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.

Jetstar will significantly expand its Gold Coast network, offering new direct flights to Hamilton and Dunedin in New Zealand from June 2025. 

Both new services will take off three times a week, creating more than 115,000 new low fares seats every year across the Tasman, providing a multi-million-dollar boost to the Gold Coast’s tourism industry. 

It will be the first time Jetstar has flown to the city of Hamilton, giving Queenslanders a second gateway to the North Island and convenient access to holiday hot spots like Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty and Hobbiton. 

The new service between the Gold Coast and Dunedin will boost access to the South Island’s second-largest city and provide more options for people to road trip across New Zealand by flying into one part of the country and out of another on Jetstar’s network. 

Today’s announcement follows the signing of a seven-year agreement between the Qantas Group and Queensland Airports, which will support future growth for both Jetstar and Qantas and lead to more flights and low fares for Queenslanders. 

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said today’s announcement is great news for the Gold Coast region. 

“It’s great news for customers, with the new routes unlocking more than 115,000 new low fares seats a year between the Gold Coast and Hamilton and Dunedin, while helping to connect the city’s large population of Kiwi ex-pats to their home country.”
“We thank the Queensland Government and Queensland Airports for their ongoing support of low fares travel across the Sunshine State.” 

Queensland Airports Limited CEO, Amelia Evans, said “New Zealand is Australia’s largest international visitor market, so it makes sense for us to increase our Trans-Tasman connectivity. We’re proud that we’ll be Australia’s most connected airport to New Zealand,” she said. 

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy encouraged New Zealanders to snap up the deals while they can. 

“The new services will make Gold Coast Airport Australia’s most connected to New Zealand, with more routes for visitors and students to arrive, with air freight heading back across the Tasman.
“Almost half a million kiwis crossed the ditch to visit Queensland in the year ending March 2024, setting a second consecutive visitor spending record with $821 million in overnight visitor expenditure.” 

Ideally located on the edge of the CBD and surrounded by tranquil green spaces, Lanson Place Parliament Gardens offers the ultimate Melbourne retreat for your next leisure or business stay. 

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens features a sophisticated range of contemporary hotel rooms and apartments situated at 502 Albert Street, East Melbourne there’s nowhere better to experience the city’s top restaurants, theatres, sporting events and commercial centre.

Highlights include:

• New 5 star boutique hotel located on edge of Melbourne’s CBD
• 137 sophisticated hotel rooms, apartments and penthouses
• Modern Australian cuisine served in Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining
• 24 hour access to our fitness centre
• 20m indoor heated swimming pool and spa

Opening specials:
From $280 per night with complimentary welcome drink and buffet breakfast for one, valid until 12 Jan 2025.

Available to eligible Qantas travellers from New Zealand to Australia, the Australia Travel Declaration will replace the physical, long-standing Incoming Passenger Card. 

“It is a welcome and long-overdue step toward improved passenger facilitation”, says John Hart, Executive Chair of Australian Chamber – Tourism. 

“Australian Chamber – Tourism has been saying for some time now that the outdated Incoming Passenger Card needs to be removed and replaced with something more user-friendly, so today’s announcement is tremendous”, he adds. Superseding the physical Incoming Passenger Card was a key recommendation made by Australian Chamber – Tourism when it recently published its Future Traveller Strategy. 

The strategy advocates for enhancements to both the incoming and outgoing passenger experience. As Australia looks to open an additional international airport in 2026 and host the Olympics in 2032, improvements to the traveller experience are, as Mr Hart states,  “absolutely critical”.  

The program it set to launch later this year.

The $60 million renovation of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is now complete and the 22-acre resort stands ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies a “New Era.”

Perched on the cliffs of Keauhou Bay with spectacular ocean views across the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the history of Keauhou resonates throughout the transformed property.

 The revitalized 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces artfully blend the property’s profound heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. Inspired by the concept of “kōī au,” symbolizing a flowing current and eloquence, the resort’s design by Looney & Associates seamlessly incorporates oceanic currents and wave motifs into its interiors, offering a genuine reflection of the spirit of Keauhou Bay.

 The expansive Kaleiopapa Convention Center also underwent enhancements, solidifying its status as a premier event venue with more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

 “Through meticulous design and a deep-rooted cultural narrative, we aspired to etch an enduring impression on our guests’ hearts and minds, fostering a profound connection with Hawai‘i’s rich tapestry of history and traditions,” stated Geoff Pearson, general manager of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. “With enhanced amenities including Piko Coffee & Wine Bar, we look forward to a new era of Keauhou and perpetuating the legacy of this sacred place.”

 Located in the center of the property, the new Piko Coffee & Wine Bar features a variety of white and red wines, rosés and champagnes, sourced from California, France, Italy and New Zealand. Partnering with Big Island Coffee Roasters, a custom blend of Kona and Kaʻu coffee allows for a unique experience that evokes a sense of place through locally sourced ingredients.

Guests can now unwind in style amidst the upgraded lounge chairs and cabanas gracing the adults-only and oceanfront pools, while the young and young-at-heart delight in the 200-foot waterslide. Club-level room guests gain exclusive access to the new Voyager 47 Club Lounge, adding a touch of indulgence to their stay.

 The adventurous traveler can take part in nightly manta ray tours via the Kini Kini, a 40ft Hawaiian sailing canoe to learn the myths, legends and facts of the Hahalua (manta ray) before getting in the water and snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures. Kona is the premiere destination for manta ray sightings, and the property embraces conservation and education for these animals through the Manta Center and annual Manta Day festivities in September.

 Visitors can also immerse themselves in daily cultural activities, including a captivating 90-minute guided tour of the historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay, the birthplace of King Kamehameha III.

 As the sun sets, the Feast & Fire Lū‘au pays tribute to the first Polynesians to land in Hawai‘i on the oceanfront of Keauhou Bay, just south of Kamakahonu, the residence of ali‘i (royalty). Developed by Traditions Hawaiʻi, a local production company backed by the iconic Lim and Yap family, guests are treated to a mesmerizing performance that transports them through Hawaiian history. Newly announced for the summer, the Feast & Fire Lūʻau package includes accommodation and two complimentary general admission seats, inviting guests to take part in the vibrant cultural celebration.

 The evening also includes an Artisan Village where guests can make lei, watch a poi pounding demonstration, create an art piece by traditional bamboo stamping (ʻOhe Kāpala), or shop a selection of curated treasures from local artisans. For those who enjoy games, traditional Hawaiian games can be found on the Makahiki gaming grounds, featuring native stone bowling, Hawaiian checkers and more.