Bhaya Cruises extends Ha Long Bay wellness sailings into 2026

Bhaya Cruises has extended its Bhaya Soul “Soul Sanctuary” wellness cruises in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay through to March 2026, following the launch of the program late last year.

The 2026 series will operate from January to March aboard Bhaya Soul, combining short wellness-focused sailings with cultural activities linked to Vietnamese artistic traditions. The cruises take place in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.

The top holiday hotspots where Aussies spent up big and businesses benefited

· Lorne (VIC), Lakes Entrance (VIC), St Helens (TAS), Swansea (TAS) and Jervis Bay (NSW) among beach towns that saw the biggest overall summer spending boost

· Two-week spending spike contributed an additional $84m to local economies, with restaurants, retail and accommodations among the biggest winners

· Hotspot and industry breakdowns and NSW case study below

Summer-loving Aussies are fuelling a boon for local businesses, with an 80% spending surge in key tourism hotspots.

Intrepid Travel Completes Purchase of Wild Bush Luxury Business from Experience Co

Intrepid Travel has acquired the Wild Bush Luxury business from Experience Co, bringing a range of guided walking tours and premium accommodation experiences under its ownership. The transaction was announced in December 2025 and is expected to be finalised by February 2026.

AUSSIE BEACHES UNITE: Iconic Shoreline Gathering Place Reaffirms Values of Kindness and Community

In a powerful display of resilience and defiance, the Australian National Maritime Museum's signature summer program, 'The Beach', has opened its doors, inviting Australians to reconnect with the nation's cherished coastal traditions and reaffirm the values of kindness, care, and community.

CHRISTMAS ABROAD: Aussies Flock to International Escapes

As the festive season looms, Australians are ditching traditional celebrations for overseas adventures. Popular destinations include Seoul's winter wonderland, Thailand's tropical beaches, and Tokyo's glittering cityscapes. Scoot Airlines is making it easy and affordable to escape, with bookings surging for late December and January. Here are the top destinations for Aussies seeking an alternative Christmas getaway, based on Scoot's latest data.

A&K Announce Five New Crystal Cruises for 2027

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has announced the first five itineraries for its 2027 collection of A&K x Crystal Cruises voyages. This expansion follows the success of the partnership's inaugural sailing in August 2026, which sold out quickly. The 2027 collection features A&K's signature enrichment programming, exclusive access, and expert-led experiences aboard Crystal's luxury fleet.

Tropical North Queensland Sees Record Tourism Growth

Tropical North Queensland has emerged as the top-performing region in Queensland, achieving record international visitor spend and visitation. In the year to September 2025, international visitor numbers grew by 14.6% to 595,000, driving a record spend of $1.1 billion, an 18.5% increase.