Jock Zonfrillo: 1976 – 2023 –

Love them or loathe them, reality television programs and their social media lives, have become part of this generation’s culinary experiences. Whether you believe they belittle or encourage the art of great cuisine, it is very hard to underestimate the impact of reality shows such as MasterChef, My Kitchen Rules and the plethora of other food related programs currently available to view. The sudden loss therefore, of brilliant Chef Jock Zonfrillo at just 46, to the world and the MasterChef Australia international community, brought a whole new meaning to the word reality. Reality means losing a talented individual whose culinary…
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The Best New Affordable Hotels in the World: 2023 Hot List

This hipster-hotel titan has spent two decades establishing itself as a shortcut to a city’s pulse. Its first iteration in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Sydney’s city center in the cool-kid neighborhood of Surry Hills, doesn’t disappoint. The Ace, 18 stories high with 257 rooms, is located in a magnificent early-20th-century building that vibrates with top-to-toe creative energy. Revived by Australia’s most in-demand interior architects, Flack Studio, the former brick factory has kept its old bones—high ceilings and exposed brick and concrete walls—offset with one-of-a-kind furniture, art, and bric-a- brac by the country’s best designers, artists, and makers. The deeply…
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Vegan chocolate awards raise the bar –

Vegan Society Aotearoa held its second chocolate awards on April 24 at Khu Khu Eatery in Auckland. With over 100 different vegan chocolate entries the judges had a tasty, yet difficult task to decide this year’s winning entries. Chocolate makers from all over the world entered the awards with the hope of becoming a winner in one of seven categories. This year there were two Supreme Winners: – Mind Your Temper with their ‘Speculoos‘ and Lucid’s ‘Chuncho‘. Plant milk chocolates are becoming ever more popular and the range and quality is increasing every year, says organizer and media spokesperson, Claire…
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SkyCity Appoints Daly GM for Convention Center –

SkyCity Entertainment Group has promoted Prue Daly to the role of General Manager for Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Center (NZICC), as the company gears up for its grand opening in 2025. Daly has extensive experience in the global business events and hospitality industries, including Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC), Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Accor, and also serves as a board member for Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). Currently, Daly is NZICC’s Director of Sales, responsible for marketing and selling the convention center to domestic and international markets. In her new role as general manager, Daly says she…
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This Canadian hotel was just selected as one of the world’s best

Toronto is home to several fantastic hotels ranging from stylish, design-driven boutique stays to luxurious international chains hosting both locals and visitors alike in the heart of the city. Travel + Leisure just announced its 18th annual “It List” of this year’s 100 best new and renovated hotels across the globe, and one of Toronto’s very own made the cut. The Ace Hotel Toronto, which opened last summer in July 2022, came in at 25 on the list, receiving a nod for its blend of bold architecture, in-house restaurant, and incorporation of curated artwork from local artists. “Sometimes, the Ace…
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Entries closing soon for the Hospitality Awards for Excellence –

Time is running out to enter the Hospitality Awards for Excellence. Honoring the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who make hospitality and accommodation throughout New Zealand exceptional, the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence are your opportunity to showcase all that makes your venue team exceptional, and they are closing soon. The Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence are New Zealand’s premier hospitality industry awards that honor operators nationwide, recognizing excellence in both the accommodation and food and beverage sectors. The awards are open to all Hospitality and Accommodation operators in New Zealand. Applications to enter the awards are FREE…
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The Basics of Hotel GDS Advertising

The Basics of GDS Advertising for Hotels Hoteliers that sell available rooms on global distribution systems (GDSs), the leading booking channel for travel agents, can take additional actions to better showcase their offerings across platforms. To remain top-of-mind among travel agents, and therefore their customers, properties can carry out Hotel GDS advertising to raise brand awareness, maximize their exposure, and generate incremental bookings. Before we dive in, be sure to visit our ultimate guide to hotel marketing to access an all-encompassing rundown of hotel marketing trends, data points, and insights. What is hotel GDS advertising? GDS advertising, also known as…
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