The Australian Federation of Travel Agents is pleased to welcome Pan Pacific Hotels Group to the prestigious list of 2017 National Travel Industry Award (NTIA) sponsors.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns and manages over 30 hotels around the world, with the group comprised of two acclaimed brands: “Pan Pacific” and “PARKROYAL”. “Pan Pacific”, including Pan Pacific Perth is a leading brand in Asia and throughout the Pacific Rim with hotels offering premium accommodations and services, while PARKROYAL including PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney, PARKROYAL Parramatta and PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport are a collection of comfortable leisure and business hotels and resorts located in the heart of cities across Asia Pacific. PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, is located in close proximity to the 2017 NTIA Gala Dinner venue; the newly opened International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney offers premium 4 ½ star accommodation with 340 modern guestrooms complete with the latest technology, club facilities, conference facilities, a gymnasium, function space, as well as the award winning ABODE Bistro & Bar.

Located only a 4-minute walk from Cockle Bay Wharf and an 8-minute walk from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney is a hidden gem and a welcome sanctuary from the bustle of the city.

As the exclusive Accommodation Sponsor for 2017, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney is offering guests up to 30 per cent off the best available room rate, if booked prior to the 31st of March 2017.

“We are pleased to partner with Pan Pacific Hotels Group. It is wonderful that they are supporting the event and giving an excellent industry rate. The rooms are truly beautiful, so if you're planning to stay in Sydney be sure to make the most of the special rate,” said Jayson Westbury AFTA Chief Executive. 

“We have heard that there are several other big events happening in Darling Harbour the same weekend as the Gala Dinner so if you want accommodation in a prime location, then consider booking accommodation early,” added Westbury. 

“As one of the leading Sydney hotels, within minutes of the newly refurbished Sydney Convention Centre we see our partnership with NTIA as a wonderful opportunity to showcase why our gateway brand is so strong in the Australian market. With people travelling in record numbers, 2017 will see even more growth and competition and we are delighted to be able to show our peers why the PARKROYAL brand is growing from strength to strength” Kurt Otto Wehinger, Area General Manager Oceania, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

AFTA invites the travel industry to visit the AFTA NTIA website pages to learn more about Pan Pacific Hotels Group or to access the discounted room rate. Visit www.afta.com.au.

 2017 NTIA Key Dates;
• Nominees Announced - Monday 13 March 2017
• Voting Opens - Tuesday 14 March 2017
• Finalists Announced - Thursday 4 May 2017
• Judging Commences - Monday 29 May 2017 (Judged categories only)
• Gala Dinner  - Saturday 22 July 2017

 MEDIA CONTACT: Joanne Tralaggan, jo@afta.com.au, 0407 264 392 / Amanda Fry for Pan Pacific Hotels Group amanda@holysmokeagency.com 0418 262 282

Notes to Editors:
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is the peak body in Australia representing the retail travel industry. Founded in 1957, AFTA represents the majority of travel agents in Australia and includes all of the major travel agency groups.

AFTA's role is to uphold the interests of members in matters relating to the operation of all travel agencies in Australia. In broad terms these issues are ones that are not addressed by agent chain or corporate entities on behalf of their members, and are ones that involve the industry as a whole.

ATAS -TRAVEL ACCREDITED: The AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) is an industry accreditation scheme that sets the benchmark of quality for the travel industry.

AFTA is committed, through ATAS, to elevating travel industry standards in Australia by driving increased and continued participation by travel intermediaries in ATAS and raising consumer awareness of the benefits of booking travel through an ATAS accredited agent.

The accreditation scheme is open to all travel intermediaries (those that buy and sell travel).

The AFTA National Travel Industry Awards (AFTA NTIA) acknowledge the best of the best in the Australian travel industry – with categories covering travel agencies and individual consultants, as well as the various suppliers which support them and their businesses.

These awards are essential in providing encouragement and recognition to the businesses and personnel who demonstrate outstanding service, marketing excellence and business acumen within the travel industry.

The 2017 AFTA NTIA Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday 22 July at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.