Tourists have to be told: "Don't feed the bears"

Tourists can be dumb. Seriously dumb.

So dumb that they need to be warned not to feed wild bears.

The Japan Tourism Agency has had to roll out a series of pictograms warning tourists of the dangers of getting too close to wild bears, the Japan News reports. 

The signs warn against approaching or feeding bears, and urge caution in areas where bear populations are found.

The images were produced for local authorities to display in relevant areas and for local businesses that serve travellers in these areas.

JTA collaborated with the Environment Ministry to create the three images with the messages: ‘do not feed bears,’ ‘do not leave trash behind’” and ‘do not approach bears.’

It comes after a Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear in Gifu Prefecture in October.

Luckily, that tourist only suffered minor injuries.

That said, 13 people have been killed in bear attacks in Japan this year  compared to six in 2024, which was still a record year.

Raffles Bali offers a slice of the high life

If you want to do Bali in style, then Raffles Bali is worth considering. 

The exclusive resort this week announced the introduction of its private heliport, a facility designed to offer in-house guests a new way to explore the Indonesian island from above. 

Situated within the resort's 23-hectare estate, the heliport began operations recently.

The heliport provides for a curated selection of aerial journeys, allowing travellers to discover Bali's varied landscapes from up on high. 

Scenic routes transport guests over Uluwatu's dramatic cliffs, the turquoise bays of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, the volcanic contours of the Kintamani highlands, and the lush rice paddies of Ubud. 

Raffles Bali says personalised day trips may be arranged. Perhaps an underwater excursion in Nusa Penida, or a private picnic set amid the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. 

Charter flights may also be tailored for guests wishing to design their own itinerary, offering the freedom to move across Bali and neighbouring islands.

The experiences are organised by Raffles butlers, who oversee all arrangements, co-ordinating flight schedules, managing personalised requests. 

Situated in the Jimbaran Bay, Raffles Bali offers 32 villas featuring private pools and tropical gardens. 

Culinary opportunities include "Krug Ambassade" signature restaurant Rumari, The Writers Bar and beachfront Loloan Beach Bar and Grill. 

Guests can enjoy relaxation and wellness at Raffles Spa and partake in authentic cultural activities hosted by community experts.

I've added this one to my "to do" list. 

See raffles.com and accor.com 

Can you trust what your airline tells you?

It is common in the US for passengers to be offered a cash bonus or vouchers to give up their seats when flights are over-booked.

The passengers are usually offered a seat on the next available flight.

But what if the airline deliberately misleads you?

A Delta Air Lines passenger thought he’d hit the jackpot recently when a flight attendant made an announcement asking for one volunteer to give up a seat in exchange for $15,000.

The passenger said the amount was confirmed more than once, loud enough for others to hear, and he agreed on the spot.

Daniel Christiansen said he deplaned the flight from Salt Lake City to Palm Springs, leaving his wife and infant daughter onboard and trusting the airline’s word.

He claims that once the aircraft pushed back, everything changed, the Aviationa2z and Simple Flying websites reported.

Christiansen alleges gate agents reportedly told him the offer was only $1,500 and accused him of lying about the original promise, even after the airline later acknowledged the $15,000 amount had in fact been announced.

“They treated me like I’d invented the number out of thin air,” Christiansen said. “But the flight attendant, the captain, and even Delta’s own emails later admitted the $15,000 offer was real.” 

Several witnesses backed his account.

Emails from Delta customer service admitted the $15,000 figure was real but labelled it a “miscommunication,” refusing to honour it.

The final offer was for $1,500 and some air miles, a fraction of what was promised over the intercom.

In the US, airlines routinely oversell flights, expecting some passengers not to show up. When too many travellers check-in, carriers request volunteers to surrender seats in exchange for compensation.

It seems that in the case of Delta you need to get the offer in writing - preferably in duplicate, before giving up your seat.

Delta reportedly refused to apologise to the passenger - who happened to be a frequent flyer - for the bait and switch. Not a good look at all.  

It seems likely the cabin staffer mis-spoke and Delta was unwilling to fess up. The airline saved $13,500 but cost itself substantially more in adverse publicity. 

Vilnius aiming to entice a new breed of tourist

With some of the world’s major tourism drawcards suffering from overcrowding and sky-high prices, many travellers are looking for small, chic destinations as an alternative to the likes of Venice, Barcelona, and London.

That means Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, matches all the travel trends for 2026.

The European Travel Commission reported recently that tourists in Europe are prioritising lower stress travel to off-the-beaten-track locations.

At a time when surveys show 55% of travellers seeking niche destinations and 93% wanting to make more sustainable choices, Vilnius is aiming to lift its visitation numbers.

it is a less-crowded European city with strong sustainability credentials, and a compact walkable centre that offers easy access to nature.

"Overcrowding, noise, pollution, and heat are making many destinations in Europe less enjoyable for tourists,” Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, head of communication at Go Vilnius.

“Vilnius offers an off-the-beaten-track alternative with fewer crowds but plenty of authenticity.

“It also represents a genuinely sustainable travel option for tourists, whether that means reaching the city by the rapidly expanding network of sustainable rail connections, making the most of its walkability and cyclability, or getting out to the forests and lakes that surround the city.”

For lovers of rail travel, Vilnius boasts improving train connections to Poland, with an affordable daily service from Warsaw. Once in the city, travelling sustainably is easy. Vilnius has over 140km of cycle paths, and public transport use in the first half of 2025 was up by 10%.

Vilnius' compact UNESCO-listed Old Town is also ideal for exploring on foot and the city boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants.

* Vilnius has around 1.2 million annual visitors as compared to the over 20 million for major European cities like Paris and London. It is accessible by direct flight from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and other major cities across Europe, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the region. It has convenient transport links to Riga, Tallinn, and to Poland.

See Go Vilnius, the website of the official tourism and business development agency.

Sydney promising New Year's Eve celebrations "as usual"

Sydney is promising New Year's Eve as usual - except for a few more guns. 

The City of Sydney says teams around the harbour are putting the final touches on Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve spectacular as the city comes together to ring in 2026.

At 11pm, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and boats on the water will light up white as a symbol of unity and peace, in the wake of the terrorist attacks at Bondi Beach two weeks ago. 

Sydney will pause for one minute of silence, with crowds invited to switch on phone torches in solidarity. 

The Premier of New South Wales state, Chris Minns, said police will be deployed "in massive numbers" and some will be carrying weapons that "residents have not seen before".

“After a tragic end to the year for our city, we hope that New Year’s Eve will provide an opportunity to come together and look with hope for a peaceful and happy 2026,” said Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney. 

“On our biggest night of the year, Sydney coming together will demonstrate to the world that we stand together as one community, united in love.

“This year’s event will be our biggest New Year’s Eve yet, with more fireworks launched from more locations than ever before. Sydney New Year’s Eve is more than just fireworks, it is a reflection of who we are - a diverse, inclusive and creative city.”

So money will still be made. 

More fireworks than ever before will spring from water, land and aerial platforms, 6 city rooftops and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

“With a footprint spanning 7km along the harbour, we’re doing everything we can to give the people of Sydney a great night with some stunning pyrotechnic moments,” Foti International Fireworks creative director Fortunato Foti said.

“We’ve been delighting and entertaining Sydney New Year’s Eve audiences for 29 years and we strive to make every year bigger and better."

Visit sydneynewyearseve.com to choose a spot to watch the fireworks. 

Image: Credit: City of Sydney/Keith McInnes

Dubai wants technology to kill off traditional hospitality

Whenever I check into a hotel I invariably have a chat with the check-in staff.

Maybe there is an event or market going on nearby, or perhaps they can recommend a local restaurant, or nearby wine bar.

It is all part of the hospitality industry, but it is human interaction that officials in Dubai are apparently keen to kill off.

Dubai is rolling out a citywide, contactless hotel check-in system that will allow guests to skip the front desk entirely after completing a one-time digital and biometric registration, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Officials are describing the move as "a new global benchmark for convenience and innovation in hospitality".

It will probably also save hotels money on staff, but don't mention that.

Announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the initiative enables travellers staying at hotels and holiday homes to complete check-in formalities before arrival using their mobile phones.

Once fully implemented across the city, guests will be able to bypass in-person check-in completely, streamlining arrivals and reducing wait times but making each stay more impersonal.

The system, developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and offered through several independent technology providers, allows guests to upload identification documents and biometric data a single time.

That information remains securely stored and valid until the ID document expires. For future stays, guests would only need a quick authentication, such as facial recognition, to access their accommodations.

Officials say the initiative directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. That aims to strengthen the Emirate’s position as a leading global hub for business and leisure while accelerating digital transformation and smart city development.

Nearly a quarter of Dubai’s visitors are repeat travellers, and authorities see the new check-in process as a way to enhance loyalty by making return visits faster and more seamless.

“By leveraging cutting-edge solutions, we are not only enhancing the visitor journey, but also strategically positioning Dubai for sustained tourism growth,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He added that the program reflects the city’s ambition to create a smart, secure and frictionless urban environment.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, described the rollout as a milestone for Dubai’s hospitality sector. He said it highlights the impact of collaboration between public and private sectors and supports the broader goal of expanding tourism’s contribution to the emirate’s economy.

Dubai is home to 820 hotels and hotel apartments and welcomed 15.7 million international overnight visitors in the first 10 months of 2025.

Virgin to resume flights between Sydney and Darwin

 

Virgin Australia is to resume direct flights between Sydney and Darwin after a gap of three years.

As of June, Virgin will operate up to seven return flights per week in peak periods, adding 80,000 seats annually between the two destinations.

The airline promises convenient daytime departures for visiting friends and relatives, business and leisure travellers.

Virgin suspended year-round Sydney–Darwin flights in early 2023 following a network review.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the route’s return reflects the airline’s commitment to providing choice and convenience for travellers.

“We’re excited to reconnect Sydney and Darwin, two destinations that play an important role in Australia’s tourism landscape,” Hartley said.

“Our return to the route will enhance travel options for passengers, drive competition, and reinforce the vital connections between metropolitan centres and regional Australia, with Darwin serving as a key gateway. It will also provide greater flexibility for corporate travellers moving between the two cities.

“The direct service will make it easier for travellers to visit friends and relatives, while delivering a significant tourism boost to both cities.”

Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said: “We welcome Virgin Australia’s decision to resume a direct seasonal service between Darwin and Sydney.

“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable options, so we are delighted by this announcement.

“We have listened to Territorians who want more daytime flights, so this service is a great addition to the schedule options and provides greater flexibility for travellers.

“We are focused on sustainably growing the Territory’s aviation sector and improving connectivity, choice and competition for Territorians and visitors.”

Virgin Australia currently services three of the Northern Territory’s key gateways – Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.

For more info see virginaustralia.com.

Nagano has more to offer than snow

The Japanese resort of Nagano is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders but local tourism officials are urging visitors to explore beyond the snowfields and resorts for a better understanding and appreciation of the region and its culture.

The popular destination, about 250km north-west of capital Tokyo, is split into six distinct regions with each having their own characteristics, from the historic sites to the ancient walking trails and natural beauty.

“Despite the surge of holidaying Australians each northern winter, Nagano is truly an all-year-round destination, and we can break new records by urging visitors to stay longer or return after winter during the autumn, spring or summer seasons,” says Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.

“There is so much to see and learn across the prefecture’s regions, whether it be at the dinner table or on a trek along one of the ancient routes.

“Historic sites and breath-taking scenery go hand-in-hand wherever you explore.”

So popular is Nagano with Australians that recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Aussie market maintaining its spot at No.2 behind Japan’s near neighbours Taiwan for time spent in the prefecture.

Statistics for 2025 (until the end of August) show Australians spending 143,860 bed nights during the period, an increase of more than 28,000 on the previous record-breaking year’s figures and ahead of the People’s Republic of China in third position.



Apart from onsens and large ski resorts, northern Nagano is renowned for its snow monkeys and the iconic Zenkoji Temple.

In Central Nagano, beyond the castle town of Matsumoto, you'll find the wasabi-growing district of Azumino, the Hakuba Valley and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Each region offers a slice of the "real Japan".    

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

New airlines keen to enter the perilous Indian aviation fray

There are literally dozens of Indian airlines that have either gone broke, or been taken over.

High operating costs, volatile fuel prices, thin margins, regulatory pressure, and fierce competition make aviation one of the toughest industries.

Over the past quarter century, nine Indian carriers have disappeared entirely including Air Sahara, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways and Vistara.

That said, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation this week gave initial approval for two start-up airlines to compete with troubled market leader IndiGo and Air India.

It granted alHind Air and FlyExpress no-objection certificates, which is the initial step prior to securing a full air operator certificate, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Consumer groups and industry analysts have called for more market competition following the fallout of IndiGo's Scheduling woes over the past few weeks.

IndiGo has a dominant 65% share of the market. Air India is a distant second, with less than 30% share.

Regional startup alHind Air plans to start flying turboprop services in southern India while FlyExpress has not yet given any comprehensive details of its operational plans.

alHind says its will "begin its journey with a fleet of ATR 72- 600 model aircraft, initially focusing on providing efficient and reliable domestic air travel. With plans to expand its services to international destinations in the near future, alHindair aims to meet the growing demands of passengers and establish itself as a trusted name in the aviation sector".

Clicquot and Claws is back for a summer encore

Nothing says summer celebration like Champagne and seafood.

After a trial run in October, Solotel is once again partnering with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Brolos Western Rock Lobster to bring back Clicquot and Claws to celebrity chef Matt Moran's Chiswick Woollahra, from January 6-31.

The activation celebrates the iconic pairing of Champagne and lobster, inviting guests to indulge in bold, buttery lobster dishes paired with Veuve Clicquot.

Guests can expect a curated menu including the signature Brolos lobster burger ($25) and grilled half  Western Australian rock lobster with herb and garlic butter and chips ($45), designed for long lunches, sipping, and sun-soaked Sydney al fresco dining in Chiswick’s garden setting.

A glass of Veuve Clicquot is available with food for for $15, with additional options by the glass ($19) or bottle ($99).

The special menu will also run at Barangaroo House and Aria (bar).

More info at https://chiswickwoollahra.com.au/clicquot-and-claws

Image: Declan Blackall

Travel warning levels upped for Cambodia

Australians have been warned to avoid visiting Battambang (above), Cambodia's second city, and tourism hub Siem Reap, amid ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

The Smart Traveller website published by the Australian Government this week upped its warnings for the south-east Asian nation.

"We’ve reviewed our advice for Cambodia and have raised the overall travel advice level," the website says. "We now advise exercise a high degree of caution overall due to ongoing conflict and its security risks.

"The security situation remains unpredictable. We continue to advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia-Thailand border and reconsider your need to travel within an additional 30 kilometres of that border (and all of Battambang city) due to ongoing armed clashes including military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance."

Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed.

Tourists are advised to check local and international media for updates, follow the instructions of local authorities and pay close attention to their personal security.

It is advised avoiding the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, and Koh Kong, "due to ongoing armed clashes including military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance".

See https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Subi Spritz adds some fizz to the Perth calendar

Each March, the Perth suburb of Subiaco celebrates the food and drink of southern Europe. 

Subiaco's annual Subi Spritz food festival, presented by See Subiaco, will return in 2026 with some familiar flavours and aromas. 

To run from March 26-29, Perth foodies will indulge in a taste of la dolce vita with a night market and Subi Spritz collaboration, as well as some new additions. 

Highlights will include a Euro Sunday Session featuring two of Western Australia's taste leaders in food and wine, Ben Ing (FOUND, Si Paradiso) and Ben Jacob (Masseria). 

The pair will join forces to create a food and beverage pairing that will combine the best of West Australian produce with contemporary Italian flavours, paired with Cherubino Wines and FOUND brews. 

Other highlights include the return of The Kiosk, which will run from March 26-28 and see Forrest Walk again transform into a vibrant Italian piazza complete with a pop-up spritz bar and DJ's spinning Italo disco tracks. 

The 2026 iteration of Subi Spritz marks the fifth consecutive year of the festival, which has grown to be an annual staple calendar event in Perth. 

City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said: “Subi Spritz is our iconic event showcasing our very own food and beverage experiences to the whole of Perth. 

"It not only draws visitors to the City of Subiaco during the festival, but it also keeps them coming back all year round once they discover what our fantastic venues have to offer.”

The full Subi Spritz line-up will be announced in January and will feature over 20 events throughout Subiaco. Sign up to the Subi Spritz mailing list here.

New branding for popular Adelaide hotel

There's a big change coming in the new year for Adelaide's Mayfair Hotel.

The centrally located Mayfair has now joined the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ group. That means guests can earning and using their IHG One Rewards to stay in and explore one of Australia’s most charming cities.

Mayfair Hotel will continue to welcome guests under its current name until the end of April 2026 before undergoing a "creative transformation", emerging in the second half of the new year as as Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide - Australia’s second Kimpton-branded hotel, and South Australia’s first.

Constructed in 1934 and transformed into a luxury hotel in 2015, the much-loved 170-room property has long been admired for its grand façade, architecture and celebrated rooftop bar. It's been a comfortable place to stay.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Ark Capital for the first time and together reimagine one of Adelaide’s most famous hotels," said Matt Tripolone, managing director, Australasia & Pacific, for IHG Hotels & Resorts.

"The Mayfair Hotel will be transformed and elevated by the Kimpton brand to offer a boutique luxury lifestyle experience that celebrates Adelaide’s creativity, warmth and sophistication.

“IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio continues to expand rapidly across the country, and the addition of Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide perfectly complements our other hotels in South Australia, as well as the recently announced InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa."

The Kimpton brand launched in Australia in 2022 with the opening of Kimpton Margot Sydney.

US investors to buy Hamilton Island

US investment group Blackstone has announced that real estate funds it manages have entered into an agreement to acquire one of Australia's leading resorts: Hamilton Island.

The resort in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, is being sold by the Oatley family of Rosemount Estate fame, which has owned it for over two decades.

The sale is subject to customary regulatory approvals, Blackstone said in a media statement.

Hamilton Island is located on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. It spans spans more than 2,800 acres across two islands (around 70% of which remains undeveloped) and comprises five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, an 18-hole championship golf course on neighbouring Dent Island, a marina, and a commercial airport.

Chris Heady, chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia, Blackstone, said: “Hamilton Island is an exceptional destination, and we are honoured to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family has brought to investing in its transformation and add a standout asset to our portfolio.

"Hospitality and leisure is a key investment theme at Blackstone globally including in the Asia Pacific region, where we’ve brought scale and operational expertise to invest in and build leading brands. 

“We are committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community.”

A mind boggling list of the world's top cuisines for 2025-26

At the end of the year endless guides are published, allegedly to help travellers make good decisions.

The best hotels of 2025, the hottest destinations in 2026 and endless varieties on that theme.

Many employ dubious methodology, or are heavily influenced by advertising revenue.

A group called TasteAtlas has just published its list of the 100 top countries for food. And it is an absolute waste of time.

If you think food in the US is better than in Thailand, or that Libya offers better cuisine than Australia then you might be impressed by the TasteAtlas 100 Best Cuisines in the World for 2025-26.

It looks like a list put together by a very young child throwing darts at a global map.

You need a twisted, or biased, palate to think Portugal has superior cuisine to France across the board, or that you'll eat higher quality dishes in Poland than in Thailand, or better in the US than Vietnam.

Incredibly, this hotch potch also says you'll eat better in the UK than in Australia. And Eritrea has better food than Singapore. 

Russian food, apparently, is better than that in Malaysia and while I am no fan of Israel, I'd rate its food ahead of Scotland. 

So many listings are just wrong with zero weight apparently given to the quality of produce available in each country.

A search of the internet tells me " TasteAtlas is an experiential online guide for traditional food that collates authentic recipes, food critic reviews, and research articles about popular ingredients and dishes".

Based in Croatia and describing itself as "a world atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants". This global authority cobbles together a range of regional styles under one country. 

So instead of having Szechuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine you just have "Chinese".

But Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Slovenia - all part of Yugoslavia until relatively recently - are all rated separately.

Similarly, India, with range of very different regional cuisines, has had them all lumped together.

And Indian cuisine is rated ahead of renowned south-east Asian culinary giants such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.

TasteAtlas says its list is informed by "590,228 valid ratings for 18,912 foods in our database, these cuisines have earned the highest average scores".

Mind boggling. But take a look for yourself.  

Singapore cracks down on undesirables

Planning to visit Singapore? Better make sure you don't have any skeletons in your closet.

Around 41,800 foreigners deemed undesirable have been turned away at Singaporean checkpoints in the first 11 months of 2025 - and would-be visitors will face even greater scrutiny from 2026.

A new "no-boarding" directive initiative will mean the unwanted will not even get to board flights to Singapore, let alone make it to the immigration desks.

From January, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and AirAsia will implement the NBD directive, with more airlines to follow in March.

The new move will bar travellers from boarding their flights if they are found to be ineligible for entry into Singapore, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said.

Undesirable or prohibited immigrants, and those who do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements, will not be allowed to board flights bound for Singapore.

The ICA currently uses advance traveller information, including that provided in the arrival card, flight manifests and other sources of data, to identify high-risk travellers when they arrive at checkpoints. These travellers are flagged for more stringent checks when they clear immigration.

Now airlines that receive an NBD notice must not allow these travellers on board.

The move aims to strengthen Singapore’s border security by keeping potential threats from reaching the country in the first place.

Airline operators that fail to comply with an NBD notice will be guilty of a strict liability offence.

If a pilot of the aircraft or an employee of the airline operator enables a person subjected to an NBD to board an aircraft, he or she will be liable on conviction to a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both.

The Straits Times reported that the 41,800 foreigners turned away so far this year represents a jump of 26% over 2024 and 46% more than those refused entry in 2023.

Rosewood expands into the luxury snow space

The Rosewood Hotel Group - which operates several of New Zealand's leading luxury resorts - has opened its first ski resort.

The group this month officially launched opened Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin in France. It has 51 rooms and suites in various configurations. 

The new alpine retreat marks Rosewood’s entry into a new travel sector, although it also operates the legendary Hôtel de Crillon in Paris among other luxury destinations.

The US-founded group, Hong Kong-owned, currently operates 38 hotels in 23 countries/regions and has 21 hotels slated for future development. It manages Kauri Cliffs, Matakauri Lodge and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand.

This debut follows seven openings in 2025, including Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills.

Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, said: “Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin, our first ski resort, is a milestone that reflects our long‑term commitment to thoughtfully expanding our global portfolio and entry in new, experience-driven sectors.”

Situated in the village of Courchevel 1850, the resort also offers luxury accommodations, dining concepts, wellness experiences, and direct ski‑in/ski‑out access.

Anticipated openings over the next year include Rosewood AMAALA, an ultra‑luxury retreat on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, Rosewood Blue Palace and Rosewood Residence Crete, the first property in Greece.

Rosewood is a Hong Kong–based multi-national hotel management group. 

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts was founded in 1979 and is now incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. 

Share a milestone moment with a leading Tasmanian winemaker

One of Tasmania’s leading winemakers is marking a major milestone with Nick Glaetzer celebrating 20 years in Tasmania with a series of wine tasting experiences at the Taste of Summer festival in Hobart.

Making his debut at the popular event, the Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers founder will headline the Winemaker Series at the Taste of Summer alongside Alice Davidson of Aunt Alice Wines and Keira O’Brien of Rivulet Wines.

He will be hosting daily tasting sessions throughout the festival.

Taste of Summer food and crink curators, Jo Cook and Khayla Massie said the milestone was a perfect fit for the festival’s focus on Tasmanian producers and stories.

“The Taste is all about celebrating the people behind Tasmania’s world class food and drink, and Nick’s 20 years in Tasmania is a fantastic story to share with our audience,” they said.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nick to the Taste for the first time and to give festival goers the chance to taste his wines and hear directly from one of Tasmania’s most respected winemakers.”

Originally from a famous wine family in the Barossa, South Australia, Glaetzer and his wife Sally moved to Tasmania in 2005, driven by a desire to make premium cool-climate wines.

Their Glaetzer-Dixon wines have since become synonymous with Tasmania’s modern wine story, earning national and international acclaim.

Galetzer said appearing at the Taste during his 20th year in Tasmania felt particularly meaningful.

“We’ve loved the Taste ever since we arrived in Tasmania, and it feels fitting that in our 20th year here we’re finally coming along as producers,” he said.

“I’ll be pouring wines that really showcase what makes Tasmania such a special wine growing region, from crisp, mineral riesling to elegant pinot noir and cool-climate shiraz.”

Winemaker sessions will run throughout the Taste of Summer, with tickets priced at $30 per person. Places are limited and wine lovers are encouraged to book ahead.

The Taste of Summer will run at PW1 on Hobart’s waterfront from December 27-January 3.

See www.tasteofsummer.com.au

Americans take to the rails in increasing numbers

Americans tend to drive, or fly to their destinations, but railway journeys are growing in popularity, Travel Weekly reported.

Amtrak enjoyed recorded record-high ride numbers and revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, particularly on its long-distance routes, which are attractive to holidaymakers.

The 2025 numbers showed bottom-line improvement and record capital expenditures, indicating that the quasi-public rail line has thus far transitioned smoothly from the Biden administration, which strongly supported passenger rail, to the Trump administration, which was expected to be less enthusiastic.

For the fiscal year that ended in September, Amtrak reported 34.5 million customer trips, up 5.1% from the previous year. Operating revenue was $3.9 billion, up 9.1%.

Both figures were record highs. Amtrak still had an operating loss of $598.4 million, but that was an improvement from a $705.2 million loss in 2024.

On long-distance lines, which Amtrak defines as its 14 services that cover more than 750 miles, ridership was up 4.2% year over year and ticket revenue was up 9.7%.

Solid gains came on the Chicago-San Francisco line, on which ridership increased 14.8%, while numbers increased 18.9% on the Los Angeles-New Orleans line, 14.3% on the Chicago-San Antonio route and 12.6% on the Chicago-Los Angeles route. Added capacity was a major reason for those gains.

The company also made significant network changes on routes that are attractive to vacationers.

In August, Amtrak re-introduced a service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said revenue on long-distance routes could be higher, if not for fleet-size limitations. New long-distance cars are not expected before the end of the decade.

Amtrak was a major beneficiary of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act under President Joe Biden, which included $22 billion in guaranteed funding.

Founded in 1971, Amtrak currently operates intercity rail services in every contiguous US state except for Wyoming and South Dakota, as well as in three Canadian provinces.

Chef cooks up a new premium wine range

Six years ago Orange winemaker Duncan Cook decided to push his boundaries and make some new barrel-fermented reserve wines.

A couple of weeks ago the Cooks Lot Iconique Barrique wines were released: featuring a 2019 Cooks Lot ‘Iconique Barrique’ Rolled Chardonnay and 2019 Cooks Lot ‘Iconique Barrique’ R16R17 Pinot Noir.

The pair retails for $60 each and are a statement of confidence from a producer that is one of Orange’s best-kept secrets,

Cooks Lot, which started in 2002, is operated by former chef Cook on the slopes of Mount Canobolas.

After many years working as a chef at La Grillade in Crows Nest, Sydney, Cook enrolled at Charles Sturt University to study winemaking.

Driving weekly from Sydney to Wagga Wagga for lectures, he eventually decided to fully commit to a career in wine. Initially working in Mudgee, where he has family.

He was then drawn to cooler-climate varieties and began sourcing fruit from Orange in 2011.

In 2016, Duncan set out to create a new flagship wine, with pinot noir the natural choice. “It’s the one percenters that make the difference with these wines,” he said.

“We experimented with barrel fermenting red wines and saw the great depth and complexity it created.

”“You have to be half crazy to do it. It’s an enormous amount of work, and expensive, but the results speak for themselves. It’s gentler on the fruit than plunging, which can over-extract tannins. The result is softer tannins, beautiful secondary and charcuterie characters, and greater colour stability in the wine.”

The pinot noir is a wine that benefits from being open for a couple of hours before drinking, while the chardonnay is impressively complex and textural.

Cook believes Orange’s diversity is key to wine quality.

“Orange isn’t like any other wine region in Australia," he says. "There are multiple sub-regions within it; grapes grown at 600 metres are completely different to those at 1000 metres.”

The fruit for both wines is sourced small grower vineyard parcels sourced across this volcanic region.

“There are some fantastic growers in Orange,” Cook says

“Working with several of them gives me great flexibility in the winery. Combining higher-elevation fruit with grapes from lower sites adds complexity and balance to the finished wine.”

The 2019 Cooks Lot ‘Iconique Barrique’ R16R17 Pinot Noir was hand-picked and cold-soaked for three days before being micro-fermented in 900L rotating French barriques with a portion of whole bunches and wild yeast. Te barrels were rotated nine times per day, followed by five days of post-ferment maceration. The wine was matured in 900-litre French oak barriques for 16 months.

The 2019 Cooks Lot ‘Iconique Barrique’ Chardonnay Rolled was whole-bunch pressed, with the free-run juice barrel-fermented on partial solids with wild yeast to build texture and complexity. The wine was matured in new French oak puncheons for 24 months, with extended lees contact enhanced through modern barrel rolling.

See cookslot.com.au

Brexit blowback as WTTC switches from London to Madrid

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced Madrid as its new headquarters following the organisation’s decision to leave its London base after 35 years.

The WTTC announced this week that its executive committee had unanimously approved the Spanish capital as the location of its new global headquarters, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The move is designed to deliver greater value to members and unlock fresh growth potential for the travel and tourism sector.

Madrid was selected following a competitive evaluation process in which five destinations formally expressed interest in hosting the new office: Dubai, France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Each bid was assessed against six core criteria, including office rental and operating costs; the fiscal, incentive, and competitive environment; fast-track visa and work permit arrangements; government support; cost of living to attract and retain talent; and proximity to international organizations.

All 17 members of the WTTC executive committee endorsed Madrid after an in-depth review of the organization’s long-term strategic and operational needs.

Committee members concluded that the Spanish capital offered the most compelling overall proposition, combining strong competitiveness, a more favourable tax environment, robust public-sector backing, simplified visa procedures for staff, and lower overall operating costs.

Ongoing challenges linked to Brexit - particularly restrictions on talent mobility - were also cited as factors that reduced the UK’s attractiveness.

Establishing its global office in Madrid will give WTTC immediate access to a far larger and more diverse talent pool.

The Spanish capital is already home to the UNWTO, which could provide more synergies between the two organisations.

“Madrid gives us the platform to operate more efficiently, deliver greater value to our members, access world-class talent, and maintain a truly global outlook, with the strong support of the Spanish government,” said WTTC chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio of Italy.

# The WTTC is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. It comprises members from the global business community and works with governments to raise awareness about the travel and tourism industry.

American Airlines fails loyalty test

 

Are you an American Airlines frequent flyer who buys basic economy tickets?

The airline does not give a damn about your loyalty

American Airlines this week quietly ended the ability for customers traveling on basic economy tickets to earn miles and status as it chases more high-revenue flyers.

Basic economy tickets are the airline's most restrictive and already do not allow for changes or seat selection.

American customers with elite frequent flyer status who are flying on basic economy tickets will still be eligible for domestic upgrades.

So the airline only wants to reward its big spenders.

"We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace," the airline said in a statement. 

"Customers who purchase a basic economy ticket on December 17, 2025, and beyond will not earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage status. 

"Basic economy customers will continue to receive one free personal item and one free carry-on bag, free snacks, soft drinks and in-flight entertainment."

No surprise that no spokesperson wanted to put their name to that slap down of regular flyers. 

Basic economy tickets are airlines' cheapest but most restrictive fares, rolled out across the industry over the past decade. 

Generally, they do not allow customers to change their tickets without fees, or pick their seats in advance.

New international hotel for Perth Airport will offer a resort vibe

Perth Airport is to get its first hotel and Pullman Perth Airport has unveiled a cutting-edge design concept. 

"The new hotel will offer a world-class retreat for visitors to relax and soak up the resort-style environment just steps from our terminals," says Dan Sweet, Chief Property Officer, Skyfields by Perth Airport. 

“The new Pullman Perth Airport hotel will be a world-class facility located at the front door to our major terminals. 

"It will offer a vibrant and convenient place to stay and recharge between connections for international, interstate and local visitors. 

“Travellers can also use it as a base to explore Perth's iconic attractions - it is just 15 minutes to the CBD, Optus Stadium or wineries in the Swan Valley, and 30 minutes to Perth's spectacular beaches.”

With construction scheduled to start in 2026, the 240-room hotel will features an aerodynamic form with metal fins that echo aircraft panels. 

The curved shape will maximise views of the runways from upper-level rooms while the rooftop pool and bar will aim to reinforce the resort feel. 

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer Adrian Williams said: “Pullman is defined by spaces that are purposeful, contemporary and designed to provoke exchange, and Pullman Perth Airport will be a compelling expression of that philosophy. 

"Every element, from architecture and interiors through to the rooftop experience, has been intentionally crafted to serve the needs of today's lifestyles.

“By blending Pullman's global perspective with design cues inspired by Western Australia, the hotel will offer an experience that is globally connected yet locally grounded, where design actively shapes how guests engage, connect and move through the destination.” 

The approach to the architecture, interiors and landscapes by DKO Architecture will aim to strike a balance between the two worlds of aviation and a resort-style destinations.

“The brief from Skyfields was for the hotel to make guests feel instantly grounded, relaxed, and immersed in Western Australia's identity - all while delivering the sophistication of a global Pullman flagship,” said Dennis Chew, director of DKO Architecture.

“The strong sense of place is captured in the interiors, with colour palettes and materials that are deeply rooted in WA's diverse landscapes - the Pilbara's raw earth and ancient stories, the Kimberley's lush plantations and warm timbers, and Esperance's coastal calm.

“Outside, the hotel forecourt will be a green, welcoming plaza for people to gather in a serene garden environment. The space connects to the airport's existing Skybridge with a 30-metre canopy walkway leading from the terminal, providing an immediate and seamless transition to the resort environment."

Taste of Summer returns to the Hobart waterfront

For food and wine lovers in Hobart over the holidays a trip or two to the Taste of Summer festival is de rigueur.

With a range of new experiences locked in for the fifth edition in its current guise, the Taste showcases dishes and drinks from around the island state, along with a range of entertainment.

Held at Princes Wharf 1, next to where the Sydney-Hobart yachts finish, the event formerly known as the Taste of Tasmania is one of Australia's longest-running gourmet festivals, spanning four decades.

The Taste starts on December 27 and runs through to January 3. It is always a great event with a fun, family vibe. New Year's Eve festivities often sell out.



Over 30% of the stallholders will be making their debuts, says food and wine co-ordinator Jo Cook, who predicts this year's event will be the best yet.

Stalwarts including Clover Hill sparkling wines and Willie Smiths cider will be joined by several innovative new operators.

Among the highlights will be Season & Fire, a new restaurant showcasing indigenous seafood dishes, including abalone, and the barbecue spectacle at The Smokeyard.

The new Winemaker Series will offer booked guided wine tasting sessions with local winemaking stars including Nick Glaetzer from Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers, Keira O'Brien from Rivulet Wines and Alice Davidson from Aunt Alice Wines.

For spirits lovers. &K Distillery will offer bookable VIP tasting experiences.

Other wineries involved include Beautiful Isle, Clover Hill, Derwent Estate, Haddow and Dineen, L'Appel, Ponting and Meadowbank and Sonnen, along with star brewers, cider producers and distillers.

Food highlights will include dishes from around the globe: from Ethiopia to Chile. And I hear there might be some free taste treats when you enter the gates. 

For bigger plates think the likes of Bruny Island Cheeses, Formosa Bites seafood, Katsu burgers by Lilly Trewartha and Tantuni Turkish cuisine. 

There will also be a new sports bar. 

For full details, times and tickets see https://www.tasteofsummer.com.au/

Marketing madness: meet a beer made using melted snow

It is the silly season, so a beer made with melted snow should come as no surprise.

Global brewing giant AB InBev has made a beer made with snow from New York State's Highmark Stadium as part of its sponsorship of NFL team the Buffalo Bills, the drinks business reports.



The limited-edition beer, named Bud Light Blizzard Brew, “celebrates the final season for the Bills" at their current stadium.

The snow used in the brew was gathered from the first snowfall at Highmark Stadium earlier this year.

It was then transported to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Baldwinsville, New York - around 100km away. 

The brewery team then integrated the snow into the brewing process to create a light beer sold in custom 16oz cans.

AB InBev has said that the release of Bud Light Blizzard Brew will be available at select retailers in the Buffalo area and fan gathering spots this month.

The stadium opened in 1973 but is set to close at the conclusion of the current 2025 NFL season to be replaced by a nearby new Highmark Stadium. 

France keeps getting more expensive

A growing number of major French cultural institutions are adopting differentiated pricing based on visitors’ residency status, making it more expensive for those who live outside Europe.

The Palace of Versailles this week confirmed it will introduce higher admission prices for visitors from outside the European Union beginning in 2026, news hub Travel Mole reported.

From mid-January 2026, non-EU and non-European Economic Area (EEA) visitors will pay more to access the world-renowned former royal residence west of Paris, one of France’s most visited cultural landmarks.

The move follows a similar decision by the Louvre Museum and reflects a broader strategy encouraged by the French government to secure additional funding for the upkeep and modernization of the country’s most heavily visited heritage sites.

Officials familiar with the plan reported the higher tariffs will apply mainly during peak periods, when international tourism is at its strongest.

Tickets for non-EU visitors could rise to around €35 during high season. That is 5 euros more than the standard rate currently paid by European visitors.

EU and EEA residents will continue to benefit from existing pricing structures.

The French Ministry of Culture has said that the policy is designed to make major cultural institutions more financially sustainable at a time when operating costs, security requirements, and restoration expenses are rising sharply.

Versailles faces ongoing preservation challenges linked to ageing buildings, climate impacts, and the sheer volume of foot traffic through its historic halls and gardens.

According to data from 2024, around 8.4 million visitors visited the palace in 2024 (with 83% of visitors foreigners).

The decision, however, has sparked debate. Critics, including some unions and cultural commentators, have accused authorities of introducing a form of cultural discrimination.

Good news for Chablis lovers

There is good news for lovers of Chablis wines after a positive 2025 harvest with volumes up.

Despite challenging weather, growers harvested healthy fruit, and the resulting wines combine freshness, balance, and confident ageing potential," the Bourgogne Wine Board Press Office reported today.

"With an estimated 300,000 hectolitres - slightly below recent 5- and 10‑year averages - Chablis returns to volumes more closely aligned with market needs after the sharply reduced 2024 harvest."

The winter of 2024-25 unfolded without major extremes, despite a few episodes of frost.

"What once felt unusual has now become almost standard, with Chablis increasingly moving toward consistently early vintages," the BIVB reported.

A cooler May briefly slowed this pace, but flowering accelerated quickly - sometimes abruptly - around May 26.

The rest of the season was punctuated by two significant heatwaves: one at the end of June, and another from August 8 to 18, with temperatures nearing 40°C.

These conditions naturally concentrated the berries, producing smaller fruit with thicker skins, a source of both aromatic intensity and structural depth.

Heavy but irregular mid‑August rain provided welcome relief after weeks of drought, restarting ripening while requiring increased vigilance to maintain quality."

So what can lovers of this unique style of chardonnay expect?

"The 2025 whites show clarity, balance, and expressive aromatics.

"Two stylistic expressions are emerging. One is a fresh, fruit-driven profile with notes of pear and peach, lively acidity, and crisp tension. The other is a rounder, fuller style marked by subtle exotic nuances, supported by even ripeness and a generous sense of amplitude."

Find all the info at www.chablis-wines.com

Finnair ready to fly to Melbourne

It will soon be possible to fly from Melbourne to Helsinki with Finnair. 

The Finnish flag carrier has unveiled plans to expand its long-haul network and start flights to Melbourne late in 2026. 

The route will be operated daily via Bangkok with an Airbus A350 aircraft.

The Melbourne route marks a completely new destination for Finnair and connects Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network via Helsinki.

“We are very excited to introduce service to a new continent," said Christine Rovelli, Chief Revenue Officer at Finnair. 

"By connecting Helsinki and Melbourne, two cities on opposite sides of the world, we can offer a truly unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres. 

“We expect that this new route will appeal to travellers from Europe heading to Australia, as well as Australians exploring northern Europe and beyond.”

The flight is scheduled to depart from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Bangkok in the afternoon, and continuing to Melbourne after a brief stop, reaching Melbourne the following morning. 

On the return, flights will leave from Melbourne in the afternoon, with a stop in Bangkok in the evening, and land in Helsinki early the next day, aligning with Finnair’s first morning departures across Europe. 

The Melbourne flights will be available for booking on Finnair.com as of today, and the first flight is expected to be on October 25, 2026, subject to government approval.

In addition to Melbourne, Finnair’s network for 2026 comprises a total of 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, including Toronto, which opens in summer 2026, and two destinations in the Middle East.

Urban winery experience opens in Melbourne

Talented winemaker Rory Lane, who makes wines using fruit from several different regions on Victoria, has just opened a new urban winery and tasting room in the Melbourne suburb of Moorabbin.

Lane's The Story Wines, a five-star Halliday-rated producer. has unveiled a new home - an innovative urban location in a district that is a fast emerging hub of breweries, distilleries and craft makers.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, the new space gives Melburnians access to premium, small-batch Victorian wines close to home.

Grapes are sourced primarily from the Grampians, Henty and other premium Victorian regions and brought directly to the urban winery, where they are made in a "hands-off"’ style in small quantities.

“I’ve dreamt of opening up a space like this for 20 years - where top-flight wines can be sampled from bottle and barrel, without the need to travel an hour or more to wine country,” says winemaker/owner Lane, who founded The Story Wines in 2004.

The Story Wines is best known for its single-vineyard syrahs (shiraz) and Rhône-inspired Victorian whites.

Visitors to the tasting room can drop in for a glass of wine and a snack, book a guided tasting experience, and tour the working winery.

“Our tasting flights level up from pet nat Prosecco, white blends and light, lunchtime reds to terroir-specific syrah comparisons and vertical tastings, and we’re hopeful that the locals will embrace it and want to learn more - or just drop in for a glass on a Friday arvo,” Lane says.

Snacks on offer include classic cheese and charcuterie plates from local farmers and fresh crusty loaves from nearby bakers. Lane also plans to run food truck events and open up the space for functions.

“Wine for us has always been about sharing stories,” he says. “We change our Grampians Syrah label every year to reflect the story of that vintage, and we have connected with the Melbourne writers’ scene by running short story competitions and sponsoring literary events, but with the tasting room open we finally have a place to share stories face to face.”

The Story Wines is at 47 Alex Avenue, Moorabbin, for tastings, tours and bottle sales from 11am-6pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11-7 on Friday and Saturday and 11-6 Sundays.

For more info and bookings visit www.thestory.com.au.

Adventure tourism boom hits Hobart

Adventure tourism is all the rage right now with Hobart set to be the next to enjoy the TreeClimb experience. 

TreeClimb is now constructing a new venue in the Tasmanian capital, marking a major milestone in the company’s national expansion.

Until now, TreeClimb has operated exclusively in Adelaide, Salisbury and Kuitpo Forest, establishing a reputation as South Australia’s leading aerial adventure experience. 

Set to launch in February 2026, the Hobart venue will be TreeClimb's first interstate site, with two more to follow: in Queensland's Logan Gardens and Hervey Bay.

The new wave of expansion follows a year of significant growth for the operator after TreeClimb founder and managing director Seb Packer’s recent acquisition of the iconic Otway Fly and Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventure parks in Victoria and New South Wales, respectively. 

Together with the new Hobart site and upcoming Queensland locations, TreeClimb is emerging as a major national player in Australia’s nature-based tourism landscape.

“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing TreeClimb to Tasmania,” said Packer. “From our beginnings as Australia’s first inner-city aerial adventure park in Adelaide, to now building a presence across multiple states, we can’t wait to expand TreeClimb into a truly national brand.”

Construction is now underway on the Hobart adventure park, which will feature TreeClimb’s signature aerial high-ropes challenges – including numerous ziplines over 100 metres long – along with a range of new experiences and family-friendly courses designed to suit all ages and abilities.

“Hobart is the perfect next step for us,” Packer said. “The city has a strong culture of outdoor adventure, and we can’t wait to deliver an experience that connects people with nature in a fun, safe and memorable way.”

TreeClimb Hobart will be located in The Lea Centre in Kingston, around a 10-minute drive south of the Hobart CBD. 

For more info see www.treeclim                b.com.au

What infuriates travellers the most

From flyers who recline their seats immediately after take-off to people who cough and sneeze without using a tissue, there are many travel habits that are infuriating. 

Now a new survey, commissioned by travel eSIM company Saily, has revealed the travel habits that are most annoying. 

Coughing or sneezing without covering up and leaving litter on the beach annoy Australians the most (52% of travellers find these annoying).

Then there are loud talkers in public places, and people who fly barefooted. 

Two offences tied for first place: coughing or sneezing without covering up and leaving litter on the beach: both hated by 52% of travellers across the country. Over‑reclined seats took third place (50%).

Noise dominates the rest of the list: loud arguments (47%), talking too loudly on a train, bus or plane (46%), speakerphone calls (43%) and music or videos without headphones (42%). 

Rounding out the top 10 were idle chatter in quiet spaces (42%), smelly snacks (40%) and playing loud music in public spaces (39%).

Classic holiday irritations - like guests reserving pool chairs for hours or showing up late for excursions - didn’t make the top 10. 

But many travellers admit their own sins. 

No fewer than 25% confessed to standing up the moment the plane lands, and one in four (24%) admitted to peeing in the sea, or a lake. 

“We wanted to take an honest look at travel habits,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, the company that commissioned the survey. 

“The holiday season is one of the busiest times to travel, and with so many people in motion at once, it’s the perfect moment to see what really annoys us on the road – and how often we’re the ones doing it.”

A total of 57% of travellers said they’ve asked someone to stop doing something irritating, suggesting that even though many admit to their own bad habits, they’re still willing to speak up when others cross the line.

Maknickas notes that there are ways that can help smooth out traveling experience. “Nobody wants to start their trip by becoming somebody else’s travel horror story. Being mindful, putting in a little preparation and packing some technology items can help.”

The survey was conducted by the external companies Cint and Norstat on November 17–December 2, 2025. The survey’s target group were residents of the US, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Japan aged 18-74. 

For more info see https://saily.com/blog/annoying-tourist-behaviors/

Image: Tiago Gomes, Scop.io

Margaret River puts on its party pants for 10 weeks of summer fun

Margaret River holds more festivals and wine events than just about any wine region in Australia. 

Next up: Margaret River Summer of Wine, a festival featuring a program of more than 50 winery events and pop-ups, kicking off on Thursday. 

Now in its second year, the event spans small artisan producers to iconic estates. 

The program includes outdoor films in vineyards, live-music picnics, pop-up markets, helicopter joyrides, family-friendly carnivals and wine celebrations.

“Margaret River Summer of Wine is a relaxed festival created by our wineries, with events that reflect how the locals love to spend summer in our stunning coastal region," said Margaret River Wine Association CEO Amanda Whiteland. 

"Start your day at the beach, and when the sun’s too bright or the sea breeze is in, enjoy a glass of wine, art, film, music and local produce with a sunset at one of our wineries.” 

This year’s Margaret River Summer of Wine festival runs from December 18 through to March 1, 2026.

“Margaret River has always been popular between Christmas and New Year," says Whiteland. "January and February are also abuzz with the arrival of our international vintage crews. 

"Two of the signature Summer of Wine events - Open Vineyards Weekend (Jan 24-26) and the Vintage Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony (Jan 29) - invite the public to experience the culture, anticipation and adrenalin of harvest.” 

The full program is available at margaretriver.wine/summerofwine.

Several vineyards that are not usually open to the public will be visitable during Open Vineyards Weekend, with pop-up cellar doors and winemaker-cooked barbecues. 

Almost 40 nights of outdoor films will take place at Cape Mentelle with dumplings, wine and treats while Perth Opera Voices will pair musical classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood with oysters and chardonnay at Domaine Naturaliste. 

One of Margaret River’s most popular sunset wine sessions, Vino Paradiso at Cherubino Wines returns as a series of six events. 

Townsville gets a new riverside lifestyle precinct

 

Townsville has welcomed a new riverfront dining and events precinct with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Flinders Street Wharves sees an 1895 heritage building re-created as a multi-level hospitality and entertainment destination.

Set to create 120 local jobs and welcome more than 350,000 visitors in its first 12 months, the new venue is expected to inject around $6 million into Townsville’s economy.

Designed to host up to 1,000 guests, Flinders Street Wharves is aimed at drawing people in from morning coffees to sunset drinks and long evenings by the water.

Lisa Woolfe, Townsville Enterprise director for visitor economy and marketing, said the project demonstrated strong confidence in Townsville’s growing visitor economy.

“Congratulations to the Flinders Street Wharves team on opening Townsville’s newest waterfront icon," she said.

"Not only have they invested into our city by revitalising an 1895 heritage building, but they’ve created an inviting multi-level hospitality and entertainment destination that will leave a lasting legacy for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“Flinders Street Wharves elevates our city’s waterfront experiences and offerings, adds vibrancy to the CBD and reinforces why Townsville is becoming a must-visit destination in North Queensland.

"This project also reflects the growing confidence investors have in Townsville’s hospitality and tourism landscape.

“We can’t wait to see the community get behind this incredible new venue and make the most of it over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto welcomed the opening of the city's newest waterfront venues.

“Flinders Street Wharves represents so much more than Townsville’s newest dining establishment - this $30 million investment represents confidence, employment opportunities and growth for our city and I congratulate all those involved in bringing this vision to life," he said.

“Not only is it terrific to see people backing this kind of investment and putting faith in our city, but it is wonderful to see developers integrating seamlessly into Council’s Flinders St East boardwalk and activating what is envisaged to one day play a key linkage from the stadium to the Strand.”

Flinders Street Wharves co-owner Grant Morgan said the project had been several years in the making.

“We are incredibly proud to deliver a destination where locals can celebrate the best of their city and visitors can experience a new, vibrant tourism offering in North Queensland.”

The venue will operate seven days per week, from 6am until midnight Sundays through to Thursdays and 6am until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Docks and marine tourism hub will open later this summer.