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news to use TOP STORIES Voyages ready to rock in Red Centre


BY STEVE HARTRIDGE One of Australia’s iconic properties is


inviting the trade to experience its ‘complete revitalisation’. Over A$35 million has been committed to upgrading Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, a resort complex close to the famous monolith with a mix of five different accommodation types. An additional A$1 million has been set aside for providing new Aboriginal experiences and interactions. Most of the investment will be spent


on the five-star Sails in the Desert, which will be complete by August. Ray Stone, Voyages' Executive Manager Sales and Marketing, admitted the overhaul was long overdue. “There had been a deterioration in standards and service over the past few years but we aim to ensure this remarkable property, located in a very special location, provides guests with a much enhanced experience,” he said. “Our challenge now is to make the


trade aware of all the changes and pass the news on to clients.” Beyond the physical improvements a


key new focus is on providing a series of daily ‘Aboriginal experiences’, such as music, art displays, dance, bush tucker activities and walks. “Guests told us that they never met


an indigenous person during their entire stay, which was surprising and disappointing for them. A year ago there were just two indigenous workers out of 700, now there are 77,” said Stone. New guest experiences include a


More Centara value in Bangkok


Centara Hotels & Resorts is


to open a second Bangkok hotel under its new Centra four-star value brand this summer. With 150 rooms and suites Centra Central Station Bangkok is located on the edge of the city’s Chinatown district. Key features will include two restaurants and Spa Cenvaree, offering a choice of traditional Thai massage and therapeutic treatments. www.centarahotelsresorts.com


luxury ‘under the stars' dining experience (called Tali Wiru), folk tales with a local Anangu storyteller, boomerang classes, indigenous art classes and more. “Our aim is to improve the lot of


Indigenous Australians in the surrounding area as quickly as we can while at the same time maximising the profitability of the resort," said Stone. Another goal is to place Ayers Rock


as a ‘must visit’ experience on any Australian itinerary and alter perceptions that the rock is merely a one-night stopover by encouraging a more extended resort experience.


“There’s the assumption that every international visitor to Australia goes to Ayers Rock, but they don’t. In fact, only around 10% of all Australians have seen the rock,” said Stone. Voyages, in association with new


partner Accor, has also established an Indigenous Training Academy. ‘ Graduates’ will work across Accor’s 160-strong hotel network throughout Australia. The hotel hopes to unveil a new


website in May, with an expanded trade section, will make regular sales visits to the UK and welcomes enquiries for visits from operators and agents. www.voyages.com.au


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