This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of the news. From Australia’s ATE to Fiji and beyond, this is the latest news on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events from the travel industry.

Pullman adds to Fiji MICE offering

The Pullman brand is set to make its debut in Fiji on the 19th of April 2019 with the launch of the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa – a vibrant new destination where local culture connects with all things contemporary. The multi-million-dollar Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa sits directly on its own secluded corner of local-favourite, Wailoaloa Beach, a largely unexplored stretch of shore on Nadi Bay. For guests, that means 180-degree, uninterrupted ocean views, bookended by vistas of Fiji’s most recognised mountain, The Sleeping Giant.

Pullman’s Soqoni Ballroom is the resort’s standout indoor venue and can cater for up to 500 people (theatre style).  The ballroom’s entrance – located directly off the main resort foyer and boasting contemporary Fijian art – is an ideal enclave for upscale entertaining and hosted cocktails on arrival, before the main event. Two additional private meeting rooms – including the Wailoa Boardroom – cater to smaller meetings.  All event options are accompanied with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, dedicated event specialists and innovative catering, tailored to suit the exact style and requirements of each event.

The flexibility of having its own uninterrupted beachfront means endless possibilities for conferences and events in the open air. The duality of its restaurant and bars also allows for private, catered functions in adaptable spaces. The private beachfront can be adapted for other events incorporating traditional lovos and pop up tipis and marquees.

The resort is an ideal venue for a destination wedding in Fiji and engaged couples can take advantage of Pullman’s beachfront wedding chapel, accompanying ceremonial lawn, or palm-lined direct beachfront location, to tie the knot in front of family and friends. With an enviable northwest facing location, the chapel and beach guarantee perfect Fijian sunset views, with picture-perfect vistas of Fiji’s famous ‘Sleeping Giant’ mountain range beyond.

ATE wraps up in Perth, heads to Melbourne in 2020

More than 2,000 delegates will descend on the Victorian capital next year for the premier tourism event, Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10 to 14 May 2020.

ATE 2020 will be delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Visit Victoria. This is the ninth time that ATE has been staged in Melbourne, having first been held there in 1991 and then again in 1992, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2009 and 2015.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O’Sullivan said the event offers a valuable platform for Australian tourism operators to sell their world-class offerings to global travel buyers.

“I am very pleased that ATE will be making a return to Melbourne in 2020. The event will see tourism buyers from more than 30 countries descending on the city for four days of face-to-face meetings with key Australian tourism operators, networking opportunities and educational famils.”

“The economic benefits of ATE are significant and wide reaching. Not only can Melbourne expect an immediate economic injection of close to $10 million during the event, but the business-to-business relationships established will ensure valuable links between Australian operators and the global distribution network which will help us to realise our Beyond 2020 goals.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, said that ATE will provide an opportunity for the city to showcase its exceptional tourism offerings to delegates from around the world.

“It’s great to see the Australian Tourism Exchange returning to Melbourne in 2020, giving Victoria another opportunity to take centre stage and host thousands of tourism and industry leaders from across the globe.”

Turon Gates launches bush retreat events space

NSW eco-bush retreat, Turon Gates, now has The Pavilion – a large 150 square metre glamping tent that accommodates up to 100 seated or 120 standing guests. Just 3 hours’ drive from Sydney, in an idyllic bush location with an expansive deck overlooking the trout stream that runs through Turon Gates’ 6000-acre property, it is a unique venue for offsite corporate meetings, leadership workshops and wellness/yoga/artistic retreats.

The Pavilion has a cool neutral-toned teak and canvas interior, wood floors and is fully insulated with window coverings that roll up to make the most of the views and Blue Mountains breeze. With gas heating for the cooler months, it can be booked all year round. At night, the magical lighting creates a glow over the surrounding bushland – just perfect for a party, buffet or luxurious sit-down dinner. Get the party going with a local band or DJ, or for a more relaxed vibe, gather around a campfire under a million stars.

Small event groups can stay in the six luxurious riverside glamping tents (each with its own king-sized bed and lounge area, contemporary bathroom, kitchenette with Nespresso coffee machine and Danish wood burner stove) or larger groups in cosy log cabins, which sleep up to eight and are particularly good value with prices starting from just $89 per head per night for share accommodation and include use of the event space for groups.

Turon Gates is also available as a location for film, video and photographic shoots. Wi-Fi is available at the Pavilion tent and around the glamping site. Groups seeking more of an unplugged experience will enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Turon Gates log cabins.

Brisbane wins bid for ATEC conference

For the first time, Brisbane will host the Australian Tourism Export Council’s (ATEC) Meeting Place, where more than 400 export tourism leaders head to Queensland 25 – 27 November.

Announcing the winning bid, ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley said Meeting Place was an invaluable opportunity for Brisbane and Queensland to profile its latest tourism offerings.

“Meeting Place is the platform where the people who sell Australia to the world come to hear about the latest and most exciting new product available,” Mr Shelley said.