In 2024, SmartFlyer and Goldman Group are celebrating nine years of partnership and the formation of SmartFlyer Australia.

Virtuoso has confirmed a number of changes within its Australia and New Zealand team, including the departure of long-time Account Director, Anna Davies, who will be stepping back from the business having spent almost six years in the role.

Ultra-luxe rail travel and five-star cruising are tipped to be the “major products” of choice for high-net-worth-individuals over the next five years, says Erina Pindar, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner at SmartFlyer. Pindar, who also serves on Travel + Leisure’s Travel Advisory Board and who was recently named, again, on T+L’s A-List of Travel Advisors, suggests ‘slow travel’ in the sense of rail journeys and serene ocean voyages, will continue to grow in popularity over the coming years.

Explora Journeys and shipbuilder, Fincantieri, have announced a joint decision to set a new date for the delivery of EXPLORA II. Originally intended to enter service on 11 August 2024 from Barcelona, EXPLORA II will now debut on 16 September, sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome).

Abercrombie & Kent has opened its latest Destination Management Company (DMC) in Mexico, as foreshadowed exclusively by LATTE in April. The strategic move solidifies A&K’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences in Latin America and coincides with the company’s plans to open a property in Mexico over the coming year.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed the name of its new ship, Seven Seas Prestige™, along with stunning new exterior images and video, providing a glimpse into a brand new class of vessel that will once again set a new standard for luxury vacations. The new ship was revealed by Regent’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, in April.

Ennismore has entered a strategic partnership with Our Habitas, the independent, sustainably forward hospitality brand, which will see Ennismore take over management and growth of the brand.

Four Seasons Yachts has unveiled a new collection of voyages for the inaugural year of its first ship in 2026, now branded as Four Seasons I.

A new report has revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in Saudi Arabia which has officials there recalibrating the Kingdom’s next tourism goal after the destination reached it 2030 target seven year ahead of plan.

Travel Associates represented the Australian luxury travel market at the inaugural New York City Tourism + Conventions’ Luxury Business Expo, hosted last week in New York City. As the official and exclusive Australian travel partner of New York City Tourism + Convention, the luxury retail brand was the only Aussie company in attendance

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has this afternoon announced that Tom Manwaring, Chair of the Board, will be stepping down after a remarkable tenure of leadership and service. Manwaring will be retiring from ATIA after fulfilling Chair duties at the ATIA AGM in Sydney, 19 June.

Australians will be able to enter China for up to two weeks without requiring a visa to enter the country, as part of an easing of travel requirements revealed today in Canberra.