THE former Fullerton Building, first opened in 1928 and currently known as The Fullerton Hotel, has been gazetted as Singapore’s 71st National Monument by the National Heritage Board (NHB), concluding a series of gazettes in celebration of the country’s milestone 50th birthday.

This is the highest form of recognition given to sites or structures that houses great national significance.

“The former Fullerton Building is one of the most iconic colonial buildings in Singapore, standing at the mouth of the Singapore River and defining the Singapore skyline since the 1920s,” said Jean Wee, director, preservation of sites and monuments division, NHB.

“Beyond its grand façade and beautiful architecture, it is filled with many priceless memories of our nation’s growth throughout the years – from the former General Post Office to government offices, it has served multiple functions that mark the tumultuous times we have lived through, and the steps taken to build our country.”

An exhibition is being held at The Fullerton Hotel in commemoration of the building’s history, open to the public for free from 09.00 to 22.00 daily until February 28, 2016.

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore’s Club Room

HOTEL Jen Tanglin Singapore, formerly Traders Hotel Cuscaden Road, has completed rebranding and renovation works costing S$45 million (US$32 million), begun since November 2014.

The 565-key hotel – with six room types ranging from the 26m² superior room to the 75m2 premier suite – features contemporary Singapore-inspired designs, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, USB charger outlets, walk-in showers and king-sized beds. Executive suites also include a pull-out sofa bed, small pantry, microwave and SMEG fridge.

Facilities include a 17th-floor Club Lounge with open views of the nearby residential neighbourhood, J65 serving authentic South-east Asian cuisine, Jen’s Kitchen café and snack bar, a gym, health club, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and a pool bar.

Instead of a traditional concierge, Hotel Jen Tanglin has introduced a hand-drawn Heart Map where staff and guests alike can share tips and recommendations on the city.

Club rooms are now offered at an introductory rate of S$299 (US$212) per night until February 2016.

CTW China 2016 organised by TTG Events and Carlson Wagonlit Travel, China, revealed the 2016 trending topics that include 11 tailored content centered on Corporate Travel Fundamentals and Corporate Meetings & Events for the China market which will be held at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing from 6 to 8 April.

CTW China 2016 delegates can expect trending topics to include “Technology and The Future of Business Travel”; “2016 In The Eyes of Travel Managers”; “What 2016 Holds For Meetings and Events”; case studies on “Travel Management” and “Meetings Management”; experts-sharing sessions on “Data Intelligence” and “Compliance in China”; “Explore Open Booking in China” and “Building Strategic Supplier Relationships”. Over 20 industry professionals based in China or operating within the policy regulations of the country, are expected to helm the sessions.

Michelle Low, Director of Sales – Asia of Global Hospitality Services (G-H-S) shared of her 2015 experience, “CTW China is definitely beneficial in terms of knowing the key players and decision makers in the corporate sector plus networking with peers to share more ideas and experiences.”

Fellow conference delegate John Zhu, Director, Global Sales, Asia Pacific of Clarson Rezidor Hotel Group said, “I met corporate clients with future potential business opportunities, and gained new knowledge in the air ticket and airline fields.”

CTW China 2016 will be held at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing from 6 to 8 April. It is co-located with IT&CM China 2016, the leading international MICE event in China.

Conference delegates can now enjoy early bird savings of 10% by registering before 31 December 2015. Privileges includes access to all education sessions and selected networking sessions alongside 120 corporate travel buyers, planners, influencers and decisions makers. 80% of attending buyers are working in China, with the remaining based within the Asia-Pacific. Email sales.ctwapac@ttgasia.com for details.

For more event information, visit www.corporatetravelworld.com/china

MELBOURNE Airport has officially opened its 4th terminal, a three-storey, 20,000m² building which had progressively welcomed passengers since mid-August.

Terminal 4, which runs a complete self-service and automated bag-drop operation, is located to the south of Terminal 3 and has been home to Tigerair Australia and Jetstar since August 18 and November 10 respectively. Regional Express Airlines arrives at Terminal 4 and will move its check-in facilities there in early 2016.

The new terminal can accommodate up to 10 million passengers a year and has welcomed almost 1.1 million passengers since its soft launch.

Over 30 retail and F&B outlets are currently in operation at Terminal 4.

YEAR 2017 has been declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

In a statement by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the resolution was made in recognition of “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilisations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world.”

Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of UNWTO, added that this “is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued.”

Leading to this decision was the recognition by world leaders at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that “well-designed and well-managed tourism” can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, to job creation and to trade.