Qatar Airways could finally introduce premium economy, with Group CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khater confirming the airline is seriously considering the cabin as part of an ambitious fleet and product overhaul. Speaking at a media briefing at Capella Sydney on Saturday 24 October, Al-Khater also revealed that a new first-class offering is under serious design, while […]
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) will become the first Australian airport to introduce the new web-based Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) on 26 October, marking a major step towards ditching the dreaded orange incoming passenger cards. The new platform will allow international travellers flying with any airline to complete their arrival declaration digitally, with the system […]
Trafalgar is giving one lucky past guest the chance to become Godmother of its newest river ship, Trafalgar Dreamer, with a free spot on its inaugural sailing also up for grabs for their travel agent. The operator has issued a final call for entries to its Great Godmother Search, with applications closing on 29 October […]
What happens when you bring a touch of New York glamour to the Australian bush? Businessman John Singleton is about to find out, with his luxury 20-suite retreat, The Grand Saddles Lodge, opening on the NSW Central Coast on 2 November. Located in Mount White, just 45 minutes from Sydney, the new property combines old-world […]
Australia’s biggest airlines are struggling to get their digital strategies off the ground, with a new report revealing major gaps in website performance, social media engagement and online customer experiences. A new study by Digital Index Lab (DIL), powered by Humo Rojo, has assessed Australia’s four leading airlines across social media, website performance, search engine […]
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has hosted its annual AUNZ VIP Partner Retreat in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, bringing together senior executives from leading online travel agencies and consortia partners across Australia and New Zealand. The retreat recognised the contribution of NCL’s key trade partners, with a program of networking, dining and activities across the region. The […]
Forget infinity pools and butler service. The Apurva Kempinski Bali is betting that the ultimate luxury for modern travellers is something far simpler: peace and quiet. The five-star resort in Nusa Dua has launched Mauna: The Art of Silence, a new wellness program inspired by Nyepi, Bali’s sacred Day of Silence, designed to help guests […]
The CEO of Ryanair has warned that Europe will face the ‘biggest airfare’ in history with airlines largely unhedged against higher jet fuel costs. O’Leary said fewer seats would be available next year due to bankruptcies and takeovers among airlines. This could lift fares by as much as 20 per cent. “You’re going to see […]
Australian travel agents are being invited to explore Nepal’s remote Upper Mustang region this December, as the country looks to tourism to support local communities following devastating floods in August. Nepal-based Community Homestay Network (CHN) has reopened applications for its 12-day Upper Mustang: A Trans-Himalayan Community Experience fam trip, running from 5 to 16 December […]
Australian travellers heading to France are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution following large-scale protests and demonstrations across the country on 17 October. Smartraveller said further protests may occur and authorities could introduce public safety measures – including partial and localised curfews – in some locations. Travellers are advised to follow the […]