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1 Vibe Hotel Canberra . 2 Australian War Memorial . 3 National Arboretum Canberra .
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New routes
In May , Singapore Airlines scrapped its direct service between Canberra and Wellington , and introduced a new Singapore-Sydney-Canberra- Singapore routing .
Canberra Airport saw the silver lining in the clouds , saying the changes offer Canberrans more flexibility in terms of when they fly , and a greater choice of cabin class . Despite expressing disappointment that direct flights to Wellington had been dropped , Canberra Airport said foundations for a Trans-Tasman service between the two capital cities has now been laid .
“ We know now there is a proven opportunity for a service linking Canberra and New Zealand ,” said Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron .
to anyone and are rejoicing in our distinctive identity and celebrate that .”
There is a lot to celebrate with the recent $ 4.5 million refurbishment of the National Convention Centre , new hotels such as Mantra Macarthur , the newly rebranded Adina ( former Aria Hotel ) and new Abode Hotel which opened in February . By 2020 the city will have a further 2000 accommodation rooms available . The highly anticipated light rail begins operations in August making it easier to bring delegates into the city centre .
Ultimately though , Canberra ’ s main draw is its value proposition as a city of knowledge , culture , and influence , according to Jacobs .
“ The most powerful people are here in Canberra among the national attractions , the national research institutions , and our fast growing innovation hub ,” she said .
“ Canberra ’ s research , culture and learning institutes are part of the Convention Bureau ’ s Think Canberra community , which offers a really unique opportunity to foster strong relationships between conferences and Canberra ’ s knowledge industries . As an organiser you can tap into that expertise to benefit your event .”
One of the most recent conferences to tap into that expertise was the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology , in partnership with the Australian National University and the University of Canberra , who brought together 360 academics , policy makers and practitioners in criminology and criminal justice to share recent research .
Mike Mathews , CEO of the Canberra Convention Bureau , described Canberra as “ telling Australia ’ s stories ”.
“ There is no other destination in Australia that has the number of venues that can host events in a really unique setting ,” he said . “ When you bring your people you can take advantage of , not necessarily the politicians , but the advisors to those politicians , who can influence the benefits of your sectors . The nation ’ s ear is here as well , so if you have a message to get out come to Canberra and take full advantage of what we have to offer .”
www . cimmagazine . com Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 3 , 2018 19