Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief. It is packed with the latest deals, updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Accor continues its expansion in Japan
Accor has signed a management agreement with Samty K.K., bringing to life the first international airport hotel within close proximity to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport with the opening of Mercure Haneda. The newly built hotel is slated for completion in 2023. Mercure Haneda will feature 363 keys and a variety of offerings, including a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, three meeting rooms, and lounges for guests and crews, which will appeal to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will awaken the thrill of discovery with its array of locally inspired experiences. The overall design will take visitors through the evolving periods of Tokyo from the past to the future with the concept of Tokyo Electric. The design elements will highlight the delicacy of tradition and handicraft, the history of the Haneda neighbourhood, and Japanese sub-cultures.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025 World Cruise Sells Out
For the fourth year running, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has sold out its world cruise in record time, with the sailing being completely reserved prior to officially opening for bookings on 15 June, 2022. The sailing, which at 150 nights is the longest in the cruise line’s history, had fares starting at AU$115,810 (NZ$126,030) per guest for a Deluxe Veranda Suite, and AU$336,080 (NZ$365,740) per guest for a Master Suite. Regent’s 2025 World Cruise has been reserved by loyal past guests as well as over a third of guests who will be new to Regent’s unrivalled experience. While demand was strong across all suite categories, the ship’s Distinctive Suites were the first to sell out with guests desiring higher types of accommodation.
Sunshine Coast boasts three UNESCO Biospheres
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is officially the only place in the world where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side. This week the entire Sunshine Coast Local Government Area was declared a Biosphere by UNESCO, recognising the region as an international site of excellence and an area of natural beauty. The new Biosphere Reserve sits just south of the existing Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves, meaning three of the five UNESCO Biospheres in Australia are located on the Sunshine Coast.
Together they form a biosphere corridor that stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south, along more than 100km of pristine coastline through Noosa and north to Tin Can Bay. The biosphere credentials celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s people and nature, inviting locals and visitors alike to live, learn, work and play sustainably alongside active conservation, safeguarding the region for years to come.
