Over the past 12 months, Victoria has experienced some major tourism wins. Recent data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) found Melbourne to be the top domestic overnight destination for those travelling to attend theatre, concerts and performing arts. More recently, the agency’s data showed visitor expenditure in Victoria hit a record high of $36.9 billion in the year ending September 2023.

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will return to Brisbane in 2025 with Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025.

Abercrombie & Kent has added 10 new journeys across its Americas collection, with new journeys to South America and Canada alongside 17 refreshed journeys across both continents.

Saudi Arabian start-up cruise line Aroya Cruises has begun accepting reservations for its first destination, the Red Sea. The new cruise line says it will offer an “authentic Arabian experience to guests at sea and on land”

Carolyn Turnbull, former Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia, is returning to the private sector to lead Victor Goh’s expanding hotel and hospitality division. Commencing in her new role as Chief Executive Officer on 4 June 2024, Turnbull’s initial focus will be on the completion of Goh’s prestigious Elizabeth Quay projects.

Kempinski Hotels has named former Silversea CEO, Barbara Muckermann, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Muckermann joins Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group with 82 hotels in 36 countries at an exciting time, as Kempinski prepares for impressive growth in new regions worldwide and more spectacular properties on the horizon.

Link Travel Group’s management team and Qantas recently met in Sydney to cement their commercial relationship and commitment to NDC.

Hard Rock International has stated it expressed no interest in Star Entertainment Group Limited following reports yesterday the US company was considering a bid for the struggling Australian firm. The speculation was fuelled when Star said it had been approached by a consortium of investors which included Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts (Pacific).

Speakers at the Australian Tourism Exchange 2024 report massive growth and new markets.

Accor and Everyday Rewards have forged a new partnership that will enable members of the hospitality company’s loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless, to transfer points to the Everyday Rewards progam.

Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA) has welcomed the Northern Territory’s Bullo River Station to the collection of luxury lodges and camps. It’s addition takes the portfolio of LLoA’s members to 19.

Hurtigruten Introduces Signature Voyages as its Expansion Redefines Coastal Norway Cruising