1. The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the Open Skies aviation agreement which removes restrictions on airline capacity between Australia and China, describing it as one of the biggest single growth opportunities ever presented to Australia’s tourism and transport industry.

2. THE Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), alongside the Centre for Aviation (CAPA), has struck a deal with AccorHotels to be the official venue partner for the group’s Australasia conferences and education forums.

3. HYATT will move to expand its conference business in Australia following the launch of its Hyatt Regency Sydney at Darling Harbour.

4. DOUBLETREE by Hilton Alice Springs has completed an extensive renovation of its conference and events facility, resulting in 850m² of new flexible function spaces.

5. BUSINESS Events Australia is inviting interested parties to take part in its 2017 Greater China Showcase, which will this year be in Chengdu.

6. THE International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has launched its opening campaign “It’s Showtime”, in a bid to attract tourists and businesses from around the world. Unveiled at IBTM World in Barcelona last week, the push is ahead of the $1.5b venue’s official launch on 20 Dec.

7. The Appointment Group has acquired Sydney based events company Axis Events, which was founded by Paul Christie.

8. Following a series of high profile mergers and acquisitions in the global hotel sector, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Mumbai-based Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have announced a strategic alliance.

9. Staging Connections has won the exclusive contract to be the event services supplier for three Stamford Hotels; the Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Sir Stamford Circular Quay (Sydney) and Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport.

10. Convene is expanding its portfolio of business events expos in Australia in 2018.

11. The newly formed Marriott International Luxury Brands group is raising the stakes in the luxury accommodation sector with a commitment to double its portfolio of luxury hotels through the recent merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

12. Event management and styling company En Pointe Events has announced it will partner with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in 2017 to deliver a series of food and wine events at the new House of Food and Wine.

13. Crown Towers Perth was officially opened last night (14 Dec 2016) by the Premier of Western Australia and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett, marking the arrival of Perth’s newest luxury hotel.

14. THE International Convention Centre Sydney debuted its main theatre to the public for the very first time last night (14th Dec 2016), with country artists Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood taking to the stage to entertain thousands of screaming fans as part of the ripCORD World Tour.

15. THE Margaret River Cultural Centre in Western Australia is set to receive a makeover after receiving a $3.05 million grant from the state government’s Royalties for Regions program. A new multi-purpose performance and convention space is planned alongside construction of a central foyer, kitchen and expo area as well as a full AV equipment fitout.