Get ready to see some of the most beautiful properties and locations in the world at AIME 2005. New Zealand will have its largest presence at AIME with twenty-eight companies showcasing what’s new. And don’t miss the beautiful Pacific destinations like Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Here is just a glimpse of what’s on offer.

Auckland Business Tourism Bureau

New developments in Auckland include construction of the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, due to open in April 2005. The Centre will be Auckland’s only purpose designed venue that can cater for 1500 banquet style.

Also opening in April this year is the $75 million five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel, with 316 rooms of luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city.

And for something a little different, the soon to open Villa Maria Estate Winery is located in the crater of an extinct volcano in South Auckland. The winery will have both restaurant and function facilities and a natural amphitheatre within the vineyard.

New Zealand's is well known for its skiing, but now you can ski all year. Snowplanet, is an indoor snow resort scheduled to open in March 2005. It features three lifts, a terrain park and separate learner area and restaurant with function facilities.

Wellington is also developing new facilities with Stage One of the planned $6.9 million upgrade of The Events Centre Wellington at Queens Wharf now fast-tracked. Stage one will increase the maximum seating capacity by more than 500 seats.

The Martinborough Hotel has joined the Peppers Retreats and Resorts collection of indulgent escapes. Peppers Martinborough Hotel is a beautiful colonial property offering guests a taste of one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent wine regions.

And there is more development taking place in Rotorua, with construction to commence soon on Phase 1 of the $21m Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau will have its largest-ever exhibitor group at AIME and many of the exhibitors have new facilities.

Crowne Plaza Christchurch has a new functions room and Terrace Downs High Country Resort’s will have its new 22 suite lodge and three conference rooms completed early in 2006. Chateau on the Park has refurbished its rooms, revamped the Camelot Restaurant and modernized its Great Hall and Hotel Grand Chancellor’s Level 14 foyer area has been refurbished. 

Other exhibitors from the region include Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, which has acquired its third property in New Zealand, Outrigger Terraces Resort, Lake Taupo, and Eventionz, a company that creates extraordinary New Zealand events, from intimate retreats to high profile conferences or incentive programmes.

The Pacific

New Caledonia

New Caledonia will give the business events industry a taste of its vibrant French-Pacific culture at AIME 2005 when it launches a new edition of its Meetings and Incentive Planner, Discover New Caledonia.

The new Ramada Plaza Hotel is to open in October. The 200-room hotel is under construction on a prime site overlooking the waterfront in Nouméa and will feature a 93sqm, three-room conference centre that can host up to 200 people for cocktails.

One of the most spectacular buildings in the Pacific is The Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. This magnificent museum and gallery is also a conference facility with meeting halls and a theatre seating 400.

Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts can show you its two world-class properties. Le Meridien Nouméa is the only 5-star hotel, with conference facilities for up to 400 people. Le Meridien Isle of Pines is the only 5-star resort on one of the most spectacular islands in the South Pacific.

New Caledonia Hotels & Resorts operates the Nouvata Park Hotel with the largest pillar-less convention facility in Nouméa, catering for up to 1000 people. The group includes the Casa del Sole serviced apartments and the new Coral Palms Island Resort.

Also from New Caledonia is destination management company, Arc en Ciel Voyages and Air Caledonie International. Aircalin operates flights to 10 destinations in the South Pacific including Brisbane and Sydney. It operates one of the newest fleets in Oceania, with new Airbus A330–200 and A230-200 aircraft.

And, on the edge of the world’s largest lagoon is Novotel Surf Nouméa, a 3-star hotel with six meeting rooms. It can host banquets for up to 250 people and has an outdoor cocktail terrace for up to 500 people. INED

Fiji

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is Fiji’s newest and most deluxe hotel and spa resort. Set to open in October on Denarau Island, in a prime waterfront location, the Sofitel will offer Fiji’s most extensive meetings venue and leisure facilities.

Blue Lagoon Cruises has added the 60m Catamaran MV Fiji Princess to its fleet which collectively, is one of the largest properties in Fiji, with 150 rooms for more than 300 guests. Blue Lagoon Cruises’ also has a private island, Nanuya Lailai, for barefoot conferences, team building or other activities.

South Sea Cruises has a fleet of large, luxury high speed vessels that service both the Mamanuca Island Resorts and the Yasawa Islands.  Escape to paradise on an 85 ft twin masted schooner or tailor make your very own cruise.

Tahiti Tourisme

With Air Tahiti Nui commencing new flights from Sydney to Tahiti and New York in June, there are no excuses for not visiting this wonderful tropical paradise. New flights include three weekly, New York to Pepeete flights, and a direct non-stop service between Sydney and Pepeete.

Vanuatu is another idyllic destination. Check out the new developments at Iririki Island Resort and Spa. Or speak to Destination Pacific Islands, a full service destination management tour company.

AIME 2005, 13^th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, is at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Hours are 10am – 6pm, 22 February and 10am – 5pm, 23 February. To register to attend, visit the AIME website at www.aime.com.au