The Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has opened in the city’s busting Bandra Kurla Complex business district. It is the first Sofitel in India.

Sofitel’s worldwide chief executive officer  Robert Gaymer-Jones says the new Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an example of the brand’s expansion strategy, which involves being present in strategic towns and cities in keeping with its new positioning policy.

‘The Sofitel Mumbai BKC is a precious asset for the brand both in India and internationally. In addition to its strategic location in the ‘new’ Mumbai, its architecture and design ensure that this establishment is one of the city’s most modern projects.’

Marriot Australia yesterday launched its ‘Art of Great Meetings’ campaign, which rewards meetings and event planners with the chance to win incentive travel trips and other extras. The initiative was launched at AIME 2012 in Melbourne.

Incentives include round the world airfares for two plus three night’s accommodation in each London, Paris and New York to visit the masters of art. Driven by a direct mail piece in the design of a boarding pass, the campaign will run for 10 months and include five of Marriot Australia’s properties.

Dominic Sherry, Asia Pacific regional vice president, sales and marketing says 2011 was a record year for Marriot International in the Asia Pacific region, with China proving to be ‘what we call a beast’.

Reinforcing the importance of the region, Paul Rushton took on a new role as area director of group sales in the Asia Pacific six months ago. He is now concentrating on the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector and specifically focusing on effective deployment of hotels, ‘We have seen a trend that the MICE market is growing to be the majority of our business in the Asia Pacific region, and 43 of our hotels are classed as MICE, bringing in over 70% of revenue across all properties in this region.’ Rushton says.

Oasia Hotel Singapore is offering rates from S$288 per night for frequent business travellers. The ‘Business in Oasia' package includes access to the hotel’s 24-hour Club Lounge, daily international breakfast, complimentary wifi, 4pm checkout, and a one way transfer from hotel to office per day for groups of 10 or more, or a one way transfer from airport to hotel for individuals.  The offer runs until December 31 2012.

The Langham, Auckland is the first business hotel in the Pacific and Australasian regions to be awarded Earthcheck Gold Status. At a celebratory event in the hotel's Grand Ballroom late January, general manager Jeffrey van Vorsselen told media that the achievement was the culmination of a five year process that included annual data submissions on sustainability followed by full audits.

Earthcheck Research Insitute chair, Professor David Simmons from Lincoln University, congratulated the hotel and called for government to back New Zealand's 100% Pure brand by 'walking the talk. Stay and use those places that have demonstrated their willingness and commitment to sustainablity.'

Above left: David Attenborough (aka from James Crompton from 'Birds of Paradise') with The Langham's Jeffrey van Vorsselen and Rachel Broadmore and Professor David Simmons, Lincoln University. Above right: Dance troupe, 'Birds of Paradise' was a fitting choice for guests at The Langham's Earthcheck announcement.

Raumati Wikaire of Coconuts Travel Marketing is representing Cook Islands' Club Raro Resort in the New Zealand market. A long time favourite for Kiwis, Club Raro is conveniently located just five minutes from Avarua town and ten minutes from Rarotonga Airport. Club Raro Resort has a lagoon-front setting perfect for snorkelling.

The Havannah, a luxury resort in Vanuatu, was a finalist for Condé Nast Johansens, Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. It was the only Vanuatu property featured, and one of only three in the entire Pacific region.

The Havannah specialises in providing the ultimate romantic and secluded resort experience. 'The team at Havannah work extremely hard in making their guests stay so welcoming and relaxing,' says general managers Tish and Owen Mete. The Havannah has just 16 superbly appointed individual bungalows, some with their own plunge pool, a stunning infinity edge swimming pool with suspended day beds. The resort is represented in New Zealand by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Coconuts Travel Marketing ph 07 853 8174.

With the conclusion of the 25 year partnership between Accor, owner of the Sofitel and Novotel brands, and Centara Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok will become Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin will become Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and Novotel Hat Yai Centara will become Centara Hotel Hat Yai. The staff at all three hotels will remain unchanged.

A complete renovation has been undertaken at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, and a major renovation programme has been completed at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and at Centara Hotel Hat Yai.