USA: FAA grounds all flights nationwide due to communications problems

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide halt to departing flights on Friday after a telecommunications outage disrupted air traffic control communications, prompting the agency to suspend take-offs on safety grounds.

Hong Kong launches movie tourism guide covering 100-plus film locations

Hong Kong's tourism board has released a guide to more than 100 filming locations across the city, part of an effort to attract visitors through film-related travel.

The "Hong Kong Good Take" series covers locations from 50 films and links them with nearby cultural attractions and restaurants, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said in a statement.

YOTEL targets Asia Pacific growth that could triple its portfolio

London-founded YOTEL plans a major Asia Pacific expansion as part of a global strategy that could triple its worldwide portfolio. It is aiming at highly mobile international travellers who want convenient, connected, good-value stays in gateway cities.

The company, founded in 2007, operates 24 hotels worldwide, including in New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Tokyo and Singapore. It also runs airport hotels at Singapore Changi, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Istanbul and London Gatwick.

Thailand: TAT pivots to "value over volume" for 2027 as 2026 arrivals trail last year

The tourism body is targeting at least 5% revenue growth and a wider spread of visitors. Its own 2026 projection implies a full-year decline of about 6%.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) used the World Travel Market London to outline its 2027 "Value Over Volume" direction. The plan puts meaningful travel, wider visitor distribution and community benefit ahead of headline arrival numbers.

Thailand tourism: arrivals slide for a second year as hotels report mounting strain

Official data confirms a contraction, but operators say the pain is uneven and concentrated outside the headline numbers

BANGKOK, 6 November 2026. Thailand's foreign arrivals are falling for the second year running, and hoteliers say the pressure goes deeper than the national figures suggest.

Cairns Tops Airport Convenience Index as Melbourne Parking Costs Jump 42%

Cairns has taken the top spot in iSelect's 2026 Airport Convenience Index, while Melbourne ranked last after a 42% rise in parking costs. The travel insurance comparison service ranked 11 major Australian airports on parking costs and availability, transport costs, distance to the CBD, passenger volumes and airport size.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Launches "Gourmet Month" After Wine & Dine Festival

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched "Hong Kong Gourmet Month," a November-long campaign involving more than 400 restaurants, bars and food and beverage outlets across the city. It follows the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which drew more than 171,000 visitors.

Villa Vie Odyssey strands 200 residents in Cambodia as fuel costs surge

Around 200 passengers on a luxury residential cruise marketed as an endless voyage around the world have been stranded in Cambodia after soaring marine fuel costs forced the operator to suspend operations.

South Australia makes culinary history with Australia's first Michelin Stars

Magill Estate Restaurant leads the honours, with 11 South Australian restaurants receiving Michelin Stars, putting the state's food and wine regions firmly on the international gastronomic map.

ADELAIDE | 26 October 2026

South Australia has become the first Australian destination to receive Michelin Stars, with 11 restaurants recognised in the inaugural Michelin Guide South Australia 2027, unveiled at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 14 October.

Western Sydney International welcomes first passenger flight after decades of planning

25 October 2026 | Aviation News

Australia's first major new airport in more than 50 years has officially commenced passenger operations, with a Jetstar Airbus A320 departing Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) for the Gold Coast on Sunday, 25 October.

Think Like an Adventurer: Rob Lilwall's Lessons in Resilience for a Changing Travel Industry

From the frozen wilderness of Siberia to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, explorer Rob Lilwall brought an inspiring message to TravMedia Summit Asia: in an unpredictable world, courage, adaptability and resourcefulness may be the most valuable tools in the travel industry's kit.

SINGAPORE: British adventurer and motivational speaker Rob Lilwall challenged tourism and hospitality professionals to rethink their approach to uncertainty, drawing on his extraordinary three-year bicycle journey from Siberia to England in a keynote address at TravMedia Summit Asia 2026.

The thieves who wait for airline passengers to sleep

Reports from Hong Kong and Singapore show how cabin thieves exploit crowded overhead bins and sleeping passengers. The clearest route data points to flights arriving in Hong Kong, though it cannot establish which individual flight is most dangerous.

A passenger settles in for the night, leaving a wallet inside a bag in the overhead bin. By landing, the wallet is gone. The thief may have spent the flight walking the aisle and opening bags while their owners slept.

Hong Kong’s autumn events season draws Australian visitors

Halloween celebrations, a major food and wine festival and citywide Christmas events headline the months ahead, as Australian arrivals rise.

Hong Kong is entering a busy stretch of its autumn events calendar, with Halloween celebrations under way, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival opening later this month and WinterFest due to follow in November.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou joins Seabourn Conversations

The intelligence veteran, author and whistleblower will discuss espionage, interrogation and the realities of modern spycraft during a 12-night Atlantic crossing aboard Seabourn Ovation in 2027.

Former CIA counterterrorism officer John Kiriakou will join Seabourn’s enrichment program as a guest speaker during a 12-night voyage from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Lisbon, departing on March 27, 2027.

Hundreds of travellers missing after Nepal-Tibet flood disaster including 34 Australians

At least 160 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after a catastrophic flash flood and debris flow struck the Nepal-Tibet border region, destroying villages, roads, bridges and power infrastructure.

Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit opens as brand’s first hotel in Thailand

Accor’s Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has opened a 474-room luxury hotel in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, in partnership with Thai property group Asset World Corp.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has opened Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, marking the luxury hotel brand’s entry into Thailand and a further expansion of parent company Accor’s Asian portfolio.

The Hari Singapore to Open in 2027 After Orchard Hotel Conversion

Harilela Hotels will convert the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre into The Hari Singapore, a 326-room luxury hotel scheduled to open in spring 2027.

SINGAPORE — Harilela Hotels will open The Hari Singapore in spring 2027, marking the third property under The Hari brand after London and Hong Kong.

Wendy Wu Tours Unveils Japan’s Best-Kept Secret with New Hokkaido Journey

Sydney, Australia - Wendy Wu Tours has announced the launch of its new Northern Japan: Secrets of Hokkaido tour, expanding its Japan portfolio with an immersive journey through the country’s northernmost island. The itinerary is designed for travellers keen to explore a different side of Japan beyond the well-trodden tourist trail.

voco Kuching Opens in Sarawak, Malaysia

Malaysia’s first voco hotel recently opened in Kuching. The 321-room hotel is an integral part of Wisma Elica, which also includes Care Collective, East Malaysia's largest senior wellness centre. This is Malaysia's first property opening under the globally recognised voco Hotels by IHG Hotels & Resorts brand.

The development represents more than the revitalisation of the former Four Points by Sheraton and Century Hotel. Bringing voco Kuching and Care Collective together under one roof, it creates a destination where hospitality, wellness, lifestyle and community converge while generating economic value and meaningful social impact.

Thailand Advances US$334m Koh Samui Cruise Terminal Plan

The Transport Ministry is seeking approvals for a public-private partnership cruise terminal on Koh Samui, with operations targeted for 2032.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Transport Ministry is advancing plans for a 12.17-billion-baht cruise terminal on Koh Samui, equivalent to approximately US$334 million, aimed at supporting large cruise ships and expanding the country’s cruise tourism capacity.

Saudi Arabia Tops Global Tourism Growth as Australia Weighs Opportunities and Risks

Australia's outbound travel market is increasingly aligned with the world's fastest-growing destinations, but the latest international tourism rankings also serve as a reminder of how quickly geopolitical events can reshape global travel demand.

A recent analysis by Visual Capitalist, using data from the UN Tourism Statistics Database (via Our World in Data), ranks countries by the percentage change in international tourist arrivals between 2019 and 2025. 

Best Western has Bangkok covered: Different Hotels for Different Travellers

 

From youthful city stays and neighbourhood hideaways to airport stopovers, conference venues and upscale accommodation, Best Western’s diverse Bangkok portfolio matches distinct hotel brands with the travellers and locations they serve best.

The BWH Hotels Bangkok portfolio shows how location, brand identity and price point can be used to serve markedly different travellers within one sprawling metropolis. Rather than competing for precisely the same guests, its properties range from compact neighbourhood hotels and youthful lifestyle accommodation to airport stopovers, large conference venues and upscale international hotels.

Bhaya Cruises Introduces Ha Long Bay Destination Weddings

Bhaya Cruises is promoting bespoke destination weddings aboard its luxury vessels in Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

The offering ranges from private elopements to larger celebrations with family and friends, with ceremonies staged while cruising among the bay’s limestone islands and emerald waters.

Six Notable Asia-Pacific Hotel Openings to Watch in 2026

Asia-Pacific is set for another strong year of hotel development, with more than 251,000 new rooms expected to open across the region in 2026. 

The pipeline spans luxury resorts, urban business hotels and smaller boutique properties, reflecting continued demand in both established gateways and emerging destinations.

Melbourne Skydeck Launches Winter School Holiday Family Offer

Melbourne Skydeck is offering discounted family bundles, optional attraction upgrades and parking savings during the 2026 winter school holidays.

Melbourne Skydeck has launched a winter school holiday promotion offering discounted family admission to the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck.

Dolphins Motel Reopens in Mollymook After Boutique Redesign

The 10-room South Coast property has been reworked as a mid-century-inspired boutique motel, with new guest facilities, a licensed café and rates starting from $239 a night.

Dolphins Motel has reopened near Mollymook Beach following a full redesign aimed at repositioning the former roadside property as a boutique coastal stay.

Travel + Leisure Co. Relaunches Phuket Resort Under Club Wyndham Brand

The former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket has reopened as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket following a major refurbishment and repositioning.

Travel + Leisure Co. has relaunched the former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket, marking the first Club Wyndham-branded resort in Thailand.

VietJet-linked airline plans Australian domestic launch

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air is believed to be behind a new Australian airline planning to enter the domestic market with Boeing 737 services later this year.

An unnamed new entrant linked to VietJet has been allocated 2,250 slots at Sydney Airport for the northern winter scheduling period, running from early November 2026 to early April 2027.

Safety and flexibility shape rise in solo travel among Australian women

New research commissioned by Reflections Holidays suggests Australian women are increasingly travelling alone to escape routine, improve wellbeing and reconnect with nature, although safety remains a major concern.

Australian women are increasingly viewing solo travel as a deliberate lifestyle choice rather than an occasional necessity, according to research released by holiday park operator Reflections Holidays.

Elite Havens to Manage New 31-Villa Akkulla Estate in Seminyak

The Bali property is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, with Elite Havens appointed as exclusive manager and marketer.

Luxury villa operator Elite Havens has been appointed exclusive manager and marketer of Akkulla, a new 31-villa estate in Seminyak, Bali, due to open in the second half of 2026.

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 Winners Revealed

The results of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 have been announced, celebrating the hotels, resorts, spas, destinations and travel brands setting the benchmark for luxury hospitality across the region.

Qantas names London as first destination for non-stop Sydney flights

Qantas has confirmed London as the inaugural destination for its planned non-stop flights from Sydney, with services scheduled to commence in October 2027.

Qatar Airways resumes Adelaide flights, restoring South Australia link to global network

Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Adelaide, restoring a direct connection between South Australia and the airline's global network via Doha.

The service, which recommenced on 15 June, links Adelaide with more than 160 destinations through Hamad International Airport. The route continues to Auckland, providing additional trans-Tasman connectivity between Australia and New Zealand.

New Thu Bon River Dinner Cruise Brings Dining and Cultural Experiences to Hoi An

A new dinner cruise experience is now operating on the Thu Bon River, offering visitors to Hoi An an opportunity to combine dining, river scenery and local cultural storytelling in a single evening.

Thailand Pride Month 2026: Best LGBTQIA+ Events, Destinations and Travel Experiences

Thailand is reinforcing its position as one of Asia's leading LGBTQIA+ travel destinations as Pride Month celebrations take place across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai. Following the introduction of the country's landmark Marriage Equality Act, Thailand continues to attract travellers seeking inclusive experiences, vibrant cultural events and welcoming hospitality.

Kyoto Festivals 2026: Experience Japan's Most Iconic Cultural Events

Throughout 2026, visitors to Kyoto will have the opportunity to experience some of Japan's most celebrated traditional festivals, offering a unique insight into the city's rich cultural heritage and centuries-old customs.

Following the successful staging of the Aoi Matsuri in May, one of Kyoto's three major annual festivals with a history spanning more than 1,400 years, travellers can still enjoy three of the city's most significant cultural events later this year: Gion Matsuri in July, Kyoto Gozan Okuribi in August, and Jidai Matsuri in October.

Tourism WA expands marketing, trade and industry programmes to boost visitation

Tourism WA has launched a series of marketing campaigns, trade initiatives and industry events aimed at increasing domestic and international visitation while supporting tourism development across Western Australia.

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.

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.

AUKO: Vietnam eco-wellness lodge project to open in Phong Nha in 2026

A new eco-wellness retreat is due to open in Vietnam’s Phong Nha–Ke Bang UNESCO World Heritage area in the third quarter of 2026, targeting growing demand for nature-based and wellness tourism in Southeast Asia.