JW Marriott names Aishwarya Rai Bachchan global brand ambassador

Luxury hotel brand JW Marriott has appointed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as its global brand ambassador, expanding its marketing efforts in key international markets and highlighting the growing importance of Indian travellers to the hospitality sector.  

Australian demand shifts toward Norway summer travel, operator says

Australian travellers are increasingly choosing to visit Norway during the northern summer rather than focusing solely on winter experiences, according to Nordic travel specialist 50 Degrees North.

Sherpa Hospitality Group targets growing demand for experience-led travel in Nepal

Nepal-based hospitality operator Sherpa Hospitality Group says it is responding to growing demand for travel experiences centred on culture, wellness and local engagement, as travellers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional adventure tourism.

Dusit expands Well-Fest wellness programme for June 2026

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will expand its Well-Fest programme in June 2026, with participating properties across Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Guam, the Philippines, the Maldives and other destinations offering wellness-focused guest experiences.

The month-long programme, now in its fifth year, will run from June 1 to 30 under the theme “Reset | Reconnect | Reignite”. It is inspired by Global Wellness Day and is intended to respond to rising demand for travel experiences linked to rest, mindfulness, sleep, movement, healthier dining and social connection.

Dusit said the programme would include sunrise yoga, mindful movement, sound healing, wellness dining, sleep rituals, ice baths, floating sound therapy, family wellness workshops and moonlight storytelling. Activities will vary by property and destination, with some hotels offering a Well-Fest Pass for priority access to selected workshops and experiences.

Adina opens 148-key apartment hotel in Brisbane’s Chermside

TFE Hotels has opened Adina Chermside Brisbane, a 148-key apartment hotel in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, expanding the Adina brand into one of the city’s fastest-growing lifestyle and health precincts.

The hotel is located in central Chermside, close to Westfield Chermside, major hospitals, Brisbane Airport, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall and the city centre. The location is expected to appeal to business travellers, leisure guests, families, extended-stay visitors and people travelling to the area for medical appointments or hospital-related visits.

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.