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.

Mount Lofty House celebrates 40 years of hotel operations

Historic Adelaide Hills hotel Mount Lofty House will mark 40 years of hotel operations on 12 February 2026 with the launch of a commemorative two-night package, the Iconic 40th Escape.

Celestyal Cruises new Doha and Abu Dhabi F1 sailings for 2026

As sports tourism continues to boom in 2026, Celestyal has announced it will offer two F1 sailings as part of its 2026-27 Arabian Gulf season.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Unveils the “Glimpse of Bhutan all-inclusive package”

A Six-Day Immersion in Culture, Wellness and Nature

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary has launched Glimpse of Bhutan, a six-day, five-night wellness programme. The package includes accommodation at the sanctuary's Neyphu Valley location, all meals, daily wellness treatments, and guided excursions.

Guests participate in activities such as prayer flag rituals at Chele La Pass, monastery hikes, cultural immersion in Thimphu, and visits to Eutok Goenpa, Punakha Dzong, and Tiger's Nest. The programme features personalised wellness treatments and consultations with a Traditional Bhutanese Medicine doctor.

The package includes airport transfers and logistics. It is valid for stays until 31 December 2026 and includes one complimentary night.

Bhaya Cruises extends Ha Long Bay wellness sailings into 2026

Bhaya Cruises has extended its Bhaya Soul “Soul Sanctuary” wellness cruises in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay through to March 2026, following the launch of the program late last year.

The 2026 series will operate from January to March aboard Bhaya Soul, combining short wellness-focused sailings with cultural activities linked to Vietnamese artistic traditions. The cruises take place in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.

The top holiday hotspots where Aussies spent up big and businesses benefited

· Lorne (VIC), Lakes Entrance (VIC), St Helens (TAS), Swansea (TAS) and Jervis Bay (NSW) among beach towns that saw the biggest overall summer spending boost

· Two-week spending spike contributed an additional $84m to local economies, with restaurants, retail and accommodations among the biggest winners

· Hotspot and industry breakdowns and NSW case study below

Summer-loving Aussies are fuelling a boon for local businesses, with an 80% spending surge in key tourism hotspots.

Intrepid Travel Completes Purchase of Wild Bush Luxury Business from Experience Co

Intrepid Travel has acquired the Wild Bush Luxury business from Experience Co, bringing a range of guided walking tours and premium accommodation experiences under its ownership. The transaction was announced in December 2025 and is expected to be finalised by February 2026.