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EMIRATES Wolgan Valley Resort in the NSW Blue Mountains is aiming to significantly boost its visibility in the local market,with a plan of attracting more domestic visitors to the world-class luxury property. GM Joost Heymeijer yesterday showcased Wolgan’s stunning food at an event in Sydney, with recently appointed Executive Chef Anston Fivaz and his team travelling from the hotel to prepare a fabulous meal. Heymeijer told attendees that the original business plan for Wolgan Valley envisaged about 45% inbound clientele, but the current global situation and the strong Australian dollar has seen this sitting at more like 15%. “That means 85% of our business has to come locally, with the largest chunk expected to be from Sydney,” he said. Despite the climate, Emirates is strongly committed to the $130m resort which Heymeijer says has the potential to be “one of the top 100 hotels in the world”. He said the $1500 per night all inclusive tariff – covering gourmet meals, beverages and activities – was comparable to a stay in an upmarket Sydney hotel plus meals in top restaurants and perhaps a BridgeClimb and a concert at the Opera House. The environmental credentials of Wolgan are unparalleled, with the resort investing heavily in restoration of its four thousand acres of farmland meaning the property offers amazing wildlife and nature experiences. Heymeijer said that the commitment of Emirates to the Wolgan Valley Resort reflected the importance of Australia in the airline’s global network. “Australia is our second most profitable market after Dubai,” he said, with EK envisaging a 50-plus year commitment to the property. And despite the economic realities, Wolgan is not backing down or taking anything away from the product, which offers what Heymeijer described as “intuitive luxury”. He said the resort was striving to be the best hotel in Australia, adding: “We want to get on everyone’s bucket list. “Two and a half years after opening, we’re just coming into our own,” he said. MEANWHILE there’s also set to be a closer tie-up between Emirates Airline and the Wolgan Valley Resort, with Wolgan produce and menus set to appear in EK premium lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and possibly Perth, Heymeijer revealed. There are also plans afoot to have some Wolgan meals available in business and first class on Emirates Austalian flights in the coming months too. Pictured above at yesterday’s event in Sydney are, from left: Wolgan Valley Executive Chef, Anston Fivaz; Ian Kiernan from Clean Up Australia; TV and radio personality Kate Richie; and Wolgan Valley gm Joost Heymeijer. |
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