Ambassador Cruise Launches New Day Cruise in Halong Bay

Ambassador Cruise has launched a luxurious new day cruise that makes the most of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay's limestone karst-studded waters and key attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island.

Park your car (almost) for free at Moxy Sydney Airport

Sick of ridiculous Sydney Airport fees and hate the cost of Uber/taxi to and from the airport?

The world’s first cliff park, Australia’s two highest ziplines and more

Sol Elements Bathhouse opening in the Scenic Rim in Autumn 2025

The world's first cliff park, Australia's two highest ziplines, a new boutique hotel that redefines cool, off-grid luxe, quiet stays and historic pub re-openings.

Australians embrace Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as travel surges in 2024

Australians continue to travel in record numbers, with the latest data revealing Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as the top-growth destinations.

All Aboard for the Ultimate New Zealand Rail Journey

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Cruise Express Launches New 13-day Heritage Steam Train Trip Across North Island

With the trend of train travel continuing to gather pace, Cruise Express has created an exciting new rail journey through New Zealand’s North Island.

Why are we are choosing experiences over possessions this festive season?

Nick Baker, CEO of Reflections Holidays, reveals the shift of Aussies toward experiences over material gifts this festive season, reflecting a desire to see more of our own backyard and pooling family and friendship gift-giving budgets.

Viking Takes Delivery of Newest Ocean Ship

The New Viking Vela Joins Award-Winning Fleet of Sister Ships

Viking® (www.viking.com) has announced it has taken delivery of the company's newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela®. The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was presented at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vela has 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The Viking Vela joins the company's growing fleet of award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.

Ocean Cruising delights with Viking

OCEAN - Iconic Western Mediterranean

Explore France’s Riviera and Tuscany with Viking’s 8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean Voyage from Barcelona to Rome or vice versa. Pricing starts from $6,995 pp in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom with savings of $1,600 per couple if booked before 18 December 2024. Past Viking guests are eligible for additional savings of $400 per couple.

Air Asia resumes Sydney to Bangkok flights

Medium haul airline Thai AirAsia X has resumed its direct flight services to and from Sydney, Australia, operating from its main hub in Bangkok at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

The inaugural flight from Bangkok took off yesterday on 1 December 2024, and returned from Sydney to Bangkok today. The Bangkok-Sydney service offers a total of six weekly flights on sale now.

AirAsia sets a global benchmark for Low Cost Carriers at the World Travel Awards 2024

AirAsia named the World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for the 12th consecutive year
and the World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the 8th time

Coral spawning: All hands on deck for the Great Barrier Reef baby boom

Tourism operators and local Reef industry worked through the night during the most remarkable spawning event on the planet, learning cutting-edge coral restoration techniques to help boost healthy coral numbers.

Langham Kuala Lumpur to Enliven the City Skyline in 2027

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Artisan Hospitality, a joint venture led by a subsidiary of Singapore’s Oxley Holdings, announced their planned opening of The Langham Kuala Lumpur in 2027. Part of the Oxley Towers KLCC complex, a premium property development situated in the city’s prestigious central business precinct, the luxury hotel will occupy the upper half of the development and will provide seamless access to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the adjoining parklands, exciting lifestyle and retail malls, and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Formula 1 driver confirmed as guest speaker on special Celestyal voyage

Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster David Coulthard will join Celestyal's 'Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix' cruise, departing November 30, 2024.

 

The seven-night maiden voyage, sailing on the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey, begins with an overnight in Doha (Qatar). This will allow guests to attend the F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand prix 2024 events, including sprint, qualifying and race days. The cruise then sails to Dubai (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) and Abu Dhabi (UAE), before returning to Doha.

 

While onboard, guests will be invited to a speaker event with David Coulthard, who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008, winning 13 Grands Prix across 15 seasons, racing for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. His subsequent TV commentating career has seen him work for the BBC and Channel 4.

 

The voyage, which starts from A$719 per person twin share, marks the start of Celestyal's debut season in the Arabian Gulf. 

Sister ship Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey for her maiden Arabian Gulf season from December 2025. Celestyal Discovery will offer new three and four-night 'Iconic Arabia' sailings from Abu Dhabi, with prices starting from A$449 per person twin share.

For more information visit celestyal.com or call 1800 648 737.

What's New in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

The Quicksilver Group has completed a $1.1 million refit of the 24 metre dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon to offer new citizen science tours where guests can participate in an Eye on the Reef survey and visit three different reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs off Port Douglas. An additional dive tender can take up to 10 experienced divers on drift diving tours or snorkellers on a guided marine interpretation snorkel tour.

Balinese Resort, Tanah Gajah, offers New Sleep Package

Tanah Gajah Launches The Art of Slumber

We curate museums, we curate our music and now one enterprising resort on the Island of the Gods is curating sleep to ensure the sweetest of dreams.

The Tasman Hobart Named in the World's 50 Best Hotels

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, has been named no. 49 in the global ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024.

A Decade Of Fun: Moxy Hotels Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Spirited Expansion In Asia Pacific

The bold and playful brand known for its vibrant social spaces and spirited service, Moxy Hotels, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this September. Since its inception in 2014 with the first Moxy Hotel opening in Milan, Moxy has redefined the hotel experience by challenging the status quo and creating a lighthearted, social atmosphere for modern travelers. Over the past decade, Moxy has become synonymous with fun and innovation in the hospitality industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional hotel stays. From checking in at the bar with a complimentary cocktail to enjoying interactive lobby spaces that transition seamlessly from morning to night, Moxy has always put the guest experience at the forefront. Functional and fun, the brand’s playful design, smart guest rooms, and buzzing social spaces have made it a favorite among travelers who crave a lively and immersive stay.

Planning to ‘revenge travel’? Here’s how to hack your next holiday.

Recent ABS figures show international trips have exceeded pre-pandemic levels as Australians make up for lost time, in a phenomenon called 'revenge travel'. RMIT experts share their top tips to keep costs down while planning your holiday.

Dr Angel Zhong is Associate Professor in Finance, specialising in global financial markets, behaviour and trends.

Vietnam Golf Coast Sets Its Sights on Australia

Sandwiched between jungle-clad hills and the ocean, Laguna Golf Lang Co offers plentiful variety among its holes

Laguna Golf Lang Co to engage Aussie public at roadshow events in Sydney and Melbourne

Laguna Golf Lang Co is gearing up to showcase Central Vietnam’s acclaimed golf offerings in Australia this month at separate roadshow events in Melbourne and Sydney.

Ceylon Tea Trails by Resplendent Ceylon announces Pekoe Trail Journey

 

Steeped in history and immersed in the verdant scenery of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails, part of the Resplendent Ceylon portfolio, is thrilled to announce the opening of the Pekoe Trail Journey.

Namia River Retreat - Hoi An’s Cultural Wellness-Inclusive Resort Set to Welcome Guests from 15 December, 2024.

Namia River Retreat the only 5-star, villa resort in the heart of Hoi An is set to welcome guests from 15 December 2024, just in time for the festive holiday season.

Located on a tranquil islet overlooking the Thu Bon River, the resort is just a short bicycle ride from the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hoi An. Here, visitors can explore vibrant streets adorned with colourful facades and lanterns, relax in quaint cafes serving authentic Vietnamese coffee, and witness local artists beautifully capturing daily Vietnamese life on canvas.

AirAsia X Wins Best International Airline Of The Year

AirAsia X (AAX) was awarded the coveted Best International Airline Of The Year title by the aviation experts at the Australian Aviation Awards 2024 in Sydney last night.

Banyan Tree Seaview Villas Elevate Laguna Lang Co

Ultra-luxe hillside residences bolster accommodation offerings at Central Vietnam property

Laguna Lang Co has burnished its status as one of Vietnam’s most alluring integrated destinations courtesy of its recently launched three-bedroom Banyan Tree Seaview Pool Villas.

Best Western Adelaide Airport now open

Doors Open at Best Western Adelaide Airport, showcasing BWH’s legacy brand in South Australia

BWH Hotels proudly announces the opening of Best Western Adelaide Airport, bringing its legacy brand to South Australia’s capital.

The Westin Resort & Spa Opens Its Doors To Empower Wellness Travel In Vietnam

Nestled in nine hectares of landscaped gardens and sand dunes, just steps from a long, sandy beach, this new resort sets the stage for revitalising vacations and inspiring events



The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh is a haven of tranquility on Vietnam's stunning central coast

Vietnam – The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh has opened its doors, marking the debut of the wellness-focused Westin brand in Vietnam. Nestled in nine hectares of landscaped gardens, surrounded by sand dunes and just steps from the long, golden beach on the country's stunning central coast, this oceanfront resort empowers guests to Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Play Well and Work Well, in line with the brand's key pillars.

Thai AirAsia X resumes direct flights between Sydney and Bangkok

Thai AirAsia X beckons everyone back to Thailand ahead of the peak end of year travel season with direct Sydney-Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) flights, now available six times a week starting from Sydney from 2 December 2024 to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) with an enhanced variety of Fly Thru connecting routes.

Memphis x Las Vegas = An Elvis Love Affair

New seasonal flights launched between the Home of Blues, Soul & Rock’n’Roll and Sin City

Elvis Presley fans will be thrilled to hear that Southwest Airlines is soon launching new seasonal flights to connect two of the most vibrant and Elvis-themed cities in the world - Memphis, Tennessee and Las Vegas, Nevada. The announcement coincides with the kickoff of Elvis Week this week on the 9th of August, which will see tens of thousands of Elvis fans’ pilgrimage to Memphis to commemorate the late King of Rock’n’Roll.

Scoot Welcomes new Embraer E190-E2 Aircraft and More Destinations

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announced today that it will receive its third and fourth Embraer E190-E2 aircraft in Singapore in September and October 2024. The third aircraft is named Jalan-Jalan, while the fourth aircraft is named Travel Kaki.

The Barberhood Takes Off with Singapore Airlines

The Barberhood Partners with Singapore Airlines: Earn KrisFlyer Miles with Every Grooming Session!

The Barberhood is excited to announce a key partnership with Singapore Airlines through the Kris+ app, enhancing our customers' experience by offering them a new way to earn KrisFlyer miles. Starting today, every dollar spent at The Barberhood locations can bring you closer to your next holiday.

Fusion Announces Hotel Grand Opening Near Saigon

175-room hotel launches in fast-growing industrial hub just north of Ho Chi Minh City

HIIVE by fusion Binh Duong New City, the latest premier hotel in Fusion Hotel Group's expanding portfolio, launched this month in the fast-growing industrial and logistics hub of Binh Duong in southern Vietnam.

Splurge or Save - How to do The Islands of Tahiti on different budgets

When you think of Bora Bora, Tahiti or Moorea, you might immediately think of overwater bungalows, luxury yachts and opulent experiences worthy of heads of state or rich celebrities. While this is very much available at the destination - after all, the destination has been awarded multiple accolades for its top-tier luxury accommodation options - The Islands of Tahiti caters to both budget travellers and those willing to splurge.

2024 Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival was launched in July 2015 coinciding with the celebrations for the Bathurst Bicentenary (1815-2015).

Vietjet Officially Kicks Off Melbourne-Hanoi Route; Offers Tickets From AUD 199

Vietjet’s inaugural flight from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Melbourne, Australia, landed on 4 June at the Melbourne Airport. The official launch ceremony was attended by The Hon. Natalie Hutchins, Member of the Victorian Parliament, Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Women, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples of Victoria, Melbourne International Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos, and Vietjet Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha and Vietjet Vice President Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh.

AirAsia Awarded Best Low Cost Carrier In Asia

The AirAsia Group* including medium haul affiliate airlines AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X, have been awarded the Top LCC in Asia for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com in its annual Airline Excellence Awards.

Laguna Lang Co Enhances Status as one of Vietnam's Most Sustainable Luxury Properties

Strong eco push earns retention of EarthCheck Gold Certification for 9th year running

Laguna Lang Co has reaffirmed its position as one of Vietnam's leading sustainable luxury lifestyle hubs by retaining its EarthCheck "Gold Certification" for 2024.

As one of Asia's most ambitious integrated resorts, Laguna Lang Co encompasses the acclaimed Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co hotels, along with Laguna Golf Lang Co, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design.

Discover Qatar Introduces Air Tours Around Doha’s Iconic Sites

Embark on an airborne journey to explore Qatar’s unforgettable landmarks

Qatar Airways’ destination management company, Discover Qatar, announces the launch of its exclusive air tour, ‘Discover Doha by Air’, an endeavour that further builds on the magic of exploring Qatar. The tour offers discerning travellers the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks from the unparalleled comfort and convenience of a light aircraft.

Revealed: Australians' Attitude Towards Sustainable Travel in 2024

New data from the company’s annual sustainable travel research reveals over half of Aussie travellers (54%) feel travelling more sustainably is important, but not a primary consideration when planning or booking travel

Almost two thirds of Aussie travellers (67%) feel that witnessing sustainable practices during their travels inspires them to be more sustainable in their everyday life

Almost half of Aussies (47%) believe governments hold the most potential for countering economic impacts of travel, and 40% thinking travel service providers hold the key to counteracting the environmental factors

Palace Hotel Tokyo Debuts ‘Best of Japan’ Experiences

The Forbes Five-Star hotel launches a new, tailored gastronomic stay package

A hotel renowned for showcasing the best of Japanese hospitality is whetting appetites with the launch of its new gastronomic stay experience.

For 'The Best of Japan: The Art of Gastronomy', Palace Hotel Tokyo has curated a selection of eating and drinking experiences designed to peel back the layers of Japan's vast culinary landscape.

Aussie tourists highest spenders on experience and nightlife globally

New data from Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI)'s fifth annual report, "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries" showcases that Aussies spend the highest globally on experiences and nightlife - while travelling. But that's not all.

Below are the key findings from the report:

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Welcomes 2-Michelin-Star Chef Stephane Carrade

Chef Stephane Carrade

French culinary expert will prepare exclusive dinner and lunch sets on May 29, 30 and 31

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the luxury heritage hotel in Cambodia's capital, will welcome acclaimed French Chef Stephane Carrade of the 2-Michelin-star Le Skiff Club for a series of exclusive meals later this month.

Chef Stephane, whom the MICHELIN Guide describes as a "talented and skilled captain … who combines generosity and finesse," will serve distinctive dinner and lunch sets at the hotel's signature fine dining outlet, Restaurant Le Royal, on May 29, 30 and 31. The meals feature an exclusive partnership with Louis XIII, the luxury cognac.

The dinner, served from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., is priced at $98++, while the lunch, served from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., is priced at $48++, with optional wine pairings and special Louis XIII tasting. Advance reservations are recommended.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: Stay and Play in the Petal Packages announced

Two of Toowoomba’s leading hotels have announced Stay and Play in the Petal Packages for this year’s famous Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

ASEAN Explorer Pass to Open Up the Region

Report By David Bowden

AirAsia MOVE (formerly known as AirAsia Superapp), a digital venture by Malaysia’s Capital A Berhad, continues with its endeavours to become a leading online travel agent (OTA) platform that champions and connects all the ten ASEAN nations (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) with its recent introduction of the ‘ASEAN Explorer Pass’.

The Anam Mui Ne Opens Exquisite Old-World Bar By The Beach

The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam's popular beach town Mui Ne, has opened a quaint new bar that pays homage to the intimate Saigon bars of yesteryear.

Scoot’s First E190-E2 Aircraft Touches Down in Singapore

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today welcomed its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft at Singapore Changi Airport.  

Intrepid Travel launches Women’s Expedition in Saudi Arabia

Intrepid Travel has introduced a 12-day Saudi Arabia Women's Expedition, designed to offer an authentic and transformative travel experience while empowering women and supporting female-owned businesses in the destination.

Sofitel announces research study analysing travellers sleep patterns to try reduce the 'first night effect'

Guided by this research, Sofitel will be deploying new experience rituals across all its hotels to help guests enjoy blissful nights.



Sleep has always been a focus for Sofitel. In 2003, the brand unveiled a major innovation: the Sofitel MyBed experience, the epitome of comfort. A box spring, mattress, topper, comforter, and an extensive selection of pillows, developed with the utmost care to deliver unmatched comfort and the sensation of being cradled in clouds. Sofitel has now taken its commitment to slumber a step further by conducting a scientific study to analyse its guests' sleep. The aim was to better understand how travelers sleep, in order to help them sleep better and longer. The study was designed to minimise the notorious "first night effect," which occurs when people sleep away from home.

Queensland's The Reef House crowned Australia's top luxury hotel

5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner - Australian Tourism Awards 2024

5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner - Queensland Tourism Awards 2022 & 2023

TripAdvisor No2 Luxury Hotel in Australia, No2 Top Hotel in South Pacific & Australia 2023

An innovative business plan to offer complimentary experiences as part of relaxation escape packages has earned The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa the title of the best Five Star Luxury Accommodation in Australia.

The Anam Cam Ranh Launches Honeymoon Villas

The Anam, a luxurious 12-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam's Cam Ranh peninsula, has unveiled two exquisite villas just for honeymooners, each replete with a private pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and daily afternoon tea.

Top domestic and international travel destinations for Easter revealed!

 

The Gold Coast has been named the top destination Aussies are looking to travel to this Easter and school holiday period, according to Booking.com's latest data*, in a likely bid to hold onto the sunshine and warm weather. 

 

Next on the list is Sydney, brimming with events from the Royal Sydney Easter Show to live music. This is followed by Melbourne and the festival state of South Australia with Adelaide jumping four places on the list, rounding out the top five with Perth. 

 

Asia dominated the top ten international destinations from Booking.com, with Japan on top (up five places), followed by Singapore (up three places), Seminyak and Ubud. Aussies are also looking for the hustle and bustle of cities as Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong rise a massive twenty-two and fourteen spots respectively. 

 

AU Top 20 Domestic Destinations*

1. Gold Coast
2. Sydney
3. Melbourne
4. Adelaide (+4)
5. Perth
6. Brisbane
7. Cairns
8. Canberra
9. Byron Bay
10. Hobart (+1)
11. Coffs Harbour
12. Newcastle
13. Port Macquarie (+3)
14. Airlie Beach
15. Noosa Heads (+1)
16. Nelson Bay
17. Forster (+1)
18. Lakes Entrance
19. Mooloolaba (+10)
20. Port Douglas

 

AU Top 10 International Destinations 

1. Tokyo (+5)
2. Singapore (+3)
3. Seminyak
4. Ubud
5. Canggu (+3)
6. Bangkok (+4)
7. Ho Chi Minh City (+22)
8. Hong Kong (+14)
9. Osaka (+51)
10. Legian (+2) 

 

AU Top 10 International + Domestic 

1. Gold Coast
2. Sydney
3. Melbourne
4. Adelaide
5. Perth
6. Tokyo
7. Singapore
8. Brisbane
9. Seminyak
10. Cairns

 

*Methodology: this report looks at search sessions between 2024-02-15 and 2024-02-25, with check in dates between 2024-03-29 and 2024-04-01. For comparison figures we looked at search sessions between 2023-03-06 and 2024-03-12, with check in dates between 2023-04-07 and 2023-04-10