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.

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.

Spain pushes slow travel campaign as visitor numbers hit records

Spain’s national tourism agency Turespaña has launched a refreshed international campaign aimed at steering visitors beyond the country’s best-known beaches and cities, as the government seeks to balance record tourism demand with growing pressure on local communities.

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.