FOCUS ON AUSTRALIA WIN-SPRNG 2017

BUSINESS EVENTS WITH style – Australia’s exquisite menu America’s Cup collapse – saved by Kiwi innovators Two wheels for Summer? – sport, tourer or café cruiser wine adventure – more twists than a corkscrew

THE LUXURY CORPORATE TRAVEL MAGAZINE 1 CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 m anaging a ustralian d estinations m anaging a ustralian d estinations

Managing Australian Destinations is a full-service destination management ▪ Corporate Adventures company providing a range of Ground Management, Event Production ▪ Unique Events Services and Teambuilding for group movements around Australia. ▪ CSI Teambuilding ▪ Ground support Australia wide

Over the past 26 years MAD has produced some innovative and creative business events, whether a dinner in a Rainforest for 3000 Financial planning delegates, or 40 Kiwis on a remote Kimberley beach we have done it. From the North West of Australia to Tasmania’s southern climes, groups of people have enjoyed amazing experiences conjured through the creativity of MAD. You’d be MAD not to join them.

Head Office: Shop 3, 46 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877 P | 61 (0)7 4099 4308 E | [email protected] For more information on Managing Australian Destinations, please visit: www.m-a-d.com.au

Corporate Traveller, Winter-Spring 2017 CONTENTS

NEWS Welcome to Brisbane 14 News Roundup – What’s new in the business of travel 27 Hotel News 52 Australia’s New World City – Spotlight on the new and unique 29 Hotel Reports – Checking in to Sydney’s Pullman TASTE OF BYRON – an adventure with Terase 34 News – What’s new on our flightpath You’re searching. We’re delivering. Linking to smart minds. Sparking Innovative ideas. Sourcing the right venue. 36 Flight Reports – Aerial adventures from Samoa & Gold Coast Connecting with the best suppliers. The Brisbane Convention Bureau offers effortless solutions COVER STORY – for every stage of planning your event. FOCUS ON AUSTRALIA 42 Australia’s $8 billion investment choosebrisbane.com.au – Menus for memorable events 70 52 A Taste of Byron – cruising in Terase’s red Kombi 56 Brisbane’s meteoric rise Euro City – one man’s – the secrets revealed drive for excellence 62 The Ghan’s Platinum service – luxury in the outback 66 Doltone House – a passion for unforgettable experiences WORLD FOCUS 74 Investing in New Zealand BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – Paula Bennett hails tourism 70 Euro City 78 Barging through Burgundy – one man’s drive for excellence – Antonella Kann at the helm

42 78

Australia’s memorable Barging through Burgundy business events with Antonella Kann

8 CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017

CON FP Press ad_HQ A4_v1.indd 1 7/7/17 11:14 am Corporate Traveller, Winter-Spring 2017 CONTENTS Immediate power. Instant gratification. 96 108

BMW’s track day weapons OVATION OF THE SEAS – – a date with legendary M heralds new era of SuperCruising

YACHTING GOLF 82 C-Tech 104 Thunderstruck – making the magic behind America’s Cup victory – Steven Adams joins Kiwi calendar

MOTORCYCLING CRUISING 86 From America’s Cup to Spa 108 Ovation of the Seas – Grant Dalton’s need for speed – heralds new era of SuperCruising 90 Ducati’s sexy Scrambler – a very cool V-twin CUISINE 91 The new Chief Limited 110 An indulgence at Balthazar – Indian for touring luxury – Surfers Paradise showstopper

MOTORING WINE BMW’s track day weapon 96 Corkscrew in the Caucasus – a date with legendary M 114 – Graham Simmons’ pilgrimage 98 Bentley’s Continental GT V8 – an immortal grand tourer 100 Volkswagen’s beloved Golf – still king of hot hatches 102 BMW’s 5 Touring – all set for alpine adventure The all-new Audi SQ7. The world’s most powerful diesel SUV. An Audi SQ7 can take off faster than a fighter jet over 300 metres* thanks to an electric compressor that reaches 70,000rpm in 0.25 seconds. This groundbreaking technology instantaneously boosts the twin turbochargers on it’s 4.0 litre V8 engine, so there’s zero turbo lag and the vehicle 104 114 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The all-new Audi SQ7 has now landed. *Tested against a Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet by a professional driver under controlled conditions.

Thunderstruck – Steven Corkscrew in the Caucasus Adams joins Kiwi calendar – world’s oldest wineries

sophistication in motion

 06 835 8810  120 Prebensen Dr, Napier  eurocity.co.nz /eurocitynz 10 CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 OUR WORD FOCUS ON AUSTRALIA WIN-SPRNG 2017

America’s Cup afterglow PUBLISHER Bruce Laybourn lights up business excellence [email protected] BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER In the afterglow of the America’s Cup Trudy Parsons-Smith we are able to focus with some satisfaction [email protected] upon the excellence of the business behind EDITOR AT LARGE the winning of the world’s oldest trophy. Rob Knowledge that sporting achievements [email protected] help inspire business confidence is not ART DIRECTOR new – but few sports are as closely tied to Darren Yallop business and larger-than-life players than [email protected] the America’s Cup. MOTORING EDITOR It’s always been that way – from the days Andrew Beacham when tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton sailed in vain across the Atlantic [email protected] to attempt to wrestle the cup from the United States between 1899 GOLFING EDITOR and 1930. Kelsen Butler Lipton’s futile three-decade campaign has now been picked up [email protected] by another knight – Sir Ben Ainsley – with the goal of having the WINE EDITOR cup back on British soil for the first time since it was won by the Liz Wheadon schooner America in 1851. [email protected] The cup drama, like all grand theatre, has enjoyed its share of PHOTOGRAPHY villains. Dennis Conner was a favourite. Jimmy Spithill was a much- Rob Trathen diluted version of “Dirty Den” – but he gave the role a reasonably [email protected] convincing performance. CORRESPONDENTS While the on-water sailors at Emirates Team New Zealand rightly Antonella Kann (South America) won chapters of plaudits, the behind the scenes heroes perhaps Graeme Simmons (Australia) didn’t get the limelight they deserved. Gerard Hindmarsh (New Zealand) In this edition we follow Grant Dalton directly from Bermuda to DISTRIBUTION Spa where he took part in one of his other passions – motorcycle International racing. Magzter/Newspaper Direct/isubscribe We also profile C-Tech, the company that build and supplied New Zealand and Australia many secret components to New Zealand’s winning catamaran. New Zealand’s top 500 CEOs, Australia’s As a “Focus on Australia” edition, this magazine takes a look at leading convention centres and event planners, premium airport lounges, the tremendous growth in Australia of very special locations for hospitality executives, hotels, cafés, business events. corporate headquarters. Corporate There are more than 200 hotel projects under way – worth more Cabs, jet charters and purchasers than $8 billion – that will come on stream over the next two years. top marque automobiles. Corporate Traveller is pleased to introduce a motorcycle chapter CORPORATE TRAVELLER MAGAZINE LTD in this edition – with a wide spectrum guide to those who feel the Corporate Traveller publishes four times approaching warmer weather might tempt them onto two wheels. each year. The contents are copyright This chapter looks at Vespa, the iconic scooter, Indian’s new and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the Publisher. limited edition Chief, the hip new scrambler from Ducati and Most articles are commissioned, but offroaders from Yamaha and KTM. As well there’s a fitting tribute quality contributions may be considered. to Ducati’s Panigale. Corporate Traveller’s acceptance of all contributed material – words, images and Bruce Laybourn illustrations – is on the basis that these will be used internationally in all forms of the Publisher magazine’s distribution and marketing, be that print, digital or social networking. COVER: Business events in style at All articles, images and illustrations Elements of Byron, Byron Bay. submitted will remain open for reading, reference or retrieval without time limit through all forms of distribution. corporatetravellermagazine.com All material is accepted on this basis only.

12 CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWS Villa 727 – this is a lakefront villa with direct access to the ocean, double storey with 3 ensuites upstairs, pool, beautifully World’s debt three times the economic output Flawless landscaped. Price F$1.25million Colombian say China’s debt stands at 260 percent emerald sold of its GDP. Advanced economies have cut debt in New York levels by $2 trillion over the past year. A flawless Colombian emerald, However, the United States is once owned by the Rockefeller approaching $20 trillion, almost 10 family, has been sold at auction percent of global debt. in New York for more than “Rising debt may create headwinds for $5.5 million. Global debt levels surged to a record long-term growth and eventually pose The 18.4 carat emerald was $217 trillion in the first quarter of risks for financial stability,” the report purchased by famous jeweller, 2017. This is 327 percent of the said. Harry Winston, becoming the world’s annual economic output “In some cases, this sharp debt most expensive emerald per (GDP), reports the Institute of buildup has already started to become carat ever sold at auction. International Finance (IIF). a drag on sovereign credit profiles, John D. Rockefeller originally The surging debt was driven by including in countries such as China bought the rare untreated emerging economies that have and Canada,” it added. emerald in 1930 as a gift to his increased borrowing by $3 trillion to Emerging hard currency-denominated wife. Formerly, the record $56 trillion. This amounts to 218 debt grew by $200 billion in the past emerald sale at auction was for percent of their combined economic year – growing at its fastest pace since the 23.46 carat emerald that output, five percentage points greater 2014. Seventy percent of the debt is in belonged to actress, Elizabeth year on year. dollars, the report found. Taylor. That was sold for more The biggest contributor was China “Rollover risk is high,” the IIF added. than $6.5 million, with $2 trillion. In June, the The United States and the European but its price per International Monetary Fund urged Union could increase interest rates in carat was Beijing to tackle its ballooning debt, the near future, thus making it more significantly lower. describing it as unusually high for a expensive for borrowers to repay, the developing economy. Some estimates report noted.

Celebrities pay $40k for a star – and then act surprised

Getting a star on Hollywood’s Walk probably quite a few who are. celebrity sign off on the nomination of Fame is one of the biggest The only stipulation is that whoever and attend the event if selected. honours of a celebrity’s career. But does the nominating also agrees to Anyone can nominate their favourite being awarded one is never a total be responsible for paying the $40,000 celebrity, including a fan,” says Ana surprise – no matter how many it costs to install and maintain the Martinez, producer of the Walk of people pretend it is. star, which is why it makes sense for Fame ceremonies. One “star” recently tweeted: “I just talent (or their family) to nominate To be fair to enthusiastic star- found out I’m getting a star on the themselves – $40k is a lot of love to getters, agreeing to a nomination Hollywood Walk of Fame. shell out unless they’re really doesn’t guarantee that a celeb will Unbelievable.” invested in someone. be approved – the Hollywood Unbelievable? No – for one simple And yet, so many famous folks act like Chamber of Commerce chooses reason. A celebrity has to submit a their inclusion is earth-shattering who will be awarded a star, and they letter of agreement to confirm that news, even though they’ve been say that they get around 300 they approve of their nomination aware of the possibility for weeks, or applications a year, which have to be for a star on the Walk of Fame, potentially months, before the year’s whittled down to 20-24 recipients. otherwise the nomination is rejected. recipients are announced. Anyone can nominate a celebrity for “We are constantly asked about the inclusion – including fans, the public process. Nominating someone for a figure’s manager, agent, studio, star is as simple as can be. All we network – or the celebrity ask for is a completed nomination themselves. Maybe most of them application and a commitment to aren’t that vain, but there are sponsor the star should their

14 15 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWS

India population to pass Forgetting actually makes us smarter China in seven years Business leaders are ‘baffled’ by Trump on The inability to remember has long involved in storing information.” computer of information in our The world population of 7.6 billion will balloon to 9.8 billion been considered a failure of the One of those mechanisms is the brain so we can take the crucial in 2050, with India’s numbers to surpass China’s in just climate – Richard brain, but a new study has found weakening of synaptic connections information from a certain event, seven years, says a UN report. Branson that our brains are actively working rather than specific details, and between neurons, in which Also, Nigeria will overtake the United States by 2050 to to forget memories in order to retain frees up more room for important memories are encoded, reports become the third most populous country in the world, British billionaire said business the truly important information. information. Medical Xpress. Another is the according to the figures by the UN Department of leaders were left dumbfounded by President Trump’s In fact, the study’s researchers creation of new neurons, which “One of the things that distinguishes Economic and Social Affairs. decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris believe the brain is not designed to overwrite stored memories and an environment where we’re going Climate Agreement. “With roughly 83 million people keep memories intact, but its actual could explain why children (who to want to remember stuff versus an being added to the world’s But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that companies are purpose is to only hold onto valuable produce a significant amount of new environment where we want to population every year, the upward now even more driven to invest in clean energy and information to optimise intelligent forget stuff is this question of how neurons) forget more than adults. trend in population size is expected cut greenhouse gas emissions. decision-making over time. consistent the environment is and The pair’s research into the brain’s to continue, even assuming that “Whether it’s GE, or whether it’s the big oil how likely things are to come back “It’s important that the brain forgets persistence (remembering) and fertility levels will continue to companies… I haven’t come across one business into your life.” irrelevant details and instead focuses transience (forgetting) found decline,” the report’s authors said. person who doesn’t want to get out there and do on the stuff that’s going to help make For example, someone who meets forgetting is just as important as At that rate, the global population will everything they can to try to compensate for the decisions in the real world,” says new people every day is likely to remembering for two reasons: reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion (Trump) administration’s very strange stance,” said Blake Richards, author of the study forget the details of each exchange, 1) forgetting allows the brain to let go in 2100, it said. Branson. and associate fellow in the Learning whilst someone who talks to the of outdated or incorrect information “A lot of people in the world are baffled by the in Machines and Brains programme. same people on a day-to-day basis The population of India, which currently ranks as the making it easier to adapt to and second most populous country with 1.3 billion inhabitants, American administration’s comments,” the Virgin The new University of Toronto paper is likely to hold on to information decipher new problems. will surpass China’s 1.4 billion citizens by 2024. Group CEO said. was published in the Neuron longer. Trump and his top officials have made quick work of journal. Paul Frankland, a senior “If you’re trying to navigate the But Nigeria is growing the most rapidly, and the unraveling not only the former Obama fellow at CIFAR’s Child & Brain world and your brain is constantly populations in 26 African countries are likely to “at least administration’s policies to fight climate change, but Development programme, who was bringing up multiple conflicting double” by 2050, according to the report. memories, that makes it harder for even longstanding scientific research programmes. also involved in the study, said: “We The number of persons aged 60 or above is expected to Trump himself has never acknowledged the find plenty of evidence from recent you to make an informed decision,” more than double by 2050 and more than triple by 2100. overwhelming scientific consensus that the world is research that there are mechanisms says Richards. The ageing population is projected to rise from 962 million warming primarily due to human emissions of that promote memory loss, and that 2) it simplifies your memories, globally in 2017 to 2.1 billion in 2050 and 3.1 billion in 2100, greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and these are distinct from those basically creating a streamlined said the report. methane. The president has rolled back regulations to reduce Ancient Viking toilet in Denmark German police will pay €25 emissions and pollution from fossil fuel production, and he’s issued orders to expand offshore oil and gas declared 1000 years old each for 275 faces drilling. Federal police in Germany want us to hand over our faces, Trump’s top officials – including Energy Secretary Rick Archaeologists have unearthed a “But we soon realised that it was but we’ll get to do a little shopping in return. Perry and Scott Pruitt, head of the Environmental 1000-year-old Viking toilet in Denmark something totally different. Protection Agency – have repeatedly denied the German police want 275 volunteers to participate in a facial containing faeces, wiping all previously We know about privy buildings inside scientific evidence that human-made greenhouse gas held beliefs about the bathroom recognition beta test. In exchange volunteers will receive cities in the latter part of the Viking emissions are the leading drivers of climate change. habits of rural Vikings. €25 Amazon gift cards Age and the early Middle Ages, but not The agencies they lead are both facing billions of For the test, the police are asking participants to visit the According to radiocarbon dating of the from agrarian settlements and farms,” dollars in budget cuts and steep job losses as the Berlin Südkreuz train station several times a day, and the faeces layer, the loo dates back to the administration curtails funding for climate science, she said. folks who visit the most during the six-month testing Viking Age (late 8th to mid 11th renewable energy, and energy efficiency while “We imagined that people had period are eligible for “one of three attractive prizes“ – an century). doubling down on coal, oil, and natural gas projects. defecated in the midden or in the AppleTalk Series 2, a Fitbit Surge, and a GoPro Hero The toilet, essentially a deep hole in barn with the animals in order to session. “In the future, the facial recognition software is to the ground, was discovered in a Viking use their waste as fertiliser for the recognise and report detected users or persons from settlement on Stevns, Denmark. fields,” added Beck. whom a danger could arise or emerge,” explains the Scientific analyses of the sediments German federal police. While archaeologists knew city accumulated in the two-metre hole “Operators can subsequently take targetted action against dwelling Vikings had some sort of confirmed that they were indeed the person within the scope of the legal possibilities.” human faeces. sewage system, they previously thought rural Vikings relieved Volunteers will have to turn over some photos and “It was a totally random find. We were “personal details” to the police, which the police say will be themselves outside and collected looking for pit houses – semi- deleted after a year. Those volunteers will also have to the waste to be used as fertiliser. subterranean workshop huts – and it carry a transponder, about the size of a credit card. The really looked like that from the It now turns out that they were transponder gives police the location of their volunteers, surface,” said Anna Beck from the every bit as civilized as their which allows them to know whether their software Museum of Southeast Denmark. urban counterparts. identified the correct person.

16 17 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWS

Norwegians German police can now hack raise cash into encrypted messages to restore German police can now hack into drive or remotely search it in vandalised penis- messengers like WhatsApp using specific cases. shaped rock “state trojans” to intercept user The use of the “state malware” will communications before they are not be restricted to terrorism- Norwegians are hoping to raise encrypted on their devices, related cases. Surveillance of €20,000 to re-erect a penis-shaped according to a new law. encrypted communications in cases rock felled in what experts believe was involving suspected tax evasion, an attack by vandals. drug trafficking, and sports betting Joggers discovered the damaged rock fraud is also expected to be formation, known as “Trollpikken,” in considered legal under the the Eigersund region of Norway. new legislation. The popular tourist attraction had Until now, German law enforcement could only wiretap a suspect’s SMS seemingly been separated from the communications and regular phone larger rock it jutted out from. Experts conversations in specific serious noted that holes had been drilled in cases. Looking at messages sent the rock. through encrypted services has A crowdfunding campaign was The new legislation allows police been prohibited by law. launched to restore Trollpikken to its investigators to use a “state trojan” Facebook-owned WhatsApp former proud standing. Almost 700 to hack into a suspect’s mobile updated its messenger service in people have so far donated nearly device, tablet, or computer, and April last year with “end-to-end” €12,160 to repair the phallus- get full access to their chat encryption, enabling a “lock” to shaped rock. messages, video recordings, or secure communications between other private data. individual users or in a group chat. The “state trojans” could make it Amid a heated debate on finding easier to bypass the encryption the balance between privacy and employed by popular messaging security concerns, Facebook CEO services, including WhatsApp, as Mark Zuckerberg praised the they can gain access to data update as an “important milestone straight from the source, well for the WhatsApp community.” before it is secured by the messengers. Advocating the new surveillance amendment, the German The new legislation will allow government argued it would help German law enforcement agencies authorities tackle rising security to obtain a copy of a device’s hard threats. UNESCO geologist Pål Thjømøe said because Trollpikken was removed in a clean cut, it should be possible to restore the rock, estimating that once funds have been raised restoration A Prada paper work will take about two weeks. clip – a snip at Bjarne Sigve Kverneland, one of the joggers who found the fallen rock, only $185 said: “This is crime and totally unacceptable.” It’s not just a paperclip, its Prada. “This is terribly sad and I am A $185 Prada paperclip, sold by Barney’s New York, is the latest dumbfounded that anyone could do in the list of unnecessary such a thing,” said Kjetil Bentsen, the extravagant things. activist behind the crowdfunding campaign. Okay, to be fair, it’s a paperclip- shaped money clip. Police investigating the suspected vandalism are hoping for tips from the The Prada “paperclip,” made in public to find those responsible. If Italy of polished sterling silver, measures 6.25cm by 2.25cm. caught, the perpetrators could face up p: 09 420 7515 to one year in prison for the crime of environmental vandalism. www.trueformspas.co.nz

18 19 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWS

CIA’s cyberweapon can infiltrate Eating our way around world’s most secure networks the world – destinations Pentagon wasted $93m on ‘forest’ camouflage WikiLeaks’ latest release in its Vault7 Firstly, an internet-connected Data can be returned to the CIA once to indulge delicacies for Afghan troops series details how the CIA’s alleged computer within the targetted again, although this does depend on Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Tokyo are the top cities for food “Brutal Kangaroo” programme is being organisation is infected with the someone connecting the USB used on The Pentagon spent $93.81 million over the past used to penetrate the most secure malware. When a user inserts a USB the closed network computer to an fans across the globe. decade to provide Afghan troops with uniforms of a networks in the world. stick into this computer, the online device. Las Vegas, Nevada is the most popular in the United States “forest” camouflage pattern that is largely unsuitable “Brutal Kangaroo,” a tool suite for thumbdrive itself is infected with a While it may not appear to be the for Afghanistan’s landscape, according to a report by separate malware. Microsoft Windows, targets closed air most efficient CIA project, it allows the With three quarters (75 percent) of global travellers saying the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan gapped networks by using thumb intelligence agency to infiltrate they’d likely travel somewhere renowned for its great food Reconstruction (SIGAR). drives, according to WikiLeaks. otherwise unreachable networks. and drink when choosing their next travel destination, “Forests cover only 2.1 percent of Afghanistan’s total Air gapping is a security measure This method is comparable to the culinary travel is a trend on the rise. The joy of trying and land area,” the report notes. The 17- employed on one or more computers Stuxnet virus, a cyberweapon eating delicious new dishes while travelling can make a trip page document further estimates that the Pentagon to ensure that a secure computer wasted up to $28 million simply because it chose to purportedly built by the United States to remember. network is physically isolated from and Israel. Stuxnet is thought to have buy the pattern from a private firm. unsecured networks. caused substantial damage to ’s A Booking.com survey uncovers the top food destinations “The decision to procure ANA uniforms using a These networks are used by financial nuclear programme in 2010. around the world. proprietary camouflage pattern was not based on its appropriateness for the Afghan environment and institutions, military and intelligence Once this is inserted into a single The CIA allegedly began developing The Top 25 cities globally agencies, the nuclear power industry, computer on the air gapped network the “Brutal Kangaroo” programme in appears to have cost up to $28 million more than as well as even some advanced news the infection jumps – like a kangaroo 2012 – two years after Stuxnet endorsed for food buying similar uniforms using a non-proprietary networks to protect sources. – across the entire system, enabling incident in Iran. camouflage pattern,” the report says. These newly released documents show sabotage and data theft. The most recent of these files were 1 Hong Kong, Hong Kong In 2007, the Pentagon offered the woodland pattern to Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Abdul Rahim how closed networks not connected to If multiple computers on the closed intended to remain secret until at 2 Sao Paulo, Brazil the internet can be compromised by network are under CIA control, they least 2035. The documents released Wardak and, according to the SIGAR report, he “liked this malware. However, the tool only “form a covert network to coordinate by WikiLeaks are dated February, 3 Tokyo, Japan what he saw.” works on machines with a Windows tasks and data exchange,” according 2016, indicating that the scheme was 4 Athens, Greece operating system. to WikiLeaks. likely being used until that point. 5 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia US restoring Cuba travel ban 6 , Australia How exciting – a swimsuit “attack on freedom of travel” When the British moan about 7 Bangkok, Thailand with Donald Trump’s face The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) expresses its 8 Granada, Spain the heat If we’d hoped the beach might serve as a refuge from resentment over the recently-announced decision by the United 9 Las Vegas, USA States to restore travel restrictions with Cuba. the 24-hour news cycle, then we’ve seriously In Britain, complaining about the weather is 10 Buenos Aires, Argentina underestimated the ability of brands to capitalise “This represents a step backwards and a strong attack on the almost as popular a past-time as drinking tea. on the current political climate. freedom of travel,” said UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai. During unusually hot weather this summer, 11 Singapore, Singapore Beloved Shirts – the clothing with the temperature in the low 30s, Brits did 12 Warsaw, Poland company known for its outrageous what they do best in times like this – moan. prints – wants to ruin our pool Some online “moans:” 13 Porto, Portugal party with its “Shocked Trump” „„ I mean this is just too hot. I’m writing to 14 Valencia, Spain one-piece swimsuit, featuring the council about this 15 Florence, Italy none other than the artificially „„ It’s like, LA hot, but zero breeze tanned visage of the United 16 Milan, Italy „„ The heat abroad is so much better than States president. the heat in England 17 Sydney, Australia For the sale price of $49.95 (down from $59.95), someone „„ It’s too hot to drink tea, we haven’t slept 18 Krakow, Poland “This decision will have limited impact on Cuba’s tourism in 48 hours, the tube is an oven, nobody who’s really willing to commit development, yet it will substantially affect the United States’ 19 Istanbul, Turkey can remember the last time it rained to the joke can strut across economy and American jobs. Many United States companies have the sand with Trump’s mouth „„ Are you even British if you don’t say “it’s 20 Lisbon, Portugal started to invest in and do business with Cuba in view of the for a belly button. immense potential of Cuban tourism, which other countries will too hot” about 20 times a day when it’s 21 Munich, Germany Those looking to double surely continue to benefit from,“ he added. sunny 22 Copenhagen, Denmark down on that joke can step Tourism is one of the key economic sectors in Cuba, supporting it up with a romper 23 Seville, Spain many livelihoods and drawing significant interest from foreign featuring the face of North investors, which will surely continue being the case. 24 Brussels, Belgium Korean leader In 2016 Cuba received more than four million international visitors, Kim Jong-Un, available 25 Rome, Italy a growth of over a million in only five years. for $79.99.

20 21 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWSNEWS

Light beams will send humans to Google wants far-off planets says Hawking to build its own city in California

The IT giant, Google, has massive expansion plans. Parent company Alphabet intends to There’s more to do buy a large tract of land from the city of San Jose to build a campus with at least 60 hectares of space for offices and worker housing. in Vanuatu Google wants to transform the Diridon Station area of San Jose into a massive transit hub, There are so many places in the on the ship to move it forward. complete with a Google village. universe to explore, but with current Hawking is part of a project called The plan will create 20,000 jobs. rocket technology it would take Breakthrough Starshot that is looking millions of years to reach some of the The San Jose City Council voted to create the first of such transport most interesting planets, moons and 10 to 1 to give Google exclusive systems, although with a small and stars. Unless we hitch a ride on a negotiating rights on the deal. lightweight craft rather than the kind beam of light. Media have reported that of large one that would be needed to Google-affiliated property Physicist Stephen Hawking is one of ferry a human population and all their investors have been buying land the people trying to turn that science- supplies to another planet. The goal is in the area, reportedly spending fiction concept into reality and he to get the spacecraft up to 100 million $130 million. proposed it while speaking at a miles an hour. festival. During a talk at the “Google’s vision of an integrated “To go faster would require science and art festival development in San Jose aligns a much higher exhaust Starmus in Norway, with the aspirations of the city, speed than chemical where Hawking was transit agencies, surrounding rockets can provide part of a group of neighbourhoods, and downtown – that of light itself,” speakers that Kirkland Photos © 2017 businesses for extraordinary Hawking said. included Apollo 11 architecture, urban design, “A powerful beam of astronaut Buzz environmental sustainability, light from the rear Aldrin and retail amenities, transit transport astrophysicist Neil could drive the and vibrant public spaces,” said deGrasse Tyson, he spaceship forward” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. called on humans to and bring it up to Though the Google city is likely leave Earth and explore speed, perhaps reaching a to create 20,000 jobs and 3000 areas beyond our solar system tenth or even a fifth of light’s housing units, there is also in a search for a habitable velocity. pessimism the building could replacement we can colonise. But that That is many thousands of times hurt residents, who may face would require some new spaceships. faster than the maximum speed difficulties finding places to live He specifically pointed to Proxima humans can currently reach. near their workplaces. Centauri b, a planet that could be a Although it would take quite a bit to good candidate but is 4.5 light years advance space travel so much, going In just three hours, you could be exploring from Earth – more than 26 trillion any faster would require technology an underwater cave, scuba diving, fishing, miles away. To reach it and sniff it out beyond current imagination. and witnessing a live volcano. as a potential new home for Earthlings Why is Hawking pushing for this Or indulging yourself with amazing cuisine, ING A would take millions of years if we used IN N technology? The physicist has made it D D rocket propulsion technology that sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear water. clear that he thinks life on Earth is VOLC VE A exists today. But according to Live G I N doomed. During his Starmus talk, he HIN AN L O Science, he offered alternative IS D said humans will have to colonise Mars DON’T WAIT, BOOK NOW! F transportation – a light beam. or another location within the next 100

This method of space travel years if we want to survive extinction.

R E theoretically works with a ship first That wasn’t the first time he has made O M N C A T D being launched into space, after which that claim. Hawking has listed climate A N generated at BeQRious.com S N A C G N A IS L a laser light, or an array of laser lights, change, nuclear war and disease as U N B A D I V I would be beamed from a location on possible calamities that would kill off www.airvanuatu.com Earth onto the back end of a “lightsail” the human species on Earth. PH: 09 373 3435 | [email protected] Like us on Facebook: /airvanuatu REDRET018

22 23 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 NEWS NEWS

Hidden trove of Nazi NZ wine exports hit $1.66 billion New York artifacts found in Argentina landlord The export value of New Zealand tells tenants In a hidden room in a house near passageway to a room filled with the wine has reached a record high Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, Nazi imagery. according to the 2017 Annual Report of New Zealand Winegrowers. Now – prove police believe they found the biggest Authorities did not identify the residency or collection of Nazi artifacts in the collector who remains free but under valued at $1.66 billion, exports were country’s history. investigation by a federal judge. up 6 percent art the end of June, face eviction 2017. Wine now stands as New They include a bust relief of Adolf “There are no precedents for a find like Hitler, magnifying glasses inside this. Pieces are stolen or are imitations. Zealand’s fifth largest goods export. elegant boxes with swastikas and even But this is original and we have to get Over the past two decades the wine a macabre medical device used to to the bottom of it,” said Roncaglia. industry has achieved average measure head size. Police are trying to determine how the annual export growth of 17 percent Some 75 objects were found in a artifacts entered Argentina. a year states the report. collector’s home in Beccar, a suburb The main hypothesis among “With diversified markets and a strong north of Buenos Aires, and authorities investigators and members of say they suspect they are originals that upward trajectory, the industry is in Argentina’s Jewish community is that Green highlighted that in order to He said improved protection of New The owner of a 23-unit residential belonged to high-ranking Nazis in good shape to achieve $2 billion of they were brought to Argentina by a achieve continuing value growth, Zealand’s regional identities through building in Queens, New York, Germany during the Second World War. exports by 2020” said Steve Green, high-ranking Nazi or Nazis after the it is critical for the industry to maintain has reportedly sent his tenants a chair of New Zealand Winegrowers. the Geographical Indications (Wine “Our first investigations indicate that letter demanding they provide Second World War, when the South focus on protecting and enhancing and Spirits) Registration Act, and these are original pieces,” said Argentine According to the report exports to proof of their legal residency or American country became a refuge for its reputation as a distinctive, initiatives such as the launch of the Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. the United States lead the strong face eviction. Local lawmakers fleeing war criminals, including some quality product. Sustainable Winegrowing New of the best known. argue such a move violates the Some pieces were accompanied by growth, passing $500 million for the “Our premium reputation remains Zealand Continuous Improvement city’s Human Rights Law. old photographs. As leading members of Hitler’s Third first time (up 12 percent). New the greatest collective asset for New extension programme will help Reich were put on trial for war crimes, Zealand wine became the third most Tenants of the building at 95-36 “This is a way to commercialise them, Zealand wine, and underlies the high enhance the world-class reputation Josef Mengele fled to Argentina and 42nd Avenue in the showing that they were used by the valuable wine import into the US, average price our wine commands in of New Zealand wine as a premium lived in Buenos Aires for a decade. He predominantly Latino horror, by the Fuhrer. There are behind only France and Italy. global trade”. and sustainable product. moved to Paraguay after Israeli neighborhood of Corona in photos of him with the objects.” Mossad agents captured Holocaust Queens received a notice Among the disturbing items were toys UK tourism held up in face mastermind Adolf Eichmann, who was demanding each leaseholder that Mr Bullrich said would have been George Clooney sells also living in Buenos Aires. Mengele of terror attacks appear at the building’s used to indoctrinate children, a large later died in Brazil in 1979 while his tequila company management office with photo statue of the Nazi eagle above a swimming in a beach in the town Tourists flying to the United Kingdom over summer ID, Social Security card, “proof of swastika, a Nazi hourglass and a box for $1 billion of Bertioga. appeared undaunted by recent terror attacks, according your status in United States of harmonicas. to ForwardKeys which predicts future travel patterns by While police in Argentina did not One of Hollywood’s wealthiest men just got hundreds (green card or passport)” and Police say one of the most-compelling analysing 16 million booking transactions a day. name any high-ranking Nazis to whom of millions of dollars richer. proof of employment. pieces of evidence of the historical Looking ahead, the latest data shows that, as of June 17, the objects might have originally George Clooney has decided to sell his tequila “P.S If you fail to comply, your importance of the find is a photo forward bookings for international arrivals in London for belonged, Bullrich noted there were company, Casamigos, to Diageo for as much lease will not be renewed, we negative of Hitler holding a magnifying the months of July and August were 12 percent ahead of medical devices. as $1 billion, the company reported. may have to terminate your glass similar to those found in what they were at the same point last year. This is a “There are objects to measure heads lease and may have to evict you the boxes. significantly more positive position than the European The transaction, which is expected to that was the logic of the Aryan race,” close in the second half of 2017, will see from the apartment,” read the “We have turned to historians and average, which was 7.8 percent ahead. she said. Diageo initially pay $700 million for notice from “New Management.” they’ve told us it is the original ForwardKeys research also found that after the London Ariel Cohen Sabban, president of the Casamigos, possibly paying as much as The landlord apologised after a magnifying glass” that Hitler was Bridge attack, there was no significant wave of DAIA, a political umbrella for $300 million more based on the brand’s newspaper started making using, said Nestor Roncaglia, head of cancellations for air travel to the United Kingdom, Argentina’s Jewish institutes, called the performance over the next 10 years. inquiries. Argentina’s federal police. although there was a slow-down in new bookings. find “unheard of” in Argentina. Casamigos was marketed to hipsters in a “That’s wrong,” he told the “We are reaching out to international “Finding 75 original pieces is historic grainy, Instagram-able ad campaign in 2015. newspaper, referring to the experts to deepen the investigation.” and could offer irrefutable proof of Clooney said if anyone had asked him if he thought letter. “I’ll retract that. I’m sorry.” The investigation that culminated in the presence of top leaders who he’d have a billion-dollar company when Casamigos the discovery of the collection began As a presidential candidate, escaped from Nazi Germany,” (which roughly translates to “house of friends”) when authorities found artworks of Trump promised to remove said Cohen. launched four years ago, he would not have said yes. criminal undocumented illicit origin in a gallery in north For those who are a fan of Clooney’s influence on the immigrants, ban Muslims from Buenos Aires. brand, don’t fret – both he and his two co-owners will entering the United States, Agents with the international police be staying on after the company’s acquisition. remove all undocumented force Interpol began following the “We’re not going anywhere,” Clooney said. “We’ll still immigrants, and terminate collector and, with a judicial order, be very much a part of Casamigos. Starting with a Obama’s immigration amnesty raided the house on June 8. A large shot tonight. Maybe two.” programmes, among other plans. bookshelf caught their attention and behind it agents found a hidden

24 25 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 HOTEL NEWS NEWS

Sneeze germs travel 4 metres – last Dubai’s hotel room bonanza 45 minutes in the air ‘GRAND theft challenges Las Vegas AT&T avocado’ Introduces By late 2016 Dubai had reached 100,000 If further proof was needed that in ‘Staycast’ Police have arrested three men hotel rooms – with plans to construct Dubai anything goes, the Rosemont in California on suspicion of another 30,000 by the end of 2018. Hotel and Residences, due to streaming for stealing $300,000 worth of If Dubai reaches that figure, it will be complete in 2018, will come with a hotels avocados from their employer giving Las Vegas a run for its money. 7000 sq m artificial rainforest. There’s and selling them on for a profit. In the emirate, as is the case all over no danger in getting wet, however. Guests will be able to stream The suspects, in what the police the world, not all hotel rooms are built The environment has been entertainment via their favourite dubbed “grand theft avocado,” equally. If the idea of staying on an engineered with motion sensors so apps with a few simple steps, were all working in California’s artificial island is rather passé, visitors that rain falls around guests, ensuring according to AT&T. Ventura County for Mission can always sleep with the fish. no soggy suitcases. First connect to the hotel wifi, Produce. It is one of the largest The Rosemont’s design is just the download the “Hotel Cast” app avocado distributors in the world. A desert view too incongruous for the air-conditioned suite? Perhaps opt for a latest in Dubai’s line of extraordinary (available for iOS and Android), Police had been watching the one that overlooks a ski slope instead. and extravagant hotels. and enter a passcode provided trio since May, when Mission via the service. Next, tap the Produce’s president, Steve “cast” icon that contains more Barnard, became suspicious of than 1000 Chromecast-enabled the thefts. They say the men were apps – TV shows, movies, stealing and selling avocados to games, sports, kids content and The spread of airborne diseases Following the outbreak, questions unsuspecting customers who more on the largest screen in could be reduced through redesigned were asked how the epidemic spread thought they were paying Mission the room. ventilation of offices, schools so quickly to so many people. Produce for the food. The streaming solution can be and hospitals, Queensland “Most research in this area to date has “Everybody loves avocados. We easily integrated into new and researchers hope. focused on laboratory-generated take these kinds of thefts existing properties. Scientists from the Queensland bio-aerosols, or airborne droplets, seriously,” said Sergeant John “Consumers are now taking their University of Technology (QUT) and which are different from natural Franchi of the Ventura County the University of Queensland have respiratory droplets generated by entertainment with them Sheriff’s Department. “It’s a big wherever they go, including discovered that some bacteria can humans,” said Morawska, product here and in California.” spread up to four metres and remain who looked into the physics of hotels,” said Ed Balcerzak, senior Demand for avocados has alive in the air for up to 45 minutes infectious airborne bacteria expelled vice president, commercial & grown dramatically in recent connected communities, AT&T. after being coughed or sneezed. by the body. Cheeky protest messages years with consumers drawn to “This solution gives hotels and The advice to cover our mouth when An experiment was conducted in projected onto Trump hotel the heart-healthy fruit. A bad institutions a competitive we cough or sneeze has scientific which two people sat in a four metre harvest and strikes by growers advantage by offering an backing at last. long tunnel and the bacteria the One of the Trump organisation’s As well as the projections, the in Mexico have pushed avocado entertainment experience that infected subjects expelled by either prices to a record high. flagship buildings was the scene of protest featured a handful of sneezing or coughing was monitored consumers can’t get everywhere. According to Barnard, a box of a cheeky protest – with images of people dressed like Russian and measured. As a leader in telecommunications, avocados typically sells for $50, Russian President Vladimir Putin soldiers, with one of them bearing The findings, that the germs could be projected onto the façade. a Russian flag. media, and technology, AT&T is and the suspects were selling for bringing the most advanced propelled up to four metres and The protest, organized by video This isn’t the first time protest $20 or $30 a box, well below entertainment options to the infectious quantities of bacteria stayed market price. journalist, Robin Bell, targetted the messages have been projected onto alive for up to 45 minutes, disproved hotel industry.” “I guess they got greedy and Trump SoHo New York in lower a Trump hotel. In May another the theory from medical experts that they got bulletproof,” he said. Manhattan. demonstration saw “Pay Trump one metre was a safe distance from Messages including “Laundering Bribes Here” appear above the an infected person. The best thing about the entrance to the Trump International avocado business is “the services available,” “Follow the Morawska said the next stage of the Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in demand,” the president of money” and “Happy to help, bro” research would be to test the distance downtown Washington, DC. Mission Produce said, adding appeared alongside pictures of a The outbreak of the SARS epidemic and durability of different kinds of the company plans to tighten smiling Putin and the Russian flag. Trump Hotels have been focal in 2003 sparked the research of bacteria, such as those behind the security at all its facilities. points for all manner of protest Professor Lidia Morawska, director of common cold or flu. since Donald Trump decided to run In 2015, California exported $25 the International Laboratory for Air She also hoped to investigate for president. Quality and Health at QUT. million worth of avocados. preventative measures including the Numerous high profile sports The SARS outbreak in 2003 saw about effectiveness of masks and how people, including basketball star 300 people infected by one person ventilation systems help to spread the LeBron James, have opted against who stayed in a Hong Kong hotel for bacteria. staying in the hotels during team just one night. “We will test masks using the tunnel visits, while in January a man tried Morawska looked into the physics of again, but testing ventilation systems to set himself on fire outside one of infectious airborne bacteria expelled will be difficult because every building Trump’s establishments. by the body. design is different.”

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PULLMAN Sydney Hyde Park – launchpad for city exploration

n a recent visit to Sydney we once again stayed at the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park. This hotel is well situated just a five minute stroll through Hyde Park to the Sydney shopping precinct. As we have time on our hands we decide to test this central location. To walk Ofrom the hotel to Chinatown and Paddy’s Market is just 20 minutes on foot – with plenty of interesting architecture to take in on the way.

by Rob Prince

The Ritz-Carlton takes to the sea – offering bespoke yacht experiences

itz-Carlton, part of Marriott International, has including the Mediterranean, northern Europe, the announced its entry into luxury yachting and Caribbean and Latin America. Due to the intimate size of cruises – bringing the luxury hotel brand’s the vessel, the yacht will call at unique locations typically WELCOME TO THE PULLMAN walk 100 metres. This seems to be a training restaurant service and style to sea. not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and during the day, opening its doors to the public at night. Once there we decide to follow the signs to Darling RCreated by Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts, Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena. Here we experience great food and even better prices. Harbour. Surprisingly, this only takes us another 10 Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, the Ritz-Carlton will With a relaxed pace, that includes both overnight and The main dining venue at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park minutes. After a leisurely lunch the journey back to the provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a uniquely is the Café Thirty6 which serves dinner between 6pm operating agreement. curated destination experience. Pullman proves to be another easy 15 minute wander. and 10pm while the Windows on the Park is open for Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture The specially designed small capacity vessel Whether on business or leisure, this is a grand breakfast Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 10am and represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a will measure 190 metres, accommodate up to 298 location, being handy to most of the interesting sites Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 11am. luxury hotel operator. The first of three lavish cruising passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own Sydney has to offer – but just out of the hustle and bustle Those booked into an Executive Room will have yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 of city life. exclusive access to the Executive lounge located on the quarter of 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International sq m lavish duplex penthouse suites, with modern The find of this trip for us is a little restaurant only a 21st floor. Here they can enjoy complimentary drinks, as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by couple minutes walk from the Pullman. To find Md Thai canapés and breakfast. land and at sea. Ritz-Carlton and leading cruise ship design firm, Tillberg Restaurant simply go out the main door, turn left and If we’re in the mood for recreation and fitness the “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a Design, of Sweden. rooftop recreation deck features a well equipped fitness distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true “The Ritz-Carlton is known for its legendary service standouts in some of the most glamorous ports around and high standards,” said Douglas Prothero, managing centre, outdoor pool, spa, sauna, and jacuzzi. As well, the world,” said Herve Humler, president and CEO of Ritz- director, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Those booked into an Executive there are great views over the Sydney CBD skyline. Carlton. Throughout the journey, guests will indulge in a There are three room classifications at the Pullman. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising cruising style described as “ultra-luxury.” The Ritz-Carlton Room will have exclusive access The Superior rooms are 32sqm and offer views over will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking yachts will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, Hyde Park, the Sydney CBD or east Sydney. The Executive to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, to the Executive lounge located on rooms offer the same level of comfort but also provide and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of Wolfsburg; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama the 21st floor. Here they can enjoy access to the Executive lounge. personalised service.” Lounge and wine bar, offering a wide variety of on-board The Junior Suites measure 54 sqm and have views of Itineraries are being developed with the intention to entertainment. complimentary drinks, canapés Hyde Park or Woolloomooloo Bay. These rooms feature combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts Additionally, the yacht will offer one-of-a-kind separate living areas, a balcony and a corner spa baths. and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Calling curated destination journeys through collaborations and breakfast. As well there are excellent meeting and conference at intimate and signature destinations alike, voyages will with local chefs, musicians and artists, allowing guests facilities that include seven meeting rooms catering range from seven to 10 days. The first ship will cruise a to experience the locations in unique and experiential for up to 250 delegates, all equipped with all the latest wide variety of destinations depending on the season, ways, both onboard and ashore. technology.

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Fiji Marriot – an impressive newcomer in Momi Bay

iji Marriot Resort Momi Bay is Fiji’s newest international luxury hotel with the island nation’s only man-made lagoon resort. As we crest the hill and look down on Momi Bay the magnificent setting of this resort is something to behold. With 250 rooms including 22 Fover-water villas the resort offers unrivalled lagoon and ocean views in a fantastic setting.

by Rob Prince

  WELCOME TO THE MARRIOT The Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay offers an exceptional venue for any event from weddings, conferences or board There are three restaurants to choose from at the meetings. A range of flexible event and meeting venues Marriot. Firstly the Goji Kitchen and Bar which is open include a grand saloon, ballroom, boardroom and 1200 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering all-day dining square metres of outdoor pre function space. They have with Fijian, Asian and Indian-inspired dishes. the latest audio visual innovations and with access to The Fish Bar, which is the resort’s signature restaurant, gourmet catering with flexible options any social event, features a variety of fresh seafood. On dining there I enjoy from a wedding to themed parties, can be catered for. the lobster meal at a very reasonable cost however I feel There are three swimming pools, including an adults- that $140 for the cheapest bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on only infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a kids’ pool and the wine list is a tad expensive. a main pool. A selection of water sports is available – The Lagoon House and Bar offers a more casual or including kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing and relaxed setting and serves Italian and Mediterranean fishing tours. fare. The Lagoon Lounge offers all-day bites, hot and cold All this, along with the Quan Spa’s six treatment beverages and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. rooms, two couples rooms with private plunge pools Just a cautionary note that if the waitress asks you if and a Turtle’s Club for the kids means that there is just Guaranteeing seaside accommodation at its very best, Meriton Suites Broadbeach off ers larger rooms, you would like a coffee you will be charged accordingly. about something for everyone and it should not be too gourmet kitchens, fi rst class appointments and spectacular ocean views to make your next stay on the However if you do not require a barista coffee, go to the hard to sit back and relax. Located at Momi Bay, the Gold Coast an unforge able one. coffee station in the restaurant and there is no charge. Marriot Resort is approximately 45 minutes drive from Last but definitely not least is The Fiji Baking Company. Nadi International Airport and is 29 kilometres from Nadi This is the resort’s bakery and delicatessen, providing town and is in easy reach of Denarau Island. Each suite, and all areas of the hotel, include complimentary unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi to stay on delicious pastries, sandwiches, salads and barista coffee. For the golf enthusiast it is 30 kilometres to the top of your work, while keeping up with your fi tness regime has been made easy with our resort-style The resort’s 250 rooms include 136 contemporary Natadola Golf Course or 36 kilometres to the Denarau recreational facilities. deluxe rooms and 114 bure villas – with 22 of these Golf and Racquet Club. being over water with direct lagoon access. Each room Having only opened early in April this year I was Conveniently located, we are positioned in the heart of Broadbeach; within walking distance of the features a private balcony or terrace with views of the amazed at how well-oiled the resort was running. Gold Coast’s G:Link Light Rail, Pacifi c Fair Shopping Centre, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition pool, lagoon or ocean and is equipped with high speed The staff have been well trained and are there to help internet and a spacious work desk. The deluxe rooms are and tend to every wish. Everyone has a smile on their Centre, and the golden sands of the beach. ideal for families or groups and offer connecting rooms. face, an infectious joy that spreads easily to the guests. meritonsuites.com.au +61 2 9277 1111 30 31 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 HOTEL HOTEL NEWS NEWS

First-timer’s stay at a Sofitel Fiji serviced apartment Resort & Spa – Meriton Suites Broadbeach comes up trumps – a favourite at Denarau

his is a new experience for me. Although I had heard of the he Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is still one of my favourite destinations Meriton Suites I’d never had the pleasure of staying at any or their when visiting Denarau Island. The Sofitel, a 20-minute drive from establishments. First impressions are always important – and I’m Nadi International Airport, is spread over 10 hectares, with just a pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome we receive from the short walk to the Denarau Golf Club and Racquet Club. There Tcheck-in staff. Tare 296 guest rooms that include 12 suites, each featuring Fijian art.

by Rob Prince by Rob Prince

WELCOME TO THE SOFITEL If we have registered for the Waitui Beach Club we have a private check-in area and poolside butler service. All guest rooms at the Sofitel feature private terrace From 6pm on the club is open to the public offering a or balconies. The Superior Room that we occupy is The Meriton Suites Broadbeach is probably in the menu that includes tapas, wood fire pizza and cocktails. WELCOME TO THE Meriton 35 square metres and is decorated Fijian style. best location I have stayed on the Gold Coast. They are The Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is the ideal place for The apartment consists of a large lounge, As with all rooms, it comes with LCD TV, air conditioning, situated only 200 metres from patrolled beaches and are conferences and meetings and is renowned for its incorporating the kitchen, good-sized bathroom and safe deposit box, wifi, work desk and mini bar. Little surrounded by cafés, restaurants, specialty shops and a creative events and themed dinners. The meeting room bedroom. The fit out and furnishings are of excellent extra luxuries such as Pure Fiji amenities add an supermarket. The Surf Club is only minutes away, serving options are endless, ranging from boardrooms and quality and, with never-ending sea views, we have the opulent touch. ballrooms through to private gardens and an on-site perfect accommodation for a great holiday. excellent meals with wide views over the beach. The light When dining at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa we are wedding chapel. The grand Kiakavo ballroom can cater Equally, it’s hard to imagine a better place to stay for rail is approximately 500 metres from the Meriton and spoilt for choice. The V Restaurant is Sofitel’s signature for up to 800 guests for cocktails or 640 for a banquet. those on business on the Gold Coast. it’s only a short stroll to the Gold Coast Convention and dining room and is open only for dinner. The Lagoon There are 10 separate rooms, the smallest boardroom On reading a Meriton publication at the reception, Exhibition Centre, Casino, and the Pacific Fair Shopping Restaurant is open for buffet breakfasts and themed catering for 18 people and with a great range of different I find myself, literally, on the same page as chairman Centre with its 130-plus fashion and accessory stores as buffet dinners, offering live cooking stations and configurations every size gathering can be catered for. and managing director of the Meriton Group, Harry well as cinemas and food court. specialty dishes whereas the Salt Restaurant is located With the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club located so Triguboff, when he writes: The Meriton has a range of rooms starting with the on the water’s edge and offers a variety of cuisine close by – with its facilities including a driving range, two “When I founded Meriton Suites in 2003, I felt the Classic Studio at 63 sq m, one bedroom suites at 70 sq m such as a Sushi Bar, Pizza Oven or Tandori Oven. This practice putting greens, golf and tennis pro shop – plus serviced apartments industry had a big future. There and the two-bedroom suites at 99 sq m. Those with restaurant is open for a la carte breakfast to adults only and all guests for a la carte lunch and dinner. the Belo Vula Restaurant and Bar operating hours 7am was a gap in the accommodation market for a ‘home families or in need of additional space, there is the three- away from home’ – somewhere you could stay whether The Latitude 17 is a great cocktail bar where guests until sunset, this all adds up to a world class venue for bedroom Ocean Suite at 143 sq m. on work travel or a holiday, and feel completely at ease. can even procure Cuban cigars. It is open from 7am conferences. Meriton is well established with four properties in the “I believe that when you travel, you are entitled to until late. I guess my favourite has to be the Waitui If families happen to be involved in that conference, Sydney CBD, six In the Sydney surrounds, two in Brisbane space, comfort and luxury – something that could be Beach Club, the newest edition to the resort. This is a the Turtle Club caters for children between 3-12 years hard to come by in the small hotel rooms of old. My and two on the Gold Coast. great area exclusively for guests aged 16 and above, of age and is open from 9am – 9pm. The activity vision was to introduce a brand of accommodation I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Meriton featuring facilities such as a 25 metre lap pool, swim- programmes have been planned to encourage maximum where everything you need is at your fingertips, from a Broadbeach, and suggest to those who have not tried up pool bar, champagne bar, restaurant, pool side fun for children while incorporating a touch of Fijian gourmet kitchen to an internal laundry and a living and staying in serviced apartments they are very likely to cabanas, state of the art gym and complimentary culture. Babysitting can also be organised through the entertaining area for guests.” thoroughly enjoy the experience. evening Sundowner cocktails. Turtle Club, although additional charges do apply.

32 33 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 WINTER 2017 AIRLINE AIRLINE NEWS NEWS

Indian government says Australia’s oeing won a race for new Boeing thrashes Airbus in Paris goodbye to Air India business at the Paris most complained Airshow, rolling out a new Airshow orders In a long-expected move, Air India is to be disinvested by about airline model of its best-selling the Indian government, according to a cabinet meeting B737 airliner that helped it claim back years? Yes, it is. Are we conceding “This time we’ve got instability and presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. that Boeing sold a few more uncertainty in many regions of the The industry-funded per million passengers in the order crown from rival Airbus. airplanes than we did? Yes,” he told Whether it will be a sale or partial disinvestment is still not Airline Customer 2016, however that was After a show in which both world, but airline traffic is strong, a news conference. clear. This will be decided by a high-level committee, which Advocate’s annual report up from 10.5 the manufacturers did brisk business and as we’ve seen at this show, will also oversee who the bidders might be. shows Tigerair was the previous year. under a sweltering sun, the In a late flurry on Thursday morning, want jets and the finance Airbus signed deals for almost 100 people are certainly happy to help.” The decision comes after years of mounting losses and debt. most complained about The -owned European plane maker said it had aircraft, with AirAsia and Iranian It was felt by many that just spending money was a waste, airline of Australia’s four came third for won 346 net new orders and The A321 is larger than any previous carriers Zagros Airlines and Iran especially since money needs to be spent on more largest carriers that most complaints, commitments – including a last- member of the 737 family, an Airtours. It later added a last-minute important items, such as education and the agricultural includes Jetstar, Qantas, however, had cut its rate minute order for 20 – while United important gap in the minds of some Tibetan order for 20 aircraft. and social sectors. Virgin and Tigerair. markedly from 2015 States rival Boeing reached 571. airlines that the larger-capacity MAX Iranian Roads and Urban There will surely be many who will be unhappy at the However, it wasn’t a when it was averaging 20 That included 147 new orders and 10 is intended to address. Development Minister Abbas shape of a new Air India, as the line has been a flag bearer complete disaster for complaints per million. commitments for the new Boeing Leahy, speaking at his last big air Akhoundi toured the show and met for India through its services, unique product, and image. Tiger. According to the Qantas was again the 737 MAX 10, plus 214 conversions to show before retiring later this year, report, it received 31.9 suppliers on Thursday in a reminder least complained about the MAX 10 from other models to said he had expected the new Boeing From a pure economic angle, the market share of Air India of Iran’s return to the aviation complaints for every airline, falling from 8.4 to support the launch of the new plane. has come down to about 12 percent, while private carriers, market after sanctions were lifted plane to make more of a splash. million passengers who 7.2 per complaints per “The MAX stole the show,” said both full service and low-cost carriers, have seen a rise. last year under a deal between “We had expected they would have flew with it in 2016 – million passengers Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Tehran and major powers. had a bigger launch on the 737 MAX down from 37.7 across the top five issues sales and marketing at Boeing’s complaints in 2015. 10, not quite as many conversions, from 2015-16. commercial aircraft division. Boeing topped up its tally by Complaints were based announcing a firm order for 125 737 more incremental orders,” Complaints around “This is probably one of our busiest on refunds, delays, MAX 8 airplanes with an undisclosed But Mounir said converting existing refunds were the most air shows.” customer and another deal with cancellations, baggage common passenger orders to the new model was the Combined orders were stronger lessor AerCap to convert 15 of its services, fees and issue, making up 31 per most efficient way for airlines to than expected and edged past the MAX 8 orders into the larger MAX 10. charges, and airport cent of complaints, secure attractive early delivery slots total from the same show two years customer services. followed by delays or It also added a memorandum of once the plane enters service in 2020. ago, but were well below a 2011 The second most cancellations (25 per understanding from Chinese order blowout when Airbus alone “This is just the beginning. This is complained about Aussie cent), baggage services domestic Ruili Airlines for 20 737 managed a similar tally. one week’s worth of commitments.” airline was Virgin, which (11 per cent), fees or MAX 8 aircraft. While he did not expect the MAX 10 leap-frogged Jetstar for charges (nine per cent), Asked if Airbus had lost momentum Analyst Richard Aboulafia, of to be a viable competitor to the A321, the silver medal. Virgin and airport customer after years in which it often Virginia-based Teal Group, said Leahy said its launch could result in received 13.5 complaints service (six per cent). trounced Boeing at annual industry commercial activity had been better price pressure. “They’re clearly going gatherings, sales chief John Leahy than expected and was reminiscent said the slowdown in orders had of shows in 2009 and 2011, when to come after us on price.” been expected. the aircraft industry had generally Both firms accuse each other of Why airlines have “Is this a slower show than previous bucked a retreating world economy. heavy discounting to win deals. trouble with hyphenated names

Those whose name is too long, too short, hyphenated, or contains an apostrophe will probably, at some stage, have trouble while flying. Apostrophes, hyphens, and other special characters in names have been an issue for flyers for many years. A blog post from 2007 describes a flyer having trouble with booking a ticket because of a hyphenated last name. A decade later another flyer wrote a blog post about the same issue. Both airlines and technology have evolved plenty in that span and yet flying with a hyphenated name is as bad as ever. “Online check-ins don’t work, forcing travellers to arrive early at the airport to get a paper boarding pass, or miss their flights,” the second passenger wrote. “Customs flags travellers arriving in the United States for extra scrutiny, resulting in long waits.”

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Flight Report Top 100 Airlines in 2017 Global services market set At the World Airline Awards held at Paris Air Show on June 20 Skytrax Apia to announced the world’s Top 100 Airlines in 2017, as voted by airline to double customers around the world. The awards, described as “the Oscars of over next 20 years the aviation industry”, are most coveted quality accolades for the world auckland airline industry, and a global benchmark of airline excellence. The world’s passenger aircraft fleet – on Flight 995 – indulgence all the way above 100 seats is set to more than double in the next 20 years to more 2017 WORLD RATING 2016 2017 WORLD RATING 2016 than 40,000 aircraft as traffic is set to 1 Qatar Airways 2 51 Saudi Arabian Airlines 82 grow at 4.4 percent per year, according 2 3 52 Azul Brazilian 55 to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast 3 ANA All Nippon Airways 5 53 Oman Air 42 2017-2036. 4 Emirates 1 54 Southwest Airlines 66 This forecast predicts that over the 5 Cathay Pacific 4 55 Porter Airlines 47 next 20 years the total industry 6 EVA Air 8 56 SilkAir 39 aftermarket services spend will reach 7 Lufthansa 10 57 Indigo 51 around US$3.2 trillion. The services 8 Etihad Airways 6 58 WestJet 50 market is mainly driven by MRO, which 9 Hainan Airlines 12 59 LATAM 45 for aircraft above 100 seats will 10 Garuda Indonesia 11 60 61 represent $1.85 trillion over the next 20 11 Thai Airways 13 61 Jetstar 54 years. Training, cabin and systems 12 Turkish Airlines 7 62 TAP Air Portugal 64 upgrades are also major contributors to 13 18 63 Alitalia 58 the overall services market. 14 Swiss Int’l Air Lines 15 64 Eurowings 75 Maintenance repair operations (MRO) is 15 Qantas Airways 9 65 SAS Scandinavian 62 the largest activity represented under 16 Japan Airlines 21 66 Thomson Airways 65 services market and is expected to 17 Austrian 19 67 Philippine Airlines 83 double in the next 20 years. On an 18 Air France 14 68 Brussels Airlines 59 annual basis, Airbus predicts that the 19 Air New Zealand 17 69 Copa Airlines 69 MRO spend will grow from $60 billion to 20 Asiana Airlines 16 70 Air Transat 88 more than $120 billion per year. For this 21 Bangkok Airways 20 71 Azerbaijan Airlines 70 segment, there will be a necessity to 22 KLM 24 72 China Eastern 79 manage mixed-fleet with ageing aircraft 23 China Southern 32 73 Jet Airways 71 Flight time: Three hours 52 minutes by Rob Prince and new technologically advanced 24 Hong Kong Airlines 29 74 American Airlines 77 aircraft. In addition, the development of 25 Finnair 27 75 Fiji Airways 91 Aircraft: Airbus A320 low-cost-carriers (LCCs) will further drive 26 AirAsia 23 76 Ryanair 108 outsourcing strategies to allow airlines 27 Cathay Dragon 22 77 Air Mauritius 73 focusing on their core business of eat: 2C. This is a works deluxe seat. There are was quite tasty although the rice needed plenty of salt. 28 Norwegian 30 78 United Airlines 68 transporting their passengers. Asia three seats in a row but here we have a free This was followed by a chocolate cake dessert. It was 29 Air Canada 31 79 LOT Polish 92 Pacific will see the largest growth in seat next to us. For a flight of approximately interesting to find that we were not offered a cheese 30 Aeroflot 40 80 Air Seychelles 63 MRO demand over the period. four hours duration there is plenty of room and platter, as had been the case previously on these flights 31 Malaysia Airlines 34 81 Sri Lankan Airlines 67 SI find the seats to be quite comfortable. when booking works deluxe. As the world fleet grows, so does the 32 Delta Air Lines 35 82 Icelandair 81 need for more pilots and technicians. Entertainment: They have a good range of new Punctuality: We leave Apia nearly 10 minutes early 33 28 83 Juneyao Airlines 90 More than a million pilots and release movies on board, but by the end of the flight and arrive in Auckland 30 minutes ahead of schedule. 34 Korean Air 36 84 Gulf Air 80 technicians will need to to be trained 35 China Airlines 37 85 Air Berlin 74 I always get hooked on the Air New Zealand quiz. This Cabin service: As always on Air New Zealand, the over the next 20 years, according to the 36 Alaska Airlines 60 86 Hawaiian Airlines 72 always shows me how little I really know. Although the service is very efficient and the cabin crew seemed forecast. Airbus has already tripled the 37 Aegean Airlines 33 87 American Eagle Airlines 84 screen is fairly small the entertainment on board has genuinely happy to be on the flight. number of its global training locations in 38 Aer Lingus 49 88 Vueling 109 something for everyone. Lounge: Although Apia has a new airport terminal, the last three years and will continue to 39 jetBlue Airways 53 89 Air Nostrum 89 Food & beverages: A full range of beverages is on offer, which has to be one of the best in the Pacific Islands, Air propose tailor-made solutions to 40 British Airways 26 90 Tigerair 97 from fruit juices, tea, coffee, soft drinks, spirits, two red and New Zealand does not have any lounge facility for Koru customers, right on their doorstep while 41 easyJet 38 91 Kenya Airways 85 integrating latest technologies and white wines and a sparkling brut. After the meal service is Club or premium passengers. 42 Iberia 52 92 Royal Brunei Airlines 95 web-based solutions. over we can order snacks or drinks from our touch screen. Summary: It was a pleasant change to use the new 43 25 93 Air Malta 101 This is an improvement on the old system of pushing terminal at Apia – a significant improvement on the old 44 Jetstar Airways 46 94 Xiamen Airlines 110 the bell and waiting for service. We can confirm that facilitates. It’s a shame Air New Zealand doesn’t have a 45 AirAsiaX 48 95 S7 Airlines 104 from ordering on the touch screen to receiving our lounge as they do in Rarotonga. This was a very pleasant 46 Air Astana 43 96 Peach 78 choice doesn’t take long at all. four-hour flight. By the time I’ve read the newspaper 47 Vietnam Airlines 44 97 Royal Air Maroc 115 Meal: We have the option of a hot dish that consists handed to me before take off (a nice touch), watched 48 Ethiopian Airlines 76 98 Air China 87 of Mexican beef with rice and mixed vegetables or a movie and had a meal, we are arriving in Auckland. 49 South African Airways 41 99 Air Canada rouge 131 teriyaki chicken salad. I opt for the Mexican beef, which A very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. 50 Avianca 56 100 Aeromexico 94

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Emirates eyes Flight Report Airbus launches new A320 augmented Airspace interior reality goggles Trans-Tasman Expanding on their successful 2016 to personalise introduction of the A330neo and A350, travel Airbus announced the A320 joins the Auckland-bound Airspace family. The brand DNA is experience based on a consistent range of strong – aboard Air New Zealand’s workhorse cabin product elements that provide Gulf carrier Emirates has announced both tangible benefits to passengers its plans to equip staff with and differentiation to airlines. augmented reality (AR) glasses to personalise the travelling experience, The A320 will not only share common cockpit ergonomics with the wide- as well as beat budget rivals. bodies, but will also have a common cabin design language and the latest technology. Some of the enhanced elements of the new interior include: The idea is that staff can use the AR-enabled glasses to offer a • The largest overhead storage compartment in its class. Called the personalised experience to “Airspace Bin,” it not only allows eight, instead of five bags, per four-frame passengers as the glasses can display bin, but also accommodates bigger and heavier bags stowed vertically. name and travel habits. Also, • Iconic ceiling lighting featuring a fully customised on-board luminary passengers can use the smart glasses experience, that begins at the entrance with a welcoming ambiance and to navigate around airports and continues throughout the aircraft with variable lighting features. browse food menus. Emirates’ chief digital and innovation officer, • New sidewall panels with Increased cabin width. Christoph Mueller said. • New window bezel. The new fully-integrated window shades provide “The consumer will want to interact in passengers more window space and unobstructed view. a completely different way.” • New lavatory design. The new spacious design also features coloured The Gulf carrier is facing competition mood lighting, along with anti-bacterial coatings, automatic aroma from budget airlines, including dispenser, sound and optional touchless options. Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, that are • Coloured LED lighting. Leveraging 16.4 million colour options, the new expanding their routes with the custom-cabin mood lighting creates a personalised in-flight experience at potential to take on the Gulf 30,000 feet throughout the cabin. carrier market.

• Harmonised door surround. The new lines of the frames match the by Rob Prince airspace design of the A350 XWB and the A330neo. Flight 938: Gold Coast to Auckland Aircraft: Airbus A320 “The A350 XWB cabin has proven extremely popular, with great feedback not only from passengers, but from design professionals,” commented Dr Kiran Rao, executive vice president, product strategy, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “This was great validation that gave us confidence to apply the eat: 2C. Once again I’m seated in works deluxe wind and we’d make up time. He is right, we arrive 25 design language to the A330neo and now to the A320 Family.” which gives me a little more leg room and a free minutes early. seat next to me. This seat is ideal for the short Cabin service: The cabin service, as always with Air hop across to Auckland. Although they don’t New Zealand, is excellent and cannot really be faulted. recline a great deal the seat is comfortable enough. They certainly seem to have the knack of picking the The single-aisle segment will see the market. Boeing projects the need for S Forecast most growth over the forecast, 920 new production widebody Entertainment: The entertainment system on all Air right people for the job raised for fuelled by low-cost carriers and freighters over the forecast period. New Zealand flights has more than enough to keep us Lounge: This was interesting as Air New Zealand occupied on a short flight like this. Today I opt to listen don’t have a lounge on the Gold Coast so we use the new aeroplane emerging markets. Some 29,530 The Asia market, including China, new airplanes will be needed in this will continue to lead the way in total to the music rather than watch the screen. There is a Virgin lounge. The Virgin lounge is bright and breezy and demand segment, an increase of almost 5 airplane deliveries over the next two very good selection of programmes of popular music looks to be quite new. A light breakfast is being served, percent over last year. decades. Worldwide, 57 percent of from over the years. but as I guess this was a domestic lounge, so bar service “Passenger traffic has been very The forecast for the widebody the new deliveries will be for airline Beverages: As usual, there is a good range of alcoholic does not commence until 11am. strong so far this year, and we segment includes 9,130 planes, with growth, while 43 percent will be for and non alcoholic beverages, but as it’s an early morning Summary: The A320 seems to be the workhorse for expect to see it grow 4.7 percent a large wave of potential replacement of older airplanes with flight coffee hits the spot. Air New Zealand on its trans-Tasman and Pacific routes. each year over the next two replacement demand beginning new, more fuel-efficient jets. Meal: The choice is a chicken salad that not only In its role on these routes, the A320 seems to give decades,” said Randy Tinseth, vice early in the next decade. With more looked the part but I’m assured is as good as it looks, or adequate comfort. president of marketing, Boeing airlines shifting to small and Commercial Airplanes. medium/large widebody airplanes a beef casserole dish, my pick, which is tasty and filling. Although the larger aircraft have that extra room, “The market is especially hungry for like the 787 and 777X, the primary This is accompanied by fresh fruit, a roll and ginger the A320 gets the job done. This is a good quick flight, single-aisle planes as more people demand for very large airplanes crunch dessert that won our “taste of the day.” arriving back in Auckland in mid afternoon in time to start travelling by air.” going forward will be in the cargo Punctuality: Although we leave a few minutes late, miss the evening rush hour. This very pleasant flight the captain informs us we will have a considerable tail was made more enjoyable by the on-plane experience.

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Air New Zealand’s new NADI LOUNGE – a little slice of heaven

by Rob Prince n our most recent visit to Fiji it was a welcome surprise to experience the new Air New Zealand lounge at Nadi Airport. The new lounge is a vast improvement on Oits predecessor. With seating capacity of 179, it capably handles the extra volume of passengers that the larger 777 aircraft accommodate. The old lounge, although always well managed, was quite often at full capacity. “The staff are very friendly and The new lounge has a buffet bar that on our recent trip had meals with a Fijian flair consisting of Chicken obviously proud of their new Tandori Roti Parcels, Long Bean & Eggplant Dhal and surroundings. This little slice of Wahoo Sliders along with club sandwiches and an assortment of cakes and sweets. heaven really enhances Air New There was a good beverage selection of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and a great juice bar. Zealand’s position in Fiji.” The lighting was extremely well done as there did not appear to be any outside windows. The business traveller will particularly appreciate the free wifi and comfortable seating with plenty of tables to spread out those papers. The staff are very friendly and obviously proud of their new surroundings. This little slice of heaven really enhances Air New Zealand’s position in Fiji.

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Australia’s INvestment boom – $8 billion bonus for business events

he Australian hotel industry is responding to continued record international visitor demand with a high level of hotel investment – more ‘Over the next two years several than $8 billion. TTourism Accommodation Australia has identified 228 major expansions and new hotel projects (34,702 rooms) under construction, either approved for development or in advanced planning developments will open their doors, stages, in seven Australian capital cities. taking Australia’s capability for This is in addition to the billions being invested by Australia’s major cities into the lucrative business of hosting business events to a new hosting corporate events. Over the next two years several major expansions level, with an infrastructure of and new developments will open their doors, taking world-class facilities.’ Australia’s capability for hosting business events to a new level, with an infrastructure of world-class facilities. Australian cities know that by investing in purpose- designed international meetings venues event bookers will be confident there’s an industry leading space that has the capability and experience to deliver an impressive event.

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Latest developments:

„„ Rockpool Dining Group, which „„ Hilton Sydney has unveiled a poolside marquee has also been operates more than 50 multi-million-dollar refurbishment added, which can host up to 1000 restaurants and entertainment of its conference and meeting guests cocktail-style, or 450 venues across Australia, has venues, and can now cater for banquet-style. announced a name change to events of between 10 and 3,000 „„ The Rockpool Events & Catering. Led people. Hilton Sydney’s Grand Convention Bureau has recruited by renowned Australian chef, Neil Ballroom can host up to 1200 Matt Wright, the star of the Perry, Rockpool Events & Catering people theatre-style or 1400 National Geographic television has added new restaurants and cocktail-style. The hotel’s three series, Outback Wrangler, to lead event spaces to its portfolio. The levels of purpose-built event a series of premium incentive upper level of The Alfred in spaces have been given a new experiences or pre-or post- Melbourne is now a dedicated look, including artworks by conference tours in the Northern events space that can cater for up Australian artists. Territory. Wright’s Wild Australia to 650 guests cocktail-style, „„ InterContinental Hotels Group half-day “Ultimate Tour” can take including an outdoor laneway. (IHG) has announced the up to 12 guests to the Finniss The ballroom (formerly The Cut development of a 305-room hotel River region, which can only be Steakhouse) can cater for 120 in Sydney’s Central Park precinct, reached by floatplane, helicopter seated guests or 350 cocktail-style. at the southern edge of the city. and airboat. Guests can get close The Library bar will continue to Plans include a 120-seat meeting to wildlife, including saltwater host small events for 30 seated space, an up-market restaurant crocodiles, in their natural habitat. guests or 60 cocktail-style. New and terrace bar. The hotel will be Up to three tours can be operated people cocktail-style or 250 „„ Accor Hotels has announced a well as several outdoor options menus will be introduced to the developed by China’s Linzhu a day, or there is the option for banquet-style. The venue adjoins new MGallery by Sofitel, which will for events including rooftop Japanese-style restaurant Saké. group and is scheduled to open in groups larger than 36 to transfer the newly-opened 93-room Silver open in Sydney by 2020. The terraces, pop up marquees and „ 2020. The announcement follows by coach instead of by floatplane. „ Australian team-building specialist Needle Sage Hotel. new-build, $120 million luxury intimate private venues amongst Big Stick Adventures has created a several openings by IHG in 2016. „„ The historic 130-year old Queens „„ Marriott International has hotel will be located in the city and the cliffs. new team-building activity, Robot „„ The 100-hectare Oaks Cypress Arms Hotel in Brisbane’s James announced plans for a 128-room feature 121 hotel rooms. The „„ Australia’s largest rotating seating Rumble, where participants build Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley, Street dining precinct has hotel at Hobart’s Parliament hotel will also include a pool, platform has been installed in the their own robot and complete around three hours from Sydney, reopened following a $5 million Square, scheduled to open in fitness centre, two restaurants, a Adelaide Convention Centre’s new against their colleagues in has just completed a $4 million renovation. The expanded venue, 2018. The hotel, the first in bar with roving art gallery and East Building, as part of its $397 challenges. The activity, which can upgrade, including its conference which still retains many of its Tasmania under Marriott meeting and private dining million redevelopment. The two be either one hour, up to three and events facilities. Joining the heritage features, includes the International’s Luxury Collection facilities. 18-metre revolving drums can be hours, or multi-day in length, is resort’s new purpose-built new James St Conference and brand, is part of a $150 million „„ Wanda Group has unveiled its rotated 180 degrees within designed to assist teams adopt Convention Centre, the Cypress Function Centre; new restaurant, urban regeneration project of the plans for its Sydney project at minutes, allowing the building to new technology, improve Centre has five rooms that can Botanical Bar and Kitchen; and Hobart waterfront. Circular Quay, which will be reconfigured for events, communication, and open new cater for up to 150 people. The bistro, Laneway; and late night „„ Sydney’s landmark Campbell’s incorporate a five-star Wanda conferences and concerts. ways of thinking. Up to 1,000 Event Centre space can cater for cocktail bar, the Farrier Bar & Stores at The Rocks, a row of Vista Hotel, 190 exclusive private The East Building features hinged people can participate in the team conferences of up to 620 people Supper Club. The James St 1840s heritage-listed warehouses, residences and boutique retail seating stored in the roof that can building activity, split into teams theatre-style, or dinner functions Conference and Function centre is set for a $32 million upgrade premises. Due for completion in be lowered to convert the room of six to 10. for up to 360 guests. An outdoor can accommodate up to 400 that will increase its events 2021, the hotel will offer 181 guest from an exhibition area to a capacity. Once complete, there rooms overlooking Sydney theatre-style space. will be six additional restaurants Harbour. The new hotel will add „„ Baillie Lodges has unveiled plans on site bringing the total to 10. to the group’s Jewel hotel, the for the multi-million-dollar A key part of the upgrade, will be largest five green star enhancement of its acclaimed the lowering of the site’s development on the Gold Coast. desert retreat Longitude 131° at promenade to enable the whole „„ Construction has begun at Uluru, including the addition of a level to be uniform, offering the Brisbane’s new riverside event new premium suite (bringing the potential to host 10 precinct wide and entertainment precinct, total rooms to 16) and the events per year for up to 3000- Howard Smith Wharves. With property’s first dedicated spa. 5000 people standing with views of Brisbane’s Story Bridge Next year, Longitude 131° will also unrestricted views of the Sydney and city skyline, the $110 million undergo a $6 million Opera House and the Sydney project is set to open at the end of redevelopment of its central Dune Harbour Bridge. 2018 and will feature an Art Series House where guests enjoy a bar, hotel, two indoor event spaces as lounge and dining spaces.

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Sun-drenched Altitude with attitude 2 events in Brisbane Making the most of Brisbane’s 300 – 10 of Australia’s best rooftop venues days of sunshine, Up on Constance is a breezy alfresco venue atop the Tryp enues with altitude to match their attitude are always certain to impress. From relaxed bars and Hotel, in the vibrant neighbourhood restaurants overlooking iconic Australian beaches to sophisticated spaces in the heart of Sydney and of Fortitude Valley. Melbourne, the sky is the limit with these locations. Brightly coloured banquettes, hanging pot plants and fairy lights V add a garden-party vibe to the open space, which boasts sunset and skyscraper views. Exclusive hire is available for cocktail functions of 100-240 guests, and smaller events of 10-100 can be hosted in private booths. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of canapés and signature cocktails, host a seated three-course banquet for 90 people, or kick-start their day with an alfresco breakfast. Professional styling, photo booths and a mobile vodka bar can also be arranged. uponconstance.com

Technicolour 3 sunsets in Perth Boasting near-360° views of the Swan River, King’s Park and Perth city skyline, Henry’s Rooftop Bar sits atop the Reveley Bar, in the Elizabeth Quay waterfront precinct. A stylish brass and grey-tiled bar leads out to a timber deck, where a retractable roof ensures the outdoor space can be enjoyed year-round. Exclusive hire is available for groups of 50-140 people from Monday to Riverfront sophistication Thursday, and smaller gatherings 1 in Melbourne of 20 or more are hosted on a non- exclusive basis seven days a week. Showcasing wide views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city Canapés include cheese skyline, Luminare in South Melbourne delivers a seamless blend croquettes, dumplings and chicken of indoor and outdoor spaces. Managed by The Big Group catering wings, matched with Western company, Luminare can host up to 250 guests for seated dinners or Australian wines or classic cocktails. 500 for cocktail events. Velvet lounges and gold coffee tables add To take full advantage of Henry’s a luxurious vibe to the loft-style space. For cocktail events, dining prime position, it pays to time the options run from canapés and roaming desserts to live food stations, event for late afternoon, when including oyster bars, dumpling buffets and sushi stands that add a the sunset provides a dramatic touch of culinary theatre to the event. Luminare is a five-minute drive backdrop. from a wide range of accommodation options at South Wharf. therevelybar.com.au luminare.net.au

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Height of luxury Inner-city cool in Melbourne 4 in Adelaide 7 The QT Melbourne boutique hotel made a In the heart of Adelaide, Hennessy splash when it launched in 2016, thanks to its cutting- Rooftop Bar is a sophisticated space of edge interiors and innovative dining options, including chandeliers, marble and soft lighting. chic bistro Pascale, hip Asian eatery Hot Sauce and a Situated on the 13th floor of the Mayfair French-style patisserie. Hotel, this high-end bar boasts two outdoor areas – a balcony overlooking King William The jewel in the QT crown is the 11th-floor Rooftop, a Street, and the Champagne Terrace with sleek industrial space of polished concrete, timber and views over Rundle Mall to the Adelaide Hills. exposed globes. With a backdrop of city’s skyscrapers It’s possible to book the Hennessy Lounge and laneways, the terrace offers a quintessentially for small events of 20-40 people, or hire Melbourne setting. It’s possible to reserve a space for the entire bar for a cocktail function for 12-50 guests any night of the week, or take over the up to 150 guests. Executive chef Bethany entire floor for 185 guests from Monday to Thursday. Finn showcases the finest South Australian Guests can choose from a carefully selected list of produce in her menus, offering a choice Australian and imported wines, beers and cocktails, of roving canapés and food stations, paired with gourmet hotdogs and wagyu beef sliders. plus sweets from the in-house patisserie. The Mayfair Hotel is home to 170 guest Plus, the hotel offers 188 stylish guest rooms, making rooms, a restaurant and gym. this a handy base in the heart of the city. mayfairhotel.com.au qthotelsandresorts.com

Framing the skyline in Brisbane Laid-back Alfresco Harbourside 5 8 cool on the 9 entertaining 10 glamour in Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) may be packed with contemporary artworks, but on Gold Coast in Adelaide Sydney the Goma Roof Terrace on Level 4, all eyes are on the impressive views of the city skyline, Brisbane River Just metres from the beach With sweeping views and sculptural Kurilpa Bridge. This expansive timber-floored space strikes an ideal balance between interior Located on the 12th floor of at Burleigh Heads, Justin that span from the ocean to comfort and alfresco charms – it’s open on all sides to allow the breeze and backdrop in, while a roof protects the Hyatt Regency Sydney, the Lane takes full advantage the Adelaide Hills, over the from the elements. The Goma Roof Terrace can host up to 240 for cocktail events or 180 for seated banquets, Zephyr Rooftop Bar promises of the Gold Coast’s idyllic Adelaide Oval, Torrens River and is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or drinks functions. inspiring views across Darling weather. The recently opened and Government House, 2KW Catering comes courtesy of Goma’s award-winning chef, Josue Lopez, who showcases top-quality produce Harbour to the Glebe Point rooftop bar channels a chic Restaurant and Bar delivers from Queensland’s coastline and the Scenic Rim, including seafood, meats and Australian native ingredients. Bridge. Hampton’s aesthetic, with white some of the city’s most For a regional gourmet experience, pair your menu with Queensland wines. qagoma.qld.gov.au With timber flooring, furniture, striped awnings and photogenic vistas. Located on sleek cream furniture and a market umbrellas. the eighth floor of a heritage- curvaceous bar at its heart, When the Queensland listed old bank, 2KW has been Iconic beach this glamorous space can temperatures soar in summer, designed with flexibility in 6 scenes in Sydney accommodate up to 200 guests a gentle misting system helps mind. The open-plan venue can For spectacular beach views, just 20 for a cocktail event. keep things cool. The open- comfortably hold 260 people, minutes from the centre of Sydney, ascend Acclaimed mixologist Grant air space takes 70 guests for a but this can be scaled back to the third floor of the Coogee Pavilion. Collins has crafted a menu of cocktail event, but if catering depending on needs. From Overlooking Coogee Beach, the top floor innovative cocktails especially of Merivale’s expansive hotel has been for a larger group, clients can Sundays to Thursdays, the for Zephyr, including barrel- designed to look like an eccentric botanist’s also book the function room Terrace is available for up to 120 conservatory, right down to the leafy on the first floor, that can people (or 100 during the winter aged vermouths served on greenery, vintage wildlife prints and cabinets accommodate an additional months, when a marquee is tap, and high-tech sous vide filled with specimen jars. 125 people. erected); the tranquil Garden infusions. A choice of four indoor and outdoor Justin Lane is all about hosts 30 for cocktail functions; The kitchen draws bars offers flexibility for group bookings, laid-back living, with a crowd- and five cabanas can each inspiration from the bar, with the terracotta-tiled terrace the pick of pleasing menu of pizzas, pastas accommodate groups of 12. enhancing their canapés with the bunch for alfresco functions. The entire and Italian canapés. Burleigh Executive chef Daniel Lawrence fortified wines and reduced space can host 100-600 guests for exclusive rum. With 892 modern guest hire, while smaller functions are catered for Heads is 15 minutes’ drive offers a range of dining options, on a non-exclusive basis. Chef Jordan Toft’s from the including bite-sized pintxos rooms and 21 meeting rooms, Mediterranean-style tapas menu includes to the south, and the hotels (Basque-style tapas) and the Hyatt Regency Sydney is a snacks of meatballs, chargrilled seafood and of Broadbeach and Surfers Mediterranean mains designed convenient base for incentive chicken wings, complemented by a range of Paradise to the north. to share. groups in the heart of the city. refreshing cocktails, beers and wines. justinlane.com.au 2kwbar.com.au sydney.regency.hyatt.com merivale.com.au

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hose looking for a bespoke take-home memory of Australia for friends or business groups can Blend wine in the Take a glassmaking Ten ways enrol themselves or others in one of these 5 Barossa Valley 6 class in Canberra hands-on workshops or classes. A 90-minute drive north of Adelaide, the Learn time-honoured techniques with a to capture THere they can: Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s glassmaking class at the Canberra premier wine regions, known for Glassworks in Kingston. There’s a range of unique „„blend their own gin; producing premium full-bodied reds that educational sessions on offer, running from „„craft their own perfume; are favoured by collectors around the world. 20 minute lessons on making our own „„blend their own red wine; At the Penfolds Cellar Door in Nuriootpa, we begin our paperweight and 40 minute workshops for crafting a Australian „„create a meaningful piece of art; experience with a one-hour tutored tasting of the label’s tumbler or vase, to intensive two-day glassblowing courses. „„decorate a surfboard or t-shirt; and finest wines, including the iconic Penfolds Grange. Groups of five to 100 can sign up for the Group memories „„try their hand working with glass, metal and ceramics. In groups of eight, we’ll then be invited into the Experience Tour and Tile, a 90-minute programme that Winemaker’s Laboratory for the “make our own blend” includes a behind the scenes tour of the historic session. We can try our hand at creating our own red wine glassworks, culminating in a hands-on workshop in using grenache, shiraz and mourvedre grapes from the which we’ll learn how to cut and fuse glass to make a Penfolds vineyards. After we’ve blended the ideal recipe, colourful keepsake. Make our own Create a our customised wine will be bottled for us to take home. Canberra Glassworks, Canberra, 1 gin in Sydney 2 signature scent Penfolds Cellar Door, Barossa Valley, South Australia Australian Capital Territory penfolds.com canberraglassworks.com Visit the Archie Rose Distillery in in Melbourne Zetland, a 20-minute drive from the For a fragrant reminder of our time in centre of Sydney, for a distillery tour Australia, we can enrol in the “create followed by a “blend your own gin” class. your own perfume” class with master Paint, film and Master street art Once we’ve seen how gin, vodka and whisky perfumer, Emma Jane Leah, of Fleurage 7 photograph 8 in Melbourne are made, we can try our hand at mixing our own gin, Signature Scent Design in Melbourne. Here, we learn the We can unleash our inner artist with the specifically tailored to our tastes. Choose from a range of secret to creating a balanced fragrance, then select from No trip to Melbourne is complete “Art in a Day” programme from pure botanical distillates to create two custom gins, that 40 ingredients to blend into our own 30ml bottle of without taking in the city’s iconic street Corporate Challenge Events. Available will be bottled into 200ml flasks for us to take home. perfume. art scenes. For an insider’s guide to the across Australia, the three-hour session Small groups of up to 10 people can be accommodated in best murals and urban galleries, arrange a With native Australian botanicals such as blood lime, can be tailored for groups of five to 500 the Fleurage Scent Design Studio in Williamstown, located private itinerary for up to 80 people with Melbourne Dorrigo pepper leaf, lemon myrtle and river mint on offer, participants, and is best hosted indoors. With individual 25 minutes from the centre of Melbourne. For larger Street Tours. A local street artist will guide us to hidden it’s a great way to capture the unique taste of Australia. easels and paint palettes we can unleash our creativity, events, the Fleurage team can set up a scent bar or laneways and arcades throughout the city, pointing out After we’ve finished the blending session, we can enjoy a or incorporate a competitive element by splitting our blending workshop in a venue of our choice for 10 to 100 different styles and signatures along the way. We can cocktail and a cheese platter at the bar. group into teams to work on a progressive painting. people. They’ll even save our signature scent profile so Other artistic options with Corporate Challenge Events finish our tour at the Blender Studios in Docklands, Private classes are available for groups of two to 120. you can re-order at any time. include making a short film in the Company Creative where we can make like Banksy in a street art workshop, Archie Rose, Sydney, New South Wales Fleurage, Melbourne, Victoria workshop, or playing paparazzi for the day with the using spray cans and stencils to create our own design archierose.com.au fleurage-natural-perfume.com.au Picture Perfect photography master classes. on canvas or a t-shirt. Corporate Challenge Events, Australia wide The Blender Studios, Melbourne, Victoria corporatechallenge.com.au theblenderstudios.com Discover dot Decorate a 3 painting at Uluru 4 surfboard Learn about Aboriginal arts, crafts and in Queensland Craft ceramics Print our own 9 in Adelaide 10 t-shirt in Brisbane customs with a Dot Painting Workshop We can celebrate Queensland’s beach at the Uluru Meeting Place, located in the culture with a surfboard painting A hub for designers and artisans, We can wear our Australian memories Voyages Ayers Rock Resort in the heart of JamFactory in Adelaide is home to on our sleeve by signing up for a screen workshop in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the the Northern Territory. The local Anangu artists will professional workshops and studios that printing workshop with Poly Gone Sunshine Coast. Hosted by Banana Life, the Surfboard explain the techniques and meanings behind this ancient showcase ceramics, glass, jewellery, Cowboy in Brisbane. At their studio in Graffiti Art class will provide us with a colourful reminder furniture and metalwork. Norman Park, a 10 minute drive from the city art form, and then we’ll be invited to create our own dot of our time in Australia, producing a unique piece of art In conjunction with the Adelaide Central School of Art, centre, we can learn the basics of photographic painting, inspired by the vivid colours of the Australian silkscreen printing during a three-hour DIY session. that’s ideal for hanging at home or in the office. this not-for-profit organisation also runs a range of outback. workshops that are ideal for incentive groups. In the Once we’ve created our own bespoke stencil, we can For larger groups of 30 or more, Voyages can arrange a The three-hour master class can accommodate groups ceramics studio, we can try our hand at throwing clay on print our single-colour design onto a t-shirt or tote bag. series of outdoor activities to run in conjunction with the of 10 to 100, and local artists will be on hand to assist in a pottery wheel before firing, glazing and decorating our The intimate studio can accommodate groups of eight at dot painting workshop, including Punu woodcarving the design, spraying and stencilling of each board. creation. Or we can head to the metal design studio, a time. Larger teams can combine the Poly Gone where we can learn how to forge our own silver spoon Cowboy experience with one of Brisbane’s other arty classes, traditional tool demonstrations and a bush Once finished, the boards will be lacquered for longevity during a one-day workshop. Team glass-blowing sessions activities, such as Corporate Challenges’ Art in a Day before being freighted home. medicine experience. can also be arranged for groups of up to 16 people. programme or Banana Life’s Surfboard Graffiti Art Class. Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru, Northern Territory Banana Life, Brisbane, Queensland JamFactory, Adelaide, South Australia Poly Gone Cowboy, Brisbane, Queensland ayersrockresort.com.au bananalife.com.au jamfactory.com.au polygonecowboy.com

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TASTE OF BYRON – an adventure with Terase and her red Kombi

ustralia’s Byron Bay Byron Bay logo.” is becoming a foodie Davidson’s career as a chef destination – and Terase began at the fine dining restaurant, Davidson and her bright Aqua Dining, which at the time was a Ared VW Kombi prove a colourful prestigious one hat restaurant. introduction to the regional many “I started off as a junior chef splendid tastes. and was fortunate to work along- Davidson’s business is, appro- side some very talented people. “Being able to priately, Taste Byron Bay. Drawn I watched, I learned, I worked hard to the region’s unique micro- and with sheer determination I rose combine my love of climate that supports rich farming quickly through the ranks. and full-flavoured produce she “In April 2014, I took the leap of cooking and feeding celebrates this exceptional food faith and moved from Manly, on people with my bowl with fun food tours and Sydney’s northern beaches to Byron cooking classes. Bay, to follow my dream of running experience in event Events now run by Taste Byron my own food-based business and management is truly a Bay include team building, event being more connected with the planning, catering, private dining, land. I feel very lucky to be able dream come true.” food tours, cooking classes and to live in a region that produces gift bags. such an abundance of exceptional “Our core focus in everything we produce and share my passion for do at Taste Byron Bay, is on using local, seasonal produce across all quality local ingredients that are our menus and events.” prepared and cooked with love. “Being able to combine my love of “At Taste Byron Bay, we also make cooking and feeding people with my a small range of artisan products experience in event management is that all proudly display the Taste truly a dream come true.”

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INSIDE the ADVENTURE ‘TASTE BYRON BAY’

Corporate Traveller was one of the fortunate few were leisure. We’ve noticed though a considerable shift bouncing along country roads with Terase and her towards an increase in corporate bookings since Kombi, off on an exquisite food adventure. What an Elements of Byron opened. Our corporate clients tend opportunity to learn more about this unique business. to want an experience that wows their delegates and gives them a Taste of what Byron Bay has to offer. CT: You have a unique background for your new business, Can you explain? CT: We keep hearing about a salted caramel sauce that you make. Tell us more. My working background, I guess, is quite unique but totally works for what I am doing now with Taste Byron Our salted caramel sauce is our not so secret weapon. Bay. I’ve worked for many years in event management Made using local ingredients in the kitchen at the iconic within the investment banking industry in both London Fig Tree Restaurant overlooking Byron Bay (my aunty and Sydney, managing client and internal events and uncle started the restaurant back in 1981, and it is throughout Europe, Asia, America and Australia. the birthplace of my fascination with food). The salted I’m also a qualified chef, a combination that I guess most caramel sauce pretty much is me in a jar, “taking local people would consider as pretty unusual. Though for ingredients, treating them with respect to bring out their me it is the perfect combination for creating Taste Byron maximum flavour potential”. I love seeing people’s faces Bay and using my experience and skills to deliver light up when they taste our sauce for the first time. bespoke events here in Byron Bay. It makes my heart do a little happy cartwheel every time. CT: How would you describe CT: Describe the range of your new business? experiences you can provide? Taste Byron Bay is multi-layered business that At Taste Byron Bay, we’ve very much built our reputation represents my core beliefs and everything I love about on offering clients unique experiences that are tailor- the local food industry and creating unique events and made to their business goals. Combining my experience food experiences within the corporate space. Taste as an event manager in the investment banking industry Byron Bay specialises in creating bespoke team building with my skills as a trained chef, allows Taste Byron Bay to events at premium venues in and around Byron Bay. deliver the full one stop shop experience for our Using my vast event management experience, I work corporate clients. I work with each client one-to-one to with our clients to design bespoke events that best suit identify what they are hoping to achieve from their offsite their business goals that consistently deliver memorable experience, to identify their key business outcomes for experiences for their delegates. their group activities and then we design and deliver to programme that not only meets their expectations but CT: Why did you choose Byron Bay? exceeds them. We pride ourselves on always going the I spent a lot of my childhood in Byron Bay. My mum’s extra mile to deliver premium experiences, that not only three brothers moved up to Byron from Sydney when wow delegates on arrival, but also has the client on I was very young, we spent most of our school holidays departure already thinking about their next corporate up here hanging out with family. Byron has always, team building event back with us in Byron Bay. I guess you could say, “felt like home”. At Taste Byron Bay, we have extensive experience in offering fully styled dining experiences at unique locations CT: Byron Bay has a unique character with stunning views across Byron Bay and the hinterland. and “feel”. How would you define this? By connecting with our vast network, we also offer food Byron Bay is a truly unique place, in so many ways. based team building events at stunning locations across From it’s unique micro-climate, to pristine waters, Byron Bay including but not limited to: Mystery Box subtropical rainforests and lush green rolling hinterland. Cooking Challenges, Cooking Classes. We’ve found that Traditionally Byron has been a mecca for surfers and getting delegates connected with food based team folks looking to live an alternative lifestyle. More and building challenges, with the addition of stunning more so though, it is the abundance of locally grown locations that offer amazing views is indeed the perfect and produce food that is bringing a new crowd to Byron, combination for getting delegates fully engaged and seeking their own alternative lifestyle. reconnected. I am also sponsored by Australian icon, Wiltshire, which in term means that all our cooking classes Byron Bay, though, for me has always had an open and not only taste good, the set up also looks fantastic. welcoming heart – greeting all visitors with open arms, a big heart and smile. Taste Byron Bay is very much about sharing our love of local, seasonal produce with our guests. We only use CT: Who are your typical clients – a quality local ingredients in all that we do, ensuring that mix of business and leisure? every bite along the journey with Taste Byron Bay, really is a true taste of the best that Byron Bay has to offer. Initially all our food tour and cooking class bookings https://www.tastebyronbay.com/

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Charting Brisbane’s meteoric rise – revealing the secrets to success

risbane continues to ‘conventions city’. Delegates score impressive growth are greeted with the natural numbers of visitors hospitality of a smaller new arriving for both business world city, while offering all the Band pleasure. In the year to March sophistication of larger global 2017, Brisbane attracted a record destinations. 6.25 million domestic visitors and 1.2 „„ While massive investment in ‘Brisbane is million international visitors. infrastructure and major What is the secret? Why is the projects is seeing Brisbane undergoing an era Queensland capital figuring so highly undergo a great level of growth, on the wish list of international and the city itself remains compact of unprecedented domestic travellers. Let’s take a look and well connected. Delegates transformation. at some of the reasons. can easily walk between venues, „„ Innovative, modern and friendly, hotels, parklands, cultural The city’s $146 billion Brisbane has been rated within attractions, entertainment the top 10 cities worldwide for precincts, and dining options. lifestyle and talent. Brisbane has economy is tipped to „„ Recognised as a knowledge hub in also been named Australia’s the Asia-Pacific region, Brisbane is grow to more than most sustainable city (2014 & a world leader in research and 2016 by Keep Australia Beautiful) $217 billion by 2031.’ innovation across key global thanks to its many clean and growth industries such as health green initiatives, biodiversity and and life sciences, food and comprehensive network of agriculture, energy and resources, walkways, parklands and and digital technology. It is a city bush reserves. of many medical breakthroughs, a „„ By its very nature, size and place that lures top talent and design, Brisbane is an ideal allows entrepreneurs to thrive.

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Major events Experiences A calendar bursting with major festivals and events Delegates to Brisbane enjoy a wide choice when is attracting more than just record visitor numbers to it comes to authentic Queensland and Australian Brisbane. By aligning with one of Brisbane’s headline experiences they can enjoy before, during and after a events, business event organisers are able create unique business event. experiences. „„ “Brisbane Greeters” tour: One of the best ways for These events include visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Brisbane is to see the city through the „„ Brisbane International: Eight days of world-class eyes of a local on a Brisbane Greeters tour. action every January at the Queensland Tennis „„ Brisbane’s cultural precinct: Groups can get an Centre that draws tens of thousands of spectators to exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Queensland watch the very best players go head to head. Museum and curator-guided tour around the „„ Brisbane Global Rugby Tens: 300-plus elite players from internationally-acclaimed Gallery of Modern Art Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa, Japan (GOMA), which is home to the Asia Pacific Triennial and Samoa competing in an exciting new concept in of Contemporary Art. rugby over a whirlwind two days in February. „„ Guided Shopping Tours: The Brisbane Convention „„ World Science Festival Brisbane: This festival, in March, Bureau can arrange guided tours through Brisbane’s 2018 will bring science out of the labs and into the shopping precincts. Groups can pop into flagship streets where it can inspire thousands of people to stores lining one of Australia’s most popular appreciate its enormous impact on the world and pedestrian malls – Queen Street Mall, browse showcase the latest scientific developments and the high-end labels such as Chanel and Bulgari in the significant positive impact they have on the world. multi-level Queens Plaza, or tour Australia’s top „„ As a convenient urban hub, Brisbane is also a gateway Accommodation in Brisbane ranges from five-star „„ Brisbane Festival: Transforming the city over three fashion labels lining leafy James street. to some of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences hotels to boutique and more cost-conscious options, all weeks every September this is a programme of „„ Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Delegates can take in including the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed conveniently located close to conference venues, transport theatre, music, dance, circus and opera and panoramic views of Brisbane’s skyline by scaling the rainforests, surf beaches, idyllic islands and encounters and entertainment precincts. By 2022, the city will offer its Queensland’s ultimate fireworks display – Sunsuper city’s iconic Story Bridge – one of just three bridge with koalas, kangaroos and wild dolphins. first six-star Ritz-Carlton hotel. Riverfire spectacle. climbs of its type in the world, and includes an As a result, Brisbane is flourishing as Australia’s Construction has begun on one of the most „„ Asia Pacific Screen Awards: These awards in abseiling option. New World city. The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition transformational projects Brisbane has ever seen – Queen’s November this year, celebrate cinematic excellence „„ Cuddling a koala: Just minutes from the CBD, Lone Centre was voted “Best in the World 2016-18” by the Wharf. Set to open in 2022, Queen’s Wharf promises an and the cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific, a region Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to 130 koalas and International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), integrated resort featuring five and six star hotels, 50 bars that encompasses 70 countries, is home to 4.5 other native Australian wildlife. Here guests can and the expanding is consistently and restaurants, a cross-river pedestrian bridge, boutique billion people and is responsible for half the world’s cuddle a friendly koala, hand-feed kangaroos and awarded for excellence on the international stage. shopping, vast green spaces, a sky deck, casino, meeting film output. view playful platypus. When business event delegates visit Brisbane, spaces, theatre and nine restored heritage buildings. Visitors can also access some truly Queensland they are welcomed to a vibrant and contemporary From 2018, another unique events precinct will come to and Australian experiences within an hour of the city. city featuring stylish hotels, an eclectic dining and life, located on 3.4 hectares of riverfront land underneath These include: entertainment scene, and cultural attractions ranging Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge. The 1880s-era Howard Smith „„ Outback Spectacular: Time to tuck into a gourmet from world-class galleries and museums, to bohemian Wharves are being revitalised to include a five-star Art barbecue dinner and watch a show filled with markets and international sporting events. Series Hotel, chic dining, an exhibition and events centre, outback music, drama, action and local fauna. craft brewery, bikeways and 2.7 hectares of public space for Brisbane’s growth „„ Overnight hiking: Now combine luxury “glamping” markets and festivals. With a $146 billion economy tipped to grow to more and gourmet food alongside harmony and nature Voted best airport in the Australia-Pacific region for than $217 billion by 2031, Brisbane is transforming on this three-day hike across mountain ranges and two years running, Brisbane Airport is a key driver of thanks in part to massive investment in new transport, escarpments. long-term growth. Brisbane Airport Corporation is one of infrastructure, tourism and lifestyle projects. „„ Island Getaway: Take a relaxed one-hour cruise to Queensland’s largest private investors in infrastructure, The city is now experiencing the result of massive Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island and with a further $2.5 billion planned for the next decade. investment in transport infrastructure, tourism choose an adventure such as the hand feeding of infrastructure and mixed-use developments. The construction of a new runway is underway – a dolphins in the early evening. $1.35 billion project that will give Brisbane the most Brisbane City Council’s hotel investment strategy has Within a two-hour flight from Brisbane, visitors can efficient runway system in Australia when complete attracted more than $880 million in investment since be at the Great Barrier Reef or visit “The Rock” – Uluru in 2020, and capacity on par with Singapore’s Changi 2013, with a further $1.07 billion in the pipeline. (Ayres Rock). This investment has created a world-class hotel scene Airport and Hong Kong’s International Airport. that caters to every taste. By 2018, visitors to Brisbane In 2016, 5.4 million international and 17.3 million will benefit from an additional 27 hotels, boosting the domestic passengers passed through Brisbane Airport. city’s supply to 13,496 rooms and offering a range of new Those numbers grow each year as additional flight state-of-the-art meeting spaces. routes open up.

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Brisbane’s aptitude for attracting and encouraging innovation, industry leadership and emerging talent presents a unique chance to access world-class thought leaders who enrich a conference experience with their expert knowledge, global networks and on-the-ground support. Groundbreaking Robots providing medical research by comfort for Brisbane scientist patients with Brisbane scientist Mark Smyth is a pioneer of cancer treatment, dementia with his early research proving A robotic baby harp seal that responds, cuddles that the immune system can react and follows commands and another robot the size of with cancer and be manipulated to a human are on the cutting edge of health care for fight the disease. people with dementia and are being rigorously tested The immunology, cancer in a laboratory in Brisbane. and infection professor at world Working out of one of the best social robotics leading medical research institute, laboratories in the world at Brisbane’s Griffith QIMR Berghofer, laid the foundations for today’s new University, Professor Wendy Moyle’s world-leading and sophisticated immunotherapy cancer treatments. research into robotics was focused on making life Based on Professor Smyth’s research, other easier for people with dementia. scientists have developed successful immune “We have looked at the use of robotics as a way therapies that have contributed to a greatly improved to comfort people, to engage them back into society survival rate for a range of different cancers. or encourage their communication; to connect them “What we learnt, that was critical from the early with family members if they are in a nursing home 1990s until recently, is that the immune system and look at ways to reduce those behavioural and regulates itself,” he said. psychological symptoms of dementia that may be World’s best convention centre “This discovery has led to antibody therapies related to unmet needs,” Professor Moyle said. Located in the cultural and entertainment hub of Marketing, Tourism Events Queensland, the Brisbane targeting certain molecules in the immune system Professor Moyle and her team ran the world’s South Bank, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition SIGGRAPH chapter, and the Brisbane Convention & called ‘immune checkpoints.” most sophisticated clinical trial into the use of robots, Centre is Australia’s most awarded meetings and events Exhibition Centre (BCEC). “Thankfully for us in the immunotherapy area, they specifically, the use of PARO, a robot that looks and venue, and hosts an average 120 conventions annually. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said attracting SIGGRAPH have become the absolute prototype to successful acts like a baby harp seal and is used in place of a BCEC currently holds the title as “World’s Best Convention Asia to Brisbane demonstrated the city’s growing therapy. “We have gone from people who have stage- live animal. Centre”, having received the accolade in 2016 at the influence in the Asia-Pacific region. four melanoma for example having no hope or a Her research found that PARO was able to give Annual General Assembly of the International Association “The conference component of SIGGRAPH Asia will maximum of 12 months left to live, to using antibody people with dementia greater levels of comfort, pleasure, stimulation and joy than either a non-robotic of Congress Centres (AIPC). deliver an impressive $3.6 million in economic impact immunotherapy in treatment and now we know there alone. The event will further enhance our new world city’s is a 20-30 percent survival rate and a longer and better fluffy toy or usual patient care. PARO was also found to Asia’s largest computer ease a number of the behavioural and psychological reputation for staging first-class events and supporting quality of life for those who do eventually succumb to graphics conference for 2019 symptoms of dementia. the creative and digital industries.” the disease,” he said. Brisbane has again proven its credentials as an City secures 1500-strong Building on his earlier work, Professor Smyth is Asia-Pacific hub for the creative and digital industries Herbalife incentive group now working to develop his own immunotherapies with Asia’s largest computer graphics conference and has a number of specific projects in the initial and exhibition choosing the city as its first Australian Brisbane’s growing profile as an incentive destination development phase. Longer term, Professor Smyth destination. received a further boost with international nutrition wants to work on therapies for groups of patients who To be held in Brisbane in November, 2019 SIGGRAPH company Herbalife choosing the city to host its Asia Pacific don’t respond to immunotherapies because they don’t Asia will attract 6000 of the world’s top technical contingent of high performance members this year. have enough of the right cells in their tumours. These and creative talent across four days of discussions In a Queensland first, more than 1500 of Herbalife’s include people with pancreatic or prostate cancer. and demonstrations on emerging computer graphics top members across the Asia Pacific region will meet in “Ultimately, we are now bringing new and interactive techniques. Brisbane for the Future President’s Team Retreat from immunotherapies to cancer patients so hopefully As part of the event, SIGGRAPH Asia’s Computer 16-20 September 2017. we are going to prolong the survival of people Animation Festival will showcase a global collection of The retreat will see Herbalife’s higher-level members with advanced cancers and we will soon see that leading creative animation and visual effects works. attend a series of leadership training meetings and enjoy immunotherapy will be used earlier and earlier in the The successful bid to host SIGGRAPH Asia for the first a range of lifestyle and leisure experiences in Brisbane treatment process,” he said. time in Australia was a collaborative effort led by Brisbane and its surrounds.

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THE GHAN’s Platinum Service – luxury in the outback

by Rob Prince he Ghan – it strike us as looking for the ultimate level of an odd name for a train comfort and sophistication. but we’ll have plenty of Platinum Cabins are approxi- time to learn its origins. mately twice the size of the standard TWhat we do know is that this is one Gold Twin Cabins, with each offering of the world’s great train journeys five-star accommodation, including that has become a living legend in spacious beds, and ensuites along ‘The Ghan cruises Australian history. with 24-hour room service. We are fortunate enough to On our journey from Darwin to along at a leisurely be enjoying The Ghan’s Platinum Adelaide via Katherine and Alice Service aboard this ultimate train Springs the train manager is John average of 85 kph – a ride through the heart of Australia Brinkley. This is John’s tenth year pleasant speed giving – 2979 kilometres from Adelaide on the train and his knowledge is to Darwin outstanding. On this trip there are us plenty of time to Platinum Service provides a 1725 passengers and a staff of 30. new standard in luxury rail travel There is only one locomotive pulling take in the stunning courtesy of new spacious deluxe 24 carriages, giving us a length of outback vista. This cabins with a level of appointment 600 metres and an all up weight of that matches the best train cabins in 1100 tonne. The Platinum cars have distinctly Australian the world. This is complemented by a five cabins per car, three double experience includes a new standard of service that reflects and two twin. As well, The Ghan has a deluxe hotel. approximately 190 Gold Service beds series of immersive off This premium service was across twin and single cabins. launched aboard The Ghan in Platinum Service is all about train excursions.’ September 2008 with the demand service and this starts from the time for this new luxurious level of service we board The Ghan. Once onboard exceeding expectation. Platinum and in our cabin we are presented Service was designed to meet the with champagne and canapés. This needs of the discerning traveller service continues from Continental

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TRAVEL NOTES The Ghan • Length of journey: 2,979 km over two nights and three days. • Length of train: single train – 16 carriages (471 metres) and double train 26 carriages (710 metres) plus locomotive and motorail. The maximum length is up to one kilometre. Most services operate as double trains and during peak season there are sometimes triple trains. • Weight of train: single train – 847 tonnes, double train 1344 tonnes (excluding locomotive). • Speed of train: generally 85 kph but can travel up to 115 kph. Other Facts • Around 60,000 people travel on The Ghan each year. • The Ghan’s symbol is a camel and its handler in recognition of the pioneering Afghan camelleers the train is named after. • Off-train excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs of approx four hours each allow guests to stretch their legs and explore the destinations along the way. • The Ghan celebrated its 80th Anniversary in 2009. While the inaugural journey was in 1929 the route breakfast in bed if requested to liqueurs placed in our interior to the rest of Australia. The original Ghan line the comforts and luxury that come with travelling by rail. only went from Adelaide – Alice Springs. It wasn’t until 2004 that the track was extended all the way cabin in the evening. The staff onboard can not do followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart. Those travelling in a Platinum or Gold Service cabin can to Darwin. enough to please. On Sunday, August 4, 1929, an excited crowd gathered leave their credit card safely tucked away, knowing that • Platinum Service, the new level of luxury train The Ghan cruises along at a leisurely average of 85 at the Adelaide Railway Station to farewell the first Ghan all food and beverages are covered by the all-inclusive travel was launched on The Ghan in 2008. It has kph. This pleasant speed gives us plenty of time to take in train. This train carried supplies and more than 100 fare – from gourmet meals prepared by professional been such a huge success that it is now available the outback vista – from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell passengers bound for the remote town of Stuart, later chefs to a social beverage shared in one of the lounges. on the Indian Pacific as well. Red Centre, then north to Tennant Creek, Katherine and to be called Alice Springs. The train’s whistle pierced This distinctly Australian experience includes a • There are approximately 30 staff working on the tropical Darwin. the silence of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding Alice series of immersive off train excursions. Camel rides, average service of The Ghan (a double service). This When the first Ghan service departed Adelaide Springs two days later. river cruises and optional helicopter flights add another includes two chefs in each restaurant. bound for Alice Springs back on August 4, 1929, it was The train was steam hauled, and had to contend dimension to the journey. • Some food fast facts – 70,288 dinner rolls, 25,000 always intended that the train would one day travel with extreme conditions including flash flooding and Guests will enjoy beautifully-prepared meals in litres of milk, 69,000 eggs, 5980 litres of soup and up to Darwin. In 2004 this dream became a reality. intense heat. As such, it was often an irregular service. the classically-styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car 6900 spears of asparagus are consumed on The The 1420-kilometre extension of the railway line from The Old Ghan ran on its light, narrow gauge track well to Ghan each year. where an outstanding menu consisting of fresh local Alice Springs to Darwin has created a spectacular the east of the track it travels today. As well as termite • Peak season of The Ghan is May – August. fare awaits. The Ghan’s chefs work closely with local 2979-kilometre transcontinental train journey. Boarding damage, it was savaged by fire and flood. Flash flooding, suppliers, farmers and providers to source the best • The recently created Chairmans Carriage is ideal The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, guests experience one when the normally parched riverbeds spilled out onto for corporates looking for a premium and unique possible regional ingredients. of the most fascinating train journeys of the world. the low lying desert plains, frequently washed away the space to stage an event in. The Chairmans Carriage Featuring mouth-watering dishes such as saltwater It’s now that we learn the origin of the name, Originally track completely. Legend has it The Old Ghan was once is for exclusive hire and comprises four Platinum dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan was named for stranded for two weeks in one spot and the engine driver barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet, Platinum and Service cabins (three doubles and one twin) and its own dining-lounge area, catering for up to eight the pioneering cameleers who blazed a permanent trail shot wild goats to feed his passengers. Gold Service fare also includes hearty breakfasts, two- people, making it perfect for a small group event. into the Red Centre of Australia more than 150 years In 1980, The Old Ghan rail track was abandoned in course lunches and three-course dinners. Vegetarian, • Journeys on The Ghan are all inclusive of food, wine ago. Many cameleers were migrants from an area now favour of a new standard gauge rail line built with termite- children’s and limited special dietary meals are available. and off-train excursions. Meals are prepared by known as Pakistan. However, according to outback lore proof concrete sleepers further to the west in order to The exclusive Platinum Club offers an outstanding experienced chefs who work closely with farmers menu consisting of three four-course meals a day, full in the 1800s, these men were believed to come from the avoid the flooding and other problems encountered and local suppliers to ensure the fresh, local fare is mysterious outpost of Afghanistan and were considered along the old route. or continental breakfasts, sumptuous lunches and a la reflective of the country the train travels through, Afghans – “Ghans.” The Ghan has captivated travellers since its inaugural carte dinners. A selection of fine Australian wines, or for example serving fresh Barramundi in the The Ghan’s emblem is an “Afghan” on a camel in journey in 1929 and continues to be a top choice for other beverages accompany all meals. Northern Territory. recognition of their efforts in opening up the inhospitable businesses seeking authentic Australian adventure with all

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Doltone House – experiential food and wine for travel groups

he Sydney-based Doltone Doltone House venue and catering House Venue and Catering continues to be an industry leader Collection is in a period for catering and events, having been of rapid growth, having inducted into Meetings & Events Tacquired their largest venue to date Australia’s Hall of Fame amongst a – Australian Technology Park (ATP) – long list of prestigious accolades. in April. With an impressive portfolio of “It comes down This addition comes in partnership venues in Sydney, Australia’s to our focus on with upgrades for the entire venue business event capital, Doltone collection and follows the opening of House has earned a reputation as guest satisfaction. SoHo last November, an exciting new one of the nation’s leading event waterfront venue located on Sydney destinations from international A passion for Harbour in Pyrmont. and domestic travel groups. creating unforgettable The latest acquisition brings A strong understanding of the Doltone’s property count up to five, three key market segments in the experiences lies behind with a total of 20 unique Sydney business events industry – meetings everything we do.” meeting and event spaces available and conventions, exhibitions and for business events. From humble incentives – has led the company – Paul Signorelli, beginnings, with the original flagship to turn their focus to experiential venue in Sylvania Waters, the events. With some of Sydney’s executive chairman, family-owned Doltone House venue most picturesque locations in Doltone House. collection has grown to be one of their possession, Doltone House Sydney’s largest. With the acquisition is able to combine beautiful views of ATP in this year, Doltone House has and inspiring settings with award- extended its event capacity to more winning food and wine. than 4000, a milestone development For travel groups, unique for the growing company. Australian experiences are the key

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Doltone House awards „„ Restaurant and catering, Sydney metropolitan, function/convention centre caterer. „„ Spice Hot 100 – best venue for a product launch „„ Spice Hot 100 – best venture for a gala dinner „„ Meetings and events industry hall of fame - specialty meeting venue „„ Family business Australia, New South Wales, Hall of Fame „„ Meetings and events industry national awards – specialty meeting venue, cause-related event of the year „„ Restaurant and catering, Sydney metropolitan – function/convention centre caterer „„ Spice Hot 100 – best venue for a product launch „„ Spice hot 100 – best venue for a gala dinner „„ Meetings and events industry national awards – specialty meeting venue, cause related event of the year „„ Meetings and events industry New South Wales awards – cause related event of the year

focus – and there’s nothing like sharing good food from nature and delivers memorable feasts that are High tea and pampering and wine to bring people together. Doltone House seasonally driven. Teams can immerse themselves in Catching up over ‘high tea’ is becoming a common arranges tailored packages to include photographs with a true Italian culinary experience, set beautifully on practice for Sydneysiders, a wonderful way to enjoy a Harbour Bridge backdrop, a selection of interactive Sydney Harbour with a whole porchetta banquet in a delicious light meal with a fine selection of sweet food and wine experiences and arrival and departure SoHo. Pronounced “por-ketta,” porchetta is an Italian and savoury morsels, sparking wine and French teas. from their waterfront venues by boat. slow-roasted suckling pig, stuffed with garlic, herbs and Doltone House lends its New York-inspired Manhattan Doltone House suggests adding an exciting stop to seasonings and slow roasted until the flesh is tender and Room at Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD to the ultimate high incentive travel programmes or corporate gatherings the crackling golden. The whole porchetta banquet is a tea experience, with the opportunity to add manicures with these five memorable experiences. hearty feast for the senses, enjoyed with a selection of and other pampering services to the package. The Culinary team bonding sides and antipasto and carved by our chef at the table experience starts as guests arrive at Doltone House Hyde for guests to enjoy. Suitable for groups of 25-100. Park, a sophisticated setting that is only minutes from Laugh and learn. Studies have shown that culinary Sydney Tower and Town Hall, with a grand golden lobby, team bonding events are far more effective and produce Cheese and wine pairing champagne on arrival and immaculate service staff. longer lasting results than traditional team activities. master class Suitable for groups of 20-100. Signorelli Gastronomia, a unique private event space and We all know cheese and wine were made for each Corporate Traveller Magazine cooking school in the Doltone House collection, offers Gold class degustation other, but do you know which flavours make the perfect a selection of hands-on and demonstration-cooking Doltone House Ballroom offers grandeur in the CBD pair? Led by an expert sommelier, Doltone House offers special offer classes designed to stimulate and enliven the senses. for memorable meetings and conferences. Guests are authentic cheese and wine pairing experiences in some of „„ Complimentary beverage upgrade to the Teams can master the art of authentic Italian cuisine in treated to the ultimate degustation in the sophisticated Sydney’s most iconic locations. Guests can mingle on the unique Australian Winemakers Premium the areas of pizza, pasta, mozzarella or salami making, setting of Hyde Park Ballroom. This venue is a stylish waters edge in Loft at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf or Wine and Beer Package! set in a relaxed trattoria-style venue in Pyrmont – a short reminder that incentive travel programmes aren’t just strike a pose with the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A unique „„ Quote Corporate Traveller to claim this walk from Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD. Suitable about sightseeing and wildlife experiences – but also and interactive experience that will develop a new found special offer for groups of 10-50. unique food and wine experiences. Here, guests enjoy knowledge of a beautiful selection of Australian cheese Whole porchetta banquet views of Sydney’s iconic Hyde Park through floor to ceiling and wine. Guests are invited to take in the waterfront arched windows, complemented by impeccable service At the heart of Doltone House cuisine is Italian location from the private outdoor decking area with amidst luxurious black and gold interiors. Suitable for heritage. Executive chef, Elio Benedetti, takes the best views of the city skyline. Suitable for groups of 10-100. groups of 100-300.

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Euro City – one man’s passion – driving success in Hawke’s Bay

Euro City

uro City’s new luxury Pet2Us, Lollipups Doggy Daycare, car dealership in Napier Lynda Gordon Photography and café “Our priority is to has brought a new level kitchen MYLK. provide more service of excellence to the The new dealership gives Elmsly Evehicle industry in Hawke’s Bay. the space to accommodate future and choice to our For Euro City owner Terry Elmsly, growth, having grown out of his the dealership is the culmination previous location where he had been clientele. The new of four years of planning and operating from for 14 years. There’s dealership ensures we construction, and signifies a new now a state of the art showroom chapter in his business. for each of the vehicle brands, remain competitive Home to the motoring world’s a dedicated parts and service as we can offer a far renown brands of Audi, Volkswagen department, plenty of car parking and Skoda, Euro City’s architecturally- and an extensive range of used more comprehensive designed building fronts Elmsly’s vehicles across all brands on display Ford Road Business Park, which is in the large outdoor space. range of both new also home to a selection of retailers “Demand for European vehicles is and second-hand that include Complete Paints, increasing, as is the growing demand vehicles. Our service department also has the space it needs, again to satisfy the growing demand.”

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by customers to have the complete “Our priority is to provide more offers a servicing and hire divisions In 1992, he moved to Hawke’s Bay package with us – somewhere they service and choice to our clientele. and stocks spray gear, compressed to take up the sales manager role at can buy their vehicle, finance it and The new dealership ensures we air gear, blasters and power tools. Bay Ford. Two years later, he bought have it maintained through regular remain competitive as we can offer Next door, Lollipups Doggy into the business and in 2004, sold servicing. There has also been a a far more comprehensive range of Daycare is Hawke’s Bay’s first city his interest and opened Euro City. global mandate that every dealership both new and second-hand vehicles. doggy daycare, specialising in small While his business may have representing Audi, VW and Skoda Our service department also has the breed dogs. Pooches are pampered moved from selling Fords to Audis must comply with new ‘corporate space it needs, again to satisfy the with walks and play groups by and Volkswagens, Elmsly admits to identity’ requirements, which means growing demand.” a dedicated team of dog-lovers. still having a passion for V8s that having light, generous display The Ford Road Business Park Lollipups also has a small animal hasn’t dwindled since he was a space and the latest technology to development has expanded hydrotherapy clinic, using controlled teenager. showcase the vehicles. Most car Elmsly’s business interests outside aquatic exercise to help medical, “I spent many years driving Fords franchises are looking for growth vehicles and finance to now include orthopaedic and neurological – XR8s and GT Falcons mostly. Now worldwide so you’ve got to keep up large-scale commercial property conditions. I drive Audi RS6, RS7, R8 and SQ7s. and advance your business. investment. He was keen to attract to MYLK (My Little Kitchen) is a They’re more refined and still have “It’s developments like this the Prebensen Drive site retailers place to grab a coffee and a bite or serious grunt. I’m lucky, I get to drive one in Prebensen Drive, and businesses that would a prepared dinner from their range what are essentially supercars in the Napier, that are boosting complement Euro City. of take home meals. MYLK also has car world.” the economy and “It wasn’t hard a café in Hastings, and the take Audi’s new A9 coupé is scheduled lifting the game in to find like- home meal menu changes weekly, for delivery in two years’ time. Hawke’s Bay, as minded retailers and includes favourites like risotto, “I’m really excited about the A9 – well as attracting and commercial lasagna, stroganoff, soup and pasta it’s a big coupé with a supercharged the attention of businesses to bakes. engine. Also on the release schedule other motor vehicle join us. I think the The newest business to relocate is the new Audi Q8, a luxurious high- dealers across the difference between to the Ford Road Business Park end V8 SUV and we have just taken country.” this business and a lot is Lynda Gordon Photography. delivery of the new Skoda Kodiaq Elmsly often refers of other car dealerships Gordon tells stories in pictures as SUV. Skoda is well priced, which to his “very strong and is that the Audi, Skoda and an experienced and well-respected makes it an incredibly popular car capable team” across all parts Volkswagen brands expose you wedding, portrait and commercial brand with Kiwis.” of the business as being instrumental to a lot of high profile businesses. photographer. Elmsly says seeing the new in the success of Euro City. That factor, along with my large While Elmsly is involved in the dealership open for business is Earlier this year, general network of contacts built up over property business and also Euro immensely satisfying. manager, Dwayne Bewley, won Audi the years, meant space was quickly City’s finance company, he still “It was always my vision to be able Sales Manager of the Year at the filled.” enjoys being on the yard as it keeps to provide a high quality place to do Audi Excellence Awards in Auckland. Complete Paints is just that, a him connected with his customers. business and to provide a complete “To be acknowledged by Audi as complete paint retail and trade outlet It’s this natural rapport with people service for our customers.” having the most satisfied customers supplying coatings and accessories that has been an important element While the cars may have got in the country is a real achievement for decorative, automotive, in his success, in a career that started more powerful and luxurious, what and testament to the commitment of industrial, marine and aeronautical in Auckland when he sold his first car remains the same is that after more our team. applications. The business also at age 15. than three decades in the business, he still loves selling cars.

“Demand for European For more information: vehicles is increasing, as www.eurocity.co.nz www.mylkfoodstore.com is the growing demand www.completepaints.com www.pet2us.co.nz by customers to have the www.lyndagordon.com complete package with us – somewhere they can “I’m really excited buy their vehicle, finance about the A9 – it’s it and have it maintained a big coupé with a through regular servicing.” supercharged engine.”

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INVESTING IN NEW ZEALAND’s largest export earner

by Paula Bennett t’s an interesting time for tourism in New Zealand. Recently we’ve seen unprecedented growth in visitor numbers. New Zealand’s tourism offering is second to none and this growth brings significant Ibenefits to the country. Tourism is our largest export earner at $14.5 billion per year, and the industry directly employs about 188,000 people. ‘Visitors are attracted by New We’re still no Iceland or Ireland, with their very high tourist numbers, but with around 3.5 million visitors per Zealand’s unique and beautiful year to our 4.6 million locals, we are starting to feel a bit landscapes, with more than of a pinch from the pressures that accompany growth. Some of our regional communities need support half visiting a national park. to make the most of growth and meet the demands of higher visitor numbers. Meanwhile our most popular It is therefore essential that conservation sites are becoming a little crowded, by New visitor growth is environmentally Zealand standards. There are two main ways we’re dealing with this. sustainable, and that visitors enjoy The first is to develop more and better infrastructure and a high quality experience.’ the second is to try to spread our visitors across seasons and to more regions, easing pressure in certain spots at peak times. We recently announced a $178 million tourism infrastructure package. A large chunk of this – $76 million over four years – will enable the Department of Conservation (DOC) to upgrade and develop tourist facilities on conservation land and to expand the Great Walks network.

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Visitors are attracted by New essential visitor-related infrastructure In terms of encouraging regional Cycle Trail, our network of premier Zealand’s unique and beautiful such as carparks, freedom camping and seasonal spread of visitors, our and predominately off-road trails landscapes, with more than half facilities, sewerage and water works promotional agency Tourism New that criss-cross the country and will visiting a national park. It is therefore and transport projects. Zealand is doing the heavy lifting. certainly get them off the beaten path. essential that visitor growth is This package of funding will go Tourism New Zealand puts The trails are world-class and environmentally sustainable, and a long way to ensuring our special the vast majority of its efforts into showcase the best of New Zealand that visitors enjoy a high quality places are protected and that we can promoting autumn and spring travel – our landscapes, environment, experience. continue to provide quality visitor by showing the world that New culture and heritage. They are This funding will help DOC to better experiences throughout the country. Zealand is a great holiday destination located around the country from the manage and protect destinations that The government is also looking at at any time of the year and targeting Twin Coast Trail in the north to the have high numbers of visitors, and ways to place an increased emphasis markets such as cyclists, golfers or Around the Mountains in the south. on tourism in our road planning and to develop and promote less-visited skiers who are more likely to travel Our famous places are famous investment, so that road safety is sites as a way of encouraging visitors in the off-peak seasons. This work is for a reason, but with so much more improved and roads our visitors use to travel further afield. gaining some traction. to enjoy for all travellers, tourism in are fit-for-purpose. With the remaining $102 million International holiday arrivals last New Zealand has a bright future. Because we’re a big country over four years we established the summer were up 8.3 per cent on the relative to our population, with long, Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which previous year, while holiday arrivals hilly and winding roads, transport in the 2016 spring season were up will provide support to regions where infrastructure is critical to ensuring almost twice that, at 16.1 per cent. tourism growth is putting pressure travellers can get around to our The agency will also run pilot on infrastructure, or where a lack lesser-visited spots with relative ease. of adequate facilities will constrain Hotel accommodation is another projects over the next few years, future growth. area where we’re playing a bit of and deliver more research and In particular, the fund will help catch up. Though it’s not strictly insights into consumer behaviour, those communities most in need of the government’s domain, we to establish how best to encourage assistance – areas with high visitor are working with a wide range of visitors to experience more regions Paula Bennett numbers but small ratepayer bases, stakeholders to identify potential of New Zealand. is New Zealand’s deputy Prime for example. sites and encourage investment in For cyclists, I hope they’re aware Minister and Minister of Tourism The fund will help councils develop new hotel builds. of the Great Rides of the New Zealand

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Barging through Burgundy – a sublime canal boat adventure

Story and photography ur canal boat adventure Holland, England and Scotland are by Antonella Kann through Burgundy, one also extremely popular destinations of France´s most sought for renting a canal boat. after destinations, proves The chosen itineraries are close Oa sublimely rewarding experience – as to tourist attractions, along canals well as a memorable vacation time – where there is little commercial suitable for families with children, a traffic. Instructions, both theoretical group of friends, or even a romantic and practical enable us to quickly ‘There are some trip for two. master our boat and grasp the At exactly 4 pm on a sunny Friday essential rules of canal and river adventures we’d in mid-September, our group arrives navigation. in Louhans´Port de Plaisance, in the There are some adventures we’d happily repeat again Bourgogne region, where we board happily repeat again and again. and again. This our pénichettes – a Tarpon 37 and a This pénichette voyage is one of Tarpon 42 – for a week-long cruise these, as it sails well clear of mass pénichette voyage is along the Seille and the Sâone rivers. tourism. I guess one advantage is one of these, as it sails After the oven heat of summer, the that so few people have heard about later season temperature hovers renting these canal boats, used for well clear of mass around an agreeable 24ºC. Also, centuries as the main commercial the crowds have long gone, making transportation between small tourism.’ the Bourgogne the perfect region villages and key towns. All sort of for drifting along these peaceful merchandise was carried along the waterways. French canals and rivers aboard France is not the only country gigantic péniches, and although their where you can enjoy this serenely number has decreased significantly stylish means of transportation – nowadays, you still come across Germany, Austria, Poland, Ireland, them along the way.

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role. Foie gras, cuisses de grenouille, escargots, creamy volaille de bresse, moelleux au chocolat and many other artery-clogging specialties are on the menus during our Some itinerary. A couple of the restaurants we visited are renowned pénichette tips throughout France. One is l´Arlequin, located in Louhans, a cosy little town famous for its main street When to go with its many shops sheltered behind an endless row of Ideally, the shoulder seasons are the best choices – arcades. The other gourmet temple is Greuze, nestled April to June and September until the end of October. in the picturesque village of Tournus, is charming right If possible, avoid summer months as rates will be down to its pavements – and shoulder-to-shoulder higher and there will be a lot more traffic on the souvenir shops. rivers and canals, meaning queuing at locks as well as Though the main objective of the cruise is to spend in marinas instead of mooring somewhere along the most of the time in the vicinity of bucolic settings, we riverbank. have to navigate the inner-marina hustle at least every What to bring other day. Once moored, we can refill our water tank and Think light when packing, as space is limited to store get electricity on board – useful for recharging batteries clothes and luggage. Sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat, and mobile phones. Otherwise, the routine is extremely hat, casual garments, flip-flops, a warm jumper or simple and relaxed. There are no wake-up calls. Days fleece jacket will all be handy items. start with a morning stroll in the nearby villages for a fresh baguette and croissants, a bike ride to burn the First-time traveller In recent decades the smaller immense fridges and lounge chairs. flavour and nostalgic twist. calories from last night´s feast, a quick tidy-up on the When choosing a pénichette be very cautious about péniches, or pénichettes, have As for techies, internet connection With our group of friends, we boat and planning our cruise ahead for the day. which size of boat will be adequate for the number of been beautifully restored, adapted, is available for free in most of the chose Burgundy to take in the French We always remind ourselves that spending our nights people travelling. Do not rely on the specifications of refurbished and rebuilt for tourism, marinas. It is common practice to rural life´s simple harmonies. We in a beautiful environment is a vital part of this holiday. brochures, as they always tend to suggest more than you may consider comfortable. For instance, on a meeting the demand for leisure load the boat with several bikes, expected a kaleidoscope of sceneries We can moor on any point of the riverbank, as long as three-cabin with two full bathrooms, which is claimed so we can easily go for a ride and starring French characters with a rich it´s not marked as forbidden. Unplanned itineraries are cruises. Several European rental to be "suitable” for nine passengers, should not explore the surroundings and the cocktail of impressive architecture not an option, as we need to calculate how many hours companies share the extensive exceed four adults. Some small children could be of navigation are needed every day in order to reach the waterways, implementing new small villages thrown into the menu. added, as the bunk beds would be fine for them. itineraries every year and innovating As far as being in control of The whole countryside is next destination on time. Just do the math dividing the number of days by kilometres and always remember Book ahead as far as amenities are concerned. our own boat is concerned, some dotted with green pastures with that a five-year-old can run faster than a pénichette. We can choose from a one-cabin people tend to believe that steering cows grazing peacefully along the Plan and book at least eight months ahead, both For a trip without any caveats, we plan for no more boat, perfect for two, up to a huge a pénichette is only meant for riverbanks. From morning to night, itinerary and type of boat. Only reservations made than four to five hours of boating on average per day – well in advance can secure exactly what is needed. pénichette with six or seven cabins, experienced skippers or at least as we drift down the Seille and the from sunset to sundown – bearing in mind we a must be able to accommodate around 12 that you need a license or some Saone, we take in the sights of fellow tied up at after dark. Tour operators passengers. And there are all the previous practice. But this is not cruisers, fishermen and locals. We’re true – even a 10-year-old can be in charmed by the landscape that Several boating companies operate dozens of options in-between. Some are itineraries in France. The rates are generally similar, but control of a pénichette, as it doesn‘t combines great sightseeing with a even conceived like small yachts. the pénichettes vary in brand, style, type, comfort and go faster than 10 km/h and even if few cultural surprises in store. Bathrooms also differ, kitchen amenities. you do something "wrong", there´s Our visit to Burgundy´s most appliances too, but they all have hot Traditional tour operators are Canalous Plaisance little damage that can be done by famous cellar, Château de Mersault, showers. (www.canalous-plaisance.fr), Locaboat (www. bumping into one another. to enjoy a bit of wine tasting, proves It is now perfectly common to locaboat.com), Charmes Nautiques (www.charmes- Even transiting an écluse (lock) memorable. So is entering the find pénichettes with microwaves, nautiques.com). is not a complicated operation. beautifully restored Maison Dieu in The locks are an inescapable fact sizzling Beaune as well as Cuisery, when following the stream up or one of France´s book villages, where ‘Barging is perfect down a canal or river. After just several shops specialise in old books a few moments, following simple offering a range of titles from thrillers for those who enjoy instructions, the manoeuvre can to rare editions. the great outdoors, easily be executed single-handed. At the end of the day, we linger all The ease and comfort aboard together over a few bottles of wine but with a romantic a pénichette is such that these and champagne, and later venture cruises are suitable for anyone – out for dinner in one of the many flavour and groups of friends, families with small tucked-away local restaurants. nostalgic twist.’ children, or elderly couples. Barging Indeed, in the Pays de Bresse (as is perfect for those who enjoy the this part of southern Burgundy is great outdoors, but with a romantic known), gastronomy plays a starring

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-Tech this year celebrated 15 years of partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand. C-Tech first supplied sail battens to the Kiwi team ahead of their 2003 America’s cup Ccampaign. Back then, C-Tech’s managing director Alex America’s Cup 2017 Vallings approached both Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi with product samples. Spies, secrets & near financial collapse “They liked what they saw and from there we formed a technology partnership to develop a batten that would hold up during racing.” – a close call for Aotearoa’s challenge The first set of battens supplied to Emirates Team New Zealand was given a rigorous workout but they could not be broken. As a result C-Tech won exclusive deals with the team, Alinghi and the Swedish Victory Challenge. Such was the success that at the next America’s Cup in Valencia in 2007 C-Tech supplied battens to all 12 teams. In 2009 C-Tech supplied battens for the entire Volvo Ocean Race fleet C-Tech has supplied componentry to Emirates Team New Zealand for every challenge since 2003. The yachts have changed drastically during that period, but C-Tech welcomed the challenge and continued to supply top- end carbon parts to the spectrum of America’s cup yachts, right up to today’s high-tech foiling catamarans. Things began to ramp up for C-Tech in June last year. “Emirates Team New Zealand first approached us to quote on building a new part,” recalls Vallings. “At the time we were in the middle of expanding our factory and it was pushing our manufacturing capacity. As it turns out Emirates Team New Zealand did not by Chris Kitchen have the funding to build the part so they chose to run Photography: Hamish Hooper/ with what they had - a calculated risk they had to make Emirates Team New Zealand when other teams were building new parts. Looking back now it really shows how amazingly close the team was to financial collapse. “Although we did not get that job, through that process Emirates Team New Zealand’s build manager, “We were expecting a phone call, Sean Regan, noted C-Tech’s capability and was impressed. It wasn’t long before we were asked to build and sure enough, about 10am, the the daggerboard cases. This was perfect for us. It was phone rang. Emirates Team well within our manufacturing capabilities and one of the open design, critical structural parts of the boat.” New Zealand asked us to help them This was the beginning of a close partnership that intensified in the coming months. Regan was clearly out with some tubes and fairings. impressed with the work done on the daggerboard We were lucky that we had a team cases, commenting: “C-Tech has taken on a key role, building specialised of guys who had just come off the componentry as part of the build group for our current back of building their rudders were AC class yacht. The team at C-Tech ensures the constant last minute changes to design and construction are rearing to go. Within hours there communicated, planned and implemented efficiently to ensure the parts are completed on time and quality was fibre being placed into moulds.” controls remain at the highest standard.” From that point onwards, parts C-Tech were asked to build snowballed as the pressure of racing intensified. Next were rudders, foil tips, accumulator tubes, fairings, wing control system and bike components.

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New Zealand, were devastated when AC50). Confidential information Oracle with a problem and part of us New Zealand’s build manager, Sean disaster struck. Vallings recalls: “We is highly respected at C-Tech and wanted to warn Emirates Team New Regan, speaks volumes about the saw the capsize on TV – it was real other New Zealand manufacturers Zealand of this issue, however the team and the real story behind the heart in mouth stuff. and this says a great deal about decision to ‘stay out of it’ was easy cup. The sailors have been incredibly “We were expecting a phone call, the integrity of the New Zealand for us, despite knowing the positive humble and always giving credit to and sure enough, about 10am, the boatbuilding Industry. impact for C-Tech should the cup the designers, support team and phone rang. Emirates Team New Within New Zealand there is a return to New Zealand. boatbuilders. It truly was a team Zealand asked us to help them out relaxed Kiwi culture around access “It’s nice to know our customers effort and has been inspirational. A with some tubes and fairings. We to buildings and seeing “projects in trust us not to leak information – real tribute to everyone behind the were lucky that we had a team of sheds” compared to other countries in fact I’m not sure we even had a scenes that was part of bringing the guys who had just come off the back where swipe card access and zero discussion with Emirates Team New cup home to New Zealand. of building their rudders and were admission to factories is the norm. Zealand about this. Integrity is one With early ballpark predictions rearing to go. Within hours there was C-Tech has had to increase security of the key values in our organisation. that the cup will bring in $500 million fibre being placed into moulds.” due to another high profile project. We love working with our clients and to the New Zealand economy, there C-Tech became the centre of an Not beiong able to show customers the privilege that comes with being are exciting times ahead. C-Tech is “emergency go-fast” package that through some ares of the workshop inside the technology.” very excited about the future of the Vallings was thriving on the high to re-design the boards knowing the was being assembled for the team. has made keeping client relationships The act of giving first swig out America’s cup, and is looking forward pressure environment and enjoyed rules meant you couldn’t alter them. Parts from all over New Zealand more difficult – but, so far, customers of the auld mug to Emirates Team to new challenges ahead. the challenge – “It was excellent work We had to scrap the second set of were included to help repair the boat have been understanding. to get – all being critically-designed boards that were already in build, for the America’s Cup final. “As part of our normal business structural components that were and start again. At this stage Emirates Team New we are signing non disclosure going to either win or lose the cup. “The industry around us just Zealand had not yet secured their agreements every week. Working There was some stress involved as jumped – Emirates Team New place as the challenger in the final. So with high end composites attracts timelines were compressed – with Zealand, Southern Spars, Cookson while the sailors focused on winning projects that are sensitive to IP and no room for error.” Boats and C-Tech worked 24 hours races, the team behind the scenes this is something that is taken very The challenge that Emirates a day for two months that turned were thinking about the next stage, seriously within our business,”said Team New Zealand had laid out for things around. I look back now should they actually make it through Vallings. at galvanising moments in the C-Tech was no easy feat. “It was probably at its peak in campaign and that was a really big as the challenger. “Once we received the list of parts the 2003 America’s Cup where we one. We were deep in trouble. We Secrecy to build, we scheduled them under were supplying battens to all the had been deep before, but not in normal circumstances and it gave C-Tech is often questioned about competing syndicates and they were that way. We pulled our way through us a finish date after the Cup was spies and attempts to learn syndicate each making design development and probably ended up with the best scheduled to start. Something had secrets. gains in parallel on the same daggerboards in the fleet.” to be done and the whole team at It is no common knowledge that products. At times it was really C-Tech came together and reworked Broken rudders America’s Cup campaign teams will hard to figure out what we could the plan to make it happen. With in training go to great lengths to learn what and should do to respect IP, whilst scheduled overtime and emergency Just days before the Louis Vuitton each other are up to. Each syndicate helping our clients. That period set recruitment we managed to meet challenger series started, Emirates has a team of spies closely watching the scene for our current policy. deadlines,” said Vallings. Team New Zealand had another every move of their competitors. “We can have open conversations C-Tech were unaware at the time setback. They broke one of their Emirates Team New Zealand had with Core Builders, acknowledging that there were some game changing race rudders and it was C-Tech they a group based in Bermuda months we are supplying parts to Emirates developments happening behind the called upon to find a solution. Whilst before the full team was shipped up. Team New Zealand and, at the scenes at the New Zealand team. they had another set of rudders, they Oracle’s Tom Slingsby was busted same time, completely respect Emirates Team New Zealand were geared for different conditions on the Hauraki Gulf shortly after the confidentiality. CEO, Grant Dalton, revealed during and would not deliver the best launch of the kiwi AC50, Aotearoa. “We actually laughed at the time an interview after the final race that performance from the boat. What may come as a surprise how serious the situation was, but “a real pivotal point in this campaign “There was a mad rush to cram to some is that the reality of the it is nice to know that everyone we was when we first launched the boat two weeks work into five days,” composite boat building industry is have dealt with has uncompromising with our gull wing daggerboards. recalls Vallings. “But it was very quite different. During the America’s integrity. At times we could see We broke both of them in quick rewarding to get it done, and our Cup, C-Tech was manufacturing where a conversation was heading succession. They didn’t break to team certainly felt part of the Cup.” components for teams other than and we’d pull each other up and the point where they went to the Emirates Team New Zealand. say ‘this is getting dangerous’ and bottom, but they were both broken. Capsize and emergency These have included bow sprits, change topics. The guys in the game You don’t break carbon a little bit – go-fast package compression struts and a number are super knowledgeable and all it they basically were had it. The team at C-Tech was starting of high spec tubes. C-Tech also has a takes is a small slip of the tongue for “We had a meeting at 9pm that early and watching the live racing in good working relationship with Core them to figure out key information. night and we were in trouble. We had the break room and, like the rest of Builders (who built the Oracle Racing “At one stage we were helping

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Fifth in class & 22nd overall two wheels around spa – a crazy idea becomes reality

Pensive in the pits – Grant Woolford awaits his call to duty.

by Grant Woolford t all starts – as many great but know instantly is from Formula 1 adventures do – over a coffee cars. So, before I check in to the hotel with a good mate. I know I head straight to the track. There are he loves doing things to the around 10 F1 cars doing a private Iextreme and there is very little that track day. Now that’s next level. gets in the way when that’s the case, This is a beast of a track. It’s seven I’m very similar in many ways. kilometres long – about twice as long if I feel it’s right or sounds like fun as anything we have in New Zealand. then I’ll do everything I can to make I fly in a day before anyone else so it happen. have more time to think, (bugger). ‘It takes me about The plan – to race at Spa in Too much thinking in this situation is Belgium, one of the fastest and most never good. As I am here by myself 10 minutes to calm famous race tracks in the world I walk the entire track. This takes a down after getting in a four-hour classic motorcycle couple of hours as there is a lot of endurance race. elevation change. With the F1 cars on off the bike, sitting The Issue – I’ve never raced on the track this is a good time to have a a closed-circuit track. In fact, apart look at the correct lines to be riding next to Guy in the from a couple of skids on a motard when we get the chance. pits discussing the race bike, I’ve never raced a road bike. Now back at the hotel – time to So, after agreeing to something I just chill and wait for the team to flow track, the bike and know nothing about in a place I know in. John and John are both coming nothing about but which sounds from the United Kingdom while the conditions is like an amazing thing to do, we are Grant and Tonia are arriving straight something I will all go. It takes a few weeks to get all from an epic few weeks winning the the papers and licences in place to America’s Cup in Bermuda. never forget.’ be allowed to set foot on the track. First to arrive are Grant and Then six weeks of thinking “what Tonia. It was an amazing feat that have I done,” followed by 26 hours on he and the team have achieved – but planes to think even more about what now it is time to turn from boat to I’ve agreed to. When we get there it is bikes for three days. Next to arrive raining with very low cloud – not the are the two Johns – both amazing best conditions for bike racing. guys who will do anything to make I open the car door to hear a the dream happen. We sit down over noise that I’ve never heard before dinner and make a plan. With both of Two hulls to two wheels – Grant Dalton at Spa.

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us having never been to Spa before talking about different corners and come off in a dangerous position on stopped with electrical problems. It is cold, wet and very exciting. to calm down after getting off the we are relying on John’s knowledge how cool they all are. the track. After getting it back to the pits we We are ready to race. bike, sitting next to Guy in the pits of the track and the people to make Session two is a little different. Both Grant and I now feel a lot find the computer in the bike has a Nick is up first and gets a great discussing the track, the bike and the all the bits of the puzzle fit – and The bike I’m running has some more confident that we will be able major issue and we can’t run without start. He comes around in 18th place, conditions is something I will never what an amazing job he does. After technical problems and I only get to do the race. We are ready to get on a new one. With none in Belgium we which gets me even more nervous as forget. Nick runs a great session and dinner, it’s back to the hotel and off three laps under my belt. Grant has the big bike for qualifying. The bike need to get one in from the United this is a lot faster than we have run comes in with the bike running well to bed as it all starts in the morning. a good run, his lap times coming we have for the occasion is a brand- Kingdom with just 26 hours before all weekend. After 40 minutes we and his job finished. Grant heads out I wake to sun – a massive relief. down nicely. The third run same new Suzuki Katana 1200, based on the race. I still need to qualify and all are out again with Grant on the bike, for his last session with the rain now I am ready to play. When we get to thing – issues with the bike again so the 1982 1100 superbike. three riders need to qualify at night. Dropping six places while in the pits very heavy and all we can do is watch the track, John and John have the no laps for me but Grant again gets There were just two of these made After talking to the mechanic and with the weather getting worse, and wait. After about 30 minutes two bikes we will use for the two another strong run, still dropping – one for GB Suzuki and one for us. that built the bike we borrow the Grant puts in a solid 43 minutes (with of his session the safety cars are practice days ready so all we need lap times and feeling happier with It is an incredibly nice bike with great computer from Guy Martin’s bike so a maximum time limit of 45 minutes) deployed as there has been a very to do is sign in, get our transponders the track. On the last run of the day power and amazing handling. On I can qualify (which I did). Next both so it is perfect timing when I hop on. high-speed crash on a dangerous part and attend the riders’ briefing. The Grant loans me his bike so I can get the other bike is Guy Martin and his riders in Guy’s team qualify at night, I am as nervous as I have ever been of the track with oil on the track. So, track steward conducts the briefing some laps. After a good 35 minutes mate, while in our team we have Nick the mechanics strip their bike to get on a motorcycle but at the same time with 38 minutes to go, Grant comes in in three languages – now I know I am of practice under my belt, the day is Allison, Grant Dalton and myself. the parts we need and all three of so excited it’s hard to explain. As I and I take over for the last time and at a truly international race. over and I’m much happier. Nick had done a lot more of these us get out and qualify – not well but leave the pits the clouds get lighter hopefully to finish the race. Three Now to the cool Day two is when the real deal sorts of events than either Grant or we did it 44th out of 55. At least this and after three laps there was a laps later the race is red flagged due part – riding. starts. We will need to qualify today I so we vote him No 1 rider. Grant is means we are on the start line the dryish line forming. The lap times to extremely dangerous conditions. We both hop on the bikes and in the morning and then again in second and I’m third. I’m more than next day. start to drop . It’s now dark, so things As I come down pitlane and into head out for the first laps at Spa – the dark. The first session with the happy with this. We wake up on race day to rain, are very intense coming down Eau park ferme I’m met by the team. an unbelievable buzz. The track is superbike is amazing. Both Grant Grant gets first test on the track low clouds and no wind. Normally Rouge at over 180km/h one metre It is an amazing feeling to be on the so fast and so smooth, with every and I work our way through to the under full qualifying conditions. this means the rain is going to stay – from a concrete wall. other side of the world at 15 minutes corner linked to the next, as if built front of the group and have a great He has a great run and finishes happy, and that it does. Just one hour before I get through my first session with to midnight, sitting on a hand- by a motorcycle racer. It is extremely battle right to the end of the session. Nick is second and is running great the race starts the computer arrives no mishaps and happily arrive back in built classic superbike at the finish fast but feels very safe – a great In the second session it’s the same lap times and picking off riders well, – with help from a lot of people. the pits with a straight bike. As Nick of a four hour endurance at Spa- combination for having fun on a deal. We start mid pack and make looking very good – when suddenly It is fitted and the bike starts straight restarts, the weather closes in and Francorchamps. motorcycle. When we come in we’re our way to the front only to have the he goes missing. We know he has a away. That is the last bit of the puzzle the rain gets worse. It’s now 10.15pm. And to think it all began as a crazy both on such a high and can’t stop session red flagged as a rider has problem and soon learn the bike has to be put together before the start. It takes me about 10 minutes idea over a coffee with mates.

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Ducati Scrambler Indian’s new Chief Limited – a good looker not reserved for hipsters – loaded with touring luxuries

e don’t need to based on the old 796 Monster unit. good looking. The cheapest model, he Chieftain Limited fronts windscreen, and absolutely superb be fashionable The bore and stroke has remained the Icon, doesn’t feel like an entry a fresh look with an “open” cruise control operation. hipsters to enjoy the same but valve overlap, injectors, level “budget” Ducati. Most would front fender in place of Overall comfort is tops with the Scrambler. Its air-box and exhaust are all new. The estimate the price to be much higher. the Chief’s iconic valance relaxed ergos, supportive dished qualitiesW shine through without result is 75 bhp and 50.2 ft lb of ABS comes as standard on all Tunit we have all come to know. The saddle and plush yet controlled ride clever marketing. It’s easy to ride, torque – slightly down on the old models but that’s it in terms of restyled flare-tail fender provides quality. Rake and trail dimensions small and light, has a lovely useable Monster but the spread of torque is rider aids. It’s relatively basic but added exposure and emphasis of remained unchanged despite the air-cooled V-twin with lots of low greater. Power starts from low down, is designed to be at a competitive an attractive new 19 inch diameter, change of front wheel, offering a to mid-range power. And there’s is linear, more than enough for this price. The Kayaba suspension 10-spoke contrast-cut cast alloy sweet blend of light, neutral steering Ducati’s trade mark stylish attention type of bike. only has pre-load adjustment, wheel (replacing the original’s 16- feel and exceptional stability whether to detail. The level of finish is very high. and there’s only a single brake inch hoop) and clean view of the dual flipping a tight u-turn, carving an Despite the odd wheel sizes (18 Ducati has worked in partnership disc up front, but it’s controlled 300mm floating brake rotors and onramp, or storming the superslab. inch front and 17 rear) and off road- with reliable, quality brands such by a huge radial Brembo caliper. Indian-branded four-pot calipers. Along with the superb Ride looking Pirelli rubber, the Scrambler as Brembo, Pirelli and Kayaba. The Scrambler comes in six variants The new Chieftain model earns Command seven-ins infotainment can hold its head high and punch Reliability shouldn’t be a problem with options of wire spoked or feathers in the cap with a host system and 100-watt audio system, well above its weight in handling as the motor is based on the proven alloy wheels, Termignoni exhausts, of standard touring amenities, the Chieftain Limited has anti-lock terms. It’s relatively light and nimble 796 Monster. different seats, headlamp guards, including the 7 inch touchscreen Ride brakes, chrome front highway and the wide bars enable us to throw The Scrambler range is bodywork and handlebars depending Command info/audio/navigation bar, power adjustable windshield, it around with ease. exceptional value for money. The on the model. system, keyless ignition and remote locking hard bags and a dash The 803cc, air-cooled motor is bikes are desirable, well built and remote locking sidebags, motorised of chrome in all the right places.

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KTM 300 EXC – turns two-stroke world upside down

itting the headlines for “TPI” stands for “transfer port Benefits include: model year 2018, KTM’s injection.” and the groundbreaking 250cc and 300cc two- new two-stroke represents another • Reduced fuel consumption stroke enduro bikes major step forward on a global scale. • Automatic elevation Hfeature an all-new engine manage- KTM say the benefits to owners Vespa GTS 300 compensation, no ment system with revolutionary TPI are huge improvements in fuel re-jetting required fuel injection – the world‘s first serial efficiency and clean exhaust – the real thing and still king of the scooters • Enhanced rideability electronic fuel injection system for emissions, while the electronics do and performance two-stroke offroad racers. away with the need for re-jetting, here are some prejudices 300cc engine can deliver maximum • Reduced emissions The TPI technology – transfer no matter the elevation of the about scooters that we power of 22 hp and maximum torque • Smooth engine behaviour port injection – has been developed race venue and prevailing weather should probably clear up. of 16.4 lb ft, ensuring quick throttle • Reduced fuel evaporation, by KTM in close co-operation with conditions. All of us have rumbled response and fantastic performance which also means less fuel EFI specialist Synerject. Turning the Also, engine lubrication on the Tpast some poor hapless soul, lost out overall. smell in transport vehicles two-stroke world upside down, it TPI models is automatic from a there on a 50cc wreck, faded plastic The most powerful engine in the • Enhanced comfort and makes engine operation not only separate oil tank and electronically parts held together with cellotape, entire Vespa range teams up with convenience – easy starting, remarkably cleaner, but also provides controlled oil pump, negating the buzzing along at a top speed of 40 front and rear disc brakes and anti- no pre-mixed fuel kph. Many of us still see that as the a more consistent performance. use of the traditional two-stroke pre- lock brakes and traction control for • No flooding when flipping While engine power remains at mixed fuel-oil mixture. typical scooter experience. absolute riding pleasure. All this over the bike the same level, the power delivery In addition, the TPI bikes benefit There are, of course, many makes the Vespa GTS ideal for both is much more homogeneous. from the complete set of KTM Enduro scooter manufacturers that broadly big city traffic and long range touring, Compensating automatically for air racing features such as an E-starter fit that profile, and they are truly to be enjoyed in total comfort. It also pressure and temperature, there is powered by super-lightweight deserving of our scorn. Increasingly, has a large underseat storage that no need to set the TPI bike up for the lithium ion batteries, Brembo brakes, however, there are some big-engined elevation and weather of the race self-adjusting hydraulic clutches, scooters coming out of proper will fit two open face helmets or for location. Premix fuel with two-stroke KTM “No Dirt” footpegs and gear shift motorcycle garages that break all packing enough for a weekend away. oil is also a thing of the past, and the levers, KTM tool-less air filter boxes, of the old scooter moulds. And, of The GTS also has an array of fuel efficiency increases dramatically. quick- release fuel lines, polished course, there are manufacturers like useful technical features – LED Set to be a game changer, the hubs, WP Xplor 48 split forks, WP Vespa that have been building the running lights, an eye-catching TPI models are the world’s first two- Xplor PDS shock absorbers and of real thing for decades. horizontal grill, analogue and digital stroke, offroad competition bikes course typical KTM precision-welded It can be argued the Vespa GTS instrument panels and a USB port with serial, electronic fuel injection. chromoly frames. has no rivals on today’s market. Its for charging our phone.

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Ducati Panigale Yamaha YZXF 450F Final Edition – race tune using smart phone app – an extravagant swansong

he 2018 YZ450F is the effortless restarts under pressure bigger radiators with corresponding ll good things must 209 hp at 11,000 rpm and 104.8 lbft at suspension department features world’s first production and relaxed riding when the clock increase in fluid capacity. Yet it come to an end, or so 9000 rpm. The Superquadro engine an Ohlins clean sweep with a pair motocross bike with a isn’t ticking. The system is designed tips the scales at 1kg less than the the Chaucer saying goes. in the FE shares the same lightened of 43mm NIX 30 USD forks, a TTX36 wireless smartphone to add minimal weight while saving 2017 model at 111kgs. How is this In this case, it’s true – the crankshaft and tungsten balancing monoshock and an adjustable Tbased engine tuner. The all-new valuable seconds in a trackside re- achieved? Factory engineers have APanigale line is coming to a close, in pads as the Superleggera along with steering damper. The rest of the kit Yamaha new Power Tuner iOS® and start situation. gone back to the drawing board to the larger 1299cc capacity anyway. the larger intake and exhaust valves. is top notch too with Brembo M50 Android® app and communication Yamaha has refined its distinct save weight on components where Ducati is honouring the occasion It has also got the new clutch from the monobloc calipers, three-spoke control unit connects the rider rearward-slanted cylinder design for Yamaha’s legendary reliability is not with a bang by releasing the 1299 Superleggera and air intake system forged alloy wheels and Pirelli Diablo with the bike like never before. the 2018 YZ450F engine – complete compromised. Panigale R Final Edition – and boy with optimised intakes for each Supercorsa SP tyres. Then of course, The new Yamaha Power Tuner app with a rear exhaust and forward- Returning for the 2018 model, what a bang it is. cylinder. Closing out is the titanium there is that pretty paint job. can make fuel and ignition mapping mounted downdraft intake system. Yamaha’s Launch Control System So, what exactly is the Final Akrapovic exhaust with the high- As we would have imagined changes – uploaded wirelessly to the The all-new cylinder head is lighter (LCS) is integrated into the YZ450F Edition, other than a pretty paint level silencers acting like the WSB with any modern Ducati, the Final bike via the onboard wifi system – for and the cylinder slant is more upright for optimised engine output that job? Well sort of a greatest hits that sprinklers on this road-going cake. Edition comes with a whole host of the ultimate in track-side tuning. to work with the bike’s updated results in a quicker, smoother race combines elements of the 1299 The chassis setup meanwhile, is abbreviations and rider aids. There’s Running a compact high output frame for optimised front weight start, boosting controllability out of Panigale, the Panigale R and the the same as the Panigale R. There’s no DWC EVO (wheelie control), EBC starter motor and ultra-lightweight distribution. the gate and ensuring the rider has 1299 Superleggera. frame per se, so the Final Edition has (engine braking), DQS (quickshifter lithium-ion battery, the 2018 YZ450F The 2018 YZ450F has some the best chance to get the holeshot The engine is an offshoot of the the die-cast aluminium monocoque and autoblipper), DTC EVO (traction brings the convenience of push- notable additional features such and lead the competition into the one from the 1299 Superleggera, so structure from the R that uses the control), DDA (data logger) all of button starting to the racetrack for as a starter motor, battery and first turn. it’s pumping out similar numbers – engine as a stressed member. The which is managed by the IMU (brain).

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BMW’s track day weapons – a date with legendary M

by Andrew Beacham f we’re looking for a new way to Out on track there is a Photography by Al Peychers blow off steam, we should look deceleration activity that involves no further than our marque burial of the throttle pedal, finding a of choice. If they have a high braking point, and stopping inside a performance arm, chances are track I designated area. Driving the X5 SUV days each year will come as part of up to speed is one thing – getting the territory. the brute to slow down whilst Our track day season continues ‘Our car of the day with BMW’s mid-year M Festival, maintaining our egos among fellow is the M3. After a V8 hosted by veteran motor racing participants is another. Following driver and BMW driving expert, Mike the braking session, against the engine in the previous Eady. The day starts with a brief clock, we snake our way through a model, they’ve gone lesson in the origins of the M logo coned slalom to experience BMW’s and how it came to fruition, before reactionary steering. nostalgic and powered heading out on track to commence There is no ignoring the eagerness the morning’s activities. There is to ditch the training phase and drive the new one with a nothing spared when it comes to a full lap at full speed. Our car of the the lineup of cars – with no room day is the M3. After a V8 engine in straight six.’ given to any poverty pack models to the previous model, they’ve gone balance the playing field. Spaces on this event are exclusively reserved nostalgic and powered the new one for those models stamped with the with a straight six – so we make sure famous M badge – the heroes of the it is given the red carpet treatment BMW model classes. on the track.

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eaching an old dog new tricks is never easy. However, when I’m 2017 Bentley summonsed to Bentley Continental GT V8 TAuckland on a mid-winter weekend • Engine: 4 litre twin- BENTLEY’s I slip my scepticism a bank note and turbocharged V8 order it to take the weekend off. • Power: 373 kW CONTINENTAL GT V8 This immortal luxury grand tourer • Torque: 660 Nm requires no ordinary introduction. It • 0-100kph: 4.8 seconds – an immortal grand tourer carries Bentley’s own redefinition of • The Price: $295,000 refinement. Behold the Bentley Continental GT V8. Born in 2003, it didn’t take keeping ostentation to a minimum. long for this model to start looking Conservative doesn’t stop with the and driving like a luxury grand tourer styling. The fuel range for example is at the top of its game. It cannot be a massive 850 kilometres. No time is described simply as a grand tourer spent shouting at the turbos to wake because grand tourers typically don’t up, because the boost is ready to go come with rear seats, air suspension, and keeps going as the accelerator laminated windows – or a reasonably pedal finds proximity to the footwell. sized boot. I had the weekend to Technology overload in the GT decide if this Bentley has stood the is avoided, compliments of a user test of time or if its pursuit has finally friendly touch screen that controls reached the crossroad. ride control settings, Bluetooth Every time I get behind the wheel phone and audio. Hopefully teaching of a Bentley GT I feel like I have seen Dad how to use all the systems won’t this movie before. We’re met by the literally feel like teaching an old dog by Andrew Beacham usual suspects – exquisite interior new tricks. Photography by Al Peychers detail and genuine leather hide. When the GT was introduced Each grain of flawless mahogany it was the end of an era as Bentley is purposely on show. The Breitling had broken away from its Rolls- time piece is appropriately nestled Royce proprietary. The enthusiasm in the facia – a longstanding commenced with the introduction of collaboration that serves as a the GT which quickly became known reminder that one is purchasing as the 340km/h coupé or, in layman’s not just a car but an entire design terms, the fastest four seater in the ‘As if we needed brief that carries influences from a world. something else to prestigious watchmaker more suited Before critics find fault in eeking to aviators. out this model to near extinction, fuel our obsession. The current generation of it must be noted that Bentley’s do The eight cylinders Bentley GTs is what Top Gun would not die. Historically, the brand was look like if ever there was a remake. neglected and disrupted by business gave the GT a new The W12 engine is still an option. decisions not of its own making, but personality that was However, to meet demand, the V8 by those who thought they knew twin-turbo was introduced in 2013. a thing or two about the motoring throaty, loud and fast.’ The eight cylinders gave the GT a industry. Skipping the Bentley new personality that is throaty, loud history lesson, the turbulent journey and fast. As if we needed something ultimately led to the brand falling else to fuel our obsession. into the right hands. The W12 had its place on long The Continental GT turns 14 haul journeys over summer, but this year and, without knowing its the V8 is the everyday workhorse succession plan, there’s no doubt it designed to rack up mileage while gets better with age.

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o one has a working crystal ball in life – especially when it comes 2017 Volkswagen to building automobiles. Golf R NThat’s why, in 1976 – when the Golf • Engine: 2 litre turbocharged was conceived – even Volkswagen Volkswagen’s 4 cylinder could not have predicted where their beloved benchmark hatch would • Power: 228 kW beloved Golf end up today. • Torque: 400Nm The Golf as we know it has not • 0-100 kph: 4.6 seconds – still king of hot hatches gone backwards by any measure • The Price: $75,390 of the imagination. When it comes to its performance and stability at high speed, if we drove this facelift driving rewards can cost a lot more model blindfolded it would be easy compared to a mid-size sedan. to mistake it for anything but a hot We won’t be afraid to remove the hatch. It’s taken on many forms blindfold when it comes to writing – an R badge and all wheel drive. the cheque though. A few thousand My experience, as New Zealand’s can be saved if we buy the manual first motoring writer to get behind version. Naturally, they have given us the wheel, is about to reveal if there the car equipped with DSG automatic is still a Golf underneath with hot transmission, but the manual would hatch pedigree. no doubt be a different animal. We have every right be to An added bonus with the Golf apprehensive when it comes to and its all-wheel drivetrain is that buying a new Golf. We see a plethora it will keep up with most top brass of updates coming from VW annually off the line and in the corners, and which renders the model we just won’t be far away on the straights bought five minutes ago almost either. No doubt due to some clever by Andrew Beacham obsolete. To mitigate this issue, our software, it’s two litre micro engine is Photography by Al Peychers advice is to specify our next Golf up only getting more powerful without to the hilt with options. Let’s throw demanding excessive octane. The in some sport seats, an 8-inch touch quick succession of facelift models screen, 18-inch diamond face alloys, has the competition playing catch adaptive cruise control and our up. Many have proved that they choice of diesel or petrol engines. can pull a one-off out of the bag to Doing so might be a way to enjoy 24 shake the hot hatch tree, but being months of ownership without being successful with successive models ‘Many have proved compelled to upgrade. is a different task. Volkswagen has There may not be too much to that they can pull proven succession over four decades jump up and down about this time of producing the Golf. a one-off out of the round, however that’s only VW’s take As it creates rails in the road, bag to shake the on the truism that “if it ain’t broke …” driving the Golf R makes it clear that Most of the enhancements can be we can never ask too much of it. It is hot hatch tree, but traced to features such as running the hatch that keeps on giving. rear indicator LEDs, extra torque, being successful with power and some groovy exterior paint schemes. We can start to see successive models is a where all our money is going with different task.’ a configurable virtual instrument display, self parking ability and gesture control – for those compelled to keeping the touch screen free from fingerprints. Keeping up appearances in this class comes at a cost. However, achieving the amount of power and

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t’s easy to look at a logo and take its features for granted. 2017 BMW 5 Series If we listen or look hard xDrive Touring enough we will find every • Engine: 3 litre Twin Power logo representative of a brand has a I Turbo 6-cylinder BMW’s 5 Touring back story. Some are more obvious than others. Take a long hard stare • Power: 195kW – all set for alpine adventures at the Fed Ex logo and we will find a • Torque: 620 Nm hidden arrow while Wendy’s burgers • 0-100kph: 5.6 seconds conspicuously has the word “Mom” • The Price: $150,750 sketched across the mascot’s collar. This is why we are listening one with a V8 engine. Maintaining curiously at the recent BMW M appearances, but disguising its diesel Festival. BMW’s M badge is far from economy, proves success. To quell the first letter that makes up the any remorse of making the switch to name of BMW’s performance car diesel they’ll even throw in a petrol division. It’s the tri-colour stripes price tag to match. proceeding the logo that hold the Everything is where it should be history. If we are familiar with the in the interior. At each switch pack logo, we will find it has the colours we find a button rather than blanking blue, purple and red. The red stripe plates. One way to calm the kids on represents BMW’s partnership with the descent from Happy Valley is to the American oil giant, Texaco, wait for the sun to set so that the from its early motorsport days. ambient lighting can take over the The first blue stripe is the colour interior. Selectable coloured LED of the Bavarian region where the lighting guides its way along the waist manufacturing magic happens and lines of the dash facia and along the the middle blue stripe is the result of doors. We can throw in some stars blending the red and blue together. by drawing the panoramic roof. by Andrew Beacham Even more interesting is what When BMW talk about xDrive Photography by Al Peychers happened when BMW’s partnership they are referring to all-wheel drive. with Texaco ended. In order to Once the 5 touring is loaded with skis, retain the logo, BMW had to buy the luggage and a small family, handling rights to the red stripe from Texaco. is going to be in high demand. Someone took a long term view by The xDrive system is dynamic by ‘The xDrive system giving the Texaco red an unofficial distributing power between the front title of the most cherished colour and rear wheels. When cornering, is dynamic by shade in the world. the all-wheel drive delivers the extra distributing power Recognising the M badge on weight through the steering for a BMW diesel has us cautiously safe, but rewarding speed. There is between the front excited. As winter set upon New no understeer like conventional all- Zealand, we take possession of the wheel drive systems. and rear wheels. BMW’s new nimbus touring wagon – SUV’s may have flooded the When cornering, the the BMW 5 Series Touring. Petroleum market but the days of the estate are averse BMW owners at the time far from over. The 5 Series Touring all-wheel drive delivers demanded that they be kept in the takes its place as an astute choice loop and be able to purchase a BMW when it comes to practical motoring. the extra weight diesel given the M treatment. The through the steering M division accepted the challenge, albeit reluctantly, since petroleum for safe, but had been their poison for success over decades. The end result is a car rewarding speed.’ complete with sport seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, massive brakes with colour-coded calipers, heads-up display, twin-turbo power and almost as much torque as we’d expect from LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE - GOLF GOLF

Thunder struck – Steven Adams joins star-struck Kiwi calendar

2017 is shaping up to be one of the more significant years in the history of New Zealand golf. n September the country new Windross Farm Golf Course in hosts an LPGA tournament Auckland on September 1. Adams for the first time with local hosts his event at the same course star Lydia Ko headlining the that will also see Lydia host the best IMcKayson New Zealand Women’s female golfers in the world just a Open. Then in October it’s the turn few weeks later. of Royal Wellington Golf Club to take The Steven Adams Invitational centre stage as the best amateur is a charity tournament with the male golfers from the region aim of raising funds for the Sports compete at the prestigious Asia- Pathways Trust to assist with its Pacific Amateur Championship. work of promoting junior basketball And now another very big event in New Zealand. Funds raised will has burst on to the golfing calendar help with the trust’s mission of – the Steven Adams Invitational. developing young student athletes Adams was a Kiwi kid who in New Zealand. benefited from some help on the “I’m looking forward to hosting way through to NBA stardom with my own tournament at Windross the Oklahoma City Thunder. Farm. It’s going to be great fun Since his rookie season Steven teeing it up with some of New has been introducing a whole new Zealand’s sporting stars. I’ve asked generation of Kiwi kids to the fun, Lydia for a few tips with my swing athleticism and healthy competitive so I’m ready on September 1.” spirit of basketball – and this year The Celebrity – Amateur event he’s looking to do it with a game sees Adams invite 18 celebrities of golf. to participate in his tournament. The Steven Adams Invitational is The celebrities will team up with a Celebrity-Amateur event to be some of the New Zealand’s most staged at New Zealand’s exciting generous private and corporate

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golfers to help get Kiwi kids playing Sports Pathways Trust. The company the game that Adams loves. has been involved with similar The charisma, and no doubt events in the past including a Ryder size, of one our most popular sports Cup style celebrity event for Caltex people has seen Adams’ entice a host in Asia and was the production of high profile sporting celebrities to company responsible for delivering help his cause – Beauden Barrett, international media for the 2016 Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Eric Murray, Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am Stephen Donald and Christian Cullen in China. are amongst the stellar field. Also “The event promises to be a lot of present will be Adam’s team mates fun and we look forward to helping from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Steven and the Sports Pathways Trust Ensuring a basketball presence in achieve their goals,” said Sports Inc’s the occasion will be the novel means managing director, Kelsen Butler. of matching the celebrities with the “At the same time we will also corporate teams. Sky City Grand will be distributing content of the event host an NBA “Draft” style cocktail to local and international networks. evening the night prior to event that Steven’s profile has ensured the likes will see Adams draw out the celebrity of ESPN and the Golf Channel will name and the lucky corporate team. screen highlights of the tournament Local sports television, media which will also showcase golf in New and events company Sports Inc. has Zealand to an international audience created the event for Adams and the in a unique way.”

“The event promises to be a lot of fun and we look forward to helping Steven and the Sports Pathways Trust achieve their goals.” Each week Holden Golf World has exclusive interviews with Ryan, Lydia and other stars of the game, great golf adventures from around New Zealand and the best destinations in the golfing world!

THURSDAY: 12 NOON

11:00PM THEN ON DEMAND

SATURDAY: 4:30PM THEN ON DEMAND

106 CORPORATE TRAVELLER WINTER 2017 CRUISE CRUISE NEWS NEWS

OVATION OF THE SEAS – heralds new era of SuperCruising

he newest, largest and most Bringing nearly 20,000 guests technologically advanced to New Zealand, Ovation of the cruise ship to be based in Seas made 17 calls to seven ports Australasian waters ushers injecting an estimated NZD$8.5 Tin a new era of holidays for Kiwis – million in passenger spend into the known as SuperCruising. local economy. Ovation of the Seas is an On just one of the 14 night absolute game changer for “Cruising itineraries to New Zealand, the 4900 Downunder.” SuperCruising is a guests onboard Ovation of the Seas holiday experience unlike anything consumed 6600kg of chicken, 7500 else in New Zealand – and so far it dozen eggs, 2270kg of pineapple, can only be found with this Royal 680kg of lemons and 3400kg of Caribbean leviathan. oranges. At 348m long, 18 decks high, As the newest, largest and most weighing in at 168,666 tonnes and technologically advanced ship to with a capacity for almost 5000 be based in the region, Ovation guests and 1500 crew, Ovation of the attracted crowds in each port she Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship visited. Sightseers lined the road in the world, making her the largest to Devonport on Auckland’s North cruise ship to sail Australasian Shore to gain an early morning waters, and she is by far the largest glimpse of the megaliner coming ship ever home-ported in the region. into Waitemata Harbour. Meanwhile Ovation of the Seas is therefore in the Bay of Plenty, some 2000 by Rob Prince the largest cruise ship to sail New locals reportedly gathered around Zealand waters. Her 348 metres, if Mt Maunganui to watch the ship as “Ovation of the stood on end, would be more than she came into Port of Tauranga. 20 metres taller than the Sky Tower. With a price tag of USD$1billion, Seas is an absolute With almost 6500 guests and Ovation of the Seas offers some crew, Ovation of the Seas carries incredible entertainment and game changer for more than the total population of activities. Passengers can soar to ‘Cruising Downunder.’ some of the towns that it will visit heights 90 metres above the sea such as Paihia or Picton, and with on the North Star for incredible 360 SuperCruising is a 2090 staterooms onboard, she has degree views, be inspired by the six times the rooms of the SkyCity world class art collection consisting holiday experience Hotel. of 11,000 pieces with a estimated unlike anything else in She becomes Royal Caribbean’s cost of NZD$6.1million or dine at fifth locally-based cruise ship, joining Jamie’s Italian Restaurant, Jamie New Zealand – and sisterships Voyager of the Seas, Oliver’s first restaurant in New Explorer of the Seas, Radiance of Zealand waters. One of the most so far it can only be the Seas and Legend of the Seas, amazing experiences though, must found with this Royal and making Royal Caribbean the be having a perfectly mixed cocktail single largest cruise line operating in from two robotic bartenders at the Caribbean leviathan.” Australasia. Bionic Bar.

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Indulgence at BALThazAR – Surfers Paradise showstopper

ur journey of surprises local and global wines available. along the beachfront of While Balthazar is both Australia’s iconic Surfers sophisticated and stylish it is far from Paradise includes a stuffy. The talented team is justifiably Oskydive simulator and a Harley proud of the restaurant and keen ‘At Balthazar, food convoy along the beach. Yet the to explain its magic and to answer evening adventure is unquestionably our questions as we gather around is expertly paired with the cherry on top – a wine and dine the long marble table, the perfect wine and champagne. indulgence at Balthazar. intimate setting for any business The stretch Hummer that arrives event. Here they can end the day Wine is everywhere – to collect our team for this mystery in style, a fine dining experience for evening is something of an event in lunch or dinner. row upon row of wine itself – but our arrival at the Crowne At Balthazar, food is expertly racks form two walls, Plaza, Surfers Paradise, launches us paired with wine and champagne. into a culinary adventure that quite Wine is everywhere – row upon row quality glassware is simply steals the show. of wine racks form two walls, quality displayed and the Balthazar is Crown Plaza’s private glassware is displayed and the two dining room, celebrating French, chandeliers are crafted out of wine two chandeliers are modern Australian or contemporary glasses. Chinese cuisine. Our team is treated Balthazar’s unique space is crafted out of to a spectacular food tasting, enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass. wine glasses.’ exquisitely paired to a range of The ambience transitions smoothly wines. from natural light during the day to What a shame we are here for just a soft glow at night. one evening – as wine and beverage For those of us curious about the manager, David Stevens-Castro, name, we are told that a balthazar is informs us there are more than 500 a two litre bottle of wine.

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Executive chef, Jean-Marc Heussner, is an eloquent and entertaining tutor as he guides us through the evening courses. Heussner, who started with Crowne About the Plaza Surfers Paradise in 2012, oversees and is Crowne Plaza responsible for five restaurants, room service, and a 14-room capacity conference and events department Accomodation specialising in residential conferences, meetings, gala • More than 370 spacious guest rooms (all with events and weddings. private balconies, most with ocean views) He has had an extensive career in both hotels and • Suites and self-contained studios independent restaurants, of particular note is his time • One bedroom apartments worked in a Michelin star restaurant in France. After • Penthouse with private pool traveling to Australia he landed a lead role in his first Sydney restaurant (Victoire Restaurant – Chatswood), Services & Facilities a role that allowed him to travel and visit south-east • 24 hour room service menu Queensland. • 24 hour reception Heussner participates in local food activities and fairs, and has taken part over the years in mentoring many • Two swimming pools, one being heated talented chefs. • Concierge Balthazar’s wine and beverage manager is David • Gym Stevens-Castro, a Chilean agricultural scientist who has Meeting Rooms worked extensively as an award ­winning sommelier in Australia. • 14 function rooms Stevens-Castro was born into a family deeply • Dedicated business facilities involved in the wine industry. Several of his relatives are • Experienced meeting and events team fruit growers, as are many of his friends back home. He • Largest room can seat up to 550 theatre-style grew up witnessing the fast development of Chile’s most • Innovative banquet menus prominent wine laboratory, Vinolab, which is owned and operated by his uncle and aunt, who are also winemakers. • Natural lighting in most rooms They lead a team that analyses and certifies more than • Informal meeting areas available 70 percent of the Chilean wine export industry as well as • In-house audio visual company agrochemicals, fertilisers and food. • Creative spaces – poolside, chapel In 2005 Stevens-Castro completed an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, majoring in Fruticulture Location and Enology (winemaking) in the Faculty of Agronomy • 2 minute commute to the Gold Coast Convention and Forestry of the Pontifical Catholic University of and Exhibition Centre and Broadbeach Santiago, Chile, before he left Chile to follow his dream • Two stops in the opposite direction to the heart of of becoming a flying winemaker. He has lived in Australia Surfers Paradise since 2007. • 30 minute drive to Gold Coast Airport Several wine lists that Stevens-Castro has created • 60 minute drive to Brisbane Airport have received high-accolade awards. He has also been • 250 metre walk to patrolled beach selected as a wine judge for numerous wine shows, and • 10 minute drive to Robina Town Centre most recently has been invited to be the reserve judge at the Sydney International Wine Competition. • 5 minute commute to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre Balthazar’s assistance wine and beverage manager, Megan Cox, grew up in rural New Zealand. It was after taking a role on a restaurant floor in Australia that her love affair with wine was born. Suddenly, Cox found herself working as the cellar manager for Rockpool Bar & Grill, home to the largest wine list in the southern hemisphere, with a total of 3,500 wines on offer. After working with Neil Perry and the Rockpool group for five years, Megan had become an established sommelier and was studying the WSET Certificate Four, the diploma considered to be the stepping-stone to the Masters of Wine course. Feeling the lure of the tropics, Megan headed to the Gold Coast.

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By corkscrew through the Caucasus – a taste of the world’s oldest wineries

Story and photos by Graham Simmons

o describe the Caucasus as a hotbed would be an understatement. Within its roller-coaster terrain, dividing Europe Georgians drink a staggering amount of wine. Mari and Asia, lie three sovereign nations Mchedlishvili, fourth-generation winemaker in the little T(Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), one enclave town of Sighnaghi, told me that her grandfather had (Nagorno-Karabagh), one exclave (Nakhichevan), been a tamada (toastmaster). two breakaway “nations” (Abkhazia and South “He could drink 10 litres of wine in a single evening, Ossetia), both recognised by only four countries and still get up early next morning to go to work in his including, funnily enough, Nauru; and the Russian vineyard,” she said. Federation republics of Chechnya and . It is also claimed that private hosts routinely Surprisingly, all these places, even Chechnya, allow between two and three litres of wine per head produce wine. But in practice there are two main when arranging meals for guests. These figures are contenders for the title of the world’s oldest and still corroborated by statistics. surviving wine producer – Georgia and Armenia. Just The 2016 harvest was around 114,000 tonnes of one piece of advice: If visiting the Caucasus – bring grapes, yielding about 80 million litres of wine. However, a corkscrew. They haven’t heard of Stelvin caps in the official statistics greatly underestimate total wine these parts as yet. production.

“He could drink 10 litres of wine in a single evening, and still get up early next morning to go to work in his vineyard.”

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Tata Jaiani of the Georgian Wine Association The fortified hilltop town of “My grandmother estimates that the statistics cover only about 30 percent Sighnaghi, about 90 minutes of total wine production, with the other 70 percent by minibus from the Georgian drank Saperavi every being accounted for by the production of home-made capital , provides the perfect wine for personal use. If this is considered, then total introduction to Georgian wines. day and washed her wine production amounts to some 275 million litres. In Sighnaghi, American expat face with it twice a Deducting exports, this leaves about 240 million litres for John Wurdemann V presides domestic consumption – or about 65 litres per head, by over Pheasant’s Tears winery, week, and she lived to far the world’s highest. famous for its organic, unfiltered Maybe in no other country is hospitality taken to wines. Wurdemann explains the age of 114.” such extremes as in Georgia, where the first thing the how he and his colleagues were visitor encounters is the signage at the immigration desk instrumental in reviving traditional of Tbilisi Airport – “8000 years of wine-making history,” winemaking in the new Georgia. reads the sign, together with a claim that Georgia boasts “The Soviet occupiers of Georgia 537 native varieties of wine grapes. Others say there are wanted to make wine on an industrial “only” 525 varieties. scale, so the number of wine varietals Traditionally, Georgian wines are made in an amphora- in use was reduced to just four – shaped clay vessel called a qvevri (the Armenians use a mainly Saperavi (red) and Rkatsiteli similar vessel, calling it a karas). The qvevri is buried in (white),” he says. “It’s only thanks to the ground to preserve a constant temperature. After small producers like Pheasants Tears maceration on the skins, the wine is drawn off into that we’ve been able to revive the huge another qvevri that is then sealed. Maturation in the diversity of Georgian wine varieties.” qvevri can last several years before either bottling or “This is one of our flagship qvevri opening for immediate consumption. Even “white” wines wines,” says Wurdemann, pouring a are often macerated on skins for a few weeks, giving golden-coloured 2015 Mstvane with them not only a deep orange or golden colour, but also an outstanding depth of flavour, with the health benefits usually ascribed only to red wines. rich apricot overtones. “There were just 0.9 hectares of this varietal left – a vineyard of 90 year-old vines. Fortunately, we were able to propagate the vines, and we’ve now established a new vineyard for Mtsvane.” Other rare varietals reintroduced to the Georgian table by Pheasant’s Tears include Tsolikauri, a flinty- tasting white from Shuagora village in western Georgia; Tsiska, from a region where yellow clay covers a deep bedrock of limestone; and Takvevri, a deep ruby-coloured red with a body like a shiraz. And at the top of Sighnaghi town, just below the fortress, John Okurashvili of Okro’s Wines also produces high quality organic wines, including a complex red from the rare varietal Saperavi Budeshuri. Mari Mchedlishvili, in her rustic wine cellar/shop at the top of Sighnaghi’s main square, offers tastings of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli from her own kvevris buried in the floor and covered with a simple wooden lid. “My grandmother drank Saperavi every day and washed her face with

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it twice a week, and she lived to the age of 114,” she says. Armenia Natia Chekurishvili, of Vino Under- ground wine bar in the Georgian capital In Soviet times, Russia imposed its winemaking in modern Armenian winemaking – though the surreal will upon the rest of the USSR. Georgia and Moldova Tbilisi, also praises Saperavi. “It contains artworks of Gago Oganesyan at Voskevaz Winery in were tasked with making wine, while the production of 20 times the antioxidants of other red Aragatsotn region might lead you to think otherwise. brandy was delegated to Armenia. Hence, winemaking in wines,” she says. Voskevaz was founded in 1932, and after being totally Armenia came to a near-halt for almost 70 years. Scientific papers corroborate her rebuilt in 2004 now produces wines that include the However, Armenia has now started to resuscitate remarks, albeit with less extreme findings. outstanding Areni Noir, made from the same varietal of its wine industry. Production is still miniscule – just For example, Saperavi was found in one which seed remains were found in the Areni I cave. 5.9 million litres in 2015 compared with Georgia’s 110 Also in Aragatsotn region, Armenia Wines in Sasunik of these studies to have four to five times million litres. However, there are now more than a dozen village produces an excellent red wine from Areni Noir the antioxidants of cabernet and merlot. Armenian wineries producing quality product, building on grapes. In Vayots Dzor province, Hin Areni winery in En route from Sighnaghi to the a winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Areni village produces a wide range of styles, including a regional capital Telavi, the palatial Around 4400 BC, wine is believed to have been made pomegranate “wine” that tastes more granite than Pommy. Estate has given its name in a rock vat inside the Areni I cave, in Armenia’s Vayats A visit to the more commercial Karas Winery, in Armavir to a famous Georgian wine first made Dzor province. Within the cave, chief archaeologist Boris by the baron and diplomat Alexander Gasparyan points out some of the macabre features of region, is also worthwhile. Founded by an Argentinian- back in 1839. The estate early winemaking. Armenian consortium, Karas is sometimes criticised for makes its wines in both European and “We think that while the person was crushing the mixing native Armenian and imported varietals. But the qvevri styles, so it is possible to make grapes and the must was flowing into the fermentation quality of the results speaks for itself. The 2014 Karas, a a direct comparison between the two tank, they killed him. The goal was to mix two bloods complex blend of Syrah (Shiraz), Tannaf, Cabernet Franc, methods. Tsinandali wine (80 percent together – human blood and grapes, which were Petit Verdot, Khudogni and Montepulciano varietals, is Rkatsiteli and 20 percent Mtsvane considered as the blood of the earth.” inexpensive, easy drinking, and notable for its rich, ripe Kakhuri) has a pronounced apple aroma, Fortunately, such gruesome rituals are not found berry overtones. with flavours of meadow flowers, grass and honey. The qvevri style has the same nose but a much purer palate, with herb and apricot overtones. The nearby Schuchmann Wines Chateau, founded by the German industrialist Burkhard Schuchmann, also offers an excellent range of wines made in both European and qvevri styles, the latter under the Vinoterra label. Both styles are matured in oak for a year after maceration. But can the use of oak be justified for traditional Georgian wine styles? I put this question to John Wurdemann. “A beautiful woman doesn’t need lipstick!” he replied. But in the case of the Vinoterra wines, a little “lipstick”, judiciously applied, seems to positively enhance the wine’s appeal. About 30 minutes by road east of Telavi, in the village of Ikalto, Nana Maisuradze opened her Akido Iremadze winery to visitors in June, 2016. In defiance of conventional wisdom, she says that the adoption of organic production methods has led to increased yields. ‘The tonnage of grapes from our The tonnage of grapes from our Akhmeta vineyard has gone up over Akhmeta vineyard has gone up over 25 percent since we stopped using 25 percent since we stopped using pesticides.’ pesticides.’

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THE Wineries AND Wine Bars TRAVEL NOTES Arriving Georgian immigration procedures may well be the Georgia most painless on the planet. No visa is needed. Our • Pheasant’s Tears, 18 Baratashvili St, Sighnaghi: an passports are stamped for a 30-day visit upon entry. important introduction to traditional Georgian For Armenia, a 30-day visa can be obtained upon winemaking. arrival for a fee of around $8. English is not widely • Okro’s Wines, 7 Chavchavadze St, Sighnaghi, spoken outside the capitals. Russian is universal. specialises in natural, unfiltered wines. A big Georgian is a baffling language, with weird consonant outdoor tasting deck offers extraordinary views combinations and a unique alphabet said to be based over the surrounding lowlands on the different ways that grapes can be attached to • Tsinandali Estate, Tsinandali village: the ancestral the vine. Learn just one Georgian phrase: “Momtons home of baron and diplomat Kartuli hvino” It means: “I love Georgian wine.” Alexander Chavchavadze. Visit the Chateau, with a Whoever says this at least a dozen times a day will be tasting room in the basement, and take a stroll popular wherever they go. through the eclectic surrounding gardens Armenian is completely different, with Persian roots (including a bamboo grove). and another unique alphabet. A useful one-word • Schuchmann Wines Chateau and Spa, Kisiskhevi Armenian phrase-book is “Barév,” meaning “Gidday.” village (near Telavi), offers a full range of tastings, Getting around and visitors can inspect the surrounding vineyards at leisure. In both Georgia and Armenia, travel by public transport is perfectly safe. Taxis are very inexpensive, and even • Bravo Restaurant, Telavi: their home-made Saperavi cheaper is the universal Marshrutka (minibus), that (ask for it: it’s not on the menu) is excellent. plies all major routes and can be simply flagged down. • Teliani Valley, 3 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi: a big industrial-scale producer; wines very drinkable. Wine tastings • Akido Iremadze Winery: in Ikalto village about 30 Nearly all Georgian wineries charge for tastings. minutes east of Tbilisi, at the foot of the 8th That said, the price is usually inexpensive (typically Century Ikalto Monastery. around $10 for a range of wines plus cheeseboard) • Vino Underground Wine Bar, 15 G Tabidze St., Tbilisi: and the servings exceedingly generous. On more specialises in natural wines. than one occasion, I was simply left with two or three • Gvino, a new wine bar at 6 Erekle II Street, Tbilisi, full bottles and told to take as much as I wanted. opened in May, 2016, very knowledgeable staff. Guide books Lonely Planet’s Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan is OK. Bradt’s Georgia is better, but very dry and academic. A book recently on the market is Georgian Armenia Wine Tourism Guide 2016-2017. It’s a comprehensive • Voskevaz Winery, Voskavaz village, Aragatsotn guide of over 370 pages, covering Georgian wine Region (near Armavir border). www.voskevaz.am history, grape varietals, wineries, wine bars and much • Hin Areni Winery, Areni village, Vayots Dzor Region: more. However, the guide is at present only available produces wines from Areni, Voskehat and Khatun through the Georgian Wine Tourism Guide Facebook Kharji Armenian varietals. page (which may require a phone call to their office to ask them to send a copy). • Armenia Wines, Sasunik Village, Aragatsotn Region; cellar door visits welcome. www.armeniawine.am Not to be missed for details and bookings. The best time to visit is early to mid-October (harvest • Karas Wines, Arevadasht village, Armavir Region. time), to take in all three of the following festivals: www.karaswines.com The Areni Wine Festival, held on the second Saturday in • Wine Republic wine bar: 2 Tamanyan St, right near October in the little Armenian village of Areni, in Yeravan’s focal point The Cascade. Vayots Dzor province. • Vinograd Wine Restobar, at 62 Hanrapetutyan St, The Tbilisoba Festival, held on the third weekend in , is a new place getting great reviews. October in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, with a gallery • Mozaic Sky Restaurant, 15 Khorenatsi Street, of wine stalls offering free tastings. Yerevan: The rooftop Sky Bar above the restaurant The Mtskhetoba Festival, held on October 14 in the is the coolest new place in town, with great views mediaeval Georgian capital Mtskheta, about an hour over the city. by train and bus from Tbilisi.