INSIDER GUIDE
INSIDER GUIDE
Right : InterContinental
Sanctuary Cove . Below : Cruising through Gold Coast ’ s waterways .
Going for Gold
CIM recently travelled to Queensland ’ s Gold Coast to experience two InterContinental Hotels Group properties and to find out first-hand what the city can offer for business events .
As the Gold Coast counts down the months until the 2018 Commonwealth Games , the city is coming together to help attract even more business , in particular from the conference and events market . To showcase what the Gold Coast has to offer , InterContinental Hotels Group ( IHG ) recently hosted a group of PCOs on a famil that promised adventure , great food , and local experiences .
The famil kicked off with a stay at Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise , where delegates were welcomed with an outdoor shared lunch , before boarding the light rail to the Q1 . Here the group headed to level 77 for the SkyPoint Climb , to take in some of the best ( albeit nerve-wracking ) views the Gold Coast has to offer 270m above the ground . SkyPoint offers this experience to groups and also features a private event space on level 78 that can cater to up to 180 guests .
Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise director of sales and marketing Jenifer Dwyer Slee said the famil invited guests to experience another side to the Gold Coast .
" We wanted the guests to not only enjoy the hotel but to get a taste of some local experiences as well ,” she said .
“ We are looking to cement the destination as somewhere where visitors get to experience the local secret spots , such as where we dine with friends , where we get the best coffee , the best beach-walking tracks and what we do to experience what our great backyard has to offer ."
Late last year , Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise unveiled a series of refurbishments , which included a new-look ballroom . The 550-capacity Norfolk Ballroom was revamped with new décor , furnishings and a more than $ 50,000 upgrade in audio-visual technology .
The 374-room hotel also welcomed refurbishments to its lobby area and Relish Bar , as well as the addition of two new dining outlets : SIFU , serving authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine with capacity for 130 people , and Balthazar Wine & Dining , a private dining venue for up to 18 people serving degustation and tapas menus .
The famil group took part in a cocktail and Asian cooking masterclass with SIFU head chef Kyle Bu before heading to Balthazar for a private dinner , where one of the hotel ’ s dedicated sommeliers talked through some of the 500 local and international wines that line the venue ’ s walls . Perhaps one of Gold Coast ’ s hidden gems , Balthazar served one outstanding dish after another , each designed by executive chef Jean- Marc Heussner . Sophisticated and stylish , Balthazar proves you don ’ t need to leave your hotel for a memorable dining experience on the Gold Coast .
Making the most of the Gold Coast ’ s iconic waterways and the sensational weather , the group travelled by boat with Crystal Blue Yacht Charters to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove , where a colourful shared feast was served on arrival . The food and beverage
24 Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 3 , 2017 www . cimmagazine . com