Upmarket butcher to be a Crown Melbourne drawcard

You used to visit the butcher to pick up some lamb chops and a couple of sausages.

Today, a visit to a luxury butcher can be a travel attraction and a day out.

Victor Churchill, the Sydney operation once described by the late Anthony Bourdain as “the most beautiful butcher shop in the world”, is to open a bar and grill at the Crown Melbourne gambling and hotel emporium.

Anthony and Rebecca Puharich will open the new Victor Churchill concept at Crown Melbourne in mid-2027 with chef Monty Koludrovic as head of culinary - a fancy name for a pan handler.

“Victor Churchill has always been about more than just meat - it’s about storytelling, craft, and creating unforgettable moments,” said Anthony Puharich, CEO of Victor Churchill, in a media release.

“We’re thrilled to bring this philosophy to Crown Melbourne, where we can offer guests one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the country.

"This new venue will blend the heritage of Victor Churchill with the energy of a contemporary grill room, with every detail designed to feel bold, intimate and magnetic.”

The venue will overlook the Yarra.

Chef Koludrovic has experience at venues across Australia, the UK, and the United States, including Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, The Dorchester Hotel, and Hollywood’s The Living Room private club.

“Anthony and I have been close friends for almost twenty years, and I am thrilled to be coming home to Australia and to be working with the Puharich family on a project of this scale and significance, we really couldn’t script it any better," said Koludrovic.

"Victor Churchill has earned a reputation as one of our nation’s most premium butchers and luxury food destinations, and I look forward to contributing to that legacy come 2027.”

Bottom image: Kristoffer Paulsen

New name and new vibe for Noosa hotel icon

One of Australia's iconic beach resort hotels is to re-open with a new name and a new vibe.

Formerly a Sheraton, then a Sofitel, Hastings Street favourite Elysium Noosa Resort – MGallery Collection will re-open in full with 175 rooms, including 104 suites and eight villas.

The highlight will be the signature Elysium Suite, with its private pool.

The Queensland hotel's culinary lead will be Mediterranean-inspired Cibaria from star restaurateurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni.

It will celebrate local Sunshine Coast ingredients, from Noosa Reds tomatoes to Mooloolaba prawns.

By the pool, Bar Capri will be a venue for aperitivi under chic striped umbrellas.

The venue is one of several upcoming openings for Accor brand MGallery.

“Each upcoming opening enriches our brand's portfolio of signature hotels, where every stay becomes a memorable and meaningful experience," says Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems.

"Designed to celebrate local and unique character, our hotels invite travellers to discover new places, new atmospheres and new stories to experience. We are extremely proud of our pipeline of upcoming openings and look forward to welcoming guests to these new destinations around the world.”

Other newcomers include V Villas Maldives at Mirihi - MGallery Collection (formerly the Mirihi Island Resort), Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket - MGallery Collection in Kamala, Phuket, and nearby Surin Beach, Navera Phuket - MGallery Collection.

For those headed for Europe, Le Bel Hôtel Oléron - MGallery Collection is located off the west coast of France, will have culinary ideas crafted by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire - one of the best in the world.

Closer to home, The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection was soft-launched in late 2025 and is due to open fully next month.

See mgallery.com.

Image: Elise Hassey

Qantas boosts path to slippery slopes

 

Qantas is making big moves to cater for the ski set heading for Japan. 

The Australian flag carrier has increased capacity on its popular Sydney-Sapporo route for the 2026-27 season, with flights expanding from three per week to up to five per week in response to increased  demand during the current ski season.

The enhanced schedule represents a 50% capacity increase for next season, adding more than 10,000 additional seats to cater for Australians heading to Hokkaido's snow resorts, and a total of nearly 35,000 seats between the two cities.

This comes after new data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) revealed that over one million Australians visited Japan in 2025, an increase of 15% on an already record-breaking 2024, with 121,300 visitors visiting the country during the December school holiday rush alone and start of the popular winter season.

Qantas is the only airline to establish a non-stop link between Sydney and Sapporo, with the seasonal service launching in December 2025. 

Sapporo also became the 100th destination to join the airline’s international network, boosting tourism in both directions and catering to the increasing demand from Australians looking to experience Japan’s ski slopes.

“Since launching flights from Sydney to Sapporo last month the response from customers has been incredibly strong," says Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

"We’re only halfway through the current season and already we’ve carried almost 10,000 customers on the route and demand is high for the rest of the season.

“Japan remains a key focus for Qantas in the Asia region. By adding more flights next season, it cements our dedication to strengthening ties between our two countries and gives Australian travellers more choice and seamless direct access to Hokkaido’s snow.”

Return economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo are available from $1,473 at qantas.com.

Take a stroll through Tokyo's fascinating history

Tokyo may be one of the most technically advanced cities on the planet, but it also has a fascinating history. 

The Japanese capital is showcasing its cultural roots through “Edo Tokyo,” with a renewed focus on the city's historical identity, highlighted by the reopening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum (above) on March 31. 

Before it became known as Tokyo, Japan's capital was called Edo, a fishing village that grew into one of the world's largest cities during the Edo period (1603–1868). 

This era shaped the foundations of modern Tokyo, influencing its urban layout, commerce, arts, food culture, and everyday life. 

Even today, traces of Edo remain woven throughout the city, offering visitors an opportunity to experience history alongside contemporary life.

Following an extensive renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will host immersive exhibitions, large-scale architectural reconstructions, and storytelling that brings daily acrivities and culture to life. 

Across Tokyo, visitors can encounter living history through a collection of sites that continue to shape the city's cultural landscape:

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum: Located in Koganei Park, this open-air museum (above) preserves historic buildings from the Edo through early Showa periods, allowing visitors to walk through traditional townhouses, shops, and public buildings.

Ryogoku Kokugikan: The heart of Japan's national sport, sumo. Ryogoku has been closely associated with sumo since the Edo period, when the sport developed as both ritual and popular entertainment.

Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza):  Tokyo's principal kabuki theatre, where visitors can experience a performing art that originated in Edo's lively entertainment districts and continues to captivate audiences today.

Nihonbashi Bridge: Once the starting point of the Five Highways of Edo Japan, Nihonbashi symbolised travel, trade, and connection, and remains a historic and commercial centre of Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden: A classic Edo-period strolling garden, Rikugien reflects traditional landscape design inspired by poetry, seasonal beauty, and refined aesthetics.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the official platform Journey through Edo's Legacy, featuring curated itineraries, historical insights, and travel inspiration focused on Edo culture.

Additional Edo-themed travel ideas and inspiration are also available on GoTokyo.org, Tokyo's official tourism website.

Pipers Brook moves to lift national profile

Pipers Brook, one of Tasmania’s pioneering wine brands, is aiming for greater recognition on the Australian mainland.

The 52-year-old family-owned producer has signed with Pure Wine Co as the exclusive national mainland distributor for Pipers Brook Vineyard, also including Kreglinger Sparkling, Pipers Tasmania and Ninth Island labels, effective March 2026.

The partnership brings together one of Australia’s premium wine distributors and an award-winning cool-climate Tasmanian producer.

“With a shared focus on quality, heritage, and innovation, the collaboration will strengthen access to these iconic Tasmanian wines across on-premise and retail channels throughout Australia, excluding distribution in Tasmania, which will continue to be managed by the Pipers Brook team directly,” the media release says.

Established in 1974, Pipers Brook Vineyard is situated in Tasmania’s north-east and is one of the island’s pioneering cool-climate sites.

Under the stewardship of the de Moor family of Launceston, Pipers Brook has access to grapes from sites in Pipers Brook and the West Tamar.

Paul de Moor, managing director of Pipers Brook Vineyard, said the partnership marks a strong step in expanding the national presence of the portfolio.

“Partnering with Pure Wine Co reflects our ambition to continue growing the presence of our iconic Tasmanian wines nationally,” he said.

“Pure’s values, people, and track record in the premium category make them an ideal partner to represent our brands. We see tremendous opportunity ahead to deepen engagement with trade and consumers who seek authenticity, provenance and quality.”

Asian airports start screening for new virus

Here we go again.

Airports across Asia are starting to screen passengers for yet another potentially fatal virus.

After Covid and Monkeypox meet Nipah virus.

Nipah virus is a bat-borne, zoonotic virus that causes Nipah virus infection in humans and other animals, a disease with a very high mortality rate.

Numerous disease outbreaks caused by Nipah virus have occurred in south-east Africa and south-east Asia.

Nipah virus belongs to the genus Henipavirus along with the Hendra virus, which has also caused disease outbreaks

Authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia have stepped up airport screening in an effort to prevent the infection from spreading, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The virus, which is carried by fruit bats and ​animals such as pigs, can cause fever and brain inflammation and has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health acknowledged heightened concern over Nipah virus and said passenger checks will take place at Thailand airports.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn said Nipah is classified as a dangerous communicable disease.

Outbreaks have so far centred on Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.

“Although these areas are geographically distant from Thailand, close monitoring is necessary due to direct flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports,” he said.

No confirmed infections have been detected yet.

Image: Edward Ortiz, Scop.io  

Spectacular luxury lodge to re-open after major investment

One of Australia's most spectacular rural luxury lodges is to re-open with new branding and a new attitude.

Emirates and Marriott International this week signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge - a 40-key all-inclusive lodge on a 7,000-acre conservancy in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, will be the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world. It was previously operated by One & Only. 

Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, designed to reflect their surrounds while prioritising minimal environmental impact and "delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftmanship".

Since 2006, Emirates has invested $150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, including restoration of historically significant landmarks - including the original homestead dating back to 1832.

This has included planting of more than one million native trees across the site.

After closed since 2023 due to access issues, Emirates is now investing an additional $50 million in renovations.



The new iteration is scheduled to open in mid 2026.

Guests will access the resort by a four-wheel drive service via the Donkey Steps, which will become part of the rural off-road experience of the resort, or via helicopter.

“In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia," says Sir Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline.

"Our commitment extends well beyond the provision of air transport services. It is reflected in the strong, enduring relationships we have built with our industry partners, and in our active engagement with the broader Australian community through Emirates Wolgan Valley, and our extensive sponsorships in sports and the arts.

“We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts. Our unwavering commitment to the resort leads us to today’s announcement of an exciting agreement with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

“For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality."

Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific forMarriott International, said: "This milestone development sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales."

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to pristine landscapes beneath some of the world’s clearest night skies, rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, and an extraordinary array of wildlife including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies.

Virgin Australia launches Canberra-Bali direct flights

Virgin Australia is to launch international flights from the capital, Canberra, to the Indonesian holiday island of Bali. 

Virgin will be the only Australian airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route, it said in a media release.

"Virgin Australia will launch its first-ever international route out of Canberra, with direct flights to Bali commencing from June 22, 2026," the airline said. 

Flights are now on sale with return fares starting from $399 in economy lite.

The new route will see three return flights per week from April to January, with the potential to increase frequency during peak travel periods.

Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon and return overnight from Bali.

Virgin already operates direct services between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Boeing 737-800 aircraft will service the route, with seating options including business, economy X and economy. 

Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the new service is a significant win for the Australian Capital Territory. 

“This is the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital, marking an important milestone in our broader network expansion story,” he said.

“Virgin Australia will be the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route.

China Syndrome continues to damage Australian wine industry

Tough times continue for the Australian wine industry with Australian wine exports declining by 8% in value and 6% in volume in 2025.

Value declined to $2.34 billion and volume to 613 million litres, stats in Wine Australia’s Export Report released today show.

The average value of exports also decreased by 3% per cent to $3.81 per litre Free on Board (FOB).

The reduction in overall exports was largely driven by declines in the value of exports to mainland China and the United States and in volume to the United Kingdom.

There were also markets recording value growth for Australian wine including Canada, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, which Wine Australia said indicated areas of opportunity for ongoing market diversification.

Wine Australia manager for mrket Insights Peter Bailey said the overall weakened export performance is consistent with the long-term trend of declining wine consumption in major markets around the world.

“Consumers are reducing overall alcohol consumption in line with wellness trends and in order to save money as the cost-of-living increases," Bailey said.

"For wine exporters around the world, trade barriers and regional conflicts are also making it more difficult and costly to get product into markets.”

Exports to mainland China had the biggest impact on the decline in value, as shipments to the market were down by 17% year-on-year to $755 million, following the initial restocking period after the removal of import tariffs on Australian wine

“While the re-opening of the mainland China market at the end of March 2024 provided some temporary relief in the decline in total exports, the Chinese wine market is one-third of the size it was five years ago - impacting both domestically produced and imported wines,” Bailey said.

“While shipment levels in the first three quarters after tariffs were removed were exceptionally positive, consumer demand has been subdued. Chinese consumer confidence has only made minor improvements since falling to an all-time low in 2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic[- which has negatively impacted consumer spending."

The top five markets by value were: mainland China, down 17% to $755 million, UK down 3% to $343 million, US down 12% to $287 million, Canada, up 12% to $175 million, and Singapore, up 18% to $118 million.

For more info see Wine Australia’s Export Report and Wine Australia’s Export Dashboard.

Fast-expanding brand has an ardour for hospitality

Get familiar with the Ardour hotel brand - it's a name that's getting plenty of traction. 

Salter Brothers Hospitality, the luxury retreat hotel operator, today announced that two more well-known destinations will join its Ardour Hotels & Estates collection in 2026. 

Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley (above) and Kingsford The Barossa in South Australia will both be re-branding under the Ardour banner. 

Spicers Guesthouse, known for its wine tourism and epicurean experiences will become Ardour Guesthouse Hunter Valley, while Kingsford The Barossa, an award-winning heritage estate, will become Ardour Kingsford Barossa.

Ardour Hotels & Estates debuts with two of Australia’s best-known rural heritage estates, Ardour Milton Park Bowral and Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, with both revealing multi-million-dollar renovations. 

“Ardour is about elevating Australia’s most extraordinary places into destinations of global calibre,” says Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, 

“We’re not simply creating hotels, we’re shaping experiences that celebrate the beauty, culture and authenticity of each region.”

So the bar is being set high. 

Signature rituals will include Ardour Hour, a daily celebration of connection in spectacular surroundings, and curated wine experiences developed with leading regional producers. 

Ardour Milton Park Bowral will be open for stays from next month (opening Monday, February 2) with Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains and the two newly announced destinations following later in the year. 

At Ardour Milton Park Bowral, the hotel’s reopening introduces its signature dining destinations; Horderns and The Polo Bar, with The Polo Bar’s dedicated charcuterie room to open soon after.

The culinary offering at Ardour Milton Park Bowral is led by executive chef Mark Holland, whose pan-European approach underpins the dining experience at Horderns.

“We’ve created a menu for Ardour Milton Park Bowral that feels at home in the Southern Highlands," says Holland.

"It’s refined but relaxed, guided by flavour, season and a deep respect for the ingredients rather than passing trends.

"One dish I’m especially excited to cook for guests is our steamed rainbow trout with a classic beurre blanc. It’s simple, precise and lets the quality of the fish speak, which really sums up how we want to cook here."

To learn more see: https://www.worldsapart.club/ardour

Go west to discover a winery where spirits are high

I first tasted the wines of Ampersand Estates in Western Australia last year - and was very impressed.

Now the regional wine producer is the newest member of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective, which expands its footprint to the picturesque Pemberton Wine Region south of Perth.

A three-hour drive from the state's capital, the 56-hectare property is located 30 minutes north of Pemberton and 45 minutes east of the famous Margaret River Region.

The Busselton-Margaret River Airport is also 45 minutes away, connecting Australia's eastern hubs of Sydney and Melbourne to the region with direct flights operating multiple times a week.

Guests can also experience VIP helicopter transfers from Perth, landing on the helipad adjacent to the lakeside cellar door.

The cellar door is loctaed on the banks of the Donnelly River, where guests can enjoy guided tastings of Ampersand wines and gourmet picnics starring local produce, with the added bonus for expansive views.

An on-site distillery - Rainfall Distillery at Ampersand Estates - offers guests the opportunity to also taste artisan gins and vodkas using estate-grown chardonnay as the base spirit.

Opening next month, the Rainfall Distillery Gardens - an Australian first - will comprise more than 2,100 plants across 36 fruit, herb and spice species, forming a closed-loop spirits program where every ingredient originates onsite, supported by beehives, rainwater harvesting and on-estate farming.

Ampersand Estates can also host guests overnight in three vineyard residences - the two-bedroom Settlers' Cottage, the five-bedroom Vintner's Residence, and the five-bedroom Homestead.

Ampersand Estates' hero Ultimate Winery Experience - A Marriage of Luxury & Nature (from $3145 for up to four guests) - combines an overnight stay and gourmet breakfast in the architecturally designed luxury accommodation with exclusive private wine tastings and a four-course degustation cooked over the open fire by the estate's Michelin-trained chef; served under the stars in the vineyard, fireside, or in the residence depending on the season.

The Terroir Tasting Experience ($180 per person) is ideal for day visitors, inviting them into the Rainfall Distillery Gardens for an immersive journey that offers a powerful expression of terroir where sustainability, innovation and storytelling converge.

The experience sees guests forage for seasonal botanicals used in Rainfall gins and vodkas before enjoying a guided tasting of estate spirits and signature Pemberton wines, paired with locally sourced charcuterie.

“We are still young in our tourism journey and will introduce the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Ampersand Estates to key distribution partners through upcoming market visits across the United States, Europe, China and Singapore,” said Ampersand Estates co-owner Corrie Scheepers.

“The Ampersand Estates story is a marriage of luxury and nature, where everything in life is better with an 'and'. Our experiences are curated on this philosophy that brings the tastes of the region together through a unique connection to place and our guests.”

Ampersand Estates joins fellow members Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate in Margaret River, and Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley, to become the fifth Ultimate Winery in Western Australia.

Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au

Japan working on the world's fastest train

Japanese engineers are working on would be the world’s fastest train.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is testing the L0 Series, a Japanese Maglev train, Euronews reports.

It says there is the potential for speeds of up to 603kmh, way ahead of the current record breaker: China’s Shanghai Maglev at 465kmh.

The new service would be on the Tokyo to Nagoya route, a route currently served by Shinkansen bullet trains but the L0 Series trains would half the current travel time.

The L0 Series Chuo-Shinkansen line is currently under construction to enable these speeds. It may also be extended to serve Osaka in the future.

The maglev technology uses magnetic levitation that lifts the train above the tracks, enabling much higher speeds.

The bad news: the project is still about eight years away from completion.

Usually, a train from Tokyo to Nagoya can take anywhere between one hour and 26 minutes to two and a half hours or more, depending on whether travellers take the faster bullet train (Shinkansen) services, or the slower Kodama or Hikari ones.

The L0 Series’ Chuo-Shinkansen is expected to cut this travel time down to only 40 minutes.

Once deemed commercially operational, the L0 Series train will be able to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in one hour, a journey which currently takes anywhere from 2hr 30 mins to four hours.

Airport chaos as thousands of flights cancelled

What a weekend of airline chaos in icy North America. 

Airlines cancelled more than 10,000 flights on Sunday due to a winter storm that slammed the north-east of the US. 

The storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, the National Weather Service reported. There were also been more than 670,000 power outages reported in the US, travel news hub skift.com reported.

On Sunday, there were 10,519 cancellations and 2,037 delays in the US, website FlightAware reported.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport had the highest numbers of cancelled flights at 556 and 538, respectively.

Out of New York’s JFK Airport, 77% of flights were cancelled and LaGuardia had 91% of its flights cancelled. 

Disruptions were expected to last into Monday with airports in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. most affected. 

In Canada, more than half of the flights at Toronto's Pearson International Airport and close to half at the city's smaller Billy Bishop Airport were cancelled on Sunday.

Major carriers like American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue were waiving change and cancellation fees, along with fare differences for customers impacted by the storm. 

Southwest warned that additional re-bookings could take time due to the scale of the storm. 

Image: A plane is de-iced at Denver Airport

Cheers to the whisky pioneer handed Order of Australia honour

Bill Lark, the man who changed the Australian whisky industry forever, has been awarded ‘Member of the Order of Australia’ honours in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

Lark helped propel to Tasmania to global spirits prominence when he established the Lark Distillery with his wife Lyn, in Hobart in 1992.

Lark began his whisky journey in the late 1980s after a fishing trip with his Scottish father-in-law, who recognised echoes of his homeland in Tasmania’s landscape. 

He and his wife set out to overturn a 150-year-old law that had long barred commercial distillation in Tasmania.

After several years lobbying, he was successful and Tasmania is now a global hotspot for artisan beverages. 

Lark was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Australian distilling community as well as the Tasmanian community.

Lark has led the way in shaping the Tasmanian and Australian whisky industry.

“I am genuinely humbled by receiving this award and feel immensely honoured to be recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)," he said. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the sharing and collegiality offered to me by the Scottish industry, a sentiment which is largely shared today throughout the industry in Australia. 

"Today our craft encompasses manufacturing, hospitality and tourism employing many people. I would also like to thank the many people across Australia who have helped make an amazing industry a reality.” 

Lark was the first Australian inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015 and he is also an inaugural inductee in the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame. He was also the founding president of the Australian Distillers Association in 2004.

He's a man who gets things done. 

Bill remains actively involved in the business and this past week travelled to Asia to launch the new range of Lark single malt whiskies in Malaysia and Singapore.

“Australian whisky owes almost everything to Bill Lark and this recognition could not be more richly deserved,” said Lark CEO Stuart Gregor.

“Bill has not only made the most incredible contribution to Tasmanian whisky but to the distilled spirits industry across Australia. His name is synonymous with great quality, integrity and imagination, and for what the New World of Whisky, with Tasmania at the forefront, can become.”

“The whole of the industry thanks Bill from the bottom of our glass.”

For more info see www.larkdistillery.com

How Ljubljana marks the change of seasons in style

Regular readers will know that the delightful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is a favourite with Gourmet on the Road. 

It is a city that is a pleasure to visit no matter the time of year, but the arrival of spring means Ljubljana Tourism, together with its partners, will present the fourth edition of LUV Fest from February 8 to March 12. 

The event combines art, culture, gastronomy and social experiences in the compact, easy-to-walk city. 

The diverse program features exhibitions, concerts, workshops and outdoor experiences with the central artistic highlight the light installation Brstenje (Budding) in the open-air art gallery, complemented by special guided tours and a wide range of events for all generations.

Brstenje, by artist Nika Erjavec, symbolises the awakening of the city and nature, and will be set up on Čufarjeva Street. 

Other well-established installations will also return, including Brbotanje by Matej Bizovičar and Cvetilke, featuring motifs created by primary school pupils, which will again illuminate Zvezda Park.

This year will also focus on the courtyard of artists’ studios at Gornji trg 24, where artists will open the doors of their studios to visitors and present their works in an outdoor setting.

LUV Fest will extend across Ljubljana’s thoroughfares, cultural institutions and hotel venues, with a growing number of hoteliers and restaurateurs joining the festival with special seasonal offers. 

The program will include concerts, theatre performances, dance events, themed guided tours, workshops and exhibitions.

Particular attention will be devoted to the Art Vital exhibition, exploring the love story of the artistic duo Ulay and Marina Abramović at Cukrarna, as well as a production of Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde at the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Ljubljana. 

The festival will conclude on March 12, on St. Gregory’s Day (Gregorjevo), when the traditional Ljubljana custom of floating gregorčki along the Gradaščica stream will symbolically welcome the arrival of spring.

See https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/highlights/luv-fest/

Image: LUV-FEST, Marko Delbello Ocepek

Head back to convict times in Tasmania

Interested in Australian history?

Thousands of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish convicts transported to Australia, as well as people resisting colonial invasion and forced into the convict system, will be brought back to life in a digital exhibition revealing a new understanding of the convicts’ contribution to the struggle for Australian democracy.

The Monash University‑led exhibition, titled UNSHACKLED: The True Convict Story, will be officially launched by Federal Assistant Minister, former Tasmanian Labor leader and local MP Rebecca White at the Woolmers Estate, Longford, Tasmania, on January 30.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site will offer Tasmanians and interstate visitors an immersive encounter with the political prisoners, rebels and unfree workers who helped shape modern democratic rights.

UNSHACKLED reveals how Australia’s convict workforce of 160,000 resisted the exploitation of their labour in their place of exile - forging early forms of solidarity, improving conditions, and ultimately contributing to the end of transportation.

The exhibition also highlights more than 3,600 political prisoners transported for protest, democratic reform, media freedom, unionism and anti‑colonial revolution, many of whom had profound influence on democratic movements in Australia and abroad.

Associate Professor Tony Moore, project lead from Monash University’s School of Media, Film and Journalism, said political prisoners are central to the exhibition’s story.

“Few Australians realise that from the earliest days of the Sydney penal colony their homeland was once the British Empire’s Guantanamo Bay, where about 3600 rebels, radicals and protesters were transported as political prisoners in the late 18th and 19th centuries,” Moore said.

“ ‘Death or Liberty!’ was the rallying cry of a stream of political exiles including liberals, democrats and republicans; English machine breakers, trade unionists and Chartists; radical journalists, preachers and intellectuals; and of course Irish, Canadian and even American revolutionaries opposed to imperial rule.”

Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart added: “Over 20% of Australians have convict ancestry, and the figure is 70% for Tasmanians,”

Woolmers will serve as the exhibition’s Australian base, with a mobile pop up version of the exhibition travelling around Australian capital cities and regions, the UK and Ireland throughout 2026.

Aman unveils luxury at sea

So you are cashed up and like to relax in serious style?

Ultra-luxury resort operator Aman has just unveiled a series of inaugural yacht voyages.

Aman at Sea’s Amangati yacht will begin a season of five- to eight-night Mediterranean journeys from spring 2027 with bookings now open.

Many travellers will be familiar with the Aman brand and its ultra-luxe resorts.

The 180-metre Amangati is currently under construction. It will accommodate 94 guests in 47 suites, all with their own terrace.

Wellness will be an integral part of the yachting experience with the two-level Aman Spa housing eight ocean-facing treatment suites with private terraces and open-air whirlpool baths.

The vessel willl also features yoga, meditation, a fitness studio, medi spa and beauty lounge.

There are also open-air pools and sun decks.

Dining aboard Amangati will range from all-day Mediterranean to Japanese teppanyaki and the Aman Grill.

Additionally, in-suite dining will be available round the clock.

Onboard entertainment will includes The Jazz Club, the cinema and a youth lounge.

Are rail plans in the north of England finally on the right track?

Public transport in the UK can sometimes leave a bit to be desired but the government has just unveiled major rail plans aimed at unlocking billions of pounds in economic growth across the north-west England.

The plans include a brand-new rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport.

The proposals, part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) program outline a new high-capacity route between Liverpool and Manchester, new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level, and faster, more reliable rail connections across northern England.

Great news for football fans and rugby league aficionados.

Officials say the investment is central to a broader strategy to raise productivity and living standards in the north, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Bringing the productivity of the region’s five largest cities up to the national average could add as much as £40 billion ($80 billion) a year to the UK economy, government estimates say.

But don't get too excited.

The Liverpool–Manchester line will form the backbone of NPR’s second phase, with construction expected to begin in the 2030s.

Earlier phases focus on upgrades between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield, while a third phase will target faster connections between Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Alongside the new line, the government is considering improvements at Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations, as well as options for a major city-center regeneration project in partnership with the Liverpool City Region.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the plans mark a turning point after decades of underinvestment.

“For too long, the north has been held back by delay and indecision,” Alexander said. 

“This new era of investment will reignite growth across Liverpool and Manchester, strengthen Manchester Airport as the gateway to the north, and create new jobs and homes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Image: Manchester Airport railway station

New wine range aims to highlight regional character

I'm not convinced that we need more wine brands right now, but newcomer King's Reach comes with an impressive pedigree. 

King's Reach wines are made at Marnong Estate by talented Alex Beckett and are made from grapes sourced from Victorian sub-regions including Sunbury, the King Valley and Heathcote. 

The wines, with an RRP of $30, are designed to be "summer-

ready". 

The King’s Reach wines are promoted as being small-batch releases made from old vine sites. 

The range includes a Prosecco and 2025 Pinot Grigio from King Valley, as well as a Sparkling Brut from Sunbury. 

I put my hand up to try them and really enjoyed the pinot grigio; crisp, fresh, vibrant and well suited to summer quaffing. 

Marnong Estate is known for outstanding cool-climate wines. 

“Marnong Estate is delighted to introduce King’s Reach to Aussie wine enthusiasts; with the 

whites we are releasing at launch being perfect for a tipple this summer," says Beckett. 

"Partnering with other Victorian growers to produce King’s Reach has allowed us to utilise their historical expertise of the land - delivering wines with a unique personality that are a testament to the
regions from which the grapes originate.” 

King’s Reach will also introduce two shiraz wines from the Sunbury and Heathcote regions from April. 

Meet some luxe hotels offering special Valentine's Day experiences

Are you leaving it late to book for Valentine's Day?

You might want to check out the romance packages being offered by Sofitel and MGallery Collection Hotels across Australia.

On offer: "Candlelit dining, indulgent spa rituals and dreamy overnight stays designed for two".

Here are some of the deals:

At Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, No35 Restaurant is offering a French-inspired menu that aims to replicate Paris above Melbourne. Choose from a three-course set lunch ($139 per person, including French sparkling on arrival), an early three-course dinner ($199 per person, including Champagne and amuse bouche), or a four-course dinner ($349 per person, including Champagne on arrival and free-flowing beverages). There will be live music in the evening and guaranteed window seats are available for an additional $50 per person. https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au/offers/valentines-day-celebrations/

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour's Atelier restaurant offers a "romantic" five-course menu ($160 per person) designed to be savoured slowly, together, finishing with a strawberry rose parfait. Add matching wines for $85 per person. https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au/offers/valentines-day/

At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, romance takes on a Asian accent with a four-course Vietnamese–French set menu ($119 per person) starring fresh seafood and signature noodles to the table. For something more classic, Tilda offers a five-course Valentine's Day menu ($139 per person). After dinner, perhaps, a Romantic Escape package that includes an overnight stay, a bottle of Champagne, a romantic in-room gift and a room service breakfast, from $774 per room. https://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/special-offers/valentines-dining-offer

Out of town, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery has three-course dining experience that begins with a glass of sparkling cuvée on arrival, followed by "a thoughtfully crafted menu designed for a memorable night in the mountains". https://www.fairmontresort.com.au/offers/valentines-day-dinner/

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection is offering a special three-course Valentine's Day dinner at Pastore Restaurant, which begins with house-baked bread and olive oil, followed by a selection of cicchetti, seafood or slow-roasted lamb for main. Priced at $109 per person food only or $164 with each course paired with a selection of Italian and local Victorian wines. Extend the romance with an overnight stay including in-room breakfast for two, a 2pm late check-out and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a box of Koko Black chocolates in your room. Priced from $390 per room. https://www.hotelchadstone.com.au/offer/valentines-day-dinner/

Seafood stars at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection  restaurant Ammos with a Valentine's set menu featuring the restaurant's most-loved dishes, elevated with highlights like Sydney rock oysters; Thessauri Ossetra caviar with blini; wood-fire cooked king prawns; and Kinross Station lamb rump, followed by a chocolate karidopita, and hand-made Ammos truffles to take home. It is priced at $169 per person, including a glass of sparkling on arrival. https://thebrightonsydney.com.au/special-offer/ammos-valentines/

In South Australia, The Playford Adelaide MGallery Collection hotel has a  four-course dinner at the two chef-hatted Luma, which includes a cocktail on arrival. The sharing menu includes a selection of canapes, house-made mini loaf, Atlantic salmon ballontine with sea herbs, cucumber and roe for entrée, a choice of baked snapper or beef fillet for main, and chocolate delice dessert with Adelaide Hills strawberries and coconut sorbet, for $185 per person.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-dinner-at-luma-restaurant-on-14th-february-2026-tickets-1977107839771?aff=oddtdtcreator

Calling all fans of garlicky goodness

 

Garlic has been used for thousands of years as a seasoning, culinary ingredient, and traditional medicine.

It is celebrated at the South Gippsland Garlic Festival, which will be held for the second year at Korumburra Showgrounds on Saturday, February 28.

The success of the debut event last year will see twice as many growers in attendance, trucking in close 2 tonnes of the best fresh Australian garlic and garlic products.

Victorian growers in attendance will include Balmattum Garlic, Pure Garlic, Gerdavale Garlic and Franklin River Garlic, along with Garlic Kingdom from Countegany, New South Wales.

The event is billed as the most significant garlic event in Victoria and aims to showcase and educate visitors about the huge array of garlic varieties grown in Australia, how to cultivate it at home, and how to use it in the kitchen.

There will be line-up of chefs and cooks from Gippsland and Melbourne, showcasing their favourite garlic dishes in interactive cooking demonstrations..

The Kitchen will be hosted by Victorian author and food and drinks writer Richard Cornish.

The Festival Stage will keep the tunes pumping throughout the day, with local performers playing, while there will also be kid’s activities.

Tickets: Adults $15, children $5, family (2 adults 2 kids) $35, concession $10, children under 3 free. 

* In Tasmania, the Koonya Garlic Festival will be held on the same day. 

Australia's love affair with Japan sets new record

Australia's love affair with Japan has continued with December 2025 visitor data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) revealing a new record for Australian travellers. 

No fewer than 1,058,300 Australians visited Japan during the 2025 calendar year, making it the first year that Australian visitors to Japan have broken the one million mark. 

That marked a 15% increase on 2024. 

A total of 121,300 visitors flocked to the country during December 2025, coinciding with school holidays, festive breaks and the start of the ski season.

The month of January saw the highest number of Australian visitors throughout the year with 140,185 visitors. There were 115,235 Australians arriving in April during cherry blossom season. 

The love affair with Japan goes beyond Australians, with Japan also achieving a new annual record for total international arrivals during 2025, 42,683,600.

“We are thrilled to begin 2026 on such a positive note, celebrating the arrival of one million Australians during 2025,” said Naoki Kitazawa, executive director for JNTO Sydney. 

“What is particularly pleasing is the growth in visitors in addition to the popular Golden Route of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with prefectures such as Fukuoka, Gifu, Niigata and Iwate showing a significant increase in stays over the past 12 months. 

"During 2026, we are encouraging Australian travellers, to take the time to travel far and wide and discover the lesser-known regions of Japan, from rural retreats and remote hiking trails to coastal camping and tranquil islands, in order to raise awareness of Japan’s diverse experiences, and to share the economic benefits nationwide.”

JNTO Sydney media and marketing manager Andrew Coombs added: “We are seeing a new segment of travellers who are embracing Japan’s wilderness and adventure activities and seeking authentic cultural immersion, from staying in traditional inns and joining local craft workshops to meditating with monks, and attending fascinating festivals. 

"Japan is a truly multi-dimensional destination with something for everyone, from families and wellness travellers to hikers, cyclists and lovers of luxury. We look forward to continuing to welcome responsible Australian travellers to discover it all during 2026.”

Image: Shibuya, Winsor Dobbin

Meet the unique vodka helping aid the Ukraine war effort

There is always good money to be made from a war.

Munitions sales; weapons, vehicles, uniforms.

But now there is a vodka being sold to help the Ukrainian forces in their war against the Russian invaders.

And it is no ordinary vodka.

Meet a 3-litre Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition with special packaging made from used artillery shell propelling charge cases.

The vodka is being distributed by SPYRT Worldwide, a veteran-founded importer that sells "Ukraine’s finest wines and spirits to the US" and online to the rest of the world.

The company's press release says 10% of the profit from sales is donated to Invictus Global Response, a team of US Veteran bomb technicians who clear landmines in Ukraine as volunteers and train de-mining teams.

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Ukrainian Spirit Howitzer Limited Edition,” said Sam Lerman, co-founder and CEO of SPYRT Worldwide.

“This release is far more than an extraordinary 3-liter vodka, as it’s [packaging] is hand-crafted from repurposed military powder charge tubes and finished with meticulous leatherwork.

"With a portion of all proceeds from the manufacturer supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, this product allows consumers to directly support a powerful cause while experiencing exceptional quality.”

The Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition 3-liter is bottled at 40% ABV/80 proof using SPYRT’s Ukrainian Spirit Reserve Vodka. It is made using a "single water" technology, in which the water, spirit, and vodka all originate from the same artesian well, first tapped since 1876.

This spring water is drawn from 200 meters beneath the pine forests of Volyn and combined with specially selected grain from the steppes of Western Ukraine.

If aesthetics are a concern, "each tube is carefully refurbished to restore its appearance and smooth out any dents from previous use".

The Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition is available only in a 3-litre bottle and retails for $US999.99.

See www.SpyrtWorldwide.com

Patience will be a virtue at Western Sydney's new international airport

Are you planning to fly into the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) at Luddenham when it opens later this year? 

If your final destination is downtown Sydney, or beyond, you may need to be very, very patient. 

Ongoing delays with the Metro station that is supposed to serve the 24-hour airport mean you'll need to wait for up to 30 minutes after you land and clear customs and immigration, then catch a shuttle bus, and then switch to a suburban train. 

Transport for NSW this week proudly announced that it will offer a free bus service connecting WSI to St Marys railway station/bus interchange as delays continue on the new Metro rail line.

The buses will operate on a half-hourly basis between 4.30am and midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 4.30am until 1am on Friday and Saturday. The ride will take around 30 minutes. 

Then you will wait for a local train. 

A train trip from St Marys to Sydney CBD (Central Station) typically takes around 60-75 minutes on the T1 Western Line, often requiring a change at Strathfield or Lidcombe for faster routes. 

That sounds fun if you are dragging luggage with you. 

But Transport for NSW is proclaiming proudly that "free public transport will connect Western Sydney International Airport when it opens its doors later in the year". 

"The interim service will provide the connection to the wider Sydney public transport network that will be delivered by the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport when it opens next year," it says.

The free airport buses will apparently "complement a comprehensive bus plan for Western Sydney, which is set to provide new services every 30 minutes linking the airport to Penrith, Leppington, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Mount Druitt".

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government, will have capacity to move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction. When it opens. Maybe next year. 

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes. 

Track laying on the line is now 70% complete, while the toll-free M12 motorway that will link the airport to the Sydney motorway network is due to open "in coming months". 

Vanuatu's Grand is getting grander

The Grand Hotel Vanuatu in Port Vila is set to officially re-open its doors and welcome guests back on March 6 after a journey of renewal. 

Following the re-opening of its casino late last year, the hotel’s re-launch will showcase refreshed rooms and suites, upgraded facilities, and a new coral-coloured exterior. 

The re-opening follows the completion of an extensive restoration program prompted by the December 2024 earthquake that affected Port Vila’s waterfront. 

In the aftermath of the event, the hotel undertook one of the most ambitious refurbishment efforts in its history. 

Think strengthened internal framing, modern lightweight structural materials, and a full re‑engineering of its core systems. 

“After a period of rebuilding and strengthening, the Grand is back and better than ever,” says Bettina Mahieu, managing director of the Grand Hotel & Casino Vanuatu. 

“This reopening celebrates resilience, pride, and hospitality. We’re thrilled to invite our guests, patrons, team, and the community back to enjoy the experiences they know and love, now refreshed and strengthened for the future.”

Perched on the edge of picturesque Port Vila harbour, the Grand is Port Vila's only waterfront four-star hotel that is central to the city, while also just 15 minutes from the airport.

The re-launched hotel will feature 74 rooms and suites, some including harbour views, private balconies, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities.

To celebrate the reopening, the hotel is offering a re-opening package for three nights starting from $1,190 in Australian dollars. 

It includes accommodation in a deluxe harbour view room, midday checkout, daily breakfast, a welcome glass of Taittinger Champagne, a VT 10,000 hotel credit per room, per stay, redeemable at the Grand Dining Room, Pool Bar, or Lobby Bar, free wifi and complimentary return airport transfers. 

The deal is available for stays from March 6 to May 30, subject to availability. 

Bookings can be made directly at www.grandvanuatu.com 

Roads less travelled proving a Thai drawcard

While many travellers are familiar with the diverse attractions of Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui and the dubious charms of Pattaya, other visitors to Thailand are looking for less familiar destinations. 

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, is banking on the growing appal of Hua Hun, with the opening of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town.

The property, formerly the Dusit D2, features 152 rooms and suites with city and mountain views with options for both leisure and business guests. 

Guests can enjoy the hotel's three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites and local specialities, a lobby café offering light bites and drinks throughout the day, and a rooftop bar by the infinity pool with sunset views. 

Recreational facilities at the hotel include the rooftop pool, a Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor spaces, and a fitness centre. 

For meetings and events, NH Hua Hin offers a fully equipped 110sqm function room that accommodates up to 90 guests. 

Located 200 km south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is growing in popularity. 

NH Hua Hin is 400m from the beach and close to local night markets (Cicada Night Market and Hua Hin Night Market), and shopping experiences. 

The hotel is the fourth NH Hotels & Resorts property in Thailand, joining NH properties in Bangkok and Phuket: NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, NH Bangkok Asoke, and NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. 

For more info see minorhotels.com.

Emirates reveals new focus on plant-based meals in the air

Emirates has unveiled a new food concept that focuses on "real, whole, and farm-to-fork plant foods".

The airline says global consumers increasingly focus on nutrition, health and wellbeing.

"‘Our focus now is on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables as the heroes of the plate," says Emirates vice president of food and beverage design Doxis Bekris.

"These ingredients offer natural depth of flavour, texture, and nutrition without relying on ultra-processed alternatives.

"Instead of replicating meat, we want to draw from cuisines that have always been plant-forward like Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls, and African stews.

"In our view this approach feels genuine and culturally rich. Although there are many commendable lab-based alternatives available, real food aligns with our sustainability goals and guest expectations for health-conscious choices.

"It’s about transparency for our customers who want to know what they’re eating, as well as have confidence that it’s good for them and the planet. We want to shift from substitutes to a celebration of plants, where it’s not about what’s missing - but instead what is gained in authenticity, flavour, and creativity."

Emirates currently serves half a million vegan meals each year. It has 488 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations, representing a 60% increase in total recipes from 2024.

Vegan meal consumption grows in line with passenger volume increases, and last year - the top destinations with customers ordering vegan meals were London in first place, followed by Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali and Singapore.

Vegan options are available to order and pre-order onboard, as well as in Emirates Lounges.

Customers can request vegan meals on all Emirates flights and across all classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure. On high-demand routes, plant-based meals are also provided as part of the main menu options.

New dishes are set to be onboard for customers in 2027.

Image: Beetroot tartare

How to chase the northern lights from above

Chasing the northern lights is a dream for many travellers; and now it can be done aboard a charter plane above the Yukon

In the only experience of its kind available in North America, winter visitors to Canada’s north-western Yukon Territory can view the northern lights from thousands of metres in the air aboard a chartered Boeing 737 to the Arctic Circle.

Once the flight is airborne, the pilot will follow a custom flight path to optimise aurora viewing potential, with window seats guaranteed for every guest. 

This Aurora360 Arctic Discovery experience, offered by Northern Lights Resort & Spa, is included in a five-night luxury adventure, including curated excursions through the Southern Lakes region, Kluane National Park, Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

Guests will stay at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa and the new Hyatt Place Whitehorse - the Yukon capital - where they will enjoy gourmet meals and nightly guided northern lights viewing with professional photography included. 

The experience includes a guided Southern Lakes tour featuring Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, gold panning and a wildlife museum visit.

This exclusive tour is available in October 2026. 

* Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. Additionally, travellers now have the ability to combine WestJet and Air North on a single ticket or itinerary, offering seamless baggage transfer and convenience across Air North’s network and more than 100 WestJet destinations.

See travelyukon.com

China becomes more welcoming as the US alienates its allies

While the United States does its best to alienate its allies, its political rivals are making all the right moves.

Travellers from Canada will soon be able to enter China visa-free, just like Australians and citizens of over 40 other countries.

This follows wide-ranking on trade, tariffs and tourism between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, news hub Travel Mole reports.

“I’m very pleased to share that President Xi in our meeting today has committed to ensuring visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China,” Carney said.

Canada has a two million-strong Chinese diaspora and welcomes more than 300,000 Chinese tourists annually.

“These links position both nations to benefit from enhanced travel,” he added.

Neither government has not yet disclosed when visa-free travel for Canadians will begin.

Canada will join 45 other countries with visa-free access to China for their citizens, for up to one month. Trips to the Shanghai, Beijing and the Great Wall (above) are tipped to boom. 

The US, meanwhile, makes citizens of other nations jump through hoops for the right to visit, or even transit, through the country.