AVG Travels faces customer backlash over cancelled tours [updated]

UPDATE: Melbourne-based travel package business AVG Travels has entered liquidation

Melbourne-based tour company AVG Travels is facing growing pressure from customers after a series of overseas tours were cancelled, rescheduled or placed “under review” shortly before departure, the ABC reported.

Japan’s regional cities draw travellers beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Australian travellers looking beyond Japan’s major tourism centres are being encouraged to consider regional cities including Nagano, Sendai, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kanazawa, as demand grows for culture, food, nature and seasonal travel experiences outside Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

Nagano, in the Japanese Alps northwest of Tokyo, remains one of the country’s best-known mountain destinations. Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, the city and surrounding prefecture attract visitors throughout the year, from winter sports travellers to those seeking alpine scenery, hot spring towns and cultural landmarks. Key attractions include Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its bathing snow monkeys, and traditional onsen towns such as Shibu Onsen. Flights from Australia to Tokyo are available through Omio, with onward rail fares to Nagano starting from A$86.

Uganda manages imported Ebola cases linked to DRC outbreak

Official health sources say Uganda’s Ebola cases are linked to cross-border movement from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with contact tracing and surveillance under way and no pandemic emergency declared.

KAMPALA: Ugandan health authorities have moved to contain Ebola cases linked to an outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, with official sources describing the initial Ugandan case as imported rather than evidence of widespread local transmission.

Victoria’s Heartland promotes winter events, new openings and regional stays

Victoria’s Heartland has released its winter tourism program, highlighting new openings, regional festivals, food events and accommodation offers across Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Castlemaine, Maryborough and the Macedon Ranges.

WA builds events and aviation pipeline with SailGP return, Rugby World Cup ticket push and new Christchurch flights

Western Australia will host the Australia Sail Grand Prix in Perth in February 2027 as the only Australian stop on the global SailGP calendar, Tourism WA said, marking the return of a high-profile event that drew more than 12,000 spectators to Fremantle/Walyalup this year.

Brand USA launches campaign to reassure foreign travellers

Brand USA, the United States’ national tourism marketing organisation, has launched a new campaign aimed at giving international travellers clearer information on entry procedures, visa questions and other issues affecting confidence in travel to the country, AFAR reported.

Accor to open new-build Sebel hotel in Parramatta in August 2026

Accor will open The Sebel Sydney Parramatta in August 2026, adding a 51-suite extended-stay hotel to its Western Sydney portfolio.