The Luxury Travel Collection (LTC) has unveiled Pinnacles, a groundbreaking awards and recognition program designed to honour the outstanding achievements of its member and partner network.

The Australian travel industry is mourning the sudden passing of Catharine Thorburn, Allure Travel by CTM. Cath, as she was known among family and friends, was an icon in this industry and her adventurous spirit was known far and wide.

IC Bellagio, Italy’s leading Destination Management Company for bespoke, meaningful travel experiences, has unveiled a new docuseries – titled ‘Andrea Grisdale’s Italian Routes’ – that explores the heart of Italy through the voices of those who live it every day.

Crystal is welcoming back a familiar face this August, as seasoned entertainment leader Shane Morley returns as Cruise Director aboard Crystal Symphony.

HX has appointed Kelvin Murray as its new Director, Expedition Operations, joining the operations leadership team at a “pivotal time” as the expedition cruise line celebrates its 130-year milestone.

The 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week will kick off this weekend in Las Vegas, taking place 9-15 August 2025 across Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vdara Hotel & Spa.

The owners/publishers of LATTE Luxury News are excited to confirm the appointment Matt Turner to the newly created role of Editor of LATTE US, the soon-to-launch US-based sister publication of Australia’s leading trade source of luxury news.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt has made its brand debut in the city of Shanghai, China with the opening of Mumian Shanghai Expo – a waterfront hotel inspired by the idea of a “secret garden mansion”.

The second phase of Tourism Australia’s “Come and Say G’day” has been unveiled, featuring the return of Ruby the Souvenir Kangaroo as well as a star-studded line-up of local talent from key international markets.

Luxury travel veteran Rindala (Rin) Jensen has been confirmed as the new Head of Operations, Queensland & NSW for Travel Associates, to oversee the brand’s teams in Queensland and New South Wales.

Luxury Escapes’ entry in the UK market has exceeded expectations for the Australian founded travel company. “The UK entry has been more exciting than the US,” a candid Adam Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, told LATTE. “The UK has been really amazing.”

Luxury travel agency/owners around the globe, including Australia, have seen a shift in their authority as their businesses expand to incorporate independent contractors (ICs). According to Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Virtuoso, agencies have reported a switch from a “sphere of control, to a sphere of influence” as the IC model evolves.