Search Results forAuckland
IAPCO EDGE Auckland elevates conference organiser education
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is set to host its renowned EDGE education programme in Auckland from 16-19 March 2026. This immersive masterclass-style training will take place at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), welcoming Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) and business events professionals globally. IAPCO EDGE Auckland aims to enhance professional standards, strategic thinking, and skills necessary for thriving in today's complex global meetings environment. Stephen Noble, Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, emphasised the programme's significance, stating, “EDGE gives PCOs and business events professionals the opportunity to take their education to the next level – challenging thinking, sharing knowledge and strengthening the capabilities that underpin quality, confidence and excellence in conference delivery.” Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the EDGE programme returns to Auckland, where it first launched a decade ago. The event will be one of the first major programmes at the NZICC, showcasing New Zealand's capacity as a hub for global professional education. Supported by The Conference Company, Tourism New Zealand Business Events, and other local partners, the programme underscores a strong collaboration between IAPCO and New Zealand’s business events community. With limited places available, interested delegates are encouraged to register early for this exclusive opportunity. For more information and registration, visit the official website. ```
Qantas Unveils New Auckland International Lounge Ahead of Holiday Rush
Qantas is set to give trans‑Tasman and long‑haul travellers a major upgrade this summer with the opening of its brand-new Auckland International Lounge, timed perfectly for the peak holiday season. Located at Auckland Airport, the redesigned space is 60 per cent larger than the previous lounge and can now host more than 370 guests across distinct zones for dining, relaxing and working, supporting the airline’s expanding trans‑Tasman network. Travellers can explore Qantas routes and benefits via the airline’s official website, Qantas. More Space, New Zones and Premium Dining The new Auckland International Lounge has been created as a key hub for customers flying across the Tasman and onwards to global destinations, including the popular non‑stop Auckland–New York service. The layout introduces clearly defined spaces for different travel moods: quiet corners for business travellers catching up on work, social areas for families and groups, and dining zones where guests can settle in for a proper meal before boarding. Charging is now available at around 70 per cent of seats and there are fifteen shower suites, giving long‑haul guests the chance to freshen up mid‑journey. In a first for the Qantas global lounge network, Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers gain access to a dedicated à la carte dining area within the lounge. Curated by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service Neil Perry, the seasonal menu highlights New Zealand ingredients with plates like crumbed local fish and chips, alongside Qantas First favourites including salt and pepper squid and signature pavlova. Elsewhere in the lounge, guests can enjoy a buffet featuring Kiwi produce, a gelato station and a full cocktail bar serving premium drinks and barista‑made coffee. Design That Brings New Zealand’s Outdoors Inside The design team, led by David Caon in collaboration with Architectus, Akin Atelier and Simon James Design, set out to celebrate New Zealand’s landscape while maintaining continuity with Qantas’ global lounge aesthetic. Living green walls, travertine tiles and terrazzo tabletops create a relaxed, natural feel, while bespoke furniture upholstered in New Zealand wool and leather adds warmth and tactility. Signature Qantas design cues, such as porthole‑style windows and sweeping curved walls, have been reimagined with handmade glass and lush greenery to soften the space. A four‑metre artwork by Gabrielle Penfold depicting North Head at Devonport anchors the room and gives the lounge a strong sense of place. Strengthening Qantas’ Trans‑Tasman Hub Qantas describes the new lounge as a major investment in the customer journey, recognising that the pre‑flight experience is an important part of how travellers perceive their trip overall. Auckland is a strategic hub for the Flying Kangaroo’s international network, linking Australian cities with New Zealand, North America and beyond, and the expanded lounge supports plans to grow trans‑Tasman operations in 2026 with new routes and extra capacity over key peak periods such as Christmas and the April school holidays. The Qantas Auckland International Lounge officially opens on 17 December, just as holiday traffic peaks. For Australian and New Zealand travellers heading across the ditch, onward to New York or further afield, it promises a calmer, more spacious and distinctly local place to start – or break – their journey with Qantas. VIDEO
Grand Millennium Auckland receives five-star rating from Qualmark
Grand Millennium Auckland recently attained both the prestigious Qualmark 5-star rating and Qualmark Gold Sustainability Award. These accomplishments place the hotel among New Zealand's finest accommodation providers according to the country’s official quality assurance programme for tourism and hospitality businesses. According to hotel general manager James Billing: "We're thrilled to receive both the 5-star Qualmark rating and the Gold Sustainability Award. This dual recognition validates our team's unwavering commitment to guest service excellence, environmental responsibility, and the investment our owners have made in refreshing the hotel facilities from top to bottom.” The achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between the support office personnel at Millennium Hotels and Resorts NZ and the Grand Millennium Auckland team who worked together to successfully meet Qualmark’s rigorous assessment criteria across multiple operational areas. Billing added: "We're proud to join the exclusive 5-star Qualmark club with the added distinction of achieving Gold Sustainability status. Our guests can be confident they are choosing accommodation that meets both New Zealand's highest tourism quality benchmarks and service quality that Grand Millennium hotels are globally renowned for.” Worthy of accolades The Qualmark 5-star recognition follows a significant $30-million refurbishment program which has been taking place across the entire hotel from restaurants and bars, conference and events facilities, to guest rooms and suites. The accompanying Gold Sustainability Award further acknowledges the hotel's environmental practices and commitment to sustainable tourism. The Qualmark Gold award represents a significant achievement, with only a select number of accommodation providers across New Zealand meeting the rigorous assessment criteria. The Qualmark assessment process evaluated Grand Millennium Auckland across numerous areas, recognising excellence in guest services, accommodation, facilities, food and beverage operations, sustainability practices, staff development, and overall customer experience. Moving forward Grand Millennium Auckland is preparing for an exciting showcase in early 2026, with the hotel's upgraded front facade, public facilities, new rooms and Estelle’s Bar now finished bringing the majority of the year-long refurbishment programme to full completion. Located in the heart of Auckland's entertainment district, Grand Millennium Auckland has consistently positioned itself as a premier destination for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel's full suite of amenities, including five food and beverage destinations, expansive conference and events facilities, wellness facilities, premium accommodations, and club lounge combined with its strategic location, makes it an ideal choice for discerning guests.
JW Marriott Auckland opens post transformation in New Zealand
Marking the brand’s first hotel in the city, JW Marriott Auckland blends holistic well-being with the spirit of Auckland, set against the backdrop of the country’s breathtaking landscapes Pictured (left to right): JW Marriott Auckland Executive Suite, Executive Lounge, Indoor Swimming Pool JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveiled the all-new JW Marriott Auckland, marking the brand’s debut in Aotearoa, New Zealand after an extensive multi-million-dollar transformation. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Auckland, this luxurious urban retreat invites guests to restore and renew, with thoughtful touches that reflect both local culture and the brand’s commitment to holistic well-being. JW Marriott Auckland was designed by renowned Singaporean architecture firm O37 with Founder and Creative Director, Leonard Lee at the helm. The hotel’s design draws deeply from the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s art, culture, and natural beauty, as seen from its distinctive vantage point in Auckland’s city center. Intentionally curated, the hotel design fosters a profound connection to the locale, seamlessly blending a harmonious aesthetic through a refined balance of complementary contrasts inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand’s weather. Reflecting the shifting beauty of each season, the design weaves together contrasting textures - raw and polished, rough and smooth. This vision comes to life in ‘Watersplash’, a bespoke sculptural hand-blown chandelier by Lasvit, inspired by the flowing rivers and lakes of New Zealand, and crafted to cast reflections of water on the ceiling among many other touchpoints throughout the hotel. “JW Marriott embraces the belief that a connection to the natural environment is an important part of nourishing one’s soul. JW Marriott Auckland embodies the brand’s commitment to providing a haven where guests can focus on feeling whole in mind, body, and spirit,” says Jason Nuell, Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Auckland is a destination where both locals and international travelers can experience a blend of modern luxury and exceptional hospitality in the heart of the city to pause, recharge, and reconnect.” Generously spaced, the hotel boasts 271 stylishly appointed guest rooms and 15 suites. Inspired by the beauty of Auckland’s landscape, the color palette in each suite subtly shifts, inspired by its natural surroundings - from deep greens and earthy tones of the Waitākere Ranges, to the sun-bleached sandstone and driftwood tones of the Waitematā Harbour, and the rich charcoals and softened rusts of the city’s volcanic landscape. Reflecting nature’s imperfections, guests will discover a deliberate asymmetry throughout the rooms seen in the intentional artwork placements and with no two bedside tables being the same. Spanning 133 square meters with sweeping views of the city skyline, the crown jewel of the hotel is the Presidential Suite. Additionally, the hotel boasts an Executive Suite, a 79-square-meter Ambassador Suite with open-plan living, and the Governor Suite - a two-bedroom apartment, offering a serene 171-square-meter sanctuary with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The guestroom artwork, meticulously crafted by Lancelot in 1886, is part of the historical collection from the Hulton archive and beautifully depicts an early illustration of Auckland Harbour. The hotel’s suites provide a mindful approach to the in-room offerings, featuring the latest Technogym fitness accessories and equipment. The in-suite experience also features an elevated minibar offering - Refuel Bar - a menu of healthy post-workout shakes, snacks, and refreshments, including kombucha, all designed to nurture guests’ physical well-being. All guest rooms come complete with yoga mats and risers, enhanced by an in-room program of wellness and workout routines. To further enhance guests’ well-being, performance-boosting room features promote rest and rejuvenation, such as meditation playlists and eco-friendly products from Aromatherapy Associates. An Urban Oasis JW Marriott Auckland is the ultimate destination for wellness, offering a range of holistic and cutting-edge experiences that support mental and physical well-being. This serene sanctuary, designed to calm and rejuvenate, features a Wellness Center spanning 220 square meters and includes a 14-meter-long heated indoor pool with panoramic harbor views and views of the center of Auckland. Guests can enjoy the contrasting wellness benefits of hot and cold recovery treatments, including a cold plunge pool, a dry-heat sauna, and a steam chamber. The state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusively available to guests, features innovative Technogym equipment, allowing guests to customize their workouts. Personal training sessions are available upon request. JW Marriott Auckland’s Wellness Concierge connects with guests before arrival to identify the purpose of their stay and set meaningful intentions. Upon arrival, the Wellness Concierge is on hand to offer tailored guidance, ensuring a truly enriching and restorative experience throughout their time at the hotel. In early 2026, the hotel plans to launch a series of holistic wellness experiences, including sound healing, designed to relax the senses. A Culinary Escape The hotel’s elegant lobby bar, Forum, offers barista-crafted coffee and small bites from local artisan bakehouse, Wild Wheat, available throughout the day. By night, Forum transforms into the perfect backdrop as a refined yet welcoming bar. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges, the cocktails at JW Marriott Auckland offer a unique taste of the landscape, with smoked woodchips infusing a distinct, earthy flavor that captures the essence of the surrounding mountains. JW Marriott Auckland’s signature restaurant, Trivet, is designed with the multicultural essence of Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront. With Head Chef Wallace Mua at the helm, guests will experience a curated menu of the country’s finest produce. Inspired by the unique flavors and techniques of Polynesian cuisine around the world, its menu honors the heritage and vibrancy of the country’s dining scene with a sharing-style menu. In September, the hotel plans to launch a contemporary teppan house celebrating impressive Japanese-inspired dishes. Connection with nature is a signature element of the JW Marriott experience. Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a stunning moss wall in the foyer, bringing the lush, organic spirit of the garden indoors. This living feature, woven into the hotel's design, is not only a visual statement but also embodies the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and the celebration of nature. Up above, the hotel’s rooftop is home to the brand’s signature JW Garden, which features an herb garden and rescue bee hives. This rooftop oasis produces a wide variety of fresh herbs, edible flowers, and plants, which are used throughout the hotel’s venues, Forum and Trivet. Meeting & Events Located in Auckland’s central business district and just a short walk to the city’s major transport terminals and Commercial Bay shopping center, JW Marriott Auckland presents an exceptional array of venues for events, conferences, and meetings. With six flexible function spaces, the hotel seamlessly accommodates both large-scale gatherings and more intimate meetings. The JW Ballroom is the hotel’s largest meeting space, a pillarless ballroom perfect for a range of event layouts and divisible into thirds, featuring a 7-meter-wide LED screen, complemented by two additional 4-meter wide high-definition screens. With the capacity to accommodate up to 220 guests in a banquet style, it is perfect for lavish dinners or large-scale events. The newly designed venues showcase enhanced soundproofing and acoustics, creating an environment tailored to boost productivity. JW Marriott Auckland’s meeting spaces are designed with built-in high-tech sound and lighting. "I am honored to bring the JW Marriott vision of luxury and well-being to life in this vibrant city. Our goal is to create an exceptional guest experience and provide a sanctuary where guests can relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. Our team looks forward to welcoming guests to our urban oasis and showcasing the best of Auckland’s hospitality," said Girish Talreja, General Manager, JW Marriott Auckland. JW Marriott Auckland, Girish Talreja, Jason Nuell,
Auckland International Airport appoints new representative to Queenstown Airport board
The Auckland International Airport announced the appointment of a new director to the Queenstown Airport board effective 1 January 2025. Incumbent director Mark Thomson confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective on the first day of the new year, and Auckland Airport chief planning and strategy officer Mary-Liz Tuck is slated to take his place. In her current position, Tuck holds leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Tuck said of the appointment: “Queenstown Airport plays a vital role in the community, connecting Kiwis and overseas visitors to and from the region, and supporting the local economy. I’m delighted to be joining the board at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation.” A warm welcome, a fond farewell Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood welcomed Tuck’s appointment even as he acknowledged Thomson’s service to the board. Flood said: “Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years. We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. I look forward to welcoming Mary-Liz to the board table as the Auckland Airport shareholder representative in the new year. At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome.” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers added: “On behalf of the community and QLDC, as Queenstown Airport Corporation’s majority shareholder, I extend a warm welcome to Mary-Liz. The airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to the Council of $14.7 million. Mary-Liz’s proven track record at Auckland Airport will add fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success. I’d also like to thank Mark for his huge contribution as AIAL’s representative on the board since 2017, especially as it navigated some unprecedented global challenges.”
Emirates transports the Americas Cup trophy from Auckland to Barcelona
As the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup - Emirates rolled out the red carpet to welcome onboard the oldest trophy in international sport – the America’s Cup, carrying it from Auckland to Barcelona via Dubai. The Americas Cup trophy touched down in the coastal city of Barcelona on 6 October, as fans flood in time to kick-start the exciting match race finals starting on 12 October. Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said: “We’re thrilled to be back on the water for Emirates Team New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup, and we’re also proud to again be the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. This event is sailing’s pinnacle contest, pushing the boundaries of innovation, technology and talent, and Emirates will be at the heart of all the action in Barcelona. August 22, 2024. Race Day 1 of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta. EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND We look forward to connecting with long-time sailing fans and new audiences passionately cheering on their teams setting on their quest to win the coveted America’s Cup.” Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Emirates is the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The airline is also a proud sponsor of the series of preliminary regattas leading up to the Louis Vuitton Cup. Through its sponsorship, Emirates will be highly visible across the Race Villages, with prominent branding on the sails and hull of Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC75 America’s Cup class yacht ‘Taihoro’, as well as the official stage and award ceremony areas. Emirates will also be activating its sponsorship rights throughout the races with “fly better” moments as the airline’s friendly cabin crew hand out bespoke luggage tags, merchandise, and other exciting gifts to race goers. Emirates Team New Zealand sail their AC75 ‘Taihoro’ in Barcelona, Spain ‘Sailing better’ since 2004 Emirates has been a long-standing supporter of sailing, with its first foray into the sport in 2004 as the naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand. The 20-year partnership has been very successful for both parties, including memorable victories in the 35th America’s Cup as well as its cup defence in front of a home Auckland crowd in the 36th America’s Cup event. The airline renewed its longstanding partnership with the reigning America’s Cup champions last year, remaining the Lead Sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, with naming rights for the team, as well as the designation of Official Airline and Carrier of Emirates Team New Zealand. With Barcelona as the perfect setting to sailing’s most important races, fans can connect to the city on one of Emirates’ 14 weekly flights, including 7 weekly flights from Dubai to Mexico City via Barcelona. The airline also flies to Madrid with 14 weekly services utilising its iconic Emirates A380 and wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft.
Auckland Airport releases 2024 financial report
New Zealand’s Auckland Airport released its annual report covering its financials for the fiscal year to 30 June 2024. Airport chairman Patrick Strange remarked on how the FY24 financial year was characterised by the strong return of international airline capacity, as well as the introduction of new carriers and routes. This brough seat availability to international destinations to around 91 percent of 2019 levels. Strange explained: “The lift in capacity, particularly on North American routes with a 48 percent increase in available seats, has not only benefited Kiwis but led to a 40 percent growth in North American visitors. [This is] an important economic driver for New Zealand’s tourism industry.” He added that the return of Sichuan Airlines in April of this year has improved connectivity with China. At present, six airlines now connect Auckland Airport with seven destinations in the Chinese Mainland. This increased seat capacity has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by around two percent. A total of 27 airlines flew non-stop between Auckland and 42 international destinations in FY24, up from 25 airlines and 40 destinations in FY23. Dealing with high fares and competition Over the past fiscal year, the Auckland Airport team worked hard to bring airlines back to Auckland, supporting them to grow and relaunch services. This, in turn, delivered choice and competitive fares for customers. Strange said of this: “Where there is less capacity and competition on routes, airfares remain stubbornly high, most noticeably across the Tasman. When you couple the higher cost of flying with increased competition from other tourism destinations and the economic climate globally, we’ve seen flow-on impacts for key inbound visitor markets. This is especially true for Australia, with fewer Australians choosing New Zealand as their destination.” He added that the current global backlog of replacement aircraft orders drives airlines to deploy available aircraft on shorter but higher-yielding routes whilst holding back on a full return to long-haul destinations. In which case, returning to full pre-pandemic capacity could take a while longer. On the side of caution Meanwhile, Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said that airport management will still take a careful approach to managing costs due to the current economic environment despite recent improvements. Hurihanganui said: “Auckland Airport relies on customers coming and going through our doors so in this environment, where people are being more careful with household spending, we are taking a prudent and careful approach to spending.” This conscientious approach to cost control also covers the airport’s infrastructure programme, putting an emphasis focus on functional, fit-for-purpose facilities delivered in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Nevertheless, Hurihanganui added: “We’re making positive progress in this regard and this past year has seen the visible changes underway across the airport precinct: he first stage of the Transport Hub opening and the closure of the inner terminal road; work on our airfield expansion; road network upgrades; and importantly, real progress on the new domestic jet terminal.” She expressed confidence that the Auckland Airport team is well on track to deliver the much-needed upgrade and renewal of an airport that serves as the gateway for more than 18 million travellers and $26 billion in annual trade.
AirAsia X Announces The Return Of Gold Coast-Auckland Route
In response to popular demand, AirAsia X announced the resumption of the popular Gold Coast-Auckland service on 3 February 2024. At the same time, the airline will discontinue operations on the Auckland-Sydney route on 31 January 2024 to facilitate the service to and from the Gold Coast. AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Following a thorough network review, we have decided to suspend our services between Sydney and Auckland in late January next year. However, we remain committed to Auckland as a destination and will transfer our services from Auckland to the Gold Coast starting 3 February 2024. “As our first route commenced just over 16 years ago, the Gold Coast remains a key leisure favourite destination for our Auckland and Asian travellers with its world-renowned white sand beaches and famous theme parks. It’s also a hugely popular destination for visiting friends and family both ways and for students studying. “These decisions are made with thorough review and careful consideration of all relevant information. Our network will continue evolving based on several factors, primarily consumer demand. We understand the inconvenience for affected guests booked on the Sydney – Auckland route next year, so we are doing all we can to minimise any disruption by contacting them as soon as possible and offering a range of provisions, including a refund, credit to fly at another time and free of charge transfer via Gold Coast for those booked from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur. “We will continue to monitor the situation, and if demand returns, we will consider reinstating the Sydney – Auckland service at a later date. However, for now, and as a leisure-focused airline, we are seeing more demand across the Tasman to and from the Gold Coast.” Queensland Airports Limited Chief Commercial Officer Adam Rowe said the reintroduction of AirAsia X’s Gold Coast-Auckland service will provide travellers with more options. “This is a welcomed addition to our network and exciting news for travellers – flights between the Gold Coast and Auckland are our busiest international connection, with more than 220,000 passengers travelling on that route since January,” he said. “Around 60 percent of passengers travelling between the Gold Coast and New Zealand fly to or from Auckland, and the return of this service will add more than 350,000 extra seats on that route annually,” Rowe added. “The addition of AirAsia X’s Auckland service will give our customers more choices to connect with loved ones across the Tasman while also creating more competition and helping to put downward pressure on airfares.” From 3 February, three weekly flights from Auckland to Gold Coast will take off, connecting seamlessly to Kuala Lumpur and adding 6,786 tourist seats weekly through Gold Coast airport. AirAsia X continues witnessing high demand for its services on many routes. It has recently increased the number of flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth to Kuala Lumpur to satisfy this demand. Thai AirAsia X’s sister airline has also reinstated popular Flatbeds on flights between Sydney and Bangkok starting 27 November. Indonesia AirAsia has recently boosted frequency on the Perth-Bali route to four times daily. More flights on popular existing routes and new destinations are being explored. They will be revealed as the airline expands across Asia and the Asia Pacific. AirAsia X connects Australia and New Zealand to the wider AirAsia Group network via its primary hub in Kuala Lumpur to over 130 destinations in Asia, including India, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and more, at the best value prices.
Air New Zealand unveils new look premium check-in at Auckland International Airport
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving customer experiences, Air New Zealand has transformed its premium check-in area at Auckland International Airport, which officially reopened. The space has been fully redesigned to deliver an enhanced premium travel experience for customers from the moment they step through the door. Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says that customer feedback on the former premium check-in highlighted the experience could be more seamless so she’s thrilled to get the new space open. “We’re always listening to customer feedback and looking for ways to improve their experience at every touch point on their journey. After the January floods caused damage to the space, we took the opportunity to completely redesign the footprint creating a better customer flow and installing new and refreshed finishings.” The new design features sweeping timber curves imitating the contour of a bird’s wing in motion to help guide customers through their check-in journey. Folded ceiling battens illustrating a stylised nest pattern help soften the area acoustically and illuminated feather motifs, visible between the carved timber screen slats allow design elements to be discovered over time. A living wall replicating the forest floor of the Waitakere Ranges alongside natural stone, timber finishes and a 12 metre digital wall featuring bespoke art and music add warmth and tactility to the sophisticated space. Concierge-style desks provide customers with a space to sit to speak with customer service agents, while the popular self-service kiosks and updated bag drop technology provide efficiency. “We’ve had great feedback that the space now feels bigger, with an improved transition for customers to move from the check-in kiosks to the bag drop. The new colours and textures also provide a sense of calm which is a lovely way to start a trip overseas,” says Leanne. The refreshed premium check-in is the beginning of a new look and feel for Air New Zealand’s physical spaces, expressing the unique diversity, vibrancy, and personality of Aotearoa. “We want people to experience Aotearoa at every point in their journey with us so design elements from this space will eventually carry through to our other customer touchpoints including lounges, check-in spaces and aircraft,” Leanne says. Premium check-in provides frequent flyers, Koru members, and premium cabin customers with an exclusive space to start their journey, allowing them to check-in and drop their bags with swift service and minimal waiting times.
Wyndham Debuts La Quinta in Auckland with 246 keys
The opening of La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland marks the first La Quinta in Auckland and the brand’s second in New Zealand, while reinforcing its longstanding partnership with New Zealand’s Safari Group. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, today unveiled La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland. The opening marks the brand’s first hotel in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, ahead of the upcoming AHICE Aotearoa Conference from 10 – 11 October and joins La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown as the second La Quinta by Wyndham hotel in the South East Asia and Pacific Rim (SEAPR) region. As a testament to Wyndham’s strong partnership and high levels of trust with its existing partners, La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is the 12th hotel that New Zealand’s Safari Group has developed and launched with Wyndham and the fifth Wyndham property that Safari Hotels, a division of Safari Group, will manage, joining Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central, La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City and TRYP by Wyndham Wellington Tory Street. Expanding on its partnership with Safari Group, the third La Quinta by Wyndham property in SEAPR is already in the works and will be based in Parnell, Auckland, slated for opening in mid-2024. Auckland continues to be a desirable destination for international travellers, particularly as international borders have reopened. According to Statista, the number of international visitors to Auckland rose to approximately 1.7 million arrivals as of June 2023, compared to just 226,000 international arrivals last year. The city also recently emerged first on the list of Expedia’s trending summer destinations among US travellers. Rob Neil, Managing Director, Safari Group said, “The opening of La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is yet another milestone for our relationship with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Our strong partnership dates back to the development of Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City, and we have since been leveraging the team’s strong commercial and operational expertise to open and manage high performing hotels across New Zealand. We look forward to more opportunities to come that coincide with the rising inbound tourism demand in the market.” Ben Schumacher, Vice President of Operations South East Asia & Pacific Rim (SEAPR), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts shared, “We are truly excited to launch the La Quinta by Wyndham brand in New Zealand’s largest city. We are witnessing first-hand the ongoing travel recovery and this latest high-quality addition to the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts family will give even more options to our loyal guests to enjoy.” La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is stylishly designed to reflect the dynamic energy of the City of Sails, promising a memorable stay filled with warmth and high-quality hospitality. The 246-room hotel also comes with a variety of amenities for guests including a well-equipped gym, conference facilities and more. Nestled in the quiet suburb of Greenlane, the hotel offers convenient access to Auckland’s city center near plenty of lively attractions including a variety of dining and shopping options. Nature lovers can also take relaxing strolls in Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park and enjoy the many events and offerings extended throughout the city year-round. With Auckland Showgrounds just an eight-minute drive away, business travellers and conference participants can look to La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland for a convenient, relaxing, and comfortable stay.
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