Wellington (16 February 2009) - The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor launched the “Passport to Malaysia” competition at the gala opening of the Chinese Food Festival last week. The Chinese Food Festival, which runs until 28 February at Whitby’s Restaurant on level 17 of the hotel, is one of six International Food Festivals taking place over the course of the year. Customers dining at Whitby’s can collect stamps in their “Passport to Malaysia” to go in the December draw to win a trip for two to Malaysia, sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines.*

The Chinese New Year celebration showcased a Lion Dance in the lobby of the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, with the event being presided over by H.E. Ambassador Zhang Limin of the Embassy of the P.R. China.' VIP guests speakers included the Hon. Pansy Wong, Minister of Ethnic Affairs and the Hon. Chris Carter, Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. Other VIP guests included members of the diplomatic community.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement by Royal Brunei Airlines, a key partner in the “Passport to Malaysia” competition, of a new route to Shanghai (code-shared with Air New Zealand), bringing Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Wellington.

Stiphan Beher, General Manager of the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor says, “The community response to our International Food Festival series has been tremendous and there is great excitement about our year long competition culminating in a draw for a trip for two to Malaysia.”

Grand Hotels International owns and manages ten 4 – 4 ? star Hotel Grand Chancellor properties throughout Australia and New Zealand. All Hotels are in prime locations with a range of facilities offering accommodation for the most discerning guest as well as a host of conference and events facilities on a small to large scale, with three locations catering for over 1000 delegates.

*Full terms and conditions regarding the competition can be viewed in the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Hotel Profile section of the www.ghihotels.com website.

Media Contact details:

Cleo Mitchell
Public Relations Manager
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

147 The Terrace
Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI: +64 (4) 498 9903

Stiphan Beher, GM James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor ; Sarah Owen, Government House; H.E. Zhang Limin, Ambassador PR China	Alick Shaw; Sue Green, Dom Post; Hon. Pansy Wong, Minister of Ethnic Affairs; Stiphan Beher, GM James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Andrew Beattie, Director of Visits & Ceremonies, Department of Internal Affairs; H.E. Andrey Tartarinov, Ambassador of Russia	Hon. Chris Carter, Stiphan Beher, GM James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Qiutian Wang , HomeVoice Newspaper Angela Leung, Secretary to Hon. Pansy Wong; Erik Lee, Manager Royal Brunei Airlines; H.E. Zhang Limin, Ambassador China	The Imperial Guards