Southwest Airlines ponders international expansion

US-based Southwest Airlines is considering expanding its international footprint, having opened discussions with pilots and flight crew unions. 

The airline has filed with the US Department of Transportation for approval to fly to any country with which the US has an Open Skies aviation agreement, travel news hub Skift reported, 

If Southwest were to expand its international routes, that would take a change of federal law to add international routes at Dallas Love Field, the airport where the carrier is headquartered. 

The carrier operates an overwhelming majority of the airport’s 20 gates. 

The airport, the 32nd-busiest in the country, saw 16.9 million passengers in 2024 and officials said it could grow to 23 million passengers by the end of the decade. 

The carrier said in a statement that it is exploring what new international destinations it could serve with its Boeing 737 fleet. 

An international expansion would be one of the many changes Southwest has made in the past year to its business model, which include introducing premium seats, adding baggage fees, and partnering with online travel agencies. 

The airline currently serves the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“Southwest Airlines is continuing to consider ways to grow our business as we evolve to meet the needs of our current and future customers,” said Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Perry.

Southwest operates three types of 737 narrow-body aircraft: the 700 model, 800 model and MAX 8 model. Southwest’s longest route is currently Phoenix, Arizona., to Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Small Luxury Hotels expands global portfolio

A boutique hotel in the vineyards of the Yarra Valley is among the new properties being showcased by the fast-expanding Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) group.

SLH, known for its global portfolio of boutique properties, has continued a growth spurt, announcing 49 additions to its portfolio in the first half of 2025.

This follows a record-breaking 2024, in which the brand saw 82 new signings.

They joined 620 hotels across 90+ countries and SLH's latest additions include destinations in Australia, Japan, Mexico and India.

Opening in December is December is the 33-room Levantine Hill Hotel, a suite-only hotel next to Levantine Hill Estate's cellar door and restaurant to allow guests to indulge in exceptional dining experiences. See https://www.levantinehill.com.au/pages/hotel

“2024 was a record year for SLH, and 2025 is shaping up to surpass it,” said Richard Hyde, SLH Chief Operating Officer.

“As the demand for genuine and intimate luxury stays continues to soar, we are in the right place at the right time. Our expanding and diverse portfolio of independent properties ensures there's something for every discerning, independently minded traveller.”

Openings in early 2025 included La Valise Mazunte in Mexico, located between Oaxaca's rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.

July 2025 saw the opening of The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, a hidden retreat in the centre of Florence, housed in a 16th-century Renaissance palazzo built in 1564.

Maya Hotel Courchevel 1850, meanwhile, will open in the heart of French mountain resort Courchevel in December, with easy access to the ski slopes and nearby boutiques.

In Germany, the Wilmina Hotel marks SLH's arrival in Berlin located in a former courthouse and prison.

For more info visit www.SLH.com

Mexico hits cruise ships with new taxes

Add Mexico to the list of countries that is fighting back against the intrusive and costly wave of cruise ship visits.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has been spooked after the Mexican government passed a new tax on cruise passengers.

Cruise passengers will face an additional US $42 per person in taxes on top of the current average of US $20 in other taxes and fees the FCCA says is required to visit Mexican ports, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The association says this effectively prices Mexican ports out of the cruise market - which may well be the idea given the increasing cost of catering for cruise ships and the damage they cause the environment.

The law was passed without consultation or any input from the cruise industry, the FCCA says, adding the new tax could disrupt the travel plans of over 10 million passengers expected to visit Mexico in 2025.

“We appreciate President [Claudia] Sheinbaum’s assurance that the change will happen slowly and that she’s instructed federal officials to work with our industry, but we haven’t heard from anyone yet,” FCCA CEO Michele Paige said.

The FCCA says member lines are "eager to collaborate with the government to gain clarity on the details of this implementation and work together to chart a constructive path forward".

“Mexico has long been a cornerstone of the cruise market, that has delivered significant economic benefits to both the industry and local communities,” said Paige.

“However, the unilateral decision to eliminate the in-transit tax exemption without engaging industry stakeholders undermines our partnership.”

The association says cruise ship calls generate over $1 billion in direct spending annually and support more than 20,000 jobs across various sectors.

The FCCA wants Mexican officials to engage in immediate dialogue to address industry concerns.

“Joint efforts between the government and the cruise industry are essential to creating sustainable growth that benefits all parties,” Paige added.

“We are hopeful we can work together to find solutions that preserve Mexico’s vital role in the cruise market.”

Image: Lauren Hudon, Scop.io 

Super-premium tequila lands in Australia

Good news for tequila lovers in Australia. 

Patron Tequila, the world's best-selling super-premium tequila, just released its latest expression, Patron El Alto, in time for summer festivities. 

Hand-crafted from 100% Weber Blue Agave grown in the highest parts of Jalisco, Mexico, El Alto is a limited-release aged tequila aimed at aficionados. 

Master Distiller David Rodriguez and his team have combined a selection of the best Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejotequilas.

"Patron El Alto stays true to Patron Tequila's traditional roots in distilling while innovating in a way that achieves the best blended, aged tequila profile possible," said Rodriguez.

“The tequilas that harmoniously come together took four years to focus on only the best of the best and perfect the bold, sweet flavours of this expression the right way: naturally."

El Alto is, I am reliably informed, made using the traditional Tahona production process. This involves a two-tonne volcanic stone being used to crush the baked agave, "which creates a tequila with natural sweetness and flavours of the earth". 

Patron is the leading producer of Tahona-based tequila in the world. 

I'll add some tasting notes shortly. 

Patron El Alto is available in select premium venues and retail outlets Australia-wide now for an RRP of $315.

For more information visit www.patrontequila.com.

The resort paradise that is also a violent crime hotspot

The Mexican resort of Cancun has a global reputation as a beach paradise.

Just recently, however, it has become a dangerous crime hotspot.

Travel Mole reports that police have recently found eight bodies dumped in two different locations in the resort region, believed to be victims of drug cartel violence.

The US State Department has issued a level 2 advisory for Americans, recommending travellers exercise increased caution while in the local Quintana Roo region, due to crime and kidnapping concerns.

The Canadian Government travel website warns "theere are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.

"Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

"Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime."

The Australian Government's Smartraveller website says: "Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to high levels of violent crime".

So consider yourself warned.

In Cancun, state authorities have urged people "not to share on social networks false news that only damages the image of Quintana Roo".

Over 100,000 people have been reported missing in Mexico, Travel Mole says.

Five bodies were found in an abandoned building and three in a wooded area outside the resort area.

Earlier this month, Four men were killed in the main resort area after a gang dispute.

Four Americans were also kidnapped and two of them were killed.

Another airline bites the dust in testing times

Another established airline has gone out of business in the difficult economic period following the pandemic.

Mexican airline Aeromar announced this week it is going out of business with immediate effect, saying it has been unable to work through its financial difficulties.

The airline was founded in 1987 and operated 21 domestic routes and also flew to McAllen and Laredo in Texas, as well as Cuba. 

Aeromar operated mostly short flights to beach resorts out of Mexico City with a fleet of ATR planes. It has a workforce of about 700.

The airline had faced financial problems even before Covid.

“Measures taken were not sufficient to stabilise the company’s situation,” it said in a statement.

Other recent airline closures include British-based FlyBe, and Norwegian-based Flyr. 

Stay away: travel warnings issued about the many dangers of Mexico

The most I have ever felt threatened in Mexico was by the smog in Mexico City that made it very difficult to breathe.

Today there are other dangers facing visitors to Mexico - and Americans are being warned not to travel to their southern neighbour.

The US State Department recently updated a travel advisory for Mexico, with a warning on "kidnapping risk".

It cited an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in some areas.

It added specific Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories on the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas over kidnapping threats, Travel Mole reported.

In addition, less severe "reconsider travel" warnings were issued for Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora.

“Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department said.

“The government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico” as it has placed restrictions on travel for government employees due to safety risks.

“US government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands,” the advisory said.

“Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes,” the State Department added.

“Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed, “which has led to tourist injuries and deaths in resorts."

The Australian SmartTraveller advice is equally blunt, saying: "We now advise you exercise a high degree of caution due to high levels of violent crime."

It also advises: "Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's also against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity."

Other advice: "Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during daytime. Drug-related violence is widespread. Stop at all roadblocks or you risk being killed."

You can just imagine the apoplectic reaction of Mexican tourism industry officials.  

   

Whale watching becomes a dangerous pursuit

When you go whale watching one of the last things you'd expect is to be injured by a whale.

Except that has happened twice in the past month, Travel Mole reports.

A humpback whale landed on top of a boat off Ahome, Mexico, this week, badly damaging the craft and injuring four people onboard. One was seriously injured.

Local officials have now warned boat operators carrying tourists to keep their distance from migrating whales off the coast.

“Please do not get too close to the whales: we can enjoy their beauty, but at a distance, prudently,” said the mayor of Ahome, Gerardo Vargas.

The boat’s roof collapsed after it was body slammed by the whale and the vessel had to be towed back to port.

Local media reported that it was being investigated whether those on board were harassing the whale, and whether the attack was deliberate.

The region is noted as a place for whale watching with migrating humpback and blue whales.

A similar incident occurred last month in La Paz, Baja California Sur, when five people were injured.

Here's cheers to the Day of the Dead

 Australians have enthusiastically embraced overseas festivals like Halloween, so how about a toast to the Mexican festival Día De Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is celebrated each November 2? 

The team from Patron Tequila are enthusiastically embracing the festival with the release of some cocktail recipes - and with more online. 

The Día De Muertos is celebrated all over the world but very much a newcomer in Australia. 

If you fancy joining in then Patrón Silver Tequila, $90.00, is available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores. 

It can be enjoyed as a palate cleanser over ice, or in a margarita cocktail. 

Patron Tequila is exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. For more Día de Muertos cocktail recipes visit: www.patrontequila.com/en-au/stories/dia-de-muertos.html

Patron Silver El Diablo

Ingredients: 45ml Patrón Silver, 30ml fresh lime juice, 30ml ginger beer, 7.5ml cassis plus lime wedge for garnish. 

Method: Combine all ingredients except ginger beer in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill; strain onto fresh ice in a Collins glass; top with ginger beer and drizzle cassis over the top; garnish with a lime wedge.

Patron Silver Paloma Roja 

Ingredients: 60ml Patron Silver, 75ml grapefruit juice, 15ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, 15ml Hibiscus syrup plus salt and dried hibiscus rim and orange zest for garnish. 

Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice; shake to chill and combine; strain into a salt and  dried hibiscus-rimmed Collins glass filled with fresh ice. 

A taste of Mexico in Sydney

Sydney is a global city, which is why its residents have a huge choice of venues to enjoy Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5. 

Cinco de Mayo, or “Fifth of May”, is an annual fiesta celebrating Mexican culture. 

Here are some recommendations from Destination NSW for enjoying a taste of the exotic. Hopefully they know their stuff.

1.  Spice up your morning with a Mexican-inspired brunch at Maiz Street Food, Newtown: Maiz (meaning corn in Spanish) is the main ingredient featured on the menu at this Newtown institution which specialises in authentic Mexican street food.

      2. Sip on Sydney's best margaritaa at Cantina OK!, CBD: Ranked number 28 on the World's 50 Best Bars list, Cantina OK! is a micro mezcal mecca, stocked with a range of hand-sourced, hand-imported, handmade agave spirits.

       3. Knock back cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes at Alma, Avalon (above): Hailing from Mexico, Alma's head chef, Ricardo Lemus, will be serving up cocktail and taco specials inspired by Mexico's coast all week long for Cinco de Mayo.

       4. Savour Australia's largest collection of premium tequila and mezcal at Esteban, CBD: From the Tequila Mockingbird team, Esteban features an upstairs restaurant, a downstairs mezcal bar and a laneway dining space. It is one of the hottest places to celebrate.

5. Settle in for a bottomless brunch at Sonora, Potts Point: With a vibe matching the thriving restaurant scene in Mexico City and a menu inspired by the cuisine of Sonora, a coastal state in Mexico's north-west, this local haunt is all about the tacos chingones – literally “bad-ass tacos.”

      6. Get the party started at Tio's Cerveceria, Surry Hills: With $5 happy hour drinks every day and complimentary signature spiced popcorn, what better excuse to clock off early to start your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Don't pass up a tequila con verdita shots with 'Green Thing' chaser – a ritual since 2011. 

7. Sit down for a traditional Mexican family dinner at Taco Burrito Mexican Cantina, Penrith: Boasting the tastiest Mexican food in Western Sydney, the team have perfected an authentic menu. Whether you are vegan, vego or hungry for meat, there's something for everyone.
8.  Indulge in some of the finest market-to-table Mexican cuisine in Sydney at Mejico, CBD: Mejico (above) will be serving $45 Margarita Jugs and non-stop food specials including their DIY Taco Board for just $29 all Cinco de Mayo long.

      9. For a vegan menu full of meat-free Mexican delights say Hola to Bad Hombres, Surry Hills + Bondi: This institution has re-imagined traditional Mexican cuisine with an all-vegan menu and eclectic setting. The rotating taco of the week is determined by seasonal produce. 

10. Build your own tacos at Carbon Mexican Woodfire, Bondi: Carbón, which means 'charcoal' in Spanish, focuses on wood fired dishes inspired by Mexico's Caribbean coast, made using traditional South American parrilla (charcoal grilling) techniques.