Virgin Australia implements Sabre’s Revenue Optimizer and Dynamic Availability tools
Sabre Corporation announced the successful implementation of its Revenue Optimizer and Dynamic Availability solutions at Virgin Australia.
CLIA Awards celebrate cruising renaissance in Australia and New Zealand
The brightest stars of the Australasian cruise community have been honoured at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where close to 500 people gathered to celebrate the role of the…
Cunard Announces Queen Anne Debut Sailings To Australia
Queen Anne will make her first voyage to Australia as part of Cunard Line’s 2024/2025 local season.
In January 2025, Queen Anne will make history by setting sail on her first-ever…
ACCOR announces new appointments across Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Fiji
Anne Gill has taken up the role of Senior Vice President Commercial, Premium, Midscale and Economy, for Accor Pacific
Australia’s first SAF helicopter flight with Airbus H130
Airbus, Safran Helicopter Engines and leading Australian helicopter operator, Microflite, have jointly operated the country’s first helicopter demonstration flights on an Airbus H130 using…
Vietjet offers promotional tickets for Indians to Australia
Vietjet has announced promotional offer for Indians travelling to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia with ticket priced from only USD0 (*), which will go on sale every Monday, Tuesday, and…
MSC Poesia Makes Her Australian Debut, Starting in Sydney
During her 119-day World Cruise on Monday, MSC Poesia made her first stop in Sydney. Only the MSC Magnifica (2019 and 2020) and MSC Orchestra (2015 only) have previously visited…
United and Virgin Australia celebrate LGBTQ Pride on Sydney flight
by: Harry Johnson | copyright: eTurboNews - Travel Industry News - World Travel News
United flight 863 will be operated by United LGBTQ+ pilots and crew, and will connect US travelers to…
SmartLynx Airlines receives Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate in Australia
The global ACMI, charter and cargo operator SmartLynx Airlines has received Australian Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate (FATAOC) granted by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority.
Australia’s Travel Volume Is Still Down Compared To 2019
Australia’s travel and tourism industry is grappling with an increase in demand. Yet, the Australian Bureau of Statistics numbers reveals that incoming and outbound traffic is still far…
Tourism Australia & Singapore Airlines to boost business events travel to Australia
Tourism Australia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a new three-year marketing agreement aimed at promoting business events travel to Australia.
Advantage announces partnership with Australian-based CT Partners
The Advantage Global Network has announced that CT Partners Australia will participate in their Global Accommodation programme with immediate effect.
Crystal Cruises Announces Four Sails In Australia From December
As part of its rebirth under the A&K Travel Group’s leadership, one of the most prestigious luxury cruise lines, Crystal Cruises, will sail from Australia aboard the Crystal Symphony…
Australia: No $5 bill for King Charles III
by: Harry Johnson | copyright: eTurboNews - Travel Industry News - World Travel News
Australia has been formally independent since 1901, it considers the British monarch its symbolic head…
Tourism Australia promotes Karen Saw to Country Manager Malaysia
Tourism Australia has announced the promotion of Karen Saw from her role as Business Development Manager to Country Manager Malaysia, where she will take the lead in driving Tourism…
Apt & Travelmarvel launches Australia & New Zealand 2023/24 Collection
Australian-owned APT & Travelmarvel has been an Australasian destination specialist for nearly a century, and the launch of its 2023/24 Australia and New Zealand Collection has been…
Virgin Australia Launches Massive Sale And Corporate Offering
To celebrate the return of business travellers to levels greater than 110% of those seen in January 2019, Virgin Australia has just announced a massive sale on domestic and international…
Tourism Western Australia launches new global tourism brand ‘Walking On A Dream’
Tourism Western Australia has taken over the Piccadilly Lights in London with the destination’s iconic floating whale shark for the UK launch of their new global tourism brand ‘Walking…
Emirates adds two more Australia services as demand soars
Emirates has taken yet another significant step in the resumption of its Australia capacity by increasing its service to two major cities – Sydney and Melbourne.
Biofouling Delays Cruise Ship In New Zealand And Australia
Biofouling has prevented the Viking Orion from docking for the second time in two weeks. Passengers on the Viking Orion, a luxury cruise ship to which people flew in from all over the…
Carnival Unveils Its 2024-2025 Packed Australian Cruise Program
Carnival Cruise Line unveiled its 2024-2025 calendar, which includes 76 cruises sailing from Sydney from June 2024 to June 2025 and from Brisbane from September 2024 to March 2025.…
Singapore No 1 international inbound market for Western Australia
The latest data from Tourism Western Australia (TWA) shows that Singapore is now the number one source of foreign visitors, with Singaporeans accounting for 24% of all international arrivals…
Virgin Australia Announces New Cairns-Tokyo Flight
Virgin Australia has announced a new international route, with a daily return flight from Cairns to Tokyo (Haneda) beginning on 28 June 2023.
The route is being introduced for the…
New Cruise Line Set To Enter The Australian Market
A new cruise line is coming to our shores, with its eyes set firmly on the Australian market. On its maiden voyage to Australian waters, Ambassador Cruise Line will dock in Sydney…
Countdown To Norwegian Spirit’s Australian Arrival
The long-awaited brand-new Norwegian Spirit will finally dock in Sydney on 21 December. Norwegian Spirit’s arrival in Australia symbolises Norwegian Cruise Line’s long-awaited return to…
Australia’s current international travel landscape is on the come-up
After two years of ducking in and out of lockdowns and battling tight restrictions and closed travel borders, Australians have proved that they have well and truly been bitten by the travel…
Fortescue and ATCO unveil Western Australia’s 1st green hydrogen refuelling station
Fortescue and ATCO Australia have opened Western Australia’s first green hydrogen refuelling station at ATCO’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub in the Perth metropolitan area.
Accor to open new properties across Australia and New Zealand in 2023
Accor reveals some of its newest properties across Australia and New Zealand that travellers can look forward to visiting in 2023 and beyond.
Soaring Airfares Make Australians Rethink Holiday Plans
While one in three Australians still plans to travel throughout the popular Christmas and summer holidays, the significant increase in international and domestic airfares has put seven…
Singapore Airlines to increase services to Australia, resume flights to Busan
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will boost frequencies to destinations across East Asia and South East Asia, resume flights to Busan, and increase Airbus A380 services to Australia during the…
Carnival Cruise Line Brings Back Masks For Australian Sailings
Carnival Cruise Line has reinstated mandatory mask-wearing requirements for the line’s sailings in Australia out of caution following recent cases reported onboard.
Masks will now be…
Electric Planes To Service Australia’s Outback
A new Letter of Intent inked between Alice Springs-based Northern Territory Flying Services, and US-based electric plane developer Eviation will put Australia’s Outback at the vanguard…
Holland America Arrives In Australia
After more than two years of absence owing to the pandemic, Holland America Line has returned to Australia.
The Westerdam, the first ship in Holland America’s fleet to return to…
Oceania arrives back in Australia
As part of Oceania Cruises’ OceaniaNEXT project, the Regatta underwent a “re-inspiration” and returned to Australia last Friday.
The Regatta, which can hold 656 passengers, has…
Carnival Luminosa arrives in Australia
Carnival Luminosa officially arrived in Queensland, Australia, marking the first ship from the fleet to be homeported in Brisbane.
Countries That Require Australians To Be Vaccinated
The number of countries that demand proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entry continues to decrease. Rather than declaring victory and calling off the global pandemic, governments are…
Accor and Avis extend partnership across Australia and New Zealand
Accor, Australia and New Zealand’s largest hotel operator, has extended its partnership with Avis car rentals across Australia and New Zealand, allowing members of ALL - Accor Live Limitless…
Australia’s Discount Airfares Reach A 15-Year High
As airlines in Australia attempted to meet rising demand while also absorbing the costs of higher fuel prices and inflation, domestic flight discounts reached their highest level in…
Smartvisit launches first ever Western Australian Pass
Powered by Smartvisit Technology, the Great Southern Flexi Pass will showcase the unique beauty of this region, with fun for the whole family.
Japan Is Now Fully Open To Australian Tourists
Last Tuesday, Japan eased its previously rigid COVID restrictions, allowing international travellers to enter the country without a visa for the first time since the pandemic’s…
Quintessentially Australian experience of ‘The Ghan’ with Journey Beyond
Due to unprecedented demand across the 2023 season, Journey Beyond has announced additional departures on The Ghan.
The Cruise Market In Australia Shows A Strong Rebound
Statistics produced by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia show that consumer interest in sailing is on the upswing.
CLIA commissioned an independent…
Australian Airlines Should Guarantee Delayed Flight Compensation
There has been a rise in the number of people demanding that airlines ensure compensation for passengers whose flights are either cancelled or delayed.
There has been widespread…
Australia Removes Mandatory COVID Isolation
The national cabinet has decided to end mandatory isolation for COVID-19.
After a meeting on Friday at Parliament House, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state and territory…
Bringing the immersive Australia wildlife experience alive
Australian Geographic in partnership with global presenting partner, Tourism Australia, launches Australian Geographic: Our Country Immersive Experience (Our Country).
Australia’s Best And Worst Airline For Operational Performance
New data issued by the Department of Transport compares the top and worst performing airports and airlines.
When it came to on-time departures in August, Rex was the best airline, and…
Cunard Confirms Queen Elizabeth Coming To Australia
Cunard Line, the operator of the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth, has announced that the ship would arrive in Fremantle, Australia, on 7 November for her first local call since the…
Australia is the largest source market for Indonesia
Australia is the largest source of Indonesian visitors, it represents nearly 40% of foreign visitors.
Qatar Airways begins partnership with Virgin Australia
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, have officially commenced a strategic partnership that significantly expands the networks, lounges and loyalty programs of both airlines, bringing…
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia Partnership Kicks Off
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have announced the kick-off of their alliance formed in May, which will open up markets in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and extend…
Australia Drops Mask Mandate For Domestic Flights
Some COVID restrictions, including the mask mandate for domestic flights, are set to be lifted very soon.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the national cabinet has agreed…
Australia Approves Korean Air-Asiana Merger
After consulting with relevant stakeholders, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided to approve Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana Airlines.
Even though…
BCD Travel appoints Andrew Yeo as managing director for Australia and Singapore
Leading travel management company BCD Travel announced the appointment of Andrew Yeo to the role of Managing Director, Australia and Singapore, effective September 1.
In this newly created…
New Samoa flights on Fiji Air, Qantas, Air NZ and Virgin Australia
Airlines ramp up their schedules in alignment with operational capacities, regulatory approvals and pent-up demand
New Samoa flights on Fiji Air, Qantas, Air NZ and Virgin Australia
Australia’s Cruise Surge Set To Resume This Summer
As international ships return for the first summer season since the 2020 ban, interest in cruising has skyrocketed to levels not seen before the pandemic.
September is “Cruise Month”…
Australia lets more migrants in due to massive labor shortages
Australian healthcare, hospitality and agriculture sectors have been hit particularly hard by workforce shortages
Australia lets more migrants in due to massive labor shortages
No face masks for Australian flights from 9 Sept
Australia also joins other countries in removing the airplane face mask mandate. Alongside the lifting of face mask rules, political leaders have also agreed to reduce the isolation period…
Thai AirAsia X to fly direct Thailand – Australia from December
Thai AirAsia X will fly from Bangkok to both Melbourne and Sydney, beginning December 1 and 2 this year, respectively.
Virgin Australia Orders Four Additional B737 MAX 8s
Virgin Australia has placed an order for four more Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, raising its potential Boeing 737 fleet to 92.
According to a statement issued by the airline, deliveries of…
Virgin Australia Gets Green Light For Qatar Airways Code-share Fights
Virgin Australia passengers will now be able to jet off to Paris, Milan, and Rome on newly minted partner Qatar Airways, with code-share agreements to the trio of European cities…
Australia ready for summer cruise renaissance
Australia’s tourism industry is preparing for a resurgent summer cruise season, with 46 ships bringing economic opportunities back to ports around the country as part of a carefully…
Post its 47 AGM, AFTA continues work for Australia’s travel sector
Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) post its 47th Parliament has moved to secure key meetings at a political and bureaucratic level and shape the future.
Malaysia Airlines upgrades Australian Routes To A330neos
Malaysia Airlines has decided to upgrade its fleet of A330 jets to the most recent A330neo type, promising passengers a more modern and pleasant experience on flights from Australia to…
Bonza Invites Australians To Name Its First Plane
Bonza’s first plane touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport earlier this month; the company is now reaching out to the Australians for assistance in choosing a name.
The airline has…
The Absence Of Chinese Carriers In Australia Raises Airfares To Europe
To experience Europe’s late summer beauties, consider flying to Paris in the middle of September for a three-week vacation. From Melbourne or Sydney, you may expect to pay between $3500…
Australians Cut Spending, But Travel Still Top Priority
According to a new ANZ Bank report, the growing cost of living significantly impacts how Australians choose to spend and save, with seven out of ten reducing their expenditure.
In…
Bonza’s First Aircraft Touches Down In Australia
Bonza’s first plane landed at Sunshine Coast Airport, a massive regional win.
Sunshine Coast Airport was awarded the nation’s first Bonza base and head office location in…
COMO Hotels and Resorts unveils new COMO Journeys in Thailand, Indonesia, Bhutan and Australia
Luxury boutique hotel brand, COMO Hotels and Resorts, has added NEW immersive retreats to its 2022 calendar across Asia and Australia.
From crystal and sound healing in Australia to…
Travel sector working to keep Australia safe
Australia’s Travel Agents and businesses are doing their bit to help Australians travelling and keep Australia foot-and-mouth disease free.
Australia Travel Restrictions on Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Australian visitors love to travel to Bali. Bali Hotel Associations issued information fo Aussie visitors on restrictions.
Australia Travel Restrictions on Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Australia removes requirement to declare COVID-19 vaccination status for international travellers
International travellers will be able to enter Australia without declaring their COVID-19 vaccination status from this week
Vanuatu says Welkam Back! to Australian visitors as first flight lands in Port Vila
The first flight since Vanuatu reopened its borders to international travellers landed in Port Vila today, with visitors now able to travel freely throughout the country’s islands and…
Langham Hospitality Group debuts new wave of luxury on the Gold Coast, Australia
On 23 June 2022, Langham Hospitality Group officially unveiled The Langham, Gold Coast, the first luxury hotel with direct beach access on Australia’s globally-renowned Gold Coast in…
Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia
The momentum behind Accor’s popular Mercure brand in Australia continues with the Group adding nine Mercure hotels to its collection.
Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia
Australia’s ‘This is Gold Coast’ to boost business events revival
'This Is Gold Coast’ is perfectly timed to capitalise on the pent-up desire for delegates to meet again face-to-face
QT’s Brand Of Hotel Coming To Australia’s Newcastle
QT’s Brand Of Hotel Coming To Australia’s Newcastle -
QT Hotels & Resorts, the designer hotel collection in Australia and New Zealand, will soon debut its newest hotel in Newcastle, the…
Adina Apartments Adelaide, Australia’s most liveable boutique city
The Beatles once used the old gold tunnels under the now Adina Adelaide Treasury, to hide from adoring fans on their ‘64 Australian tour.
Coincidently, I was born in London in 64, far…
AC Hotels By Marriott puts flag in Australia with AC Hotel By Marriott Melbourne Southbank
AC Hotels by Marriott® announces its brand debut in Australia with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 and Australian Open 2023 travel offerings from DreamSetGo
India’s premium sports travel and experiences platform DreamSetGo has become the ‘Official Travel Agent’ of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia launch partnership at ATM
Commencing mid-year, the partnership will give travellers greater access, unparalleled customer experience and unique benefits when travelling between Australia and Qatar Airways’ global…
Australia’s most liveable city hosts major hotel conference for third year running
The Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) will return to Adelaide in 2023 – its third consecutive year.
Australia invites Singaporean travellers to “Discover A Great Deal More”
Tourism Australia has launched the ‘Discover A Great Deal More’ virtual travel fair, the third edition of its highly anticipated travel sale that gives travellers in Singapore an opportunity…
Western Australia removes testing for international visitors
Starting 29 April 2022, international visitors arriving into Western Australia will no longer be required to test on arrival. The easing of restrictions also sees the requirement of the…
Trivago decision highlights importance of booking direct or using Australian travel businesses
Peak industry body the Accommodation Association says today’s Federal Court decision in relation to Trivago highlights the value for Australian consumers in booking accommodation direct or…
Tourism Australia unveils virtual travel fair
Tourism Australia has launched a Virtual Travel Fair, Discover a Great Deal More, that provides Indian travellers with the opportunity to explore attractive deals on holidays to Australia
THAI and key travel agencies from Japan, South Korea and Australia to promote Thailand tourism
Thai Airways recently organised a networking conference under the theme “THAI Networking: Discover Brand New Sky” attended by key local and overseas travel agencies from Japan, South Korea…
Australia’s ban on cruise ships ends
The ban on foreign cruise ships by Australia — imposed in March 2020 after a Covid outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess spilled into Sydney once the vessel docked — cost the Australian economy…
Australia working visas searches beating pre-pandemic levels
As travel reopens around the world, recent figures indicate that British adolescents are once again considering taking a gap year with searches on this topic seeing some of the highest…
Australia’s most adventurous travellers wanted for first Bougainville tour
Australian boutique tour operator Crooked Compass is paving the way for tourism in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and is inviting a small group of adventurous Australians to be the…
Australia’s newest premium hotel brand, A by Adina, will make your visit uniquely memorable
CBD Sydney: With a post-COVID-19 city stay renaissance, A by Adina is the new jewel in Sydney’s crown, having raised the ‘apartment hotel’ bar with an unrivalled premium contemporary…
Unveiled! New campaign to position Australia as global leader in business events
Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit, Business Events Australia, has launched a new brand campaign to remind the world why there’s nothing like Australia for business events
Government announces AUD75.5million for Australia’s Travel Sector
Today is great news for Australia’s Travel Sector with the outstanding $75.5 million approved as part of an additional round of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.
Why you need to book an Australian vacation
Australia tops most travelers’ bucket lists, and the fact that the country has been cut off from the rest of the world for the last few years has made this even more enticing. Now is the…
Australia to lift ban on cruise ships in April
Australia announced it would lift its entry ban for international cruise ships next month
Do You Think Australians Should Cancel Their Europe Trips?
Australia has modified its travel advice for eastern Europe, although most European countries now accept fully vaccinated Australians.
Event alert! Australia sets the stage for AIME 2022
AIME 2022 event will see a new array of exhibitors on the showfloor as part of the Activate and Activate Live feature in two weeks
Bali Lifts Quarantine For Fully Vaccinated Australians
Many Australians will be happy to know that they can now travel to Bali this week after the Aussie favourite abolished quarantine for vaccinated tourists and reinstated visas on arrival.
5 reasons why you need to visit Australia’s Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck is the best way to see Melbourne come alive, with 360-degree views of the city 300 metres above ground level, it’s a family experience above all else.
Australian travel company, selling multi-day travel packages and hotel packages.
Grew the business during Covid. Expert online marketers generating 11:1 digital ROAS for 2 years, 120k email database. 2021 est. <$10M Gross Revenue, EBIT $1.3M. 2 owners, no VC, looking…
Demand surges as Western Australia reopens borders
Western Australia has welcomed back its first international visitors with a string quartet and vouchers for tours and experiences in Perth purchased by Tourism Western Australia.
Qatar Airways Increases Frequency To Australia
Qatar Airways has stated that it will boost its Doha-Brisbane frequency from three times weekly to daily beginning March 1, 2022, in addition to increasing its frequency across Australia.
Australia Reopened To International Tourist: The Wait Is Over
Australia’s international borders have reopened to fully vaccinated visitors 704 days after they were closed to battle the spread of Coronavirus in 2020.
ATPI acquires Australia’s The Travel Authority in Southern Hemisphere expansion
Global travel management, events and sustainability consultancy, the ATPI Group, has acquired the Sydney (Australia) headquartered The Travel Authority in a new deal that sees the business…
Western Australia borders open on March 3
Following a review of Western Australia's border controls based on the latest health advice, the updated Safe Transition Plan will take effect from 3 March 2022.
Indonesia May Reopen In April With Garuda’s return To Australia
In Indonesia, a government official has indicated that the Covid-19 hospitalisation and death rates have been brought under control.
Tourism Australia bets big on Indian travellers
Tourism Australia has started welcoming back travellers from India with borders now open for quarantine-free travel, for fully vaccinated visa holders
Ahead of reopening, Tourism Australia unveils global ad campaign
Tourism Australia has launched a new campaign internationally to encourage travellers to book their next big holiday to Australia, as borders re-open to all fully vaccinated tourists and…
Australia extends ban on cruise tourism until 17 April
Despite announcing plans to reopen in phases, Australia has yet again extended its cruise ban, this time to April 17
Travel industry welcomes Australia reopening
The announcement was welcomed and rejoiced by the travel industry.
Here’s what you need to know about travelling to Australia
The Australian Government has announced Australia will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, tourists, business travellers, and other visitors from 21 February.
Australia reopening on February 21 for fully-vaxxed travellers
After almost two years of having one of the world’s toughest travel restrictions, Australia’s reopening is within sight as Prime Minister Scott Morrison claimed that the country will welcome…
Australians Can Return To Bali But There Is A Catch
Australians can fly into Bali again as of last Friday, as the popular Indonesian tourist island announced a relaxation of its strict border restrictions.
Will More Countries Ban Australians As Cases Here Are High?
Some of the 185 countries will not allow us entry at this time because we’re not handling COVID-19 very well at present.
Before Easter International Tourists Could Enter Australia
Earlier last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison hinted that Australia might welcome international tourists as early as April.
Thousands Of Western Australians Stranded Abroad
After the state announced that it would delay reopening international and domestic borders, airlines say that tens of thousands of people have been blocked out of Western Australia…
Australia Changes Testing Rules To Boost International Travel
By removing the requirement for arrivals to show the results of a negative PCR test, Australia is making it easier for overseas travellers to enter the country; instead of from 1 am on…
Travelling In Europe with An Australian Vaccination Certificate
Australia has an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). That confirms you’re completely vaccinated, which is all you need to enter Spain, Germany, or any other European…
Australian Man Cannot Leave Israel for 8,000 Years
Various travel bans and limitations have become the norm over the last two years, but one Australian man has been banned from leaving Israel until the year 9999 because of unpaid child…
Virgin Australia Cuts Capacity And Stops International Flights
Given the current Omicron outbreak, Virgin Australia has announced that it will reduce its flight capacity by 25% in January and February and suspend its newly reinstated only international…
Australia Eliminates PCR Tests For International Arrivals
Anyone who has been feeling apprehensive about taking a PCR test on arrival back into Australia, this is good news.
Lack of consistency Is Holding Australians To Travel
A poll commissioned by the Australian Airports Association indicated that more than six out of ten travellers were discouraged from booking flights because of border restriction…
Airline Start-Up In Australia: What Makes It So Challenging?
Bonza, a new low-cost airline with big plans for Australia, will launch in mid-2022.
Cathay Pacific Has Cut Flights To Australia
Since operating and travel limitations continue to affect Cathay Pacific’s scheduling, the airline has decided to terminate nearly all flights between Australia and Hong Kong effective…
AIME confirms Australian Convention Bureaux for 2022 Event
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the leading meetings and conventions event in the Asia Pacific region, has today revealed that almost all of Australia’s Convention Bureaux…
Australia relaxes testing rules amid Omicron surge
Australia has narrowed its definition of close contacts of coronavirus cases and relaxed requirements for COVID-19 tests
Brits’ top destinations for 2022 are here: US, Maldives and Australia
The US, shut to Europeans for much of this year, is the number one bucket list destination for holiday planners across Britain, France, Germany and Italy for 2022
A healthy Australian aviation industry needs a healthy Australian travel industry
Australia’s Aviation Industry will only recover fully if Australia has a healthy outbound travel sector and that won’t happen without ongoing Government Support for Australia’s travel…
Post Pandemic Sea Of Change Predicted For Two Australian States
After two years of Covid closures in Victoria and New South Wales, an increase in interstate arrivals to Queensland in 2022 is expected.
Australian Airlines Launch “No More Carry On” Campaign
No More Carry On, a combined effort, urges or patience and preparedness as travellers, airline crews, and airport staff navigate a return to widespread flying and COVID-19-related travel…
Virgin Australia Takes-Off With First International Flight
With its new daily Fiji service, Virgin Australia has restarted commercial international flights for the first time since the beginning of the COVID crisis.
Virgin Australia Announces Partnership With United Airlines
Virgin Australia Group said today that it will partner with United Airlines beginning in April 2022, increasing the number of U.S. destinations Virgin Australia customers can access while…
Virgin Australia Launches Celebration Sale As Queensland Reopens
As the Queensland border reopens, Virgin Australia has unveiled a major sale on flights to the state, with some fares as low as $59.
India signs air bubble pact with Australia. Here’s what you need to know
Australia has finally joined the list of countries that has a travel bubble with India
Accommodation Association welcomes Australia’s gradual reopening
Accommodation Association welcomed the gradual reopening of Australia including West Australia on 5 February but warned the skills shortage would continue to impact most accommodation…
Western Australia to reopen borders to international visitors
Western Australia will embark on its Safe Transition Plan as announced last month, to safely ease its hard border controls in line with a 90% vaccination rate on Saturday February 5, 2022.
Virgin Australia Partners With Link To Re-start Sydney-Canberra
Virgin partnered with Link Airways to restart regular flights between Sydney and Canberra, which were suspended at the start of the pandemic.
Virgin Australia reports AUD3.7B profit
Virgin Australia has reported a $3.7 billion after-tax profit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, its first since 2012.
Fiji Welcomes Fully Vaccinated Australians
Concerns about the Omicron strain and additional coronavirus restrictions have indeed been raised not only in Australia but all throughout the world.
Western Australia closes border to South Australia
Following recent COVID cases in South Australia and the increased threat of the new Omicron variant overseas, Western Australia has closed its border with South Australia.
No quarantine for fully vaccinated South Koreans in Australia starting December 1
Tourism Australia is excited to be welcoming back fully-vaccinated travellers from South Korea as it reopens its borders to quarantine-free travel starting 1 December.
Why are many Australians cautious to book their holidays?
Many Australians want to travel abroad but figuring out where and when is becoming a huge problem.
Virgin Australia to add seven aircraft to meet growing demand
Virgin Australia said on Thursday that it would add seven additional Boeing Co 737 NG aircraft to its fleet, practically returning it to pre-pandemic levels, to achieve a one-third share of…
Australia opens for fully vaccinated international students
Next month, Australia will be open to fully vaccinated international travellers, students, working holidaymakers, and provisional family visa holders.
Before the summer rush, hotel rates soar in Australia
If you’re considering a trip to the seaside this Christmas, you’ll want to get in quickly, as Australians tend to book their vacations in advance. The cost of lodging in popular tourist…
Australia is “Yours to Explore,” says country to Singaporeans
With quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated citizens from Singapore to Australia commencing from 21 November, Tourism Australia is kicking off a new campaign to encourage Singaporeans…
Virgin Australia unveils new business & economy class seats
Next-generation business class and economy class seats are being trialled on Virgin Australia’s domestic Boeing 737 aircraft, with two planes being outfitted with the new seats to gather…
Australia’s travel bubble with Japan and South Korea to start soon
Australia will soon open to two additional countries as the national vaccination rate prepares to reach 90%.
Australia welcomes back Singaporeans
With quarantine-free travel for vaccinated citizens from Singapore to Australia commencing from 21 November, Tourism Australia is kicking off a new campaign to welcome Singaporean citizens…
Australians are undecided on international travel
According to a new study from the University of Queensland, just 51% of Australians want to go abroad now that international borders have reopened.
First Qantas A380 returns to Australia
Qantas A380s will resume service early next year.
Western Australia COVID-19 roadmap to opening state border
WA Premier Mark McGowan has set the lofty aim of 90 per cent immunisation in the people aged 12 and older before he will drop the state’s border.
Epidemiologist calls for arrival airport testing in Australia
One of Australia’s leading epidemiologists has called for international arrivals to be tested for COVID-19 before leaving the airport.
Indonesia mulls travel lane for vaccinated visitors from Australia
Travel lane between Indonesia and Australia for those who are vaccinated against Covid-19 is being proposed by the Southeast Asian country’s president Joko Widodo
Emirates increases services to Australia as borders reopened
With Australia's borders now open to international travellers, Emirates is celebrating by expanding its operations in the country.
South Australia to ease border restrictions for travellers
Within the next several weeks, South Australia will reopen its borders to people from New South Wales and Victoria.
Tourists will be allowed back to Australia before year-end
Tourists will be able to enter Australia without quarantine by the end of the year, but they must be double vaccinated, according to Scott Morrison.
Australia Removes ‘Do Not Travel’ For UK, USA, Singapore and Fiji
The federal government's global "do not travel" advisory, which applied to all countries except New Zealand, has been lifted ahead of the removal of international border restrictions.
Countries where Australians can travel with no quarantine
Australians won't have to spend a single day in quarantine when visiting nations including the UK, Italy, the US, and Greece.
Virgin Australia launches 1.7M fares sale on the network
Virgin Australia has launched over one million new discount fares across dozens of domestic and international destinations in advance of easing border restrictions and the approaching summer…
Its official! Vaccinated Australians can enter Singapore on November 8
Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority has announced the expansion of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to include Australian passengers.
The rebirth of travel in Australia
The international travel ban in Australia will be lifted on 1 November 2021, when New South Wales reopens to quarantine-free overseas travel for fully vaccinated citizens and residents.
Australia’s travel agents still far from recovery
Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been in hard lockdown for more than 600 days.
Thailand finally opens to vaccinated Australians from November
After announcing the country's re-opening to a list of countries that did not include Australia one week ago, Thailand's government has just altered that list to include Australians.
Virgin Australia bookings surge after domestic border opening
Following the Victorian and Queensland governments' plan to reopen borders, Virgin Australia has seen a spike in website traffic and booking demand.
Australia-Singapore ‘travel bubble’ by November
Morrison stated that Australia's travel arrangement with Singapore would be similar to the one it established earlier last week with New Zealand's South Island.
Virgin Australia bookings surge after domestic border opening
Following the Victorian and Queensland governments' plan to reopen borders, Virgin Australia has seen a spike in website traffic and booking demand.
Virgin Australia brings international flight schedule forward
Flights between Australia and Fiji will resume one week earlier than previously scheduled, thanks to an announcement from Fiji on their tourism reopening plan.
Australia’s international vaccine passport available from today
Australians who have been fully vaccinated will be able to download an international vaccination passport starting today.
Is Australia a big enough market to support another airline?
Bonza promises to be the independent low-cost airline that many Australian consumers have wished for. Still, some are sceptical that the market can support another operator.
Virgin Australia adds three new Gold Coast services
Virgin Australia has launched three new flights between Cairns, Launceston and Hobart, and the Gold Coast as travel confidence improves.
International travel from Australia could be moved to November 1
The reopening of Australia's borders and the implementation of the home quarantine programme might be fast-tracked to November 1.
The Australia NZ burst bubble hits Air New Zealand
Due to stringent COVID restrictions in Auckland, Air New Zealand is operating at less than one-third of its typical domestic capacity.
New ultra-low-cost airline Bonza to launch in Australia next year
"Bonza" will be Australia's sole independent low-cost airline specialising in regional leisure destinations, with a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets equipped with all-economy seats.
Australia won’t welcome international tourists until 2022
International tourists won't be welcomed back to Australia until next year, with the return of skilled migrants and students given higher priority
Emirates to back Airbus A380 to Australia
According to Executive Traveller, Emirates plans to resume its flights to Australia with Airbus A380s following the country's return of international travel.
Searches for Australian international borders soar by 180% since restrictions have been lifted
Since the announcement of the re-opening of the Australian border, searches for Australia international border have increased by 180% worldwide while ‘flights to Australia 2022’ have…
Australia to reopen international border in November
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the international border will reopen in November, initially permitting travel for vaccinated citizens and their relatives.
Australians are eager to travel again
According to the newest Inmarsat Passenger Confidence Tracker 2021, Australians appear to be among the world's most eager to return to the skies.
Virgin Australia resumes flights to Fiji
There will be daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Fiji's Nadi Airport in late December, with Virgin Australia joining the list of airlines planning to restart foreign…
Stranded Australians may be offered flights by government
Stranded Australians may be offered seats on additional government-facilitated flights to send as many homes by Christmas as feasible in the coming months.
Australian airports ready to facilitate international travel
The Australian government has allocated $64 million in vital overseas passenger security screening at Australia's key international airports as aviation continues its COVID-19 comeback.
Australia takes a significant step on vaccine passports
The Morrison government has awarded a contract for new digital passenger declarations to international IT company Accenture, a major step towards the establishment of a vaccine passport for…
Air NZ to operate quarantine flights between Australia and NZ
Air New Zealand announced on Friday (17 September) that it will operate a limited number of quarantine flights between Australia and New Zealand.
Airlines may stop flights to Australia ahead of restart
Unfortunately, Australia has a government that is unable to take well thought and planned decisions that would make the country move on and give a little breath to the ailing aviation and…
Singapore Airlines suspends services to Australia
Singapore Airlines blamed the cancellation of dozens of pre-Christmas flights on a lack of clarity from the Australian government on international travel.
The Singapore-Australia travel bubble ready by year-end
Australia's vaccination rates are on the rise despite a string of lockdowns and Delta outbreaks.
Australia vaccine passports ready within weeks
Australians will begin using an international vaccine passport within weeks to prove their immunisation status overseas and on their return as the Prime Minister flags home quarantine will…
Australia potential travel bubble with the UK and US by Christmas
Australia could have travel bubbles with the UK, US, Singapore and Japan once the nation's 80 per cent COVID-19 vaccine target is achieved.
Virgin Australia puts one million seats on sale
Virgin Australia has launched a sale with booking availability for travel until June next year, sale fares can be booked to popular destinations from now until midnight this Friday, or until…
Fiji Airways to resume Australia flights by December 2021
Fiji Airways intends to resume flights to Australia "before Christmas" in 2021.
Australia extends international travel ban to December 2021
Australia's borders will remain closed and most international travel will be prohibited until 17 December 2021.
Virgin Australia launches vaccine incentive competition
Virgin Australia's COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme is ready to go, with "stacks of prizes up for grab."
Virgin Australia to offer more value in economy
Virgin Australia has launched three new economy fares today: Economy Choice, Economy Flex, and Economy Lite, each with its own set of booking options.
Will Australians need vaccine ID to do fun things?
Are Australians ready to show vaccine ID if they want to go out on the town when summer begins?
International aviation sector may well leave Australia behind
Brisbane Airport’s CEO has said international airlines “may well leave Australia behind” as vaccinated nations begin to remove COVID restrictions now.
Government strips travel exemption for Australian’s living abroad
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the National Cabinet has agreed in principle on vaccine targets for the country's four-phase plan to recover from the pandemic.
Australian Airlines receive another lifeline
To avoid another round of job losses, Australian airlines will be able to claim $750 per week for half of their pilots and flight attendants.
Funding shortfall for would be newest Australian airline “Brad”
Would-be Australian airline “Brad” is struggling to gain traction.
Lockdowns are once Again Posing a threat to Australia’s Airlines
Greater Sydney's lockdown has been extended until at least the 28 of August, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed.
Australia’s Whitehaven Beach ranked second in global Top 50
The world's top-50 beaches have been named for 2021, with an Australian gem nabbing the prestigious runner-up spot.
The end of the domestic bliss for Australia
The resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Australia's domestic air travel market reflects a growing trend of Covid-19 challenges in Asia-Pacific, with no easy solutions.
New Zealand bursts Australia travel bubble
For at least eight weeks, there will be no quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and any Australian state.
Bubble burst: Jacinda Ardern suspends New Zealand travel bubble with Australia for at least 8 weeks
New Zealand government has announced suspension of travel bubble with Australia for at least eight weeks
American Airlines suspends fights to Australia
American Airlines is pulling out of Australia after the federal government again cut the cap on air arrivals into the country.
Australia will soon trial home quarantine
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a home quarantine trial in South Australia for fully vaccinated travellers, which he said could pave the way for Australians to be allowed to leave…
Australia-Singapore travel bubble delayed
Australia’s travel bubble with Singapore has been delayed until the end of 2021, the Federal Tourism Minister confirmed on Sunday.
Australia’s vaccine passport could be on phones by December
Covid-19 vaccines could be administered at your local Bunnings under a suggestion raised at talks between the federal government and business leaders.
Virgin Australia joins the campaign to accelerate vaccinations
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka joined other business leaders at the Operation COVID Shield National Business Partnership Forum meeting.
Airline caps will bump 18,000 Australians off flights home
According to airlines, 18,000 Australians will be bumped from flights back home in the next six weeks as a result of the Australian cabinet's decision to cut the number of international…
Flight prices to Australia soar ahead of new arrival caps
Airlines were already struggling to operate long-haul flights to Australia with 50-60 passengers onboard; with the reduced caps beginning in mid-July, they will have no choice but to raise…
Qantas boss Alan Joyce plan to reopen Australian borders by 2022
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is among many business leaders who have responded to the national cabinet’s four-phase pathway out of the pandemic announced on Friday to resume international travel…
South Australia is ready to deliver remarkable experiences
TD sat down with Rodney Harrex, executive officer of South Australia Tourism Commission, and discovered why travelling in South Australia is so special.
Latest lockdowns curtail hotel bookings in Australia
Key markets in Australia are showing noticeably lower levels of occupancy on the books for the coming weeks, according to data from STR
10 of South Australia’s most Instaworthy locations
South Australia: Where the water is pink, gardens bloom below the Earth’s surface and kangaroos hop among the vineyards. Sound paradisaical? That’s because it is! To prove it, we’ve rounded…
New Zealand suspends travel bubble with Australia
New Zealand has announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia, with Wellington citing ‘multiple’ outbreaks of Covid-19 in the neighbouring country
8 unique South Australian wildlife encounters
It’s no secret that South Australia is teeming with magical wildlife experiences. Here, your clients can swim with sea lions, brave a shark cage dive, meet cuddly koalas, discover whale…
“Holiday here, this year” fuels Australia’s domestic tourism
Strongly supported by Tourism Australia’s domestic campaign, GlobalData forecasts that domestic trips in the country will double by 2025, which is 14% growth on pre-pandemic levels.
8 incredible wine experiences in South Australia
Let’s raise a glass to 2021: the Year of South Australian Wine. There are a dizzying 700 wineries in South Australia spread across 18 distinct wine regions, including world-renowned Barossa,…
Discover South Australia on these four road trips from Adelaide
Road trips are the ultimate way to unearth South Australia’s natural wonders, and there’s no better place to gear up than the vineyard city of Adelaide. Empower your clients to embrace the…
Unique accommodation in Australia: 9 wow-factor stays beyond Adelaide
If you’re anything like us, images of remote nature retreats, luxury accommodation, and boutique boltholes are all it takes to spark intense wanderlust. From luxury lodges to some of the…
Cathay Pacific will close its Australian flight crew base
Cathay Pacific has confirmed it will close its Australian base in July. This follows news the Hong Kong-based airline will shut its Canada base.
COVID-vaccinated Australians could be allowed to travel soon
A pilot program for immunised people to leave and return under relaxed restrictions could begin soon, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt tells colleagues.
South Australia tourism is back in the spotlight for all the right reasons
Enjoying the distance now between devastating bushfires and COVID-19, South Australia is open for business again with much more to offer, see and do.
New Zealand halts travel bubble with Australia’s Victoria state
New Zealand has now suspended quarantine-free travel with Australia’s Victoria state over a new coronavirus cluster this week
“Some people may die,” Virgin Australia boss’ insensitive words
Virgin Australia is still battling a PR nightmare after Jayne Hrdlicka the airline CEO made a speech at the Queensland University of Technology using the controversial statement “some people…
How to upsell South Australia to the visiting friends and family market
Clients will be looking to make memories and to treat themselves to special experiences, so here is a selection in South Australia to inspire you.
Virgin Australia updates short-haul international network
After the federal budget released last week and the shifting projection of the opening of the international border, Virgin Australia also announced changes to its short-haul international.
Adelaide: The ultimate MICE destination in Australia
With its boutique-city charm, COVID-safe practices, new accommodation and function spaces, proximity to world-class wineries and wildlife experiences Adelaide has much to offer the MICE…
Qantas CEO warns Australia could become a ‘hermit state’
Qantas boss Alan Joyce has conceded the airline may not be able to restart international flights again by October as he had hoped but warned Australia risks becoming a “hermit state” if its…
Australia’s border will remain shut until at least 2022
Australia's border will stay shut until at least 2022, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says.
Australia could soon be featured on UK’s ‘Green List’
Australia and New Zealand are lining up for a slot on the UK's so-called 'Green List' for approval travel as part of a plan to gradually reopen the UK's borders, according to the head of…
Virgin Australia reveals the 2020 appalling result
Virgin Australia lost AUD3.1 billion last year and remains saddled with AUD1.2 billion of debt it carried into administration, according to filings with the corporate regulator.
Sustainable South Australia: Inspiring experiences for conscious clients
Eco-friendly travel is on the rise, this is a chance for you to capture conscious travellers and potential clients looking for sustainable holidays in South Australia.
Virgin Australia launches unprecedented sales on Sydney-Melbourne
Virgin Australia has launched unprecedented low fare sales between Australia’s two largest cities.
Virgin Australia launches a sales blitz for airfares to Melbourne
Virgin Australia has just launched a sales blitz with fares to Melbourne only starting at $75 including baggage, seat selection and frequent flyer points.
South Australia’s Epicurean Way – A road trip with wine, wildlife and wow factor
From legendary cellar doors of wineries to dozens of wine bars, embarking on a wine tour in South Australia is the best way to discover the history, tradition and evolution of the region’s…
Slow vaccine rollout in Australia affect the country reopening
Australia has only vaccinated less than 3 percent of the populations.
UAE, UK, Oman, Australia impose travel curbs on India
United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK, Australia and Oman have joined the list of countries that have imposed travel restrictions on India in the wake of a massive surge in Coronavirus infections
Australians could be travelling overseas by the end of the year
Scott Morrison says vaccinated Australians could be able to travel overseas and skip hotel quarantine by the end of the year.
Trans-Tasman bubble is officially open! Heartwarming reunion for New Zealand and Australian travellers
The Wellington Airport was filled with hugs and kisses as the first batch of travellers from neighbouring country Australia arrived after the Trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.
Virgin Australia shapes growth strategies to aid tourism recovery
Virgin Australia Group has announced fast-tracked plans to acquire new aircraft, create more frontline jobs and grow its network to further support domestic tourism.
Virgin Australia brings back hundreds of cabin crew
Hundreds of cabin crew are needed after Virgin Australia negotiated the reintroduction of 10 Boeing 737-800 planes with aircraft lessors.
5 things to do in South Australia when borders reopen
There are a lot of things to do in South Australia that travellers can look forward to once the country’s borders reopen.
P&O Cruises Australia scraps select departures until 2022
P&O Cruises Australia will extend its pause in guest operations until the end of July.
AstraZeneca’s Australia-made COVID-19 vaccine doses get TGA nod
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had given the go-ahead to the biotech giant CSL Limited to produce AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine.
We may need to wait till 2022 for Australian borders to reopen
Australia’s Federal Secretary of Health Brendan Murphy said this week that he is hopeful that international travel will be possible by 2022, depending on how the vaccine rollout progresses…
The domestic air travel market in Australia is recovering quickly
Exactly twelve months ago, the number of domestic flights operated in Australia was going into a steep decline. Now, the market is rapidly increasing.
Australia-Singapore in talks for possible travel bubble
Australia and Singapore are in talks for a possible travel bubble that will allow residents to travel between the two countries without having to quarantine
Details of the Australian government’s AUD1.2 billion ‘Ticket to Recovery’
Australian travellers will have access to hundreds of thousands of half-price airfares to more than a dozen tourism-reliant regions, subsidised by the government as part of the package…
Australian border reopening can happen after this, says epidemiologist
According to a leading epidemiologist, Australian borders may reopen after 40% to 60% of the whole population has been vaccinated.
Australia extends international travel ban for three more months until 17 June
Australian health minister Greg Hunt has said the country has extended its international travel ban till 17 June
Australians will need a visa waiver to travel to Europe from 2022
Australians travelling to Europe will need to apply online for a visa waiver (similar to the US) from the end of 2022.
Australia will require COVID-19 vaccination for entry
Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO hinted that said Australia would re-open to visitors in July.
Former WHO epidemiologist urges Australia to shut borders
Australia should shut its borders to overseas travellers immediately and build specialist quarantine centres, according to a former World Health Organisation epidemiologist.
Australian PM would love to see Pacific travel bubbles
PM Scott Morrison has hinted that travel bubble with pacific neighbouring countries may not be far away.
Cathay Pacific to axe flights to Australia except for Sydney
Cathay Pacific Airways has announced they will be axing all flights to Australia, except routes servicing Sydney, following Hong Kong’s plan to introduce tough new quarantine rules on…
Australia’s vaccine rollout to start on 22 February
The first batch of Pfizer vaccine has arrived in Australia and the vaccination process will begin on 22 February.
Australia will quarantine overseas visitors even after Covid vaccine rollout
Australia has said today that it would keep mandatory two-week quarantine for all overseas visitors, even as vaccinations are rolled out across the country and the world
Virgin Australia Cancel all Short Haul International Flights
Virgin announced yesterday all short-haul international services would be cancelled until June 19.
An indigenous immersion: Arcadia unveils new Australian expedition
Arcadia Expeditions has announced the release of its latest expedition – ‘Indigenous Immersion: The Art of Storytelling’, a 15-day air safari travelling to rarely-visited parts of the…
Australia reopens New Zealand travel bubble
After no new COVID-19 cases, Australia reopened its travel bubble with New Zealand on 31 January to mark the resumption of the only international arrivals into Australia
The Bubble between Australia and New Zealand has Burst Again
With the recent discovery of 1 case of the Coronavirus variant in New Zealand, Australia has now paused quarantine-free travel from New Zealand for at least three days.
Australia to lose 320,000 tourism jobs and USD 7 billion amid border shutdown
Australia’s tourism industry is forecast to lose almost USD 7 billion and place 320,000 jobs at risk over the summer holiday period due to domestic and international border closures brought…
Australians, Americans travelling to Europe will need a ‘visa waiver’ in 2022
Starting in 2022, visa-free travellers heading to Europe will need to apply under the ‘visa waiver’ program as the continent tightens its border control.
WHO Asks Australia Not to Rush COVID Vaccinations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has implored Australia, and other wealthy nations, not to rush their COVID vaccinations amid fears some countries will not be able to inoculate their…
Current Coronavirus Border Restrictions Around Australia
Here are the various state restrictions as they stand:
Virgin Australia Extends Free Booking Flexibility
Virgin Australia announced last week that is offering booking flexibility for travel until 30 June this year.
Australia’s top health chief believes travel unlikely in 2021
Australia’s top health chief has dashed hopes that the rollout of the vaccine will allow people to travel overseas this year as borders stay closed.
Australia to remain close for some time despite vaccine roll out
Australia’s other COVID-19 containment measures, such as border restrictions, “will have to continue for some time” as the vaccine is rolled out.
Australia Moves COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout to Early March
With the community transmission not giving up, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and now Brisbane where from 6:00pm tonight people living in greater Brisbane, will be required to stay home…
Bali suffers without Australian and Chinese tourists
For almost a year now, local businesses in the island of Bali are struggling to survive due to the sharp drop of international arrivals. Australian and Chinese tourists are top foreign…
Australia reimposes travel restrictions amid rising new cases of Covid-19
More Australian states and territories are reimposing travel restrictions to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus from new outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoria states
New Zealand looks forward to travel bubble with Australia in early 2021
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the cabinet has agreed in principle on a trans-Tasman, quarantine-free travel bubble pending confirmation by Australia’s cabinet and no…
Queensland to reopen borders to South Australia
Australian domestic borders are all open as Queensland has announced that will re-open its borders to South Australia.
Accor announces new hotels opening in Australia and New Zealand for 2021
Sofitel Adelaide, and two brand new The Sebel properties, 2021 will be a strong year of new hotel openings for Accor in the Pacific.
Australia’s Queensland reopens borders
The Australian state of Queensland has reopened its borders to the residents from New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria on 1 December, after months of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Hear hear! Podcast listening up 70% in Australia
TellMeWhere2Go (TMW2G) reports the top three podcasts are about timeshare, Maldives and an aviation museum, and the most popular platform is Spotify, then Anchor
‘Twas the flight before Christmas! Air New Zealand’s giveaway to spread joy to Australians
Air New Zealand’s new Christmas video, ‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas, comes with a chance for five lucky Aussies to win return flights to New Zealand
New Zealand PM doubts two-way travel bubble with Australia by Christmas
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has admitted that there is very little chance for New Zealand to fully reopen to Australia by Christmas.
Australia to expand travel bubble in APAC
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is reportedly holding discussions with several low-risk Asian countries in order to expand the country’s travel bubble with no quarantine.
Australia reopening “slowly, but safely”
After months of closed borders, a top official hinted on Australia reopening soon.
Globus and Cosmos unveil new tours in Australia and New Zealand
Globus and Cosmos have launched new collection of Australian and New Zealand tours created specifically for local travellers
No quarantine needed: Singapore to allow tourists from China, Australia
Starting 6 November, Singapore will allow all travellers from China and state of Victoria, Australia without the need for quarantine as long as they negative from COVID-19 upon arrival.
Australia mulls to reopen state borders in time for the holidays
Australia is planning to reopen state borders by Christmas as well as ways to bring citizens home from abroad safely.
Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah to step down in November
Paul Scurrah will stand down when Virgin is formally handed in early November and former Jetstar boss Jayne Hrdlicka will take over as CEO.
Australia reopening to international tourists in late 2021
Australia reopening for international travel may not happen until late 2021.
Exploring Magical Australia with Kids: Get Ready for a Fun-Field Trip
parents have certainly found themselves in an, especially challenging situation, spending almost every waking moment in close quarters with their youngsters, even while trying to work…
Singapore adds Australia, Vietnam green lanes
Starting October 8, Singapore will lift border restrictions with Vietnam and Australia, excluding Victoria state.
Luxury Fairmont hotel brand arrives to Australia for the first time
Accor will bring the luxury Fairmont brand to Australia for the first time, with the announcement that the Fairmont Port Douglas is set to open in Far North Queensland in 2023.
Australians…are we still Young and Free?
On the 17th of March 2020 the Australian Government has implemented a total travel ban both outbound and inbound on all its residents. The ban was originally meant to be lifted on the 17th…
Princess Cruises announces extension of pause of operations in Australia
Due to the continued progression of COVID-19 and related decisions of various governments, health authorities, and airlines regarding travel restrictions, Princess Cruises is extending its…
Carnival Cruise Line extends pause for all Australia departures till December
Carnival Cruise Line said today that in light of continuing Australian travel restrictions, it is extending its pause in departures from Australia through 2 December 2020 for Carnival Spirit…
P&O Cruises Australia extends its pause in operations to December
P&O Cruises Australia is extending its rolling pause in operations from Australia to 2 December this year as the cruise line continues to take guidance from authorities, public health…
Helping hand: Accor raises aid for Australian bushfire relief effort
Accor has raised USD 290,862 through its Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal, for bushfire affected people and communities across Australia
The state of Australia’s tourism sector
Australia’s tourism sector has predominantly high contribution of more than 10% to the Australian economy making the country as the fourth largest contributor in the sector of Asia-Pacific…
How Airbus aims to deliver Australian industry capability
Airbus Helicopters has joined hands with Australian partners to form Team Nightjar
What are “Air Bridges” and is Australia considering them?
Passengers travelling between Australia and some countries that are either Covid-19 free or have transmission rate under control, will no longer have to quarantine. Most people entering…
Intrepid Travel officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia
Things are looking grim in Australia at the moment with talks of a second wave hitting Melbourne in the state of Victoria and Sydney being on high alert in NSW. It’s taking a toll on a lot…
Australia, New Zealand top over 50s’ bucket list
Despite the high risk of the new strain of coronavirus to the elderly, over 50s are still keen to travel once the restrictions and quarantine rules are lifted.
Brisbane airport’s home carrier Virgin Australia to launch first flight in new runway
Virgin Australia will be the first airline to depart on Brisbane’s new runway when it officially opens on 12 July 2020. After eight years of construction and five decades of planning,…
Podcast – Cape Range National Park, Exmouth – Western Australia – Australia
North West Cape is a peninsula which juts out into the Indian Ocean just north of the town of Carnarvon.
Christine Dilger to look at growing demand in Australia and New Zealand
Red Elephant Reps has appointed a new sales director for its global team to cover Australia and New Zealand. Based in Brisbane, Christine Dilger will work closely with the company’s…
Virgin Australia 2.0 takes off! Bain makes a brave bet on the struggling airline industry
In one of the biggest single bets on the airline industry since it was completely devastated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Bain Capital has agreed to buy collapsed Virgin…
Podcast – Overview: Coral Coast, Western Australia
long stretch of coastline measuring about 1,100kms north of Perth, the Coral Coast extends from the town of Cervantes as far north as Exmouth and slightly inland.
Podcast – Overview: Western Australia
if you wish to drive from Eucla in the south east corner of Western Australia around the coast to Kununurra in the north east, in the Kimberley region, you would have to drive a distance of…
South Australia Tourism Introduces #SATV!
From professional star-gazers, to gin distillers, world-class chefs and shark cage divers, you can virtually travel all the way through South Australia! And if you’re still feeling a little…
Are Chinese airlines planning to snap up Virgin Australia?
Vaughn Strawbridge, administrator in Deloitte Australia that is now handling the case of Virgin Australia, confirmed that there are over 10 parties interested in the troubled airline. But…
Australia to experience increase in domestic tourism
Australia’s Minister for Trade’s warning that borders may stay closed until 2021 is expected to boost domestic tourism in the short term, according to data company GlobalData.
Virgin Australia set to go into voluntary administration after failing to secure government lifeline
Virgin Australia has reportedly filed for voluntary administration, overwhelmed by massive debt brought on by the coronavirus lockdowns. An airline spokesman wouldn’t comment today…
Positive development: Australian researchers claim to find possible ‘cure’ for Coronavirus
In a positive development towards finding a solution to the coronavirus pandemic that shook the world and crippled the global economy and the travel and tourism industry, a team of…
Plaza Premium Lounge expands in Australia with new addition at Sydney airport
Plaza Premium Lounge has rolled out its newest space offering at Sydney Airport’s International Terminal. It is the brand’s third addition in Australia joining locations in Melbourne and…
Sapphire Princess to call Australia home for year-long deployment
Princess Cruises has announced plans to add 44 new cruises from five major Australian cities with the redeployment of Sapphire Princess Down Under. The award-winning guest ship will…
Tourism Australia’s business events enhances presence at AIME 2020
Tourism Australia’s dedicated business events unit, Business Events Australia has chosen to enhance its presence at AIME 2020 following the challenging start to the year, with the double…
Western Australia sees good summer but fears challenges ahead
The Western Australia (WA) tourism industry is experiencing its best summer season ever, with an industry survey revealing business activity has grown by 5%. The Tourism Pulse quarterly…
Qantas pilot training school takes off in Toowoomba, Australia
Qantas has opened its new Pilot Academy at Toowoomba, in Queensland. The academy will have the capacity to train up to 250 pilots each year to build a long-term talent pipeline for…
CMV teams up with CLIA to expand presence in Australia
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has now joined CLIA as a regional member of Europe and Australasia, marking its first time as a member of the association’s Australasia arm and a…
Tourism Australia says ‘Holiday Here This Year’
Following on from the AUD 76 million (USD 52.22 million) government grant announced earlier this week, Tourism Australia has now launched a new AUD 20 million (USD 13.74 million)…
Accor goes ALL in for Australian Open 2020
Now in its fifth year as official partner of the Australian Open, Accor is using one of the world’s greatest sporting events to launch a new campaign around its innovative lifestyle…
A&K pledges support for Australia
Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has pledged AUD 100,000 (USD 68,780.50) to support relief efforts in Australia. The donation, encompassed from the global…
Virgin Australia signs codeshare deal with ANA
Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways (ANA) will implement codeshare flights and launch reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for their members. ANA guests will be able to codeshare on…
Australian gov’t allocates USD 52 million to revive country’s tourism industry
The federal government is allotting AUD 76 million (USD 52m) from its AUD 2 billion bushfire recovery fund to revive the country’s tourism sector.
Road to recovery: Princess Cruises’ ship first to return to Australian island after bushfire emergency
Princess Cruises’ 2000-guest Sun Princess became the first cruise ship to return to Kangaroo Island, South Australia, one of the areas most severely impacted by the recent bushfire…
Fred. Olsen supports relief efforts in Australia
Guests, staff and crew aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ classic ship Boudicca and at its head office, Fred. Olsen House in Ipswich, have raised GBP 5,000 (USD 6532.25) to help fund…
Australia’s tourism industry is ready to grow back
Bad news spreads faster than bushfire, and the ‘green shoots’ for Australia’s tourism industry are on the way.
Australian fires curb nation’s tourism
Operators have predicted that this terrible disaster will cost the tourism industry hundreds of millions.
Kylie: “I kind of feel like a walking tourism advert for Australia”
Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue has delivered a special musical Christmas Day message to the UK as part of Tourism Australia's latest campaign aimed at enticing more Brits down under.…
Novotel Perth Murray Street to “set new benchmarks” in Australia
Novotel Perth Murray Street has opened its doors and is ready to take bookings for the summer holiday period.
The hotel opening commenced with a traditional indigenous smoking ceremony,…
USA, Australia and India remain the UK’s top tourism markets
A study by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics firm, has produced rankings of the top long-haul inbound tourism markets for the UK.
ACI commends Australia’s productivity commission
Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific has commended Australia’s Productivity Commission for reaching the conclusion in its inquiry on the economic regulation of airports that…
Tourism Australia invites Indians to ‘Experience the game and beyond’ at ICC T20 World Cup 2020
With India having emerged as the fastest growing inbound market for the nation Down Under, Tourism Australia launched its dedicated campaign to drive Indian visitors for the sports…
IHG partners with OzHarvest to feed hungry Australians
IHG has partnered with Australian food rescue charity OzHarvest to tackle waste minimisation, preventing good food from hotels going to waste and using it to feed hungry Australians via a…
New Australia’s South West joins UNWTO
Australia South West Sustainable Tourism Observatory (ASWTO) has officially become the latest member of the World Tourism Organisation’s International Network of Sustainable Tourism…
Art on the road: Discover the hidden charms of Australia and New Zealand with Avis
As travellers yearn for a more bespoke experience, they tend to stray away from popular tourist spots. To simply put it – the rarer, the better.
HRS completes merger with the Lido Group in Australia/New Zealand
HRS announced a merger with the Lido Group, a prominent provider of automated hotel and hospitality technology in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia and Europe on Vistara’s radar
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA), is all set to start long-haul international flights to destinations in Europe and Australia next year. The airline…
Australian Sojourn: StudentUniverse goes Down Under
The US-based student and youth travel booking website StudentUniverse has announced the brand’s continued global growth as it now launches in the Australian market.
In a bid to expand…
scUber: First rideshare submarine debuts in Australia
Queensland, Australia paired with Uber and launched scUber, the world’s first rideshare submarine experience, coming to the Great Barrier Reef.
Bunnik Tours is a new way of touring for Australians
Bunnik Tours is not just another Australian tour company – it’s a better way of touring. In 2003, Marion Bunnik saw a gap in the Australian tourism market and set about establishing a…
The search is over: Paul Scurrah is named Virgin Australia CEO
Virgin Australia has announced that Paul Scurrah will be the group’s next chief executive after eight-month search.
AccorHotels rallies with Serena Williams and Tennis Australia
AccorHotels has announced an exclusive three-year deal with Tennis Australia and re-signs Serena Williams as Official Ambassador in Australia.
Trivago confesses to false advertising in Australia
Trivago has admitted that it led customers into believing that the results page shows the lowest prices in the “more deals” section.
Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia sign AUD 11 million marketing deal
Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia have re-affirmed their commercial ties with a three-year strategic marketing deal.
St Regis Hotels & Resorts ready for Australian debut in 2022
St Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of The St. Regis Melbourne, marking the first hotel in Australia for the renowned luxury brand.
Adelaide and South Australia: Events and destinations for 2019
With Adelaide and the whole of South Australia experiencing significant growth in its tourism sector, the South Australian Tourism Commission has released a guide for travellers and travel…
W Hotels plants Australian roots with W Brisbane
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, enters Australia with the opening of W Brisbane in one of its fastest-growing cities.
Accor becomes Australia’s second biggest employer after USD 1.2 billion acquisition of Mantra Group
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of deals and acquisitions from the French multinational and industry juggernaut Accor. May alone saw the USD 105 million purchase of Chilean hotel group,…
Audley Travel grabs first place at the Great Australian Challenge
The Great Australian Challenge, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Tourism Australia’s annual agent event, took place on Tuesday 1 May at London’s Hippodrome in Leicester Square. The competition…
Camper vans join the sharing economy in Europe and Australia
You can now rent the perfect campervan with Camptoo which offers all types of camper vehicles across Europe and Australia.
Flight Centre releases 2018 Australia travel trends
To celebrate Australia Day, Flight Centre has released findings from its second annual Australia Travel Trends Report with the latest stats, trends and predictions around travel to…
Singapore’s M&L Hospitality boosts presence in Australia with Sydney hotel
M&L Hospitality celebrated the opening of its newest premium independent hotel in Sydney, West Hotel. The hotel was officially opened by the Minister for Tourism, the honourable Adam…
Serena Williams returns to Australian Open with AccorHotels
AccorHotels, an Official Partner of the Australian Open, has for the third year in a row signed on tennis superstar Serena Williams as its Official Ambassador for the tournament, as the new…
How WeChat will prep Chinese for Dubai, UK and Australia with CityExperience
WeChat has showcased its CityExperience Mini Program in partnership with Tourism Australia, VisitBritain and Dubai Tourism, aiming to enhance the overseas travel experience of WeChat users,…
Premier unveils 2018 Australia & New Zealand brochure
Premier Holidays has unveiled its 2018 Australia and New Zealand brochure.
It includes tours valid for travel until March 2019 and the operator's new Smart Choice brand is featured for…
Travel 2 adds more luxury to Australia and NZ brochure
Travel 2 has expanded its luxury and touring offering in response to increased demand for holidays in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
There has been a 25% year on year…
COMO number one in Australia and New Zealand
COMO The Treasury has announced that it has been named the Best Hotel in Australia and New Zealand in the prestigious Readers Choice Awards 2017 by Conde Nast Traveler.
Virgin Australia “go beyond basic fare rules” with Sabre
Sabre Corporation has announced that Virgin Australia has recently implemented Sabre Branded Fares, joining a growing list of airlines globally.
Holidays with Kids announce Australia’s favourite family resorts
In time to plan for their summer holidays, Australian families are set to discover the nation’s favourite child-friendly locations with the release of the ‘Holidays…
Zhengzhou gets first Australian connection
Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan province, will get its first direct connection to Australia later this year.
Jetstar has announced plans to start flying direct to the…
Tourism Australia and Queensland unveils new programme for India
Tourism Australia is celebrating the year 2017 as 50 years of promoting the destination across the globe. To mark the event, Tourism Australia along with Tourism & Events Queensland…
Vietnam embarks on Australian tourism roadshow
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has kicked off a three-city roadshow in Australia.
Supported by Singapore Airlines, the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow will include events…
Australia’s Mantra Group agrees artistic acquisition
Mantra Group, the Australian hotel company, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Art Series Hotel Group.
The deal with the Deague Group is worth approximately AU$52.5 million…
Tourism Australia launches youth training module and seeks applicants for road trip
Tourism Australia has launched a Youth module on its Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP).
The new module helps agents tailor for younger customers including information on the Working…
Tigerair Australia launches ‘Fare Freeze’ feature
Tigerair Australia has launched a new feature that allows customers to hold their fares for up to 48 hours.
The 'Fare Freeze' option is now available via the low-cost carrier's…
Where to Stay: new hotels in China, India, Australia and more
Element Foshan Nanhai
Location: In Shishan Town, close to Nanhai Central Park in southern China's Guangdong province
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 329
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge, 24/7…
Travellanda sees sharp rise in Australian sales
Travellanda, the global bedbank, has reported a sharp increase in its Australian sales and plans to ramp up is operations in the country.
In the most recent fiscal year ending 31 March…
Where to Stay: new hotels in Vietnam, China and Australia
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
Location: Cua Can Bay in the north of southern Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 97 pool villas with up to five bedrooms
Facilities: Several…
Where to Stay: new hotels in China, Japan, Australia and the US
Shenzhen Marriott Hotel Golden Bay
Location: Located on the beachfront at Golden Bay, east of downtown Shenzhen
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 317
Facilities: Four restaurants, lounge,…
Eco-friendly hotel brand to launch in Australia
Marriott International has revealed plans to launch its eco-friendly Element Hotels brand in Australia.
The company has penned a management deal for a new-build hotel located in…
Virgin Australia adds new Canadian connections
Virgin Australia's passengers are now being offered connections to three major Canadian cities, via the airline's trans-Pacific flights to Los Angeles.
A new codeshare agreement with…
Private Island in Tasmania, Australia, Now Available for Exclusive Use
Picnic Island in Tasmania is the only place in the world where you can sleep within a penguin colony.One of the few private freehold islands in Australia, the owner has recently constructed…
APT offers savings on Australia and New Zealand holidays
APT is offering agents the chance to offer savings of up to GBP1,000 (approx US$1,280) per couple on a selection of Premium and Luxury escorted holidays to Australia and New Zealand.…
GoPro giveaway with Travel 2’s Australia incentive
Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win one of two GoPro Hero 4s with its latest campaign, ‘Create Your Perfect Australian Holiday’.
The tour operator has teamed up with Tourism…
Where to Stay: New hotels in India, Australia, Maldives and more…
Eastin Hotel Kurseong
Location: Located on the foothills of the Himalayas in India's Darjeeling tea-producing area, West Bengal state
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 35
Facilities: Five…
Etihad plays host to the world’s 50 best chefs in Australia
Many of the world’s best chefs and culinary media have experienced Etihad Airways’ award-winning hospitality on their way to Australia for the announcement of The World’s 50 Best…
P&O Australia searches for young explorer to advise on latest ship
In an Australian first, P&O Cruises is calling for one adventure-loving holiday critic to advise on the final touches to Pacific Explorer, the cruise line's latest ship which arrives in…
Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route
Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at…
John Borghetti leads Virgin Australia into bright new era
After six years at the helm of Virgin Australia, John Borghetti is as charming, polished and passionate about the airline as ever. He has led the company through many substantial challenges,…
Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more…
Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link
Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017)
Who? Flydubai
Why? New…
Asian air route updates: Malindo’s new Australian route, West Air flies to Japan, and more…
New Macau charters for Cambodia Angkor Air
Where? Sihanoukville (Cambodia) to Macau (China)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately
Who? Cambodia Angkor Air
Why? New charter service…
Cunard to spend record two months in Australia
Cunard has released details of its 2019 international cruise programme, which will include a record two-month season in Australia.
Australians will be able to choose from 27 local…
Garuda boosts Australian routes
Garuda Indonesia will increase its flights to Australia this summer, providing more connections to and from Jakarta and Bali.
In a joint press conference with Tourism Australia, the…
CMV’s Magellan discovers Australia
Cruise & Maritime's (CMV) Magellan has arrived in Australia this week.
More than 500 people are taking the whole 120 night cruise which began at the London Cruise Terminal on Thursday…
Virgin Australia to fly to China in major HNA deal
Virgin Australia will launch its first ever flights to China - including Hong Kong - as part of a major alliance with China's HNA Group.
First announced in May 2016, the partnership…
Princess Cruises takes Australian History to sea
Princess Cruises has created history with a new onboard exhibition showcasing major moments from Australia's past.
The exhibition, titled Defining Moments in Australian History has been…
See Australia’s most magnificent waterfalls with Silversea Expeditions
For those looking for a cruise further afield, luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea is featuring exceptional opportunities this year for adventure enthusiasts to explore Australia's…
Australia considers high-speed Hyperloop
The Australian government is considering plans to use Elon Musk's Hyperloop as an ultra-high-speed way of connecting Sydney and Melbourne.
The Hyperloop was suggested this week in a…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Laos, Australia, the US and more
Banyan Tree's The Grand Luang Prabang
Location: On the banks of the Mekong River in the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, northern Laos
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 75
Facilities:…
Face-to-Face: Rachel Meyer, director of international marketing, Visit Sunshine Coast, Australia
What visitor trends are you noticing to the Sunshine Coast?
With the expansion of Sunshine Coast Airport confirmed and the interest shown by international airlines in the region, it…
Tigerair Australia withdraws from Bali
Tigerair Australia has suspended all flights to Bali, less than a year after it started flying to the island.
The low-cost carrier said the decision had been taken after Indonesian…
Australian hotel rates hit record high
Hotels in Australia are cashing in on strong demand by raising room rates to record levels.
According to the latest data from STR, the country's average daily rate (ADR) reached…
Australia’s Jetstar plans first flights to Vietnam
Vietnam's tourism industry will get a lift this year when Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar launches its first two routes to the country.
In May 2017, Jetstar will start operating…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Sri Lanka, China, India and Australia
Jetwing Lake
Location: 5km from town of Dambulla, central Sri Lanka
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 94
Facilities: 71-metre pool, spa, gym, two restaurants (including Chinese)
Meeting space:…
Hyatt brings new lifestyle brand to Australia
Hyatt's newest hotel brand, Hyatt Centric, will enter Australia following the signing of a deal for a new property in Tasmania.
Scheduled to open in 2019, Hyatt Centric Hobart will be…
AccorHotels acquires 15 Australian hotels
AccorHotels has reached a new agreement for the restructuring of its Australian portfolio, which will include the acquisition of 15 ibis hotels in the country.
Under the terms of the…
Australia’s CTM acquires Redfern Travel
Australian-based travel provider Corporate Travel Management has expanded its global footprint with the acquisitions of UK-based Redfern Travel and Australian-based Andrew Jones Travel.…
China Southern connects to another Australian city
China Southern Airlines launched its first flight to Adelaide this week.
The Guangzhou-based airline touched down in the Australian city on 13 December, marking mainland China’s first…
First non-stop Australia-UK flights to launch in 2018
Travellers will be able to fly direct between Australia and the UK for the first time in 2018, following the launch of Qantas’ new non-stop Perth-London service.
The new 14,498km route,…
Australia, China pen open skies deal
Air links between Australia and China are likely to take off in the coming years, following the signing of a bilateral open skies agreement.
The Australian and Chinese governments…
Hyatt Regency returns to Australia
The Hyatt Regency brand has returned to Australia with the launch of the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The former Four Points by Sheraton Sydney at Darling Harbour has now been rebranded and…
Mantra signs five in Australia & NZ
Australia's Mantra Group has added five more hotels to its portfolio.
The new signings cover two of its brands - upscale Mantra and luxury Peppers - and five destinations, including…
Travel 2 marks new Australia and NZ brochure with agent incentive
Travel 2 has reported a nine per cent year on year increase in bookings to Australia and New Zealand.
In response to the increase in interest in both destinations, the Australia and New…
Peppers makes debut in Western Australia
Mantra Group has opened its first Peppers hotel in Western Australia.
The upscale brand made its debut in the state following the unveiling of the AU$40 million (US$30.2m), 120-room…
Travel 2 launches FAM competition to Western Australia
Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win one of nine places on its upcoming FAM to Western Australia.
The tour operator has linked with Emirates and Visit Western Australia for…
Wuhan gets new Australian connection
Wuhan, the largest city in central China, will get a new direct connection to Australia next year.
China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to commence direct flights between Wuhan…
Booming Australian cruise sector continues to smash records
The Australian cruise industry continues to grow rapidly, with record levels of port calls, expenditure and employment in the 2015-16 season.
This is according to the latest data from…
Australia to host first World Routes event
The World Routes Development Forum aviation event will head to Australia for the first time in 2019.
Adelaide has been named as the host city of the event, which gathers airport and…
Air India adds Australian flights due to “overwhelming” demand
Air India will introduce three more flights to Australia next year.
The Economic Times reported the national carrier's chairman & managing director, Ashwani Lohani, as confirming…
Emerald Princess begins long journey to Australia
Princess Cruises’ largest ship left the UK this week for a journey halfway around the world.
The 3,082-passenger Emerald Princess set off from Southampton for a 48-night voyage that…
Plaza Premium opens first branded lounge and spa in Australia
Plaza Premium, the independent airport lounge operator, has opened its first facility in Brisbane.
Located in the airport's international terminal, the new Plaza Premium Lounge spans…
Australian hotel group signs 90th property in China
Australia’s Argyle Hotel Group (AHG) has signed its 90th hotel in China.
One of the largest international hotel groups in the country, AHG operates dozens of hotels under multiple…
SIA to fly direct from Indonesia to Australia
Singapore Airlines has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its operations in Indonesia, including the launch of direct flights between Jakarta and Sydney.
The new route, which…
Virgin Australia spreads wings east and west
Virgin Australia has revealed plans to revise and expand its long-haul routes, both east across the Pacific and west across the Indian Ocean.
Commencing in 2017, the airline will…
Best Western’s Australian online sales overtake agents
Best Western Australasia has revealed that its online sales now exceed those generated through travel agents.
At the company's annual conference on the Gold Coast, head of commercial…
Banyan Tree launches first project in Australia
Banyan Tree has officially launched its first project in Australia.
The Singaporean hospitality company's executive chairman, Ho Kwon Ping, cut the ribbon on the Banyan Tree…
Australian prison hotel to offer nights behind bars
Visitors to Australia will soon be able to spend the night behind bars, without the need to get arrested first.
The historic Pentridge Prison, which is located just 8km from central…
Qantas, Tourism Australia enter “new era” of cooperation
Qantas and Tourism Australia have signed a AU$20 million (US$15.2m) deal to promote Australia to the world, in a move that is said to mark a "new era of partnership" between the two…
Virgin Australia to offer in-flight Wi-Fi
Virgin Australia has confirmed that it will roll-out in-flight Wi-Fi across its domestic and international fleet next year.
From mid-2017, the airline plans to start equipping its…
Etihad supports Arab Film Festival Australia
Etihad Airways and Arab Film Festival Australia are joining forces again in 2016 to bring the best of contemporary Arab cinema to Australian audiences.
The 13th annual Arab Film Festival…
SilverNeedle continues Sage expansion in Australia
SilverNeedle Hospitality has continued to expand its Sage Hotels brand in Australia with the signing of a new property in Melbourne.
The new Sage Hotel Ringwood will form part of new…
Bali slams Australian Zika virus claims
Tourism officials in Bali have slammed "sensationalised" Australian media reports that suggested visitors to the island could be at risk from the Zika virus.
In a statement released…
Interactive Antarctic attraction opens in Australia
A new attraction has opened in Australia that showcases Antarctica’s wildlife.
Located on Phillip Island, off the coast of Victoria, Antarctic Journey offers a "multimedia wildlife…
NCL’s Norwegian Jewel to homeport in Australia
Norwegian Cruise Lines has confirmed that its Norwegian Jewel cruise ship will homeport in Australia in the 2017-18 season.
Following a relocation cruise from Vancouver to Sydney,…
EVA adds more flights to Australia
Taiwan's EVA Air will expand its Australian operations later this year with the launch of additional flights to Brisbane.
Effective 4 October 2016, the airline will add three more…
First Plaza Premium lounge opens in Australia
Plaza Premium Lounge has soft-opened its first lounge in Australia.
The facility at Brisbane Airport also becomes the first independent airport lounge in Australia. The company…
Etihad upgrades Australian routes with newest aircraft
Etihad Airways has upgraded its Australian network with the deployment of new aircraft to two destinations.
The UAE-based airline’s Airbus A380 will touch down in Melbourne today (2 July…
China’s HNA Group takes stake in Virgin Australia
HNA Group, the fast-expanding Chinese travel and tourism conglomerate, has agreed to purchase a stake in Virgin Australia.
The company, which operates Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong…
“Indigenous-inspired” ibis hotel to be unveiled in Australia
AccorHotels will unveil its first Indigenous-inspired ibis hotel in Australia on 2 June.
Launched to coincide with National Reconciliation Week 2016, the hotel will be located at Sydney…
China’s Capital Airlines flies to Australia
Capital Airlines, a subsidiary of China’s HNA Group, will make its debut in Australia later this year.
Commencing on 29 September 2016, the airline will operate three weekly flights…
Longest train sets off across Australia
The Ghan will become Australia's longest passenger train in more than a decade this Sunday, when it pulls 44 carriages from Adelaide to Darwin.
The famous train will leave Adelaide on 22…
Virgin Australia upgrades long-haul cabins
Virgin Australia has unveiled a series of new upgrades to its long-haul aircraft cabins, including a new business class seat and an extra legroom product in economy class.
The airline's…
Australia’s Crown Group unveils new hotel brand
Australia's Crown Group has unveiled details of its first hotel brand.
The Sydney-based real estate company has confirmed that its new Skye Hotel Suites concept will open in the Sydney…
Mantra to manage resort in major South Australian development
Mantra Group has been appointed to manage a new resort on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.
Located 160km from Adelaide, the upscale Wallaroo Shores Resort is expected to open later this…
Double-digit growth for Australian visitor arrivals
Australia’s tourism industry continued to show strong growth in March 2016, as the country achieved a double-digit increase in international visitor arrivals.
According to the latest…
SilverNeedle unveils Next hotel in Australia
SilverNeedle has signed an agreement for another Next hotel in Australia.
The contract with QIC Global Real Estate will see the new-build hotel rise in Melbourne, as part of a…
Australia to offer three-year visas to Indians
Australia has announced plans to implement a new three-year multiple-entry visa for Indian travellers.
To be launched on a trial basis by July 2016, the new visa will allow Indian…
AccorHotels adds four in Australia
AccorHotels, which is already Australia's largest hotel operator, has continued to expand its nationwide portfolio with the addition of four new properties.
Announced at the…
China Southern plans second Australian route from Shenzhen
China Southern Airlines has applied for permission to launch direct flights between Shenzhen and Melbourne.
If approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the new…
Australian capital prepares for first international flights
Canberra Airport has unveiled the designs for its new international terminal, ahead of the launch of the Australian capital's first international flights in September 2016.
Singapore…
Australia to ease Chinese visa rules
Australia is planning to grant 10-year visas to Chinese nationals, as part of a continued bid to target the world's biggest outbound travel market.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm…
Oakwood opens first serviced residence in Australia
Oakwood Asia Pacific has opened its first Oakwood-branded serviced residence in Australia.
The newly-rebranded Oakwood Apartments Brisbane, which is located between the Queensland…
Holiday Inn Express debuts in Australia
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will open its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Australia on Monday 11 April.
The new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park is the first of 15…
Australia automates data checks on all departing passengers
All air passengers boarding outbound flights from Australia will now have their details checked by an automated system.
The country’s Department of Immigration & Border Protection…
Travel 2 launches Australia incentive for agents
Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win one of eight £250 credits on their T2 Rewards Card as part of its ‘Live your dreams, Visit Australia’ campaign.
The tour operator has…
P&O Australia enters new era with largest cruise ship
P&O Cruises Australia has signed a landmark agreement for the construction of its first new ship, which will also become the largest vessel in its fleet.
The deal with Italian…
StayWell signs first hotel in Western Australia
StayWell Hospitality Group has signed a long-term management agreement for its first hotel in Western Australia.
Scheduled to open in the Perth suburb of Subiaco in late 2017, the…
Tigerair Australia touches down in Asia
Tigerair Australia embarks on its first flights to Asia today (23 March 2016), with two the launch of three flights to Bali.
The low-cost carrier's first Bali-bound flight departed…
Australia sets new domestic tourism record
Australia's domestic tourism sector continues to boom, with figures released this week showing record spending levels in 2015.
According to data from Tourism & Transport Forum…
Travel 2 launches Australia incentives
Tour operator Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win one of four Red Letter Days’ vouchers worth £200 each as part of its latest campaign with Virgin Australia – ‘Fly Virgin Australia…
Banyan Tree to launch first residences in Australia
Banyan Tree, the Singapore-based luxury hotel group, has unveiled plans to open its first branded residences in Australia.
The AU$150 million (US$107m) project will bring 76 new private…
Australian Open boosts Melbourne hotels
Hotels in Melbourne experienced significant increases in occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) during the recent Australian Open tennis tournament.
According to data from STR Global,…
Tigerair Australia welcomes new aircraft for Bali flights
Tigerair Australia has unveiled the first of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to be based at Melbourne Airport, ahead of the airline’s new direct services to Bali.
The new single-aisle…
Tourism Australia unveils new coastal tourism campaign
Tourism Australia has officially launched its new global campaign, focusing on the country’s aquatic and coastal experiences.
The latest strand of the country's 'There’s Nothing like…
Chris Hemsworth to promote Australian tourism
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has become a new global ambassador for Tourism Australia.
The Hollywood actor, who has starred in films including Thor, The Avengers and Rush, will…
Hong Kong Airlines debuts in Australia
Hong Kong Airlines has made its Australian debut with the launch of a new service to Cairns and the Gold Coast.
The new triangular route commenced on 8 January and will now operate three…
Australia’s Excite Holidays expands into Singapore
Australia-based travel wholesaler Excite Holidays has expanded its operations into Asia, with the launch of a new presence in Singapore.
The company said its Singapore launch was…
Tigerair teams up with Flight Centre in Australia
Tigerair Australia and Flight Centre Travel Group have formed a new partnership aimed at promoting the airline’s services and offers to the travel agency's customers in Australia.
The…
Oakwood arrives in Australia
Oakwood, the serviced apartment operator, will make its debut in Australia this year.
Mapletree Investments has acquired the Oakwood Apartments Brisbane, which will launch in April…
Australians go visa-free to Indonesia
Australia has been added to the list of countries offered visa-free travel to Indonesia.
The Antara news agency reported a government official as saying that 84 new countries will be…
Etihad-Virgin Australia tie-up approved for another five years
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved the alliance between Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia for a further five years.
The ruling will enable the…
Australian company to by Austrian Airlines’ Fokker fleet
Australia's Alliance Aviation has agreed to purchase Austrian Airlines’ entire fleet of Fokker aircraft.
The company, which mainly operates "fly-in fly-out" services for the resources…
UAE to increase flights to Australia
The UAE and Australia have signed an agreement that will see a significant boost in flights between the countries.
It is hoped the move will see an increase in tourism between the two…
Bhutan tourism targets Australian visitors
The Tourism Council of Bhutan is aiming to increase the number of visitors it attracts from Australia, with the appointment of a new representative in the country.
The Unique Tourism…
Amadeus boosts hotel content in Australia and NZ
Amadeus has signed an agreement that will increase the amount of hotel content it offers in Australia and New Zealand.
The GDS company has formed a new partnership with The Hotel…
A Little Piece of Australia in the Heart of Singapore
As the flagship hotel of Australia’s StayWell Hospitality Group in Southeast Asia, the newly refurbished Park Regis Singapore is strategically positioned in the heart of the central business…
Bali airport reopens, but Australian flights remain grounded
Bali's Ngurah Rain International Airport reopened on Thursday afternoon, after two days flights cancellations left the holiday plans of thousands of tourists in tatters.
The eruption…
Beijing Capital Airlines targets UK, Australia
Beijing Capital Airlines, the Chinese airline that recently entered the long-haul market, is planning to launch its first flights to the UK and Australia.
According to a statement on…
Etihad-Virgin Australia tie-up approved for five more years
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) has given its approval for the partnership between Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia to continue for a further five years.…
Naumi makes Australian debut with Rendezvous Sydney acquisition
Naumi Hospitality has launched its first hotel in Australia, located in the centre of Sydney.
The Singapore-based company has acquired the Rendezvous Hotel Sydney Central in an AU$38…
P&O’s new Australian ships named via Twitter
In a cruise industry and social media first, P&O's two new Australian ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, will be officially named via Twitter.
The cruise line announced this…
Malindo Air to launch Australian flights
Malaysia's Malindo Air has unveiled plans to launch its first flights to Australia.
The Kuala Lumpur-based carrier will commence services to Perth on 19 November 2015, initially…
Mantra secures new hotel in Australian capital
Mantra Group has secured the lease of a new hotel in Australia's capital city, Canberra.
Scheduled to open in late 2016, Mantra Canberra Hotel will mark a conversion of an existing…
Norwegian Cruise Line opens Australian office
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has celebrated the opening of its first office the Pacific region.
The new sales and marketing centre is located in Sydney, and forms part of the company's…
Virgin Australia deploys Amadeus flight management tools
Virgin Australia has adopted Amadeus' automated flight management solution.
The airline will now deploy the Amadeus Altéa Departure Control Flight Management tool, in a move that…
Jetstar launches first route between China and Australia
Jetstar has commenced its first direct flight between mainland China and Australia.
The low-cost carrier's inaugural Wuhan-Gold Coast service landed at Coolangatta Airport in…
Australia’s Helloworld acquires 10 NZ travel stores
Australia's Helloworld (HLO) has agreed terms to acquire up to 10 retail travel stores from Air New Zealand.
The move comes ahead of the launch of the Helloworld brand in New Zealand…
Mantra signs Australia’s largest apartment hotel
Mantra Group has started operating Australia's largest apartment hotel, located in Surfers Paradise.
The company has taken over the running of the Towers of Chevron Renaissance, which…
Australia prepares for biggest cruise season
Rising demand for cruise holidays in Australia has fuelled the country’s biggest ever summer cruise season, with a record flotilla of cruise ships scheduled to sail Down Under over the…
Tourism Australia forms global partnership with Visa
Tourism Australia and Visa have entered into a three-year global partnership.
The tie-up will combine Visa's "Not a Tourist" campaign with the "There's Nothing Like Australia"…
Australia looms as top winter destination for holidaying Brits
Australia is looming as the most popular long-haul destination for holidaying Brits this winter.
According to new data released by Asda Money, August saw a 102% increase in the…
Safir Tours launches new Australian itineraries
Safir Tours launches new Australian itineraries
Safir Tour has unveiled a new tour for Indian travellers wanting to explore many of Australia's key destinations.
The 'Chalo…
Australia’s Echo deploys IDeaS revenue tools
Echo Entertainment Group, the Australian integrated resort operator, has selected IDeaS Revenue Solutions to boost its operations.
Under the partnership, the entire Echo portfolio…
Park Hotel Group to debut in Australia
Singapore's Park Hotel Group has signed a management agreement for its first ever hotel in Australia.
The company will operate the Park Hotel Adelaide, which is scheduled to open in…
Etihad Airways supports Australian Arab Film festival
In a bid to enhance its presence in the Australian market, Etihad Airways recently sponsored the 12th Arab Film festival.
The festival opened its 2015 program in Sydney with a…
Tourism Australia pens luxury partnership with Virtuoso
Tourism Australia has formed a partnership with Virtuoso, the luxury travel network, in an effort to develop the country as a destination for high-end travellers.
The deal, which was…
Xiamen Airlines to launch first flights to Australia
Following the recent launch of its first ever long-haul flights to Amsterdam, China's Xiamen Airlines has confirmed that it will make its Australian debut in Sydney later this year.…
Virgin Australia cuts Phuket, Tigerair flies to Bali
Virgin Australia will cease operating its Perth-Phuket route and will transfer three of its Bali routes to Tigerair as part of a major revision of its short-haul international network.…
Virgin Australia improves GDS displays with Travelport
Virgin Australia has moved to improve the way its products are displayed to travel agents by signing up for Travelport's Rich Content and Branding solution.
The airline has penned a…
Hong Kong Airlines to launch first Australian flights
Hong Kong Airlines will launch its first ever flights to Australia next year.
The carrier, which is a subsidiary of China's HNA Group, will commence flights to two Australian…
Abu Dhabi to kick-off four-city Australia road show
In a recent development, Abu Dhabi tourism will soon be embarking on a four-destination roadshow in Australia.
The initiative is in a bid to increase awareness about the emirate’s…
Cricket World Cup drives record number of Indians to Australia
Indian visitor arrivals to Australia surged 42% in the first quarter of 2015, as thousands descended on the country for the Cricket World Cup.
According to the latest data from the…
Tourism Australia teams up with Expedia
Tourism Australia has signed a new three-year partnership with Expedia, aimed at developing marketing campaigns and content to increase international travel to Australia.
The new…
Hyatt Place to launch in Australia with major MICE venue
Hyatt has unveiled plans for a major new development in Australia.
The company is creating the country's first Hyatt Place hotel at Essendon Airport in Victoria, which will be…
China Southern ramps up Australian routes
China Southern Airlines will enhance its Australian operations in the coming months, with the addition of more flights to Perth and Melbourne.
Last week, the Chinese airline added an…
Australian arrivals continue to climb
Visitor arrivals to Australia experienced strong growth in the year ending May 2015, a new report has revealed.
The figures, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS),…
Australia’s Reho Travel acquires NGT
Reho Travel, the Melbourne-based travel management company, has expanded with the acquisition of NGT Travel.
The deal will see the Reho team expanded to 36 staff, with the majority of…
Wyndham adds eco-resort in Western Australia
Wyndham Hotel Group has signed a franchise agreement for a Ramada-branded eco-resort in Western Australia.
The 55-room Ramada Resort Eco Beach Broome is an environmentally-friendly…
Cricket World Cup generated US$250m for Australian tourism
The recent ICC Cricket World Cup brought 100,000 international visitors to Australia and generated almost US$250 million in receipts, a new report has revealed.
The…
Tourism Australia seals trio of deals in China
Tourism Australia made significant headway with its China strategy this week, with the signing of three significant marketing deals in the country.
The tourism board has formed new…
Flight Centre winners jet off to Australia
Flight Centre, in conjunction with Destination NSW and Qantas, recently staged an exclusive ‘Suitcase Party’ at the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, which offered the 100 VIP guests in…
Australia exceeds one million cruise passengers
Australia's cruise industry has reached a new milestone, as new figures revealed that more than one million Australians took a cruise holiday in 2014.
One of the world's…
Tourism Australia pens marketing deal with Cathay Pacific
Tourism Australia has signed a new marketing partnership with Cathay Pacific.
The deal, which was announced at the Corroboree Greater China event in Queensland, will see the two…
Selling Australia’s Gold Coast
Australia's Gold Coast has long proven a popular destination with visiting Brits. Here, Michael Thurston outlines the region's key selling points for UK agents.
TDUK: How is the Gold…
Royal Caribbean revamps newest Australian ship
Royal Caribbean's newest Australia-based ship, Explorer of the Seas, has emerged from a multi-million-dollar, six-week renovation.
The project, which Royal Caribbean said was once of the…
Scoot deploys Dreamliners on all Australian routes
Scoot has confirmed that from 1 May 2015, all of its Australian routes will be operated by its new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The Singapore-based airline’s third B787 will be…
P&O unveils features of new Australian ships
With six months to go until Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden join P&O Cruises' Australian fleet, the company has revealed more of the ships’ interior features.
The new offerings were…
Cebu Pacific wants more Australian flights
Cebu Pacific has said it is "keen" to expand its operations in Australia.
The Philippine low-cost carrier launched its Manila-Sydney route in September 2014, initially offering four…
Call for passport-free Australia-NZ travel
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) of New Zealand has pledged its support for passport-free travel between Australia and New Zealand.
Responding to a call by New Zealand's…
Minor brings Avani to Australia
Minor Hotel Group will launch its Avani brand in Australia, with the addition of two new properties in Perth.
The Bangkok-based hotel group revealed on Monday that it has been…
Frasers brings Capri brand to Australia
Frasers Hospitality has unveiled its first ever Capri-branded serviced residence in Australia.
The new Capri by Fraser Brisbane offers 239 units and a range of high-tech services,…
Princess cruises around South America as part of Australian season
Australian cruisers will be offered the chance to circumnavigate South America, following the launch of Princess Cruises' latest itineraries.
Commencing in 2017, the cruise line will…
Vail Resorts moves into Australia
Vail Resorts, the US-based ski resort operator, has acquired its first international mountain resort; Perisher Ski Resort in New South Wales.
The deal, which is worth AU$176.6 million…
Enterprise car rental moves into Australia and NZ
Enterprise Holdings, which operates the National, Alamo and Enterprise car rental brands, is moving into Australia and New Zealand.
The US-based company has appointed Australian car…
Australian cinema group plans Asian theme parks
Australian cinema chain, Village Roadshow, has revealed plans to invest in theme parks in across Asia.
The company said in a statement that it has agreed to form a joint venture with…
Australian Trade Commission on MENA tour
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is seeking to promote ties with the MENA region by hosting a series of events from 12-19 April.
Australia Unlimited MENA 2015 will showcase…
Mantra acquires Outrigger Australia
Mantra Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Australia.
The deal, which is worth AU$29.5 million (US$22.7m), will see Mantra take ownership of four…
Inmarsat trials new aircraft tracking system in Australia
The Australian aviation industry has teamed up with Inmarsat to trial a new system for tracking commercial aircraft.
The move follows a resolution passed by the International Civil…
Virgin Australia flies business class to NZ
Virgin Australia has started offering business class seats on flights to New Zealand.
The new cabin was unveiled on 28 February 2015 on the airline's Sydney-Auckland route. All other…
Whale shark tourism boom expected in Western Australia
Whale sharks have been sighted off Western Australia's mid-north coast, marking the start of what is expected to be a bumper season for tourism operators offering trips to see the…
Accor expands Australia’s Sebel brand
Accor has expanded its Australian brand, The Sebel, with the launch of two new properties.
The first new addition, The Sebel South Brisbane at 50 Water Street, opened its doors last…
Rail travel helps track Australia tourism growth
Rail travel and escorted holidays are some of the growing holiday types to Australia for British tourists, according to specialist Austravel.
The operator has seen train travel…
P&O plans triple deployment for Australia Day
P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of three cruise ships will spend Australia Day berthed in Sydney, offering around 6,000 guests a front row seat to the celebrations.
Pacific Dawn will be…
P&O ships tennis fans to Australian Open
A shipload of tennis fans set sail for Melbourne on Monday, to watch the Australian Open.
A total of 1,800 cruise passengers were onboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl liner when it…
Scoot adds eight Australian cities with Virgin
Scoot's Australian expansion has gathered pace following the signing of a codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia.
Recently, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier announced plans…
Virgin Australia brings business class to NZ, South Pacific
Virgin Australia will start offering business class onboard its flights to New Zealand and the South Pacific next year.
The airline's Sydney-Auckland route will be the first to…
Australia’s CTM completes major acquisitions
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of two TMCs in Europe and the US.
The Australian company has taken control of UK-based…
Accor adds two more Australian hotels
Accor has continued to expand its network of hotels in Australia, with the launch of new properties in New South Wales and Victoria.
Effective 1 December 2014, the former Four Points…
Ovolo opens Australian headquarters
Hong Kong's Ovolo Hotels has established a new international headquarters in Australia.
The new Melbourne office forms part of a major Australian expansion effort for the company, which…
SIA, Virgin Australia to convert FFP points
Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines have launched a new frequent flyer initiative, enabling members of the two airlines' FFPs to convert their miles.
Members of Virgin's Velocity…
Australia unveils 1km-long “rollercoaster zip line”
Visitors to Australia will now be able to partake in another unique adventure activity - a one-kilometre-long spiralling zip line.
Called the 'TreeTop Crazy Rider', the zip line will…
Australia, China team up to drive tourism
Australia and China have penned a series of bilateral deals aimed at driving trade and tourism.
During the recent visit of China's President Xi Jinping to Australia, the two countries…
Tourism Australia boosts partnership with Etihad
Tourism Australia has expanded its marketing partnership with Etihad Airways.
Under the new arrangement, the two parties will increase their joint spending in 2014-15 for what is…
SIA expands ties with Tourism Australia
Singapore Airlines has penned a new three-year marketing deal with Tourism Australia, worth AU$12 million (US$10.3m).
The agreement will see the two parties jointly fund a range of…
New online travel recruitment site launches in Australia
A new online community and recruitment site for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry has been officially launched in Australia.
JITO (Jobs in Travel Online) was created by…
One&Only to take over Emirates’ Australian resort
Kerzner International has confirmed plans to operate a second luxury One&Only resort in Australia.
Following the launch of the One&Only Hayman Island in the Queensland earlier…
Virgin, Tourism Australia expand partnership
Tourism Australia and Virgin Australia have announced plans to increase the value of their three-year marketing partnership to AU$20 million (US$17.5m).
The deal will see the two parties…
Australian trials for aviation’s new ‘Smart Security’ system
Australia will be the test ground for the aviation industry's new 'Smart Security' system, which is designed to make passenger screening more efficient.
Qantas and Melbourne Airport…
Ascott invests in Australia
Singapore-based serviced apartment operator Ascott has made a major move into the Australian market.
The company, which is owned by real estate giant CapitaLand, has entered into a…
Dusit signs first Australian resort
Dusit International has announced a move into Australia.
The Thailand-based hospitality group will open a resort overlooking the Brookwater Golf Course in Queensland.
Named Dusit…
Virgin Australia expands international links
Virgin Australia has expanded its network of international connections, following the launch of new codeshare routes.
An expanded codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines will see the…
Virgin Australia unveils new business class
Virgin Australia has unveiled a major redesign of the business class cabins onboard its twin-aisle fleet of aircraft.
The redesign involves the introduction of "suite-style" seating…
Indian tourism to Australia surges in 2014
The number of Indian visitors to Australia grew strongly in the first half of 2014.
According to the latest data from Tourism Australia, released this week, India contributed 99,500…
Tourism Australia prepares London pop-up restaurant
Tourism Australia is preparing the opening of its pop-up restaurant in London next week as part of a new food and wine-themed campaign.
Restaurant Australia will be hosted within…
Australia’s Fat Duck to open in February
Heston Blumenthal will open the Australian edition of his famous 'Fat Duck' restaurant in Melbourne on 3 February 2015, it has been revealed.
The three Michelin-starred restaurant,…
SriLankan Airlines codeshares to Australia with Qantas
SriLankan Airlines has penned a codeshare agreement with its new oneworld alliance partner, Qantas.
From 26 October 2014, Qantas will place its 'QF' code on SriLankan's daily…
Tourism Australia launches F&B campaign
This month will see the international roll-out of Tourism Australia's 'Restaurant Australia' campaign.
This new promotional drive will aim to draw more visitors from 17 key source…
Tigerair Australia clamps down on hand laggage
Tigerair Australia has tightened up its carry-on baggage rules.
The new measures, which come into effect on 18 September 2014, will see airport staff strictly enforce Tigerair’s…
《Restaurant Australia》美食美酒之旅到港推介
近日，由澳大利亚旅游局主办、OpenRice协办的《Restaurant Australia》传媒推介会在香港举行，来自澳大利亚七大省份的旅游局代表，以及多位获选的香港星级旅游食家出席了《Restaurant Australia》在大中华区的首个
推广活动，并希望借种种惊喜美酒佳肴，让澳大利亚成为旅客心目中的全球最佳美食天堂之一。
据了解，《Restaurant…
Cebu Pacific enters Australia with Sydney service
Cebu Pacific Air has launched its first ever flights to Australia. The Philippine low-cost carrier touched down in Sydney for the first time on 9 September 2014, marking the start of a new…
Diversity Travel opens Australian base
Travel management company Diversity Travel has opened a base in Australia to provide more hours of support to its clients.
The firm, which specialises in the charity, academic and…
Australia on course for record cruise season
Australia is set to witness another record cruise season this summer, with more than 600 ship visits scheduled for ports around the country over the coming months.
According to…
Virgin Australia shifts LAX flights
Virgin Australia will make changes to its Los Angeles routes later this year, with more Brisbane flights taking the place of the Melbourne services, which will be suspended.
Effective…
Indian tourists flock to Australia in record numbers
Growth in tourist arrivals from India to Australia reached a seven-year high in May, rising 39% y-o-y.
Figures released by Tourism Australia show that 21,700 visitors from India…
Etihad continues Australian push with Perth launch
Etihad Airways has commenced a new route to Perth, as it continues to expand its operations in Australia.
Earlier this month the Abu Dhabi-based carrier announced plans to fly direct…
Hong Kong’s Ovolo moves into Australia
Hong Kong's Ovolo Hotels has unveiled plans to enter Australia for the first time.
The company, which currently operates seven hotels and serviced residences in Hong Kong, has now…
Australia targets high-end Chinese with new trade strategy
Tourism Australia is embarking upon a new distribution strategy in China, aimed at building a network of high-end, specialist travel agents.
Under the plan, Tourism Australia will work…
One&Only enters Australia with Hayman Island resort
Kerzer International has opened its first luxury One&Only hotel in Australia.
The One&Only Hayman Island welcomed its first guests today following an US$80 million refurbishment…
Best Western adds new hotel in Western Australia
Best Western has added a new upscale hotel in Western Australia.
The Best Western Plus Kalbarri Edge Resort offers a new accommodation option for tourists travelling from Perth to…
Virgin Australia helps preserve Tasmania
Virgin Australia has formed a new partnership with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, to help preserve the environment in Australia’s island state.
Effective immediately, all Virgin…
Fiji Airways expands with new Australia and NZ flights
Fiji Airways has embarked on a major increase in capacity across a series of key routes.
The recent arrival of a new ATR72-600 aircraft for regional carrier Fiji Link has freed up…
Accor brings new Mercure lobby concept to Australia
Accor has commenced the roll-out of a new lobby concept in Australia.
The new-look reception space was first unveiled in London last year, and this month the new lobby made its…
Australia upgrades visa centres in India
Australia and visa processing company VFS Global have opened three new visa application centres in India, and upgraded a further nine.
At present, travellers from India and Nepal to…
Peppers arrives in Australian capital
Mantra Group is launching its first luxury Peppers hotel in the Australian capital, Canberra.
Set to open next month, following the rebranding of the existing Diamant Hotel in the…
Accor expands Pullman portfolio in Australia
Accor has rebranded an upscale resort in New South Wales to continue the growth of its Pullman brand in Australia.
The Quay West Resort Magenta Shores, which is located between…
One&Only prepares for Australia debut
Luxury resort operator One&Only will unveil its first ever resort in Australia on 1 July 2014.
The One&Only Hayman Island is currently completing a multi-million-dollar…
Australia’s mallee trees “viable” for biofuel
Mallee trees, which are native to Australia, have been found to offer a viable source of aviation biofuel.
A two-year study commissioned by Airbus, in partnership with Virgin…
P&O commits two more ships to Australia
P&O Cruises will add two more ships to its Australian fleet next year, giving it the largest number of cruise ships ever homeported year-round in the country.
The company's Australian…
New joint UK-Australia visa centre opens in Bangkok
VFS Global has launched a new joint UK and Australia Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bangkok.
The company, which is responsible for handling applications for UK and Australia visas…
Virgin, Tourism Australia boost marketing partnership
Virgin Australia and Tourism Australia have committed to a major expansion of their marketing partnership, which is aimed at boosting inbound tourism to Australia.
Under the new…
Australia eyes 300,000 Indian visitors by 2020
Tourism Australia is targeting 300,000 to the destination Indian visitors by 2020.
Under the ‘India 2020 Strategic Plan’, the tourism board has identified the main opportunities and…
Passenger arrested in Virgin Australia hijack scare
A drunken passenger has been arrested following a hijacking scare onboard a Virgin Australia flight to Bali.
The aircraft was en route from Brisbane to Bali when the man tried to…
Princess Cruises plans biggest Australia season
Princess Cruises will base five ships in Australia next year, marking the company's biggest ever seasonal commitment to the country.
For its 2015-16 summer season, the company’s…
Royal Caribbean boosts Australian fleet
Royal Caribbean will boost its presence in Australia and New Zealand during the 2015-16 season, with the deployment of its Explorer of the Seas cruise ship to the region.
The…
Australian pinger detector picks up signal
The Australian ship towing a 'pinger locator' has picked up signals "consistent with those emitted by aircraft black boxes", it has been revealed.
In a media briefing on Monday, Angus…
NZ offers tax breaks for Australian MICE planners
Tourism New Zealand has announced a new scheme designed to entice more Australian business events to the country.
Under the plan, Australian companies are now able to claim back the…
Tourism to Australia gets a boost with EK-Qantas partnership
Inbound tourism to Australia has witnessed a boost, post an evaluation of the Emirates-Qantas partnership. On the start of the one year anniversary, Qantas positive inbound tourism data…
Starwood to launch Aloft brand in Australia
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has confirmed plans to launch its Aloft brand in Australia.
Set to debut in late 2016, the Aloft Perth Rivervale will become the contemporary brand's…
Ritz-Carlton to return to Australia
Ritz-Carlton will return to Australia in 2018, following a 15-year absence.
The luxury hotel group, which forms part of Marriott International, has penned an agreement with the Far East…
Possible MH370 debris spotted near Australia
Two objects have been spotted floating in the waters southwest of Perth, which could be related to the Malaysia Airlines aircraft.
Investigators from Australia, New Zealand and the US…
Australia hunts MH370 as search shifts south
Australia is now leading the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet, after the focus of the investigation appeared to shift south yesterday.
Based on satellite signals, Malaysian…
Tigerair expands in Australia with new Brisbane base
Tigerair has continued its rapid expansion in Australia with the opening of a new base at Brisbane Airport.
The Queensland hub becomes Tigerair's third Australian base following Melbourne…
Australia attracts Indian television audience
Australia will showcase Melbourne as a honeymoon destination through primetime television show in India.
Tourism Australia (TA) along with Tourism Victoria (TVIC) and Malaysia…
Virgin Australia opens new Melbourne lounge
Virgin Australia has unveiled its revamped lounge at Melbourne Airport.
The old lounge has undergone a six-month renovation project, which saw the facility double in size to become…
Accor unveil new look for Australian ibis hotels
Accor has unveiled a new interior design at three of its ibis Budget hotels in Australia, following the rebranding of all Formule 1 properties to the new brand.
The AU$3.2 million…
Australia gets Bollywood boost
Australia will receive a major boost from the Bollywood industry.
Tourism Australia (TA) in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has collaborated with Pritish Nandy…
United’s Dreamliner to fly to Australia
United Airlines will deploy its newest aircraft on trans-Pacific services to Australia later this year.
Commencing on 26 October 2014, the US carrier will start operating its brand…
Tourism Australia launches online events calendar
Tourism Australia has launched a new online calendar to help the industry plan their participation at tourism events.
The new 'Tourism Industry Events Calendar' is housed on Tourism…
Accor takes control of Australia’s Crocodile Hotel
Accor has been appointed to manage the famed Crocodile Hotel in Australia’s Kakadu National Park.
Effective 1 April 2014, Accor will take the reins of the hotels from IHG, plus its…
Qantas brings Modern Family to Australia
Qantas has flown the cast of the US comedy series 'Modern Family' to Australia, to film a special episode Down Under.
An Airbus A380 aircraft, renamed the 'Modern Family Flyer' for…
Tourism Australia launches new campaign in India
Tourism Australia has launched an intensive integrated advertising campaign in India.
Using the successful and established platform of ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’, the campaign…
Indian visitors to Australia rise in November 2013
Tourism Australia has seen a significant increase in Indian arrivals to the destination in November 2013.
Australia welcomed 16,300 Indian visitors in November 2013, an increase of…
Virgin Australia spreads wings with codeshares
Virgin Australia has expanded its international network through a series of new codeshare agreements.
The airline has now started placing its 'VA' code on Delta Air Lines' flights…
SIA introduces special fares to Australia
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced the launch of special all-inclusive fares to Australia.
The airline is offering return economy class fares starting from US$ 941 (INR58,000) per…
Mantra unveils two more Australian hotels
Mantra Group is continuing to expand in Australia with plans for two new properties in Queensland.
The hotelier, which currently operates more than 115 properties, will rebrand a…
Virgin Australia welcomes Adelaide cabin crew
The first batch of new flight attendants has graduated at Virgin Australia’s new cabin crew base in Adelaide.
The 24 new employees spent the past seven weeks undergoing training in…
Australian Government recognises Emirates’ border security effots
Emirates Group Security recently received recognition from the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection in cooperation and assistance of border enforcement.
The…
Qantas to bring Modern Family to Australia
Qantas has secured a deal that will see the US comedy series Modern Family filmed in Australia.
A partnership with Twentieth Century Fox will see Qantas fly the show's cast and crew…
Travelport pens major deal in Australia
Travelport has signed a major new agreement with Australia's Pinpoint Travel Group.
The Sydney-based company, which specialises in travel rewards and redemption programmes, as well as…
MSC Cruises to debut in Australia
MSC Cruises has revealed plans to bring one of its liners to Australia for the first time.
The 2,550-passenger MSC Orchestra cruise ship will sail from Dubai to Australia in 2015, via…
Seabourn returns to Australia
The Seabourn Odyssey luxury cruise liner has arrived in Australia to start its summer season.
The 450-passenger ship made it first Australian call in Darwin today (12 December 2013),…
Accor expands Sebel brand in Western Australia
Accor has announced that its two Vacation Club apartments in Western Australia, The Vines Resort & Country Club and the Busselton Apartments, have been rebadged under the Sebel…
New player enters Australian hotel scene
A new hotel company will make its debut in Australia next year.
Alpha Hotels & Resorts will start rolling out a range of upper-midscale hotels across the country from 2014,…
Indian arrivals to Australia up 26%
The number of Indian arrivals to Australia increased 26% in September 2013, primarily driven by leisure arrivals registering 31% growth. For the year ending September 2013, tourist arrivals…
Etihad looks to boost relations with Australia
Etihad Airways in an effort to boost relations with Australia has inked a platinum sponsor of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI). This partnership has been…
Qantas and Tourism Western Australia launch campaign
Qantas and Tourism Western Australia have launched a new marketing campaign promoting services to Perth and the Qantas Walkabout Pass.
Destinations to be focused in the campaign…
TrawellTag India ties up with Australia’s Cover-More
TrawellTag India has announced its partnership with Cover-More, a travel insurance and medical assistance provider in
Australia.
The new re-branded entity ‘TrawellTag Cover-More’…
Tune Hotels debuts in Australia
Tune Hotels has opened its first budget hotel in Australia - the Tune Hotel Melbourne.
The 225-room property was officially launched today (8 November 2013) in a ceremony attended by…
Virgin Australia adds Bali flights
Virgin Australia is adding six more weekly flights to Bali.
From 19 December 2013, the airline will add an extra weekly service from Brisbane, two extra flights from Sydney and three…
Virgin Australia expands Indonesian codeshare
Virgin Australia has added a further five destinations in Indonesia following the expansion of its codeshare agreement with SilkAir.
The arrangement will enable Virgin Australia to…
Australia embarks on foodie campaign
Food and wine will be used to promote tourism in Australia as part of its ‘There’s nothing like Australia’ campaign.
With food and drink now a major factor when considering where to…
Australian arrivals climb 5%
International visitor arrivals to Australia reached 6.3 million in the full-year 2012-13 - up 4.9% compared to the previous 12-month period.
According to the latest data from Tourism…
Tourism Australia concludes training programme in India
Tourism Australia has recently concluded its six-city training programme for front line staff of travel agencies in New
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
The…
Carnival to launch Australian winter cruise season
Carnival Australia’s international cruise season begins in Sydney on Sunday (20 October 2013), with the arrival of Holland America Line's ms Volendam - one of 20 Carnival ships scheduled…
Andrew McEvoy to leave Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia's managing director, Andrew McEvoy, has resigned and will leave the organisation at the end of the year.
McEvoy, who has headed-up the national tourism board for the…
Etihad ups stake in Virgin Australia
Etihad Airways has increased its equity stake in Virgin Australia to 19.9%.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier confirmed that it made a series of share purchases over recent weeks, and now…
Virgin Australia sponsors Dreamtime event
Virgin Australia has become the platinum sponsor and first airline partner for Tourism Australia's business events show, Dreamtime 2013.
In this capacity, Virgin Australia will…
Jetstar welcomes Australia’s first Dreamliner
Jetstar has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 aircraft - the first ever Dreamliner to be operated by an Australian airline.
The new fuel-efficient aircraft took off from Boeing's…
Tune’s Australian launch brought forward
Tune Hotels has announced that its first property in Australia will open ahead of schedule on 21 October 2013.
The new Tune Hotel Melbourne was originally due to launch on 1 November,…
Virgin Australia to set up Adelaide crew base
Virgin Australia will set up a new cabin crew base in Adelaide.
The airline currently has approximately 180 employees based in South Australia, working at Adelaide airport in customer…
Best Western opens on Australia’s Pacific Highway
A new Best Western hotel has opened its doors on the Pacific Highway, which stretches along Australia's east coast between Sydney and Brisbane.
The Best Western Ballina Island Motor…
Hertz Australia expands short-term rentals
Hertz is expanding its short-term rental options in Australia.
Following the launch of its Hertz 24/7 hourly car rental scheme in Sydney in November 2012, the company is now bringing…
Tourism Australia ties up with STA Travel
Tourism Australia has signed a major new partnership with student travel company, STA Travel.
The AU$9 million (US$8.4m) three-year deal is aimed at promoting youth travel Down Under,…