Australia’s major hotel chains feeling the love
From light hearted to life affirming, this week’s hotel news is peppered with positivity around the actions of the nation’s major hotel players.
QT Hotels & Resorts is adding “a little spice to offset the sugar” this Valentine’s Day by urging patrons to bring their ex to a singles mixer on February 14th.
Guests at its venues Rooftop at QT Melbourne, Santini Bar at QT Perth, Gowings Bar at QT Sydney, Lucky’s Speakeasy at QT Canberra and Stingray Lounge at QT Gold Coast are being encouraged to bring along an old flame “and ignite a new spark” – with someone else.
“Why not move on together?” is the question being asked by the uber-trendy hotel group.
Of course, QTs around the country will also be offering a range of Valentine’s menus for those actually wanting to celebrate their current relationship.
Pride for Accor
For the second year, AccorHotels has been announced the Official Accommodation Partner of the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.
To celebrate, AccorHotels has enlisted the help of ‘Shebeast’ Gavin Loveday, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park’s Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, to paint rainbow crossings across two of Sydney’s most renowned LGBTI+ friendly hotels.
Rainbow crossings will be painted on the driveway of Pullman Sydney Hyde Park ( the starting point of the Mardi Gras parade on March 2 on Oxford Street and host of the annual Rainbow Lounge pre-parade party) and the Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour.
AccorHotels will host an array of Mardi Gras Festival talent at its hotels, inviting all its Sydney CBD hotels to animate their lobbies with activations and external signage displays throughout the festival from 15 February to 4 March.
Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Pacific, said the announcement was a momentous occasion for the group’s commitment toward embracing diversity and inclusion.
“We are incredibly proud to once again partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival,” he said.
“As Australia’s largest hotel group, we are proud to take a leadership role in championing diversity and inclusivity. For us, accepting diversity is not enough. Instead, we celebrate and encourage the diversity of our people and guests each day.
“Embracing diversity and equal opportunities, leads to a positive and productive workforce which ultimately results in career development, greater debate, decision-making and outcomes for our business, Australia’s hospitality industry and boarder society.”
New GMs for Marriott
Marriott International has appointed five new general managers to lead the launch of some of its newest properties across Australia.
The appointments come as Marriott prepares to open a whopping ten new Australian hotels in the next two years.
Effective immediately, Dario Orsini has been appointed as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton in Perth, Damon Page as general manager for W Melbourne, Stephen Morahan as general manager of The Tasman in Hobart, Harry Singh as general manager of Element Melbourne Richmond, and Andrew Wright as general manager of Aloft Perth.
“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of five new general managers,” said Sean Hunt of Marriott’s Australia, New Zealand and Pacific arm.
“2019 is set to be a big year for Marriott International in Australia with a number of brand debuts and hotel openings, so it’s essential we have a dedicated team of general managers who can help support this growth and drive strong brand positioning.”
Last year, Marriott International hit a record for its global pipeline of hotel rooms, with 6,900 properties and more than 1.3 million rooms in 130 countries and territories worldwide.
Oaks a champion
As Marriott grows its portfolio, Oaks Hotels & Resorts is developing its humanitarian roots.
The 50-property group has been named as an Australian and New Zealand Hotel champion by the not-for-profit organisation Soap Aid.
The hotel group, part of Minor Hotels, has pledged to roll out Soap Aid’s Hotel to Hands initiative across its entire network with the goal of collecting and redistributing 26 tonnes of hotel waste soap per year.
Soap Aid works to save the lives of disadvantaged children in Australia and overseas through improved access to hygiene products and health education, while positively impacting the environment.
In 2017, over 550 kilograms of hotel soap was collected through the 7000-room hotel group and recycled into some 5000 new bars, provided hundreds of children in disadvantaged communities with a potentially life-saving product.
Now Oaks will work towards achieving a target of collecting and recycling 26 tonnes of waste soap per year, ultimately supplying over 10,000 children with soap for 12 months.
“We have an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in communities all over the world who are facing major hygiene challenges.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Soap Aid in 2019 and contribute to its lifesaving humanitarian work, as well as its critical environmental mission, as part of our brand commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability,” said Craig Hooley, chief operating officer for Australia and New Zealand, Minor Hotels.
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