Nibbler News in Brief: Tuesday July 2

StayWell Hospitality Group has confirmed that Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel and Apartments in Launceston will continue to trade under the leisure Inn brand after the property was acquired by the JAC Group.

StayWell said there will be "no disruption to guests, clients or suppliers" and added that a "sizeable investment" will be made in the property over the next few months.

The finalists have been announced in the 2013 Tourism Accommodation Australia Awards of Excellence.

The Shangri La in Sydney and Sydney Harbour Marriott lead the way with a record 14 nominations each followed by the Hilton Sydney with 11 nominations. The top five is completed by the Intercontinental Sydney and Radisson Blu Hotel, also in Sydney, with 10 and nine nominations respectively.

"The best hotels in Sydney, and indeed across NSW, have been nominated across three categories including property, achievement and, perhaps most importantly, the hard fought people award categories," TAA (NSW) chairman Nigel Greenaway said.

The awards ceremony takes place at The Westin Sydney on July 24.

Singapore Airlines yesterday began operating a fourth daily service between Melbourne and Singapore as Victorian officials touted the airport’s lack of curfew as a major benefit for the city.

The Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) has said the opening of Rydges at Sydney Airport brings the city into line with other major centres around the world where hotels at airports are commonplace.

The 318-room property opened on Friday.

"International travellers are used to having the option of staying at the airport rather than having to travel to get there," TTF chief executive Ken Morrison said. "Sydney Airport has been pushing to deliver this level of convenience for some time."