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.

The Oscar Seppeltsfield: Barossa’s bold bid for a new luxury landmark

The Barossa has never been short of icons. Its old vines, bluestone wineries, palm-lined roads and cellar doors have long made it one of Australia’s most recognisable wine regions. Now, one of its most ambitious tourism proposals, The Oscar Seppeltsfield, has been pitched as the next major step in lifting the region’s luxury accommodation credentials.

Budget Cuts Raise Concerns for Australia’s Inbound Tourism Recovery

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has criticised the Federal Budget, warning that reduced tourism funding and higher travel costs could undermine Australia’s international tourism recovery at a time of growing global uncertainty.

ATEC said the decision to cut more than $50 million from Tourism Australia’s budget over the next four years, combined with a further $10 increase to the Passenger Movement Charge, sends the wrong message to an industry worth around $40 billion in export value.

Intrepid Expands Beyond Tours With Launch of “Stay Intrepid” Accommodation Brand

Melbourne-based Intrepid Travel has unveiled “Stay Intrepid”, a new accommodation platform aimed at extending the company’s push into experience-led hospitality and immersive travel stays.

Hiking Japan's Pilgrimage Routes Is The Therapy We All Need Right Now

Japan’s Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage, a 1,400km route linking 88 Buddhist temples, is attracting a growing number of international visitors as interest in wellness and experience-led travel rises.

Indonesia Travel Safety: Low Crime, Higher Everyday Risks

Indonesia remains a safe destination for most visitors, but travellers are urged to stay alert to petty crime, road dangers and natural hazards across the archipelago. Based on guidance from World Nomads.

Indonesia remains a broadly safe and stable destination for travellers, but experts caution that visitors must navigate a range of environmental and everyday risks to ensure a trouble-free trip.

Cruise Boom Hits Record High, But Australia Risks Losing Ships

A record 1.45 million Australians cruised in 2025, yet industry leaders warn high costs, regulatory hurdles and weak infrastructure could see the $7 billion sector lose ground to more competitive global markets.

A record 1.45 million Australians took an ocean cruise in 2025, cementing the country as one of the world’s most enthusiastic cruise markets, but industry leaders warn structural challenges are threatening future growth.

Why Sathorn Is One of Bangkok's Best Districts for Visitors — and Where to Stay

What Is Sathorn, Bangkok?

When travellers search for the best areas to stay in Bangkok, Sathorn consistently ranks among the top choices — and for good reason. Sathorn is one of Bangkok's most dynamic districts, offering a mix of cultural landmarks, art spaces, lush green parks, vibrant nightlife, and fine dining experiences. While it's well known as a financial hub, the district rewards visitors with far more than boardrooms and embassies.

Celestyal Successfully Transits Strait of Hormuz

Celestyal said its two cruise ships have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, becoming among the first passenger vessels to depart the Arabian Gulf during a period of heightened regional tensions.

Miettas opens at The Queenscliff Hotel

Miettas, the highly anticipated fine dining destination at The Queenscliff Hotel, officially opens its doors tomorrow, offering an intimate dining experience inspired by Italian tradition and local produce. 

Best Western executives gather in Bangkok for inaugural Pan APAC regional conference

Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWH) hosted its first Pan-APAC Regional Conference in Bangkok, bringing together about 150 hoteliers, owners and partners as the group highlighted growth opportunities across Asia-Pacific.

Koh Totung Resort opens as new private island development in Cambodia

Den Nokor Cambodia Investment Co., Ltd has opened Koh Totung Resort, a new five-star property on a private island off Cambodia’s southern coast.

Danish Royal Visit Draws Crowds to Hobart Waterfront

Large crowds gathered along Hobart’s waterfront on Thursday as Denmark’s King Frederik X and Australian-born Queen Mary made a public appearance in the city’s historic Hunter Street precinct.

Banyan Tree Samui Wins “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at Global Spa Awards

Banyan Tree Spa Samui has been named “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by UK-based wellness publication The Luxury Spa Edit.

Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels unite under new luxury brand Beckons

A new experiential luxury hospitality brand, Beckons, has launched, combining the portfolios of Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels under a single global platform.

Bhaya Soul Featured in Time's Annual List of the World's Greatest Places

Bhaya Cruises announces that Bhaya Soul, its newest luxury wellness cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has been included in TIME's annual list of the World's Greatest Places, which highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit around the world.

Wendy Wu visits Sydney

It's not often one gets to see or meet the inimitable pocket rocket, Wendy Wu. Her visits Down Under aren't that frequent, it when she does land, it's always a pleasure to hear her enthusiastic personality talk about the various, old and new product that Wendy Wu company is promoting around the world.

Go BIG for one big year: Are you Australia’s next big travel reviewer?

BIG4 Holiday Parks is going BIG, launching “The BIG Aussie Review”, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around Australia for an entire year, reviewing the places, people and moments that make our backyard so unforgettable. Applications open Monday 16 February 2026, with one lucky couple or family set to win a 365-day road trip around the country. To enter, Aussies simply need to upload a short video, reviewing something they love, via BIG4.com.au.