Honouring Excellence: Hamish Saxton and the BEIA Outstanding Award

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, has been named the recipient of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) Outstanding Contributor Award for 2023. The award was presented at the BEIA Conference, held at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough on September 20th.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins expressed the industry's gratitude and admiration for Hamish Saxton's significant contributions. She noted that each year, one exceptional individual is chosen to be celebrated by the industry for their dedication and achievements.

Saxton has been at the helm of Hawke’s Bay Tourism for the past four years, during which he has played a pivotal role in its success. Before taking up his role in Hawke’s Bay, he spent 13 years at Tourism Dunedin, six of which were as its Chief Executive. His international experience includes serving as Tourism Dunedin’s offshore manager in Australia and establishing a new cultural visitor experience in Toronto, Canada.

Lisa Hopkins commended Saxton for embodying his organisation’s mission statement, which is to "let's get on with it." Despite facing significant challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and the global pandemic, Saxton has been instrumental in ensuring that Hawke’s Bay remains a vibrant business events destination. His efforts have also contributed to the recognition of the business events sector as a valued contributor to the economy and the community.

In addition to his recent accolade, earlier this year, Hawke’s Bay received the prestigious honour of being named the latest Great Wine Capital of the World, joining an exclusive group of 12 worldwide. Saxton and his team at Hawke’s Bay Tourism were recognized for their substantial role in achieving this global recognition, which is crucial for the economic recovery of the industry and the broader region.

The BEIA Outstanding Contributor Awards were presented with appreciation to long-standing supporters David Hall and Hunter’s Wines.

New Zealand Business Events Week is set to continue until Friday, featuring policy and business forums in Wellington and Auckland, as well as the Tourism New Zealand National Awards. This event, spearheaded by the peak industry body BEIA, aims to elevate the importance of the business events sector in New Zealand. The location for next year’s conference will be in New Plymouth, Taranaki, and the dates will be released shortly.

Image source - Tourism Ticker

Elevated Festivity Unfolds at Novotel Vijayawada Varun with Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 23, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun ushers in the festive season with a thoughtfully curated line-up of Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering guests indulgent dining experiences, elegant festivities, and premium gifting options. Designed for families, friends, and festive revellers, the hotel promises a warm and memorable close to the year.

Adding to the festive cheer, Cake Factory at Novotel Vijayawada Varun presents a selection of beautifully curated Christmas hampers and classic plum cakes, ideal for festive gifting. Designed around thematic collections featuring gourmet treats, these hampers combine premium selections with elegant packaging.
The hampers and plum cakes are available at Cake Factory from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM until 31st December 2025.

On 24th December 2025, guests can celebrate the season with a Christmas Eve Dinner at Food Exchange, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Set amidst elegant festive décor, the dinner features a lavish multi-course spread curated by the Head Chef, making it an ideal choice for a cosy family gathering or a celebratory evening with loved ones. The dinner will be served from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Continuing the celebrations, Food Exchange hosts a festive Christmas Day Brunch on 25th December 2025, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The brunch includes a specially curated menu, live cooking stations, and live music, offering guests a vibrant and relaxed Christmas afternoon experience.

The festivities culminate with A Golden Gala – New Year’s Eve Celebrations on 31st December 2025, hosted across Food Exchange, Gourmet Bar, SkyDeck, Red Bowl, and V-Convention. Each venue offers a unique celebratory experience, ranging from gala dinners and curated menus to high-energy entertainment and open-air celebrations. Guests can enjoy specially crafted menus by the Head Chef, along with live singers, Bollywood DJs, and a live band, creating a lively atmosphere as the city counts down to 2026.

Guests dining in or staying at the hotel can avail an exclusive 20% early-bird discount on New Year’s Eve celebrations when booked on 30th December 2025. Additionally, diners at Red Bowl will receive one complimentary portion of dim sums with their food or beverage order.

With its elegant settings, curated menus, and immersive festive experiences, Novotel Vijayawada Varun sets the stage for a truly elevated Christmas and New Year celebration in the city.

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Wyndham Opens Beachfront Resort in Corfu’s Scenic Village of Acharavi

By Hariharan U

Published on December 22, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Wyndham Corfu Acharavi, a new beachfront resort located in the charming coastal village of Acharavi on the northern coast of Corfu. The opening marks Wyndham’s first namesake hotel on the island, one of Greece’s most sought-after year-round destinations. The property has been developed in collaboration with Mercan Group, one of Europe’s leading hotel developers.

Set along a picturesque seven-kilometre-long sandy beach, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi offers uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, framed by lush greenery and dramatic sunsets. Its location combines peaceful seafront living with easy access to the village centre, allowing guests to enjoy both tranquillity and authentic local experiences.

“The Emerald Isle of Corfu stands among the Mediterranean’s most exceptional destinations,” said Vassilis Themelidis, Regional Director, South & East Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Situated on one of the island’s longest beaches, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi marks an exciting milestone as our first namesake hotel in Corfu. As our portfolio grows to 15 hotels across Greece and Cyprus, our partnership with Mercan Group strengthens our presence in a market with strong long-term potential.”

The resort features 163 thoughtfully designed rooms, suites and apartments, with plans to add over 100 additional premium rooms in the coming months. Select accommodations include private plunge pools, offering enhanced privacy and comfort for leisure travellers.

Dining at the resort is designed to cater to diverse tastes, with Theos Main Restaurant offering live-cooking stations and buffet dining, while Olive Specialty Restaurant presents a contemporary take on the traditional Greek taverna. Additional cafés and snack bars serve both poolside and beachfront areas, ensuring guests enjoy all-day dining options.

Wellness and recreation are central to the guest experience. Facilities include a full-service spa with sauna and treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a children’s pool, a tennis court and a dedicated children’s playground. The resort also offers private parking, a mini market featuring local products, and access to nearby activities such as cycling routes, sea excursions and scenic hiking trails.

With excellent air and sea connectivity to mainland Greece and neighbouring islands, Corfu serves both as a standalone destination and a gateway to the wider Ionian region.

Speaking on the collaboration, a Mercan Group representative noted that the opening of Wyndham Corfu Acharavi marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with plans to further enhance the property and meet growing demand as travel seasons continue to extend across the Mediterranean.

With its beachfront setting, family-friendly facilities and strong sense of place, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi is positioned as an inviting choice for travellers seeking a relaxed Greek island escape throughout the year.