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Hotel101 Global signs agreements to develop Hotel101 Melbourne
Philippine hotel management company Hotel101 Global signed several agreements regarding the development of the 766-room Hotel101 Melbourne in Australia. These agreements were signed earlier today, 20th January Located at 540 Flinders Street, the new hotel is at a prime site right in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district. This specific location reinforces the weight given by DoubleDragon intentionally to always place its portfolio of projects in the Philippines and in other countries at strategic addresses. Hotel101 Melbourne stands to offer 4-star amenities at affordable prices, including facilities for business events and other functions. Ready for the MICE trade Consistent with Hotel101’s offerings across its locations globally, guests are expected to be able to enjoy modern rooms, 24/7 reception, all day dining, swimming pool, full-size gym, business center, children's pool, rooftop bar, ample parking, luggage storage and other amenities. In terms of room count, Hotel 101 Melbourne stands to become the city’s largest hotel, capable of accommodating the growing number of business and leisure travellers coming in. The hotel’s location likewise makes it the perfect place for business travellers, and has the additional benefit of having several well-appointed meeting spaces as well as its own conference centre. Slated to open its doors by 2029, it is projected that Hotel101 Melbourne stands to bring in around AU$323.6 million in sales revenues.
Shenzhen Airlines Touches Down in Melbourne: New China Route Marks Record 42 Airlines at Tullamarine
Christmas came early for Victorian travellers and tourism operators, with Shenzhen Airlines launching its first-ever flights to Australia and choosing Melbourne as its debut gateway. The Star Alliance carrier’s inaugural service from Shenzhen’s Bao’an Airport landed at Melbourne Airport on 23 December, adding a major new link between Victoria and one of China’s fastest‑growing mega‑cities. Melbourne Welcomes Its 42nd International Airline Shenzhen Airlines will operate three flights per week between Shenzhen and Melbourne using Airbus A330‑300 aircraft, injecting more than 95,000 seats a year into the Australia–China market. The new route makes Shenzhen Airlines the 42nd carrier serving Tullamarine, nudging the airport past its pre‑Covid record of 41 airlines and underscoring Melbourne’s position as Australia’s busiest 24/7 international hub. The arrival also lifts Melbourne’s tally of mainland Chinese carriers to 10, reflecting strong demand for both leisure and business travel, as well as freight and trade links with the world’s second‑largest economy. Shenzhen joins heavyweight brands such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines in selecting Melbourne as their first Australian port of call. A Boost for Victoria’s Visitor Economy and Exports Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new service would have benefits that extend well beyond the terminal. Every time an international aircraft lands at Tullamarine, Victoria’s economy is estimated to gain around AUD 500,000 through spending on hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail. “Melbourne and Victoria have a long and proud connection with China, and we are incredibly pleased to be strengthening that connection with the launch of this new service,” Argus said. Direct Shenzhen–Melbourne flights will: Channel more visitors into Victoria’s tourism hotspots, from laneway dining and major events in Melbourne to regional destinations such as the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley. Give local exporters faster access to one of China’s largest consumer markets, supporting high‑value shipments of fresh produce, wine, dairy and other premium goods. To support this growth, Melbourne Airport is investing in an expanded international terminal, a state‑of‑the‑art baggage system and a proposed third runway to keep capacity aligned with rising demand. Shenzhen: China’s High-Tech Gateway for Aussies With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft carrying around 40 million passengers annually, Shenzhen Airlines is China’s fifth‑largest airline, operating a network of over 90 domestic and international destinations across China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the UK and beyond. Its home city, Shenzhen, is one of China’s largest urban centres, with a catchment of more than 17 million people and a reputation as the “Silicon Valley of China” thanks to its booming tech industry and innovation ecosystem. For Australian travellers, the new route offers: Nonstop access to one of China’s most dynamic cities, renowned for food, shopping and nightlife A convenient jumping‑off point for exploring the wider Pearl River Delta, including nearby Hong Kong and Guangzhou “Shenzhen is one of China’s largest technology hubs and a fascinating gateway for Australians looking to explore the booming cities of the Pearl River Delta or beyond,” Argus noted. Melbourne’s International Network Keeps Growing Shenzhen Airlines’ debut caps a flurry of network expansion at Melbourne Airport in late 2025. Recent and announced additions include new services from Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles, Hong Kong Airlines, a fresh Melbourne–Bali route, and Finnair’s upcoming non‑stop Melbourne–Helsinki flights, plus Australia’s first‑ever non‑stop commercial service to the Maldives from May 2026. With Shenzhen Airlines now on the board and further long‑haul routes in the pipeline, Melbourne is consolidating its role as a key Asia‑Pacific gateway – connecting Victoria more deeply to China’s tech capital while offering travellers and exporters more choice than ever before.
Hannah St Hotel opens as Melbourne’s luxury destination
Hannah St Hotel, Melbourne's latest luxury destination, has officially opened its doors, offering a bold and immersive boutique hospitality experience. Designed by Flack Studio, the $150 million (approximately £115 million) hotel is located in Southbank and aims to connect guests with the essence of Melbourne through its art, architecture, and cultural offerings. The hotel, set on a triangular site reminiscent of New York's Flatiron Building, features 188 boutique rooms and suites. Each room is equipped with custom furniture, curated minibars, and Marshall speakers, offering skyline views that blend glamour with the city's architectural grit. General Manager Peter Minatsis expressed pride in the hotel's opening, stating, "Hannah St Hotel was created to feel connected to its neighbourhood. A place where guests can experience the real Melbourne, not just visit it." Level 9 of the hotel is a dedicated space for creativity and wellbeing, featuring a 20-metre indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and a state-of-the-art fitness studio. The hotel also offers versatile conference facilities and co-working spaces, including a podcast room, catering to business travellers. The Mulberry Group, led by Nathan Toleman, has opened five new venues within the hotel, including Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar and The Terrace Lounge, which offer a distinctly Melbourne dining experience. Toleman described the project as a lifelong dream, aiming to create a space that feels "alive, authentic, and inclusive." Hannah St Hotel is part of the Collection by TFE Hotels and is positioned as a cultural hub, showcasing works by leading Australian artists. The hotel offers an Urban Revel package, including overnight accommodation and curated local experiences, available for booking until 15 March 2026. ```
Melbourne Convention Centre unveils interactive 2026 menus
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has launched its innovative 2026 menus, featuring a range of interactive food experiences and premium cocktails on tap, a first for any convention centre in Australia. The new offerings aim to capture the vibrant essence of Melbourne, with a focus on local partnerships and flavour-led experiences. Executive Sous Chef of Culinary Development, Karl Edmonds, highlighted the menu's connection to the city, stating, “We want to celebrate the city around us. Melbourne isn’t passive. It’s active, fast, social. Everything we’re doing with the 2026 menus leans into that.” The menu includes unique features such as bubble tea bars, gelato scooped to order, and Hawker Lane Singapore noodles, designed to engage guests throughout the venue. The menu also emphasises inclusivity, with dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options integrated into the design rather than as afterthoughts. A significant addition is the introduction of cocktails on tap, developed in collaboration with Straight up Cocktails and Campari, offering consistent pours of Aperol Spritz, Spicy Margharita, and Blood Orange Americano. Paul Kanaan, Head of Food and Beverage, noted the importance of local products, saying, “Local gives our menu the pulse of the city. Subtle Tea is a perfect example. It’s creative, surprising, Melbourne to the core.” The menu also expands into low-and no-alcohol options, reflecting a growing trend. The 2026 menu at MCEC promises a distinctly Melbourne experience, combining social, seasonal, and characterful elements to create memorable interactions for guests. ```
Shadow Play by Peppers unveils Eden in Melbourne
Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers has launched Eden, a newly reimagined premium events space located on Level 46 of the Southbank hotel. Designed as an intimate, design-led boutique venue, Eden is set to host a variety of events, from corporate celebrations to weddings, accommodating up to 120 guests standing or 60 seated. Nico Macintosh, Acting General Manager of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers, expressed enthusiasm about the new venue, stating, “Eden represents an exciting new chapter for events at Shadow Play by Peppers. We’re thrilled to bring this distinctive Melbourne venue, that combines beautifully curated spaces, three-bedroom penthouses and sweeping city views, creating an unforgettable setting for events.” Perfect for events Catering at Eden is managed by Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar, offering tailored canapés, multi-course dining, and a selection of wines and cocktails. The venue also boasts state-of-the-art AV technology and flexible configurations, enhancing its appeal for diverse event needs. A unique feature of Eden is its extension across a private two-level precinct: while Level 46 houses Eden and three additional event spaces, Level 45 offers five expansive three-bedroom penthouses, ideal for VIP stays and multi-day programmes. That said, this vertically integrated environment sets Eden apart in the local market. Eden at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers is now open for bookings; for more information, visit ALL.com. ```
Finnair expands network with Melbourne flights
Finnair, Finland's national flag carrier, has announced a significant expansion to its long-haul network with the introduction of daily flights to Melbourne, Australia, commencing in October 2026. The new route will operate via Bangkok using an Airbus A350 aircraft, marking Melbourne as a fresh destination for the airline. This strategic move connects Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network through its Helsinki hub. Anssi Partanen, Market Director Europe at Finnair, highlighted the importance of this route, stating, “Melbourne is an important destination for many people in the UK and Ireland travelling to visit friends and family across the globe, and we are thrilled to announce this unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres.” The flight schedule is designed for operational efficiency, with departures from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Melbourne the following morning after a brief stop in Bangkok. Return flights will leave Melbourne in the afternoon, ensuring passengers can connect with Finnair’s first morning departures across Europe. Melbourne, renowned as Australia's cultural capital, is a popular destination due to its vibrant food, culture, and sports scene. The city also hosts a large European diaspora and a significant community of foreign students and expatriates. The Melbourne flights will be available for booking from 18 December, with the inaugural flight set for 25 October 2026, pending government approval. This addition brings Finnair’s 2026 network to 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, and two in the Middle East. ```
Hong Kong Airlines launches Melbourne service
Hong Kong Airlines successfully launched its direct service between Hong Kong and Melbourne, marking a significant milestone as the second Hong Kong-based carrier in nearly two decades to operate multiple routes to Australia. The service, which commenced on 12 December, operates three times a week and aims to provide business, leisure, and transit travellers with more flexible travel options. The inaugural flight was celebrated with events at both Hong Kong International Airport and Melbourne Airport. An important route Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, highlighted the importance of the new route, stating, "Melbourne is another vital Australian route that we are delighted to launch. This service not only strengthens our international network coverage but also enriches the long-haul travel options available for our customers." Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos noted the economic benefits of the new service, stating, "The recent expansion of bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia played a key role in bringing this service to Melbourne, which will contribute millions of dollars to the local economy." The Melbourne route is operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft, offering convenient connections to popular Asian destinations such as Vancouver, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Passengers from Melbourne can seamlessly connect to these cities via Hong Kong; and, additionally, Economy Class passengers connecting through Hong Kong on selected flights will receive complimentary access to the airline’s flagship lounge, Club Autus, until 31 March 2026. The new service is expected to enhance connectivity and promote tourism between Hong Kong and Australia, offering travellers more choices and convenience. ```
Maximum Occupancy Melbourne is now officially sold out
Australia's leading one-day hotel and accommodation industry conference, Maximum Occupancy, has officially sold out ahead of its Melbourne debut at Rydges Melbourne on Tuesday, 11th November. This development was attributed to unprecedented demand from across the sector. According to Fastrack Digital founder and managing director Adrian Caruso, the response has exceeded all expectations. He said: “Selling out both the conference and trade show highlights the strength and optimism within Australia's accommodation sector. The industry is ready to embrace change, technology, and collaboration, and Maximum Occupancy and its one day format is where those conversations happen.” Not only has the conference sold out, but the Trade Show featuring the leading suppliers and solutions partners from across the industry has also reached full capacity as of press time. The one-day conference will bring together over 45 speakers representing the most diverse cross-section of the accommodation and tourism industry ever assembled for one day. These luminaries include representatives from major hotel chains, independent operators, and alternative accommodation disruptors, as well as leading digital, HR, and F&B experts. What’s on at Maximum Occupancy Melbourne Across a packed agenda, industry leaders will unpack the current state of the market and what lies ahead for 2026, diving deep into: Hotel ownership and what owners really want Alternative accommodation models reshaping the industry AI-powered transformation in hotel operations, marketing, and guest experience The impact of events on occupancy and revenue Winning more corporate business in 2026 and beyond Revenue management trends and profitability strategies Future-forward F&B and hospitality innovation The HR challenge – attracting, training, and retaining talent in a competitive market CEO and Leaders Meet-Up, facilitated by Dougal Hollis, General Manager, Accommodation Australia (Vic) Tapping into the booming Chinese travel market How travellers are booking in an AI world Four keynotes anchor the programme, including Lisa Patroni, newly appointed CEO of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), alongside senior leaders from Accor, Luxury Escapes, BIG4, and Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Adding excitement to the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in Revinate's Book Direct Game, where one lucky delegate will win a $30,000 prize designed to supercharge their direct revenue growth.
Melbourne retains the first rank in APAC in global sustainability rankings
Melbourne has achieved number one ranking in Australia and in the Asia Pacific in the prestigious Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index rankings for 2025. The city also earned first position in the Metropolis and Mega Cities category. The GDS Index is the world’s leading sustainability benchmarking and performance improvement program for tourism and events destinations, evaluating cities across four key pillars: environmental strategy and performance, social sustainability, destination management, and supplier engagement. Melbourne rose to 11th place worldwide, from 24th place in 2024, cementing its place as a global leader in sustainability and its commitment to continuous improvement across the visitor economy. The city’s index score improved from 76.6 per cent in 2024 to 83 per cent in 2025, the most significant improvement in the past seven years. A key element in Melbourne’s success was the strong performance of suppliers across the city who play a critical role in delivering environmentally and socially responsible events. Organisations, including hotels and event venues, demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices that elevated Melbourne’s ability to host world-class events with minimal environmental impact. The strength of Team Melbourne and the city’s collaborative approach to event delivery also played a crucial role in the result. Melbourne Convention Bureau’s strong partnerships with the City of Melbourne and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as well as the support of the Victorian government, allow us to embed sustainability into the way we attract, plan and deliver business events, creating world-class events that leave a positive legacy. The City of Melbourne collaborated closely with MCB on our submission, ensuring our efforts in being considered a sustainable event destination were recognised on the world stage. The City of Melbourne is a global leader in climate action and sustainability, with a range of policies and programs designed to address these pressing problems. MCEC is the first centre in the world to be awarded the 6-Star Green Star rating for its innovative environmental design and operational features, and the centre has been awarded Platinum certification in the Earth Check Company Standard; one of only 5 convention centres in the world with Platinum or Master certification. Quote attributable to Julia Swanson, Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention Bureau said: “Melbourne’s top ranking in the GDS-Index is a testament to the power of collaboration across our city. From government and industry to our venues and suppliers, we’ve worked together to embed sustainability into the fabric of our business events sector. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating lasting social and environmental impact, and it reinforces Melbourne’s position as a global leader in sustainable business events.” Mayor City of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece said: "Melbourne’s number one ranking in the GDS-Earth Index is a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation and collaboration. From green buildings to inclusive community programs, we are embedding climate action into everything we do. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnerships and the passion of our people to build a cleaner, greener and fairer Melbourne for generations to come." Natalie O’Brien, Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre said: "Melbourne’s top ranking in the GDS-Earth Index is a powerful recognition of our city’s collective commitment to sustainability and innovation. At MCEC, we’re proud to contribute to this achievement through our world-leading environmental design and operations, and by working closely with our partners to deliver events that are not only exceptional but also responsible. This result reflects the strength of Team Melbourne and our shared vision for a thriving, sustainable visitor economy."
Hong Kong Airlines to launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 Dec 2025
Hong Kong Airlines announced that it will launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 December 2025. The new route will operate three times a week, offering travellers more flexible and convenient options for travel to Australia. To commemorate this significant milestone, a signing ceremony was held at Melbourne Airport, attended by representatives from Hong Kong Airlines, Melbourne Airport as well as Victorian Government. Speaking at the ceremony, Hong Kong Airlines President Jeff Sun said: "This has been a year of significant progress for our Australian market strategy. Following the resumption of our Gold Coast service in January and the launch of our Sydney route in June, we are delighted to add Melbourne as another key destination within just six months. This establishes Hong Kong Airlines as the second local carrier to offer direct flights to Australia's major cities and marks 2025 as a crucial milestone in our international transformation." “This new service will not only provide passengers a competitive and high-quality travel option but will also cater to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, further deepening the trade, cultural, and tourism ties between Hong Kong and Melbourne. The launch of this service was made possible by the proactive support of the government from both cities. Looking ahead, we will leverage the enhanced capacity of Hong Kong International Airport's Three-Runway System to open up more attractive new destinations for our passengers." Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines will provide more choice and greater capacity into one of Asia’s biggest international hubs. “The growth in our international market shows the importance of competition and choice, which is why we are so excited to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to the mix today. Hong Kong is the fourth largest international market for us at Melbourne Airport so I expect there will be strong demand for this service.” “The aviation landscape is highly competitive and without the work of the Federal Government to expand bilateral air traffic rights along with the great support of the state government and Visit Victoria, we wouldn’t be standing here today.” Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs at the Victorian Government Danny Pearson, stated: “More flights mean more tourists delivering a stronger economy and more jobs for Victorians – from tour operators to hospitality staff and hotel workers. The additional flights will also increase air freight capacity for Victorian exporters sending their products and produce to Asia.” The Hong Kong Airlines service to Melbourne will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. The flight schedule is flexibly timed to facilitate convenient connections for passengers transiting through Hong Kong to our popular destinations. For example, passengers departing from Melbourne can seamlessly connect to flights to Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, and Osaka. Similarly, travellers from cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Haikou, Sanya, and Fukuoka can enjoy an efficient and comfortable journey with a seamless transfer in Hong Kong en route to Melbourne. As Hong Kong's local full-service carrier, Hong Kong Airlines has continuously enhanced its services and expanded its route network, which now covers over 30 destinations worldwide. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional travel experience, featuring comfortable seating in both Business and Economy Class, a curated selection of in-flight dining, in-flight entertainment, and our signature attentive service. Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Melbourne is as follows (All times local): Route Flight Number Departure Arrival Frequency HKG – MEL HX013 23:10 11:30+1 Mon, Wed, Fri MEL – HKG HX014 13:00 19:20 Tues, Thurs, Sat
The Langham Melbourne
The Langham, Southgate Avenue, Southbank VIC, Australia Australia
The Wharf Hotel Melbourne
The Wharf Hotel, Siddeley Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia Australia
AIME 2026: 9–11 February 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
Where the business events world meets in Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event – AIME – is
Maximum Occupancy Melbourne – 11th November 2025
Maximum Occupancy Melbourne 11th November 2025 Maximum Occupancy stands as APAC’s foremost hotel conference, tailored by industry leaders for
AIME 2025 – 10 – 12 February 2025 • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2025 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 10 – 12 February.
AIME 2024 – 19 – 21 February 2024 • Melbourne, Australia
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 – 21 February.
AIME 2023: 13-15 February 2023, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2023 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 13 – 15 February and will see the industry coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.
AIME 2022: 21-23 March, Melbourne / 28Mar – 1Apr, ONLINE
AIME 2022 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 21 – 23 March and online from 28 March – 01 April for one of the biggest celebrations of the Business Events industry.
Webinar: Small Ship Expeditions – Antarctica 23/24 + New Arctic 23
Dive right into Aurora Expeditions' brand new 2023/24 Antarctic season and updated 2023 Arctic & Global season by joining us at our series of Launch Events across Australia and New Zealand.
Webinar: Small Ship Expeditions – Antarctica 23/24 + New Arctic 23
Dive right into Aurora Expeditions' brand new 2023/24 Antarctic season and updated 2023 Arctic & Global season by joining us at our series of Launch Events across Australia and New Zealand.