A $2 million upgrade this year at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park will pace its promotion as a professional conference venue. The Masterton facility has been promoted to professional conference organisers as one of Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand's premium regional properties, Copthorne Hotel business development manager Alex Beijensaid yesterday. "A further $2 million is being spent this year to redesign and upgrade all guest rooms, for completion in September 2008, following last year's major $4.5 million upgrade to conference facilities, public areas and superior rooms," he said. Mr Beijen said a daily direct flight from Auckland to Masterton scheduled for later this year, and being only a one-hour drive from New Zealand's capital, Wellington, "this tranquil retreat is easily accessible from both cities". "New Tranz Metro carriages can now also bring guests on a scenic journey from Wellington with dedicated carriages for conference groups, and the journey becomes part of the conference experience itself." Mr Beijen said professional conference organisers are taking a lot of interest in the new-look hotel and resort. "It ticks all their boxes for its accessibility, diverse facilities, activities, superb style, comfort and location." Eighty resort staff members look after 102 rooms, three bars and three restaurants on-site, catering for groups of up to 500 delegates, he said, and all seven rooms in the new conference centre are equipped with the latest audio and presentation systems. "The Wairarapa region is recognised for its sophisticated rural New Zealand charm, and is the ideal jumping-off point for a huge range of conference and meetings activities. "Known for its thriving wineries, the region grows 20 per cent of New Zealand's premium wines. A choice of wine trails, tasting rooms and restaurants are all just minutes from the hotel," he said. "We encourage conference organisers to make the most of the land and its setting. "For example, we can arrange garden planting days for delegates, where produce grown on-site will benefit the local community," Alex Beijen said. "This, combined with our increasingly sustainable approach to operating the hotel, allows you and your delegates to make a tangible contribution to the environment during your conference."
