Meet a hotel offering packages designed for seniors

 

People are travelling much older and further than further than they used to, often into their 70s and 80s. 

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is catering for that market by introducing special room packages designed  exclusively for senior guests aged 60 and above. 

The packages "offer a blend of comfort, indulgence, and warmth" and are available through December 27 (tough luck if you want to celebrate New Year by kicking up your heels). 

The Golden Years Experience is designed for "a relaxed and rewarding city stay" with 15% off the hotel's best available rate for all club rooms and suites, The Fullerton Club Lounge access for two, a welcome amenity and $100 dining credit to use across food and beverage outlets, early check-in and late check-out at 1pm. For reservations or more info see Golden Years Experience | Hotel Offers at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Seniors Winter Warmer includes best available rate on all room categories, a signature 32-layered chocolate cake with two hot beverages of the guests' choosing, and buffet breakfast for two at The Place. See Seniors Winter Warmer | Hotel Offers at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Some will see these offers as kind, others (particularly The Golden Years deal, as patronising. You decide. 

Changing of the guard at Hungerford Hill

Hunter Valley wine producer Hungerford Hill dropped a bombshell with news that GM and chief winemaker Brian Currie is departing after close to a decade in charge.

Hungerford Hill and its associated wineries announced the appointment of Pierre Durand to those roles as of June 9, 

Durand (below right) is described in the media release as a "French-born Australian winemaker with strong ties to the Hunter Valley" but many of his recent roles have been in management and sales, including at Endeavour Group as head of sales, at Langton's and at DMG Fine Wine.

“I'm very pleased to be joining Hungerford Hill, Dalwood Estate and Sweetwater Wines at such an exciting time,” said Durand. “The opportunity to return to the Hunter Valley and contribute to its vibrant wine community is incredibly meaningful.

"I look forward to working closely with the vineyard, winemaking and commercial teams to build on the strong foundations already in place.”

Currie, who has been in charge since November 2016 and has a formidable reputation, said: “Pierre brings a combination of wine experience and strong commercial insight.

“His understanding of both production and market dynamics positions him exceptionally well to lead the business into its next chapter.”

The company said in its release: “Bryanʼs contribution to the business and the Hunter Valley more broadly has been significant. 

“His leadership, dedication and commitment to quality have left a lasting imprint on the wines and the team. We thank him for his outstanding contribution and wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Durandʼs appointment marks a return to the region where he trained in viticulture at Kurri Kurri TAFE and had several cellar hand roles.

White takes over running wine industry body

Experienced wine industry operative      Emily White starts today as the new executive director of the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO). 

ASVO is a non-political member-based organisation founded to serve the interests of practising winemakers and viticulturists by encouraging the exchange of technical information.

White joins ASVO with substantial experience in the wine and agribusiness industries underpinned by a Bachelor of Viticultural Science and further studies in wine marketing.

She has a distinguished track-record in senior marketing and has led global and regional initiatives across agricultural sales, marketing, strategy, and industry engagement roles. 

Her experience includes leading teams across broader agribusiness environments and various Australian wine businesses, encompassing Taltarni/Clover Hill Vineyards, Treasury Wine Estates, and Accolade Wines. 

White will collaborate closely with retiring executive director Chris Waters for the next two months as she readies herself to take over the management of ASVO. 

“We are delighted to have found such a strong candidate to take the ASVO forward," said president Samantha Scarratt. 

"Emily’s strength in marketing and business development will assist the ASVO to grow its membership base and profile and will be an excellent complement to the extensive viticulture and winemaking - and recently added editorial and financial - expertise of the ASVO board of directors. 

"Emily brings a different skillset to the ASVO, which will help lead the organisation into the future.”

White said: "ASVO plays a vital role in bringing together technical leadership and industry - from publishing research that drives practical improvements, to creating opportunities for members to connect and share knowledge across oenology and viticulture.

"I am particularly committed to strengthening partnerships and collaborative platforms that deliver real value to our members, while building meaningful connections across research, industry, and education. 

“My focus will be on increasing membership value and leveraging ASVO’s trusted position to benefit both current and future generations shaping Australia’s wine sector.”

Sprite takes on a new energy and adds new flavours

What's old is new again with the launch of a new campaign behind soft drink Sprite.

Rolling out across diverse markets in ASEAN and the South Pacific, Sprite’s new global image aims to combine a new look, a brand sound, and cultural partnerships rooted across spicy food, basketball, music.

The new marketing plan for the top 20 selling lemon-lime soda showcases everyday street culture and aims to be down to earth.

"Sprite is more than just a drink - it's part of how people experience refreshment in the heat, through food, sport, and shared moments," said Mark Dee, Category Marketing Sr. Director of Sparkling Flavors for Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific (wow!).

"It's That Fresh celebrates authenticity, originality, and the bold spirit of the region's youth, bringing global brand strength together with local culture in a way that feels real and relevant."

Which means nothing at all, but is impressive marketing speak. 

From bustling sari-sari stores in the Philippines to warungs in Indonesia, late-night mamak stalls in Malaysia and supermarket fridges in Australia and New Zealand, Sprite is being positioned as being perfect for pairing with spicy food. 

Sprite is leaning into its 'Hurts Real Good with Sprite' platform in the region - celebrating the joy of bold, spicy flavours paired with the chilled soft drink. 

Sprite is being billed as complementing some of the region's most loved dishes, from tom yum and laksa to satay and other street-food favourites "delivering crisp lemon-lime refreshment that cuts through the heat".

Sprite will also be adding flavours with Sprite Chill Lemon Mint being launched across selected markets, while Sprite + Tea is inspired by "the viral social trend" of consumers steeping tea bags in Sprite. Missed that one. 

See Sprite.com.

New wine range aimed firmly at younger consumers

A lot of wine drinkers don’t care a jot about clones, terroir, vintage variations or provenance.

They just want a good drink that they know will pair well with their roast chicken, or sausage and chips.

Enter Ask The Elephant, the new sub-brand from the popular Elephant In The Room label.

The pitch is aimed firmly at those who just want a good drink for their hard-earned cash.

The brand has been created “for a new generation of wine drinkers who are ditching the rules, skipping
the ceremony, and choosing wine on their own terms".

So a sub-$10 brand focused on younger Australian drinkers not constricted by rules. 

The range will span five varietals: sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon – with the BOLD Shiraz and DETAILED Cabernet Sauvignon first in the national rollout. 

Producer Fourth Waves Wines say "each bottle cuts through the noise of the wine aisle with playful, taste-driven descriptors that make decision-making simple. No swirling, sniffing or sommelier jargon required".

“We’re excited to introduce Ask The Elephant to the Australian wine market,” says Nicholas Crampton, co-owner of Fourth Wave Wines. “Traditional wine culture can feel out of reach for the next generation of wine drinkers, creating barriers to engagement across the category. 

"With Ask The Elephant, we set out to break down those barriers by reimagining wine conventions.

“Made to be approachable and easy to explore, the range is made for modern drinking occasions. We see Ask The Elephant playing a clear role in simplifying choice, building confidence at shelf and reinforcing that great wine is ultimately about good taste and good company."

I was very impressed by the value offered by the pinot grigio and the sauvignon blanc. 

The Ask The Elephant BOLD Shiraz and DETAILED Cabernet Sauvignon are now available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores for RRP $9.99.

Y Series links with American sports powerhouse

It seems like an unlikely collaboration: the behemoths of the National Football League in the US and leading Australian wine producers the Hill-Smith family.

Unlikely, but still a thing.

South Australian brand Y Series (Hill-Smith Family Estates) was today named as Official Wine of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand, marking the NFL’s first-ever wine partnership in Australia and Y Series’ largest sporting deal to date.

The multi-year agreement includes Y Series as Official Wine Partner of the 2026 NFL game in Melbourne on September 11 this year, including game day activations, in-game branding and game day pours at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A limited-edition Y Series x NFL wine range will be available nationally later this year, along with a consumer promotion offering two Australian fans the opportunity to attend Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles next February.

Y Series, for those not familiar, is a range of wines in the $15-16 price range that offer excellent value for money.

Karl Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Hill-Smith Family Estates, said the partnership with the NFL marks a long-term play for the future of the brand, "tapping into one of the world’s most powerful entertainment platforms to drive cultural relevance and growth".

“This partnership with the NFL puts Y Series right where people want us - in big moments, shared rituals and time spent together. It’s about bringing wine into high-energy environments and showing up as part of how people celebrate, connect and unwind, on game day and beyond.”

Charlotte Offord, general manager of NFL Australia and New Zealand. said: “As we continue building towards our first-ever regular season game this September, we’re proud to be joining forces with Y Series to bring great Australian wine to the heart of game day." 

Rolling on the river: Danube aims for greater visibility

Travel marketers want us to think of the River Danube as one great cross-continental tourism highway.

The Austrian National Tourist Office, Visit Hungary and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) have collaborated with regional partners to launch “Discover your Danube”, a new cross-border promotional initiative.

Flowing through multiple countries, the river offers a combination of historical landmarks, vibrant cities and scenic landscapes.

The project was unveiled at ITB Berlin 2026 and will spark marketing initiatives by the third quarter of the year, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Co-financed by the participating organisations and supported by the European Travel Commission (ETC) Co-Op Program 2026 with EU backing, the initiative aims to boost the international profile of the Danube as a seamless, multi-country travel experience.

It promotes the river not just as a route, but as a year-round destination blending nature, culture, gastronomy and local lifestyles, with a focus on independent travel across borders.

“Discover your Danube” positions the river as a flexible and immersive experience rather than a linear journey. Travelers are encouraged to explore the region in stages, from outdoor adventures and cultural city breaks to culinary traditions and regional heritage.

The campaign will target "high-value international travellers" - that means rich folk - from key long-haul and European markets.

A core goal of the project is to drive year-round tourism by highlighting off-peak travel, longer stays and sustainable mobility options such as rail, cycling and hiking.

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe behind the Volga in Russia, flowing 2,850km and passing through or bordering Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Image: Budpaest, Serhii Zarev, Scop.io    

Australians have a continuing love affair with Burgundy

Australian wine lovers can’t get enough of fine Burgundies with with sales volumes up 13.3% and value up 26.1% in 2025, bringing the market close to record levels.

The Bourgogne Wine Board will continue its three-year communications campaign in Australia with the second chapter of the ‘Take a Closer Look’ campaign: inviting trade, media, and consumers to deepen their exploration of Bourgogne wines.

Building on a first series of events in Sydney in year one, Melbourne is in the spotlight for 2026 as the campaign encourages Australians to venture further off the beaten path, experience Bourgogne wines differently, and uncover the diversity that exists within and beyond the region’s most familiar names. 

Take a Closer Look is billed as an invitation to reconnect with “the shared foundations of the Bourgogne wine range: emotion, experience, terroir, know-how and authenticity”.

Through tastings, trade activations, consumer events and more, the second year of the campaign creates opportunities to engage with a new generation of committed winegrowers and their iconic wines. 

The focus is on producers that are "reshaping perceptions of Bourgogne while remaining deeply anchored in their places of origin".

Australia is Bourgogne’s 14th largest export market by volume (17th by value). 

Renewed growth is driven primarily by Crémant de Bourgogne (up more than 7% in volume and up 11% in value), alongside strong performance from white wines overall (up nearly 16% in volume and 4.3% in value). 

Chablis continues to stand out, reaching double-record levels with growth of 23.6% in volume and 22.4% in value.

At the same time, Village appellations from the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais have doubled their export volumes (Villages from the Mâconnais was up by 110% in volume compared to 2024, and white wines from the Côte Chalonnaise up by 168%), while Mâcon wines are up 43% in volume.

“With the second year of Take a Closer Look, our ambition is to go deeper - to highlight the diversity of Bourgogne wines and show how accessible, expressive and relevant they are today," says Anne Moreau, president of the Bourgogne Wine Board's Communication Commission. 

The Take a Closer Look campaign will offer a trade tasting and  masterclass in Melbourne on June 2, a trade-only webinar training session in late July and the second edition of Chablis Week: a promotion of Chablis wines across select Merivale venues (date TBC). 

Lost in translation? Meet Suck my Duck

There is a fine line between audacious marketing and being downright offensive. 

Travis Fuller, MD of Kilikanoon Wines in the Clare Valley, posted this gem from the Wine Paris trade fair on social media this week. 

It's not a joke - it is an actual brand from Laungeudoc wine producer Vignobles Vellas, a family business that dates back four generations to 1929 and has multiple vineyards across the region. 

The family say: "Our slogan is to strive for excellence, authenticity and innovation. Making exceptional wines that release real emotions, bringing out a unique terroir through each of our vintages."

Hmm. not sure that this reflects that. And it is one several labels in similar vein. 

The website says: "With innovative packaging, creativity is one of our true strengths".

The wine in question is a classic southern blend of shiraz, grenache and mourvedre that is recommended to pair with duck dishes and cheese. It gets good reviews online. 

Maybe something was lost in translation. Or maybe not.    

Penfolds starts marking 75 years of Grange with a roar

The link between sport and the marketing of premium alcohol brands has never been closer - as evidenced by the recent Australian Open tennis tournament.

Now Penfolds has partnered with the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, joining the spectacle as an Event Supporter.

Across the four days at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne in March, a selection of Penfolds wines will be served in premium hospitality venues, including in the American Express Lounge.

Guests will also enjoy a curated Penfolds restaurant pairing and an elevated VIP Grange experience designed to celebrate Penfolds' most renowned wine.

The partnership arrives at a milestone moment for the brand, as Penfolds celebrates 75 years of Grange in 2026.

“The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix offers an extraordinary platform to share our wines, celebrate 75 years of Grange, and mark moments with wine lovers and F1 fans in Australia and those visiting from around the globe,” says Penfolds Chief Marketing Office Kristy Keyte.

As part of the partnership, the “Penfolds Grange Experience” will be offered to American Express Lounge ticket holders. Hosted by a Penfolds ambassador, the guided tasting will showcase the heritage, craftsmanship, and lasting impression of Penfolds' most iconic wine.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Commercial Officer Emma Pinwill said: “Penfolds will help us deliver a world‑class hospitality experience by showcasing their exceptional wines at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026.

"Sharing our vision to create unforgettable moments, Penfolds presence will contribute to an elevated and memorable experience for guests.”

For more info see Australian Grand Prix 2026 - F1 Race. 

Image: Alex Coppel

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. 

Someone will buy wine; win a trip to Antarctica

 Sustainability-driven wine brand Tread Softly is just a few bottles away from planting its three-
millionth tree and to celebrate the milestone it has launched a competition that offers the chance to win a trip to Antarctica. 

The giveaway offers Australians and New Zealanders the chance to win the rare prize. 

Antarctica Awaits will send one lucky winner and a guest to explore the world’s last great wilderness - the icy expanse of Antarctica - aboard a National Geographic expedition cruise.

The 10-day adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, where the winners will prepare for their voyage before boarding the National Geographic Explorer. 

On a trip led by naturalists, biologists, and geologists, guests will experience Drake Passage, hike glaciers, kayak among icebergs, and possibly witness an abundance of wildlife - from humpback whales and orcas to Adélie penguins.

The trip includes return flights, four-star accommodation in both Ushuaia (Argentina) and Puerto Natales (Chile), an eight-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer in a twin cabin that is valued at over $18,000 per person with meals and activities included, as well as $500 spending money, merchandise and Tread Softly wine.

Wendy Rend, brand partnership lead at Australian Geographic says: “It has been a pleasure to partner with Tread Softly and highlight their inspiring work through the Antarctica Awaits experience. It’s always uplifting to see brand’s values carried through so clearly in what they do.”

Since 2019, Tread Softly has planted one Australian native tree for every six bottles of wine sold, contributing to the growth of the Tread Softly Forest within Western Australia’s Yarra Yarra
biodiversity corridor. 

The initiative helps reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. 

The Antarctica Awaits promotion runs until January 31, 2026. For a chance to win purchase a bottle of Tread Softly from Dan Murphy’s, BWS or independent retailers before scanning the QR code on the pack or visiting www.treadtoantarctica.com. 

Niche spirits producer goes small as it aims to grow

Innovation is one of the keys to success in the rapidly changing drinks space.

A new 200ml  hip flask bottle adopted by peanut butter-flavoured whiskey liqueur Skrewball offers a portable, shareable and potentially recyclable format that is being trialled in Australia and New Zealand.

Skrewball Whiskey says its PET hip flask offers identical flavours to those in a full-sized bottle in packaging suitable for a party, or picnic (or for sneaking into a concert). That's my idea, not theirs.

The launch comes as smaller, portable spirit formats gain momentum with 200ml hip flasks experiencing high growth in the US.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new size and shape to Australia and New Zealand, offering our consumers more flexibility while maintaining the premium quality they expect from Skrewball,” said Steven Yeng, the company co-founder.

“With its deliciously sweet, nutty spirit, now in a compact 200ml hip flask, consumers can enjoy  Skrewball wherever the celebration takes them - from backyard barbecues to picnics and beyond.” 

For retailers, the 200ml  hip flask represents a versatile new option: it encourages trial among new consumers, complements larger bottle offerings and is well-suited for impulse purchases or gifting occasions.  

In Australia:  Skrewball’s 200ml bottle is available at independent retailers and online across Australia at an RRP of $24.99.  In New Zealand it is available at Liquorland and Thirsty Liquor with an RRP of $21.99. 

At last some good news for chocolate lovers

Chocolate lovers who have been hit by rising prices are finally set to get some sweet relief. 

Cocoa futures prices are starting to ease after hitting record highs, a new international research report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank reveals.

Chocolate retail prices hit predicted highs, but the end of the price surge in sight, the report says. 

That said "retail chocolate prices will remain well above pre-'cocoa crisis' levels, signalling a new normal for the industry".

Chocolate manufacturers and retailers are adapting to as challenging environment, balancing cost recovery with consumer retention, the report said.

RaboResearch agriculture analyst Paul Joules said since 2021, retail chocolate prices globally have surged, driven by a cocoa market in crisis due to poor harvests, crop disease and structural supply issues. This has resulted in higher chocolate prices for consumers.

“This has led manufacturers and retailers to expand their value ranges, offering more affordable alternatives to cost-conscious shoppers,” he said.

Joules said chocolate manufacturers are employing strategies like “shrinkflation” and “skimpflation” to protect margins without losing consumers.

“Shrinkflation involves reducing pack sizes, while skimpflation changes recipes to lower cocoa content, often replacing cocoa butter with cheaper fats or fillers,” he said.

Joules said in some European markets, these changes have altered products to the extent that they no longer meet the legal definition of “chocolate,” forcing brands to update product descriptions.

Joules added that said the worst of the “cocoa shock” appears to be over, with cocoa futures expected to fall significantly by mid-2027.

While chocolate prices are projected to ease gradually, they will still be higher than in 2021, the report says.

See https://www.rabobank.com.au/knowledge/disclaimer/

Image: Awatif Abdulaziz, Scop.io

 

Snap up a Quidditch star with your chocolate treat

The times are changing fast.

Nowadays, you don't just buy a chocolate treat.

Instead you are being influenced by emarketers talking about "the blind-box boom" and the "surprise-and-delight economy".

From Squishmallow collectors to Labubu enthusiasts  to Funko Pops, blind unboxing and surprise collectibles are having a cultural moment – particularly with the folk known as Gen Z.

Apparently "the thrill of the unknown, the hunt for rare pieces, and the social media shareability of the 'big reveal' " are cementing mystery-box culture as one of retail’s fast-growing trends.

Kinder Joy is tapping into the phenomenon with a launch that blends millennial nostalgia with Gen Z’s obsession with unboxing: releasing a limited-edition Funko Harry Potter Quidditch collaboration.

Launching this month, each Kinder Joy egg contains not only the brand’s signature chocolate and wafer treat, but also one of 18 Quidditch-themed Harry Potter figurines and accessories.

Kinder Joy is teaming with pop culture and lifestyle brand, Funko, to launch this new Harry Potter Quidditch collection.

There are 18 Quidditch-themed figurines and accessories hidden inside Kinder Joy's twin-chambered eggs.

The figures represent Hogwarts’ most recognisable Quidditch characters and equipment, including a golden Harry Potter figurine; Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley adorned in Gryffindor colours and rivals Draco Malfoy and Cedric Diggory. I want a Diggory!

“Kinder Joy sparks heart-fluttering moments of discovery - like the magic of Harry’s first flight on a Nimbus 2000 - only this time, the thrill comes with a delicious chocolate treat.” says Kinder ANZ marketing manager Antony Foulet, obviously a keen fan of the fantasy world.

"We’re delighted to offer Kinder Joy fans the playful collectibles that Funko is renowned for, whilst celebrating the enchantment of the Harry Potter universe.”

Kinder Joy (RRP $3.30) is available at Coles and other leading retailers across Australia.

Find out more at www.kinder.com/au/en.

South Korea in new push for more visitors

South Korea wants more tourists - but wants them outside the busy metropolis of its capital, Seoul (above).

The Asian nation this week launched a K-tourism innovation task force, a new initiative aimed at boosting visitor arrivals.

The public-private partnership is tasked with promoting more visitation by leveraging the global interest in Korean culture, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The task force is led by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young, and includes more than 20 members across government, academia and the private sector.

The new body plans to meet bi-monthly to discuss strategy to increase inbound tourism, and improve visitation numbers to regional destinations.

The task force includes representatives from the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Airports Corp., Korea Railroad Corp., and Korea Transport Institute.

Minister Chae said it aims to take a leaf out of Japan’s tourism playbook: “Although K-culture is enjoying enormous global influence, we need to carefully examine what Japan has done well over the past decade.”

One of the main challenges is dispersing tourism away from the Seoul metropolitan area to lesser-visited regional destinations, he said.

This includes encouraging airlines to launch more flights to the regions.

“With the K-tourism innovation task force, we will move beyond Seoul and ensure that communities across the country share in the benefits of a thriving tourism ecosystem,” Chae said.

Ruby the Kangaroo is back to promote tourism to Australia

Robert Irwin and Nigella Lawson are among the names that have been enlisted by Tourism Australia for its latest campaign that continues the adventures of Ruby the Kangaroo.

Tourism Australia today launched a new phase of its 'Come and say G'day' campaign with market-specific celebrities in five key countries.

Wildlife conservationist Irwin (US), foodie Lawson (UK), actor Yosh Yu (China), entrepeneur Sara Tendulkar (India), and media personality Abareru-kun (Japan) have been chosen.

International visitor spending in Australia reached a record $52.6 billion in year to March 2025, with predictions of 10 million arrivals by 2026.

Previous campaigns resulted in a 10% increase in holiday consideration in US, UK and China, with 22% jump in flight searches.

The campaign rollout begins in China, followed by India in August, US/UK/Japan/Germany in September, and South Korea in November 2025.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, said “The previous campaign struck a chord with visitors, with Ruby the Roo bounding into the imagination of countless guests, encouraging them to book a holiday down under.

“I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash. Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“Come and say G’day is bringing more visitors to our shores, creating more jobs and growing our economy.”

Hyatt Hotels unveils plans for new properties

A boom period continues for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which has plans to rapidly expand its luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios across Asia Pacific.

There are plans for close to 90 properties expected to open over the next five years, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The growth includes the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the region - alongside significant new entries and expansion for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt brands in destinations including Thailand, Malaysia and Australia across 2025 and 2026.

“Today, luxury is about authenticity and unique experiences," said Carina Chorengel, senior vice president for Commercial, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, who is a master of corporate speak.

 
"Our recently refined brand architecture and expansion in luxury and lifestyle portfolios allow us to cater to discerning travellers with focus and differentiation," she said.

”We are excited about offering enriching experiences that will further strengthen Hyatt’s position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality in the region.”

In yet another hotel industry new brand arrival, the Thompson Hotels brand is set to debut in Asia Pacific at Shanghai Expo. It is said to appeal to "culture-savvy travellers", whoever they may be.

Hyatt will also mark the continued expansion of the Andaz brand "celebrated for its cultural immersion and unique lifestyle offerings".

Andaz Gold Coast, Andaz One Bangkok and Andaz Shanghai ITC are among the newcomers.

Following its acquisition of Standard International’s brands in 2024, newcomers will include The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, while the Park Hyatt brand will make its Malaysian debut with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opening next month. 

Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, the first Park Hyatt resort in Vietnam, is expected to open early in 2026.

See https://www.hyatt.com/

Image: Render of Andaz Gold Coast  

How buying a bottle of wine might win you $10,000

One of Australia's most popular wine brands is to punt on a new game of chance.   

Yalumba wine brand Y Series is to give shoppers the chance to win $10,000 in a competition running from September to December 2025 across Australia and New Zealand.

The Y Series $10K Your Way campaign will have a first prize of three $10,000 grand prizes in cash or travel vouchers to three winners across the two countries. 

There will also be secondary Instant Win prizes including 100 x $100 Ticketek gift cards.

Established in 2002 by the Hill-Smith family, Y Series is a best-selling range. 

Y Series was created "to make great wine minus the fuss - just easy-going, flavour-packed wines for any occasion," the family says. 

Eligible Y Series products - including the Australian best-seller Y Series Pinot Grigio - will be in store from September 1 through to December 31. 

The competition will be activated in-store, online, through social media, and in retail media.

You can find Y Series wines in major retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, and in independent retailers including Bottlemart, Thirsty Camel and Sip’n Save. 

Stirred, not shaken: Subsea Estate trials ocean-matured wines

There are multiple ways to make your wines stand out from the crowd.

Make them organic, biodynamic, amber or natural. Choose a striking label, or uniquely shaped bottle.

But wines that have been immersed in the ocean to mature have a serious point of difference.

Meet Subsea Estate from Western Australia, which promises "a complete immersion in ocean winemaking innovation" .

These wines undergo fermentation and maturation on lees beneath the waves, stirred by the ocean swells, which create a different texture profile. Did the wines roll off my tongue, or was it the power of suggestion?

The Subsea Estate wines come in two different iterations; Land & Ocean ($40), and Pure Ocean ($120).

So think Margaret River semillon and shiraz partially, or fully, elevated under the Southern Ocean.

Land & Ocean wines are fermented on land then treated to southern maritime influence, while Pure Ocean is matured entirely on the "WineReef".

Subsea Estate has established its open ocean underwater ‘cellar’ in Rare Foods Australia’s 413-hectare ocean lease off Flinders Bay near Augusta.

Subsea Estate’s cellars lie 15 to 20 metres below the water where "consistent temperatures, oceanic pressure, and gentle currents create distinctive characteristics that speak of ocean rhythms and the seasons of the sea."

I preferred the more complex Pure Ocean version of the shiraz but the Land & Ocean version of the semillon.

I suspect it will take a few vintages to learn the ideal timing to evaluate the "unique flavour profiles that express their ocean provenance".

The wines are the brainchild of local abalone diver Brad Adams and French winemaker Emmanuel Poirmeur, sparked by a vision: "what if… Margaret River’s exceptional wines could be transformed by the very waters that make this region unique?"   

The wines are well made and stand up without their unique provenance, but certainly make an intriguing dinner party talking point or a brilliant mystery wine game subject.

“We’re excited to bring to Australians a totally new and unique drinking experience that’s a true taste of  Margaret River," the founders say in their mission statement.

“We love working with our wonderful natural marine environment to produce wines that can’t be replicated on land. They’re a truly unique product of our magnificent region and our adventurous spirit.”

More trials, and more grape varieties are on their way.

Subsea Cellar Door is at Lot 331 Augusta Boat Harbour, Leeuwin Road, Augusta, and is open daily. 

Explore their story further at https://subseaestate.com