerry Hotel in Kowloon.

Our final day included a cooking class in Causeway Bay, where we mastered Sweet and Sour Pork. Our inspections of the Island Shangri-La and Kerry Hotel showcased their impressive facilities, with the Kerry Hotel boasting the largest Grand Ballroom in Hong Kong.

As our journey concluded on Tuesday, we enjoyed a visit to the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge at the airport, a serene spot to relax before our flight home. Hong Kong’s efficient transport options made navigating the city a breeze, with English widely spoken.

Hong Kong is not just a vibrant city but an excellent choice for conferences or group events. With a diverse array of facilities, cultural experiences, and the promise of memorable day-to-day activities, this city should be on every traveler’s radar and is an ideal destination for business traveller’s seeking both productivity and adventure.

Let us elevate your next group booking to Hong Kong and beyond, talk to one of our Event Specialists today.

Hotel Alba enjoys prime location in Adelaide’s South Terrace precinct. Whether exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, indulging in retail therapy, or attending business meetings, Hotel Alba serves as the perfect starting point for any Adelaide experience.

The newly revitalised hotel is a haven for both leisure and business travellers seeking a comfortable escape, featuring:

• 99 sleek and cosy guest rooms, with the choice of standard, studio or a one-bedroom apartment
• All rooms feature a private balcony, with views of either the park, city or pool
• A relaxing pool, where guests can unwind and soak up the South Australian sun
• Newly launched restaurant, ela, a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience for both hotel guests and locals with a focus on local, South Australian produce, led by Executive Chef Nigel Rich and Head Chef Ashleigh Lindner

Hotel Alba’s transformation is now complete and it is currently welcoming guests at a very special rate of $189 AUD (room only). Hotel Alba is situated at 226 South Terrace, Adelaide and is part of the South Terrace Precinct that also includes The Terrace Hotel and HotelMOTEL, all part of EVT Hotels & Resorts under the Independent Collection.

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, adds Sydney to its robust flight network. With its second foray into the continent, flag carrier airline also marks the city as its first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights in the future.

Set to start on December 4, 2024, İstanbul – Sydney flights will be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

This new route not only strengthens Turkish Airlines presence in the newest continent in its flight network but also continues to bolster ties between Türkiye and Australia, driving growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

About the new addition to global airline’s flight network, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.”

On the new development, Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our state’s world-class visitor experiences. The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service. Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state’s visitor economy.”

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton said: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024.

With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we’re confident this service will be strongly supported. Today’s announcement is also incredibly important for the Sydney and NSW economies and speaks to the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy.

The special launch prices for Turkish Airlines’ Sydney to Istanbul flights are $1,489 AUD in Economy Class. 

The launch prices are valid for:

Ticketing Date: 12 September – 31 December 2024

Travel Date: 04 December 2024 – 31 May 2025.

After a two-week planned closure for a refresh, Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge has reopened.

What can business and first class passengers on Singapore Airlines and certain Star Alliance members expect?

– New furniture and carpet throughout
– A barista bar

The remodel is meant to echo elements of each guests ‘home’.