Australians urged to forget the beach and develop an Orange crush

The delightful Orange Wine Region in the Central West of NSW has launched a new campaign to spread the words on its charm.

The new "Enjoy the Now" campaign invites Sydneysiders to trade the crowded coast for a country summer with a little less rush and a lot more room for the moments that matter.

"Enjoy the Now" encourages visitors to disconnect, seek adventure, soak up the beauty of nature and embrace the small moments that become cherished memories.

The campaign positions the Orange Region as a place where life’s real moments of connection happen, right now.

“This is how we summer in the Orange Region,” said David Cumming, director of the region's destination marketing organisation, Orange 360.

“There’s a feeling to summer out here that’s hard to explain until you experience it for yourself. It’s the local gems, the unexpected discoveries, the conversations that linger and the people who make you feel like you belong.

"We’re inviting visitors to slow down, discover somewhere different and experience summer like a local.”

Local people and businesses are at the heart of the campaign, which was shot on location in the region and features 20+ local operators and faces.

Veteran winemaker Phillip Shaw brings crisp cool-climate wines, Hillside Harvest provides fresh seasonal produce, and Jumbled adds a burst of colour and fashion.

Together they aim to show a side of summer that the coast can’t offer: fresh produce, crisp regional wines, space to roam and time to share it all with friends.

The campaign is aimed at Sydney, Canberra and regional NSW markets and will run across digital, paid social and owned channels until January 31.

It was developed with House of Groms and you can follow along on @orange360_allyearround social channels and the dedicated campaign landing page.

To coincide with the launch, De Russie Boutique Hotel is offering “Ease into Monday” deal. Arrive on Sunday and enjoy 20% off your entire stay, until December 31.

Family friendly winery Heifer Station is offering "pay for 2 nights, stay for 3" at its Loft House accommodation through to the end of the year, making a school holiday getaway even more tempting.

You can find more summer deals here.

“This isn’t just an invitation to visit,” Cumming said. “It’s an invitation to join us out here and Enjoy the Now.”

Look out: there are dangerous lanterns about

Imagine an airport closing down at night because local residents are launching lanterns into the sky.

That's the case in Thailand, where Chiang Mai International Airport (above) has announced it will cut its daily flight operating window from around 20 hours to about 12 hours during the 2026 Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations.

The reason given: mass sky lantern releases near flight paths.

Flights will be suspended during the main lantern-release period from 7pm to 1am on the nights of Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25, news outlet Asean Now reports.

Airlines have already cancelled 108 flights, re-timed 80 and added 105 extra services for November 21-28.

Group Captain Sakan Udol, the airport's general manager, said sky lanterns, illuminated lanterns and smoke lanterns will be released in several parts of Chiang Mai during the festival.

More than 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke lanterns are expected within the airport's aviation safety zone.

Airlines have been asked not to operate from 10am to noon on November 24, and from 7pm until 1am the following morning on both November 24 and 25.

The restrictions are intended to prevent lanterns and other airborne objects from endangering aircraft and engines, while allowing the Lanna festival traditions to continue.

# Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are Chiang Mai's twin festivals of light, held together over three nights on the full moon of the 12th lunar month.

Our Thai correspondent reports that every year some of the lanterns crash to earth starting structure fires. 

Peppers makes its debut in the Clare Valley

The Clare Valley, one of Australia's best wine regions to visit, has a new address with a new restaurant.

The former Clare Country Club is entering a new chapter as Peppers Clare Valley and is marking the occasion with the launch of its new restaurant, Clara.

The re-launch introduces the Peppers brand to the property - and the region.

“This re-launch marks a significant milestone for the property and an opportunity to further strengthen one of South Australia's great regional tourism destinations," says Tony Fehon, executive director of hotel owner Kyron Capital and chairman of Kyron's Hotel Fund.

"The introduction of the Peppers brand and the opening of Clara are part of a significant investment in the hotel, designed to showcase the best of the Clare Valley and attract more visitors to the region.

"Across Kyron's hotel portfolio we continue to invest in destinations that have strong local character, enhancing facilities, guest experiences and long-term value for the communities and investors we serve.”

Clara (above), led by head chef Matthew Sanderson, promises to celebrate South Australian produce through seasonal dishes that reflect the region and the people who grow, raise and make its ingredients.

“My vision for Clara is to showcase the very best of South Australian produce,” the chef said. 'I want to work closely with local farmers, growers and producers, letting exceptional ingredients lead the way and creating food that is seasonal, refined and connected to the region.”

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific region, said: "Peppers Clare Valley is a wonderful addition to our collection of Peppers properties and perfectly captures what makes the brand so special: memorable destinations, authentic local experiences and warm hospitality.

"Together with Clara, it creates a place where guests can slow down, savour the region's incredible food and wine, and experience the Clare Valley at its very best.”

Both Clara and Peppers Clare Valley are open for bookings, with rooms starting from $195 per night. Visit www.peppersclarevalley.com.au

Image: Alex Van de Loo/Say Cheese Social

Jacob's Creek wine brand seeks to boost its profile

Jacob's Creek has long been one of Australia's highest-profile wine brands. 

And now it is seeking to boost its marketing with the launch of a new campaign: ‘Welcome to the Creek’. 

Brand owners Vinarchy say "a bolder visual identity and fresh creative approach give people a reason to rediscover Jacob’s Creek as an Australian powerhouse wine brand".

The Australian campaign activity will build towards a major sponsorship at the Australian Open tennis championship in January, alongside a new look for the Classic range. 

I've always found the Classic range offers good value for money - and the new vintage La Petit Rosé is outstanding.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jacob’s Creek, and we’re excited to show Australians a different side of a brand they know so well," says Jacob’s Creek global brand director Camille McKay. 

" ‘Welcome to the Creek’ brings personality and energy to Jacob’s Creek, while keeping the quality and easy enjoyment people love."

For more info see jacobscreek.com.

Farewell BWH, hello WorldHotels

BWH, formerly known as Best Western, is re-branding itself as WorldHotels. 

That will be the master brand for a portfolio of more than 4,000 hotels across 100 countries, bringing 18 brands and a combined loyalty membership of 70 million into a more unified platform.

The transformation aims to raise brand awareness, simplify hotel discovery and strengthen direct bookings while helping independent properties compete more effectively in the global hospitality market, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The company said the move reflects consumer research showing that travellers often recognize only part of its portfolio, despite a presence across luxury, boutique, upscale, extended-stay and economy segments.

Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of WorldHotels, said the unified approach would make the company’s offering easier to understand while giving hotel owners greater opportunities to compete internationally.

WorldHotels Rewards will combine Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards into one program. 

The group’s upscale and luxury properties will be brought together under WorldHotels Collection, which encompasses six categories: WorldHotels Luxury, Elite, Distinctive, Crafted, Backdrop and Residences.

Which confuses the hell out of me. 

Do you know the difference between BW Premier Collection and Best Western Plus? Me neither. 

How about WorldHotels Luxury Collection, WorldHotels Elite Collection, WorldHotels Crafted Collection and WorldHotels Distinctive Collection?

Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels Collection, says the new platform will give independent properties access to the distribution, technology and commercial resources of a global network without requiring them to abandon their individual identities.

Rightho. 

See https://www.worldhotels.com/

A luxe Hunter destination with room for 24 people

Looking for somewhere special to stay to keep a large group entertained in the Hunter Valley?

How about a property on 25 private acres with 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms that is capable of sleeping 24 people? 

Hunter Valley Stays has just unveiled new look Lovedale Manor in the heart of the Hunter wine tourism zone. 

The original cottage at the property has been joined by a new residence that is promoted as being "designed for bringing everyone together in extraordinary style".

Think soaring ceilings, well-appointed interiors, plenty of living spaces and room to celebrate or relax. 

There's a pool (top image) for chilling out after some wine tasting. And a billiards table.   

Lovedale Manor is being promoted as being perfect for milestone birthdays, wedding guest accommodation, family gatherings and grand occasions.

To celebrate the launch, guests who book for two nights are being offered a third night free - as well as being gifted a case of Hunter Valley wine on arrival. 

Contact the reservations team on 0477 010 010 or see https://www.huntervalleystays.com.au/hunter-valley-accommodation/lovedale-manor-12-bedrooms-lovedale/