Travel News Articles
November 28, 2005
Bird flu would 'clobber' travel
The paranoia surrounding the bird flu in Asia and Eastern Europe has spread Down Under as well. Analysts are predicting that the disease would have the "same effect on the economy as the Bali bombings or September 11". Pretty dire, considering when most people think of bird flu, they think of Nando having a cold. From Bird flu would 'clobber' travel
October 13, 2005
Work keeps us all at home
Aussies are traveling less due to financial and time constraints, according to a new study. Much to the tourism industry's dismay, even when Australians do travel, it's for fewer days. The only type of tourism that has increased is that where people visit family and friends - aka, places they can stay for free, and don't really benefit the hotel chains, car rentals and other we'll-charge-you-high-prices-because-you-have-no-other-option businesses. Work keeps us all at home
Even more bad news? Fuel puts domestic tourism up in air.
Expensive Petrol Prices Affecting Travel
Prices at the pump are hurting travelers in Australia. Holiday travel bookings are down and interstate road use has decreased by almost 10% (!). Train travel and flights could be...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
2005 Bali Bombings
The recent bombing in Bali have been appropriately condemned by the Australian government. The attacks have killed at least two Australians. Not unsurprisingly, the pundits are saying this will adversely...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Travellers 'not afraid to whinge'
Australian travelers aren't afraid to kick up a fuss when they travel. According to a new survey, one-third of people aren't afraid to ask for an upgrade, and a fourth...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Footy clubs blacklist Bali
Not everyone thinks that Bali is a safe place to be, however. Two footy clubs have recently canceled their vacations to the island in favor of in country travel and...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Australia 'still safe destination'
Despite the Bali Bombings that killed a number of Australian holidaymakers, travelers still believe that the country they originated from is safe. 92% think Down Under is a safe place...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Virgin Blue in the News
Virgin Blue updates - as the carrier celebrates its 5 year anniversary, Richard Branson fights to regain Virgin Blue. The main (well, in reality, only) competitor to Qantas, Virgin Blue...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Bali raids 'not targeting Australians'
Despite what people may think given the attention drawn to the topic as of late, Bali raids are 'not targeting Australians', according to Alexander Downer. People just care more because...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Australian Inbound tourism industry welcomes World Youth Day announcement
The Pope and his Popemobile are driving Down Under for the 2008 World Youth Day. If St. Benedict is still alive and kicking, he'll be the star attraction for the...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Top Long Haul Destination
Wandering Britons head Down Under more than any other distant destination. Affordable flights are the number one reason, followed by the strength of the Pound. Now, if anyone other than...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Algeria demands travel warning be toned down
News because so many Australians were on their way to Algeria...the Algerian government, pleased with their current situation of less than 800 terrorists, are demanding that the Australian government modify...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Algeria demands travel warning be toned down
News because so many Australians were on their way to Algeria...the Algerian government, pleased with their current situation of less than 800 terrorists, are demanding that the Australian government modify...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Australia Issues Gay Travel Warning
Gay Australians should pay attention to the fact that other countries are not as accepting of homosexuality, according to a new warnings issued by the Australian governement. Singapore is a...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Australia Issues Gay Travel Warning
Gay Australians should pay attention to the fact that other countries are not as accepting of homosexuality, according to a new warnings issued by the Australian governement. Singapore is a...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Hunt for missing Aussie backpacker
An Australian backpacker has gone missing in a part of India known for drug-related deaths. The 23-year-old dissapeared two weeks ago after going out for a walk. Hunt for missing...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Aboriginal culture next big tourist drawcard
The Australian government plans to devote more resources to the barely-tapped Aboriginal tourist market in the near future. I'm sure purists will argue that this harms the communities - the...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (0)
Package Tours to Norfolk Island
Underwritten by the Norfolk Island Government, Qantas is offering great packages to this up-and-coming tourist island. The government is hoping to boost booking following the collapse of Norfolk Jet Express...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Affects of the London Attacks on Australia
The attacks in London last week affected Australians in a variety of ways. Airlines and airport related stock were down in morning trading following the terrorist attacks in London overnight,...Continue reading... | by Court | #
When it comes to travel, Aussies like it cheap, easy and outdoors
Yeah! Another study that proves what most people already know: When it comes to travel, Aussies like it cheap, easy and outdoors. Highlights include the "must do" in each state:...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Fear and Loathing in Australia
Now now, this is interesting. Due to their support of the war in Iraq and the death of more than 200 British backpackers in three years, Britain has declared Australia...Continue reading... | by Court | #
OzJet to take flight within three months
The ring of Australian air carriers is about to get a little more squeezed. Backed by Formula One racing team owner, Paul Stoddart, OzJet is shooting for the lucrative business...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Promoting Australia
The Australian tourism board is busy promoting the country as an ideal destination, focusing efforts in Latin America, to GIs (Off-Duty Travel Opens Australia As Vacation Destination) and around Australia...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Australia's Travel Influence
For a country with such a small population, Australia carries a lot of weight in the international travel area. I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but I...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (2)
Sydney hostels risk lives
Watch out backpackers! Sydney hostels risk lives and the goverment is powerless to stop them! Well, according to this study at least, which claims that "about 100 �shonky� hostels operate...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourism Woes
NZ tourism is worried because Overseas travel hits domestic market after a 22% increase in international travel last year. Australia's worried because Tourism fears Japanese getting over Down Under. Where...Continue reading... | by Court | #
New breed of tourists
Don't get your medical work done in expensive Australia, Europe or the U.S. - head to Thailand! A New breed of tourists are heading to the country for cheap medical...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Move to stamp out illegal backpacker operators
Authorities Move to stamp out illegal backpacker operators in a new taskforce designed to protect backpackers and guests that visit New South Wales. "There are real dangers associated with trying...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Business travel group attacks air security fare-rise plan
As airfare prices continue to climb with the escalating cost of fuel, taxes and 'security fees', business travelers are trying to put their foot down by attacking air security fare-rise...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel warning to Indonesia updated
More reasons to avoid travel to Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia: according to the Australian government, terrorists are in the 'advanced stages' of planning attacks. The warning has been updated...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's Next Tourism Destination
Now that Bali is once again on the outs and Fiji has been long discovered, I predict that still-more-stable-than-PNG East Timor will be the next major tourism destination for beach-seeking...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia says militants planning hotel attacks in Indonesia
More good news for Indonesian tourism: as if enough people weren't avoiding Bali and the rest of the coutnry already, Australia says militants planning hotel attacks in Indonesia. Sources say...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do?
Ever wondered why it is you got targeted at customs while the long-haired hippie backpacker slid right on through? An excellent article entitled, "Cold targeting: the front line" gives readers...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Explore pristine coral reefs in Timor-Leste
THREE years after East Timor became independent from Indonesia, Australians are starting to look at the world's newest nation as a tourist destination. Hotels and restaurants are improving in price...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Government �may scrap� tourism GST
The Federal Government may back down from a plan to make foreign tourism operators pay GST. The government is reconsidering its stance after a report revealed the move could deter...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Inbound tourism worth $32b in a decade
The value of inbound tourism will grow to $32.1 billion by 2014, by which time China will be Australia's top earning market. Inbound tourism's value will grow at an average...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Tourists rediscover the Sunshine State
THE catchcry may be for sun one day and perfection the next, but the grey clouds that have been casting gloom over Queensland's tourism industry over the last few...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Road travel is domestic tourism key
Road travel is "by far the greatest contributor" to Australian domestic tourism, according to Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey. About 75 percent of all domestic tourism trips taken in 2004...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Gloom for sunshine state as backpackers fly south
IT is almost unthinkable: international backpackers are deserting the reef, rainforests and beaches of tropical Queensland for the grey skies and green rolling hills of Victoria. While Queensland still...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Educated travelling well
Strength in student travel reflects overall health in travel services, despite the internet. Student travel is a growth sector of the travel industry. STA has expanded from being a niche...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Have locked bags, will travel
THE recent deluge of negative press involving Australians in Bali has not turned people off holidaying on the resort island, but most are taking extra precautions. "Every aperture of our...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Shonky operators hurt backpacker market
DODGY backpacker hostels are placing guests at risk through unhygienic, overcrowded premises which do not adhere to fire and other safety regulations, according to a report commissioned by the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's high crime rates prompt travel warning
Australia's high crime rates have prompted Japan to issue a travel advisory warning tourists to beware of Aussie thieves. Due to Australia's extremely high rate of theft and muggings, Japan's...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (5)
Dems call for gay sex travel warnings
Australians travelling overseas should be warned about countries which have laws against consensual gay sex, the Australian Democrats said. The party's sexuality spokesman, the openly gay Brian Greig, said the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Rethink Australia marketing approach, Tourism Malaysia told
Tourism Malaysia needs to rethink its marketing approach on Australia in view of the rapidly changing travel and tourism trends, said Eddie Vela, a former senior Malaysia Airlines (MAS)...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Gallipoli on red alert
THE mass pilgrimage expected to services at Gallipoli over the weekend faces the toughest security clampdown in the history of Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey. The Herald Sun has...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Backpacker working holiday extension
Backpackers will soon be able to work for up to twice as long while in Australia under changes to the Working Holiday Maker scheme. A new provision to the scheme...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas tightens thumbscrews
Qantas Airways has been accused of misusing its market power by threatening to withhold air ticket sales commissions from travel agents unless they meet targets for selling holiday packages from...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Paradise For Sale? Land Grab Follows Tsunami
KOH PHI PHI - Graffiti sprayed on a wall on a tsunami-hit Thai island expresses the fears of millions now living precariously around the Indian Ocean -- "Rich come for...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Visit to a small planet
MAYBE YOU'RE AN honest-to-god traveling person, the sort of free spirit who clocks in at the ol' McJob long enough to book a cheap courier ticket to another country, where...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia has 'All the space you need'
All the Space You Need" is the slogan that will be used to encourage more Australians to holiday at home. A new $8 million campaign featuring the slogan, unveiled yesterday...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel from North America to Indonesia, India or South Africa on Qantas Airways and Get a Free Australian Stopover
North American travelers bound for Indonesia, India or South Africa on Qantas Airways can now add Australia to their business or leisure itineraries without adding to their airfare. For the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Backpacker Army Rebuilds Thailand's 'Beach'
To the strains of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, a backpacker army of anybody from Australian computer boffins to Irish plasterers is rebuilding the tsunami-devastated Thai paradise of Koh Phi...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Virgin Blue big loser on government travel
Virgin Blue has been reportedly shut out of the market for federal government travel business. Melbourne�s The Age newspaper reported yesterday that government departments were flouting orders to obtain the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Backpackers skip over Canberra
An international visitors survey suggests backpackers are giving Canberra a miss. The survey by Tourism Research Australia shows the number of backpackers to visit Canberra in 2004 declined by 21...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Jobs go as backpackers work for beds
Backpacker hostels in Byron Bay are employing their guests, saying they are much keener to work than unemployed locals. Only one in four young people in the Far North Coast...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas and BA simplify Australia-Europe fares
Qantas and British Airways have restructured their economy class airfares for travel between Australia and Europe. The airlines claim the new structure is more simple and flexible than the current...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Cruising 'holds huge potential'
Cruising is not only one of the fastest growing sectors of Australia's travel industry, but also holds huge potential. Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said that potential was behind the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Dawn heralds new Australian cruising mark
The 77,000 tonne superliner Dawn Princess will next year become the biggest and most luxurious liner to be based in Australia. Dawn Princess will offer a summer season of round-trip...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Riding the steel camel in Oz
ON BOARD THE GHAN - The sudden jolt that awakens you from your post-lunch slumber is a not-so-gentle reminder that you are riding a "steel camel" through one of the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Have beard, will travel
Bill Bryson has been travelling the world for 30 years, and for half that time he's been turning his experiences into the stuff of comedy and bestsellers. But is he...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's Great Train Holidays to the Red Centre
Great Southern Railway today launched �Australia's Red Centre Holidays'. The campaign is built around travel packages to Alice Springs this winter aboard The Legendary Ghan in Gold Kangaroo Service, for...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Industry needs to fight �bad apples�
The Federal Government has called on the tourism industry to report unethical and illegal activities in a bid to stamp them out. Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said "a few bad...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas Holidays launches back to Thailand campaign
Qantas Holidays launched a Rediscover Thailand campaign in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Head of Qantas Holidays, Simon Bernardi, said Thailand had always been one of the most...Continue reading... | by Court | #
OzJet doesn't want pricing war
The owner of Australia's newest domestic airline said he did not want to get into a price war with the "big boys", especially the notoriously aggressive Qantas. Paul Stoddart, the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Patrick wars with Virgin
RICHARD Branson's Virgin Group yesterday said it does not intend to sell any of its 25.1 per cent stake in low cost carrier Virgin Blue, rejecting a $1.90 per share...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Air NZ Steps up the Food
Air New Zealand today announced the appointment of a star chef from one of Los Angeles� premier restaurants as the airline�s new menu consultant on flights originating from the United...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Indonesia to reopen Australia tourist office
Strong growth in business and holiday travel to Indonesia will see the republic reopen its tourist office in Sydney this year as Garuda Indonesia expands its Australian flight capacity by...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Down Under travel tips 'nonsense'
TRAVEL websites designed to teach people about Australian culture are fraught with out-of-date guidelines, according to a Queensland etiquette expert. Tips such as "eating with your hands is perfectly...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Talks cleared for Australia-Europe liberalisation
Australia will begin talks with the European nations aimed at liberalisation of aviation services between the two continents. Federal Transport Minister John Anderson said Australia would negotiate directly with the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Wake-up call on state tourism
THE Federal Government has warned Queensland will be priced out of the tourism market unless it embraces labour market reform. Federal Tourism Minister Ian Macfarlane yesterday said the industry...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Beyond the Hippie Trail
India may still be a rite of passage for the backpacker. But it can also be done in style, as Max Suich and Jennie Sorrell discovered. Now that Qantas has...Continue reading... | by Court | #
We're all going on a virtual holiday
It's just another clapped-out campervan, carrying another load of Pommy tourists. But the vehicle that limped into Melbourne over the West Gate this week is remarkable - and not just...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Foreign tourists not heeding travel warnings, says Durano
NEGATIVE travel advisories on the Philippines will not affect tourist arrivals as foreigners do not follow them anyway, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said yesterday. The United States, United Kingdom,...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Age no barrier to 'gap year'
MILLIONS of workers are opting for student-style gap years to travel the world, swapping their six weeks� annual leave for longer sabbaticals to India, south-east Asia and the rainforests. According...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Transonic expects strong earnings
Transonic Travel Ltd expects an increase of at least 25 per cent in full year earnings after reporting a strong first half net profit. "Outbound travel from Australia, which has...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Virgin's schedule now back on track
MELBOURNE - Virgin Blue flights in and out of Launceston were generally on schedule yesterday as the airline worked to clear a backlog of passengers in southern Australia after...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourism stars shine in the Alice
If everyone else can have an awards show, why not have one for tourism, too! (Shakes head in bewilderment) Over 700 high-flyers from the tourist industry gathered in Alice Springs...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Hit the road, mate
Australia: a vast, bare, unblemished land where the highway goes on forever. Simon Calder buys into the legend by purchasing his first-ever car From Hit the road, mate...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Best Deals
Australian airline Qantas Airways has reduced its Aussie AirPass fares by 37 per cent for travel in February, when it is hot and sunny Down Under. From Best Deals...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Virgin slams ACCC
VIRGIN Atlantic has launched a stinging attack on the competition watchdog for allowing Qantas and British Airways to continue a price-fixing agreement, saying the deal would be deemed illegal...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Territory gains in backpacker push
The Northern Territory expects considerable benefit from a $500,000 campaign to promote travel to Australia by German backpackers. The campaign is being run by STA Travel, with financial support from...Continue reading... | by Court | #
International travel can be done on the cheap
Spacious accommodations at a luxurious beachfront resort in Jamaica: 450 bucks a night. Lobster and filet mignon dinners washed down with the appropriate wine: 100 bucks a person. Flying...Continue reading... | by Court | #
UK visa blitz curbs backpacker travel plans
Young Australians planning a trip to Britain for a working holiday have been hit by the British Government's pre-election immigration blitz. In a little publicised addendum to changes in the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Cloud falls over UK online bookings to Oz
The future of online travel bookings by British residents visiting Australia hangs in the balance as a consumer case works its way through the UK courts. Many British visitors book...Continue reading... | by Court | #
LAN deals to 16 South American destinations
LAN Airlines is offering a series of discounted fares to 16 South American destinations until February 16. The deals are available for departures up to June 30 on each of...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Nepal Warning
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for Nepal, after King Gyanendra dismissed the government and seized power earlier this week. It is advising Australians to defer...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Minding everybody's business
Tourism has an impact on everyone in Vanuatu, either directly or indirectly. As we enter the year of tourism, the industry asks us to think, talk and plan for tourism....Continue reading... | by Court | #
70% increase in tourist visas to Brazil, from Australia!
The Brazil Trade Bureau in Sydney reports that the number of Australians travelling to and holidaying in Brazil has accumulated to an increase of 70% from 2002 to 2004. The...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Push for tourist levy
A LOCAL government consortium wants to slug international visitors to Australia a $200 levy to cover tourism infrastructure costs. Macroplan director Brian Haratsis said the consortium, known as the National...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel agent told to drop misleading fare slogan
The Flight Centre has been banned from using its "lowest air fares guaranteed" slogan for five years because of complaints from the public. The travel agency is one of the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Whistler takes top spot in Luxury Travel Magazine's first ever GOLD LIST
Readers of Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine have rated Whistler as #1 in the "Best Overseas Ski Resort" category in its first ever GOLD LIST. Luxury Magazine's prestigious GOLD LIST covers...Continue reading... | by Court | #
BUSINESS TRAVEL FROM AUSTRALIA UP SLIGHTLY SINCE TSUNAMI
Business travel from Australia had increased since the Boxing Day tsunami that devastated communities in South East Asia, a travel company said today. The corporate division of travel agency company...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Traveller duty free limits raised
The Federal Government has announced an increase in the value of duty free goods travellers can bring into and take out of Australia. The changes will come into effect today...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Longest flights will be to Australia
The longest direct passenger flights in the world will operate to and from Australia when the A380 aircraft comes into service in 2006. The unveiling of the first A380 in...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Arrivals at all-time high
International arrivals into Australia reached an all-time record in 2004, with an estimated 5.2 million visitors recorded for the year. Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have confirmed...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Singapore, Australia close to air deal
Singapore and Australia are close to signing an open skies pact that would give flag carrier Singapore Airlines Ltd. long-sought access to lucrative U.S.-Australian routes, a Singapore official has...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Updated alert on UK travel
AUSTRALIAN travellers were warned today to be on their guard while visiting cinemas, theatres and pubs in the United Kingdom, in updated terrorism advice. The Department of Foreign Affairs...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney wins �Best Hotel in Australia�
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has been recognised as the best hotel in Australia in the 2005 TRAVEL + LEISURE Top 500 World�s Best Awards. The Awards highlight the views, location,...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Teens have a ball on global travels
THEY'RE all intent on seeing the world but they do it in different ways � some have sex with complete strangers as they trek across the globe, others try...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Travel giant a casualty of price war
CUT-throat competition between discount airlines Jetstar and Virgin Blue may be fine for the passengers but the nation's biggest travel agent, Flight Centre, has been caught in the crossfire....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australians holiday home and away
MANY Australians are getting the best of both worlds this summer - planning overseas trips as well as enjoying their traditional summer beach holiday. Tourism Australia director Andrew McEvoy...Continue reading... | by Court | #
AmWest, Qantas approve deal
America West Airlines and Qantas Airways announced a new code sharing agreement that will give the Tempe airline additional traffic and provide Qantas access to America West customers who want...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Singapore adds more Brisbane, Melbourne flights
Singapore Airlines is planning to fly extra services to Brisbane and Melbourne as part of its new northern summer schedule. From Singapore adds more Brisbane, Melbourne flights...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Travel rise helps firm sell more ID cards
Franz Jost is grateful that international travel, particularly in Europe, has picked up. It's keeping his company, International Student Exchange Cards, busier than it has been in the past three...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Aussie detained for trampling on flag
A BACKPACKER, believed to be from Queensland, is in a police lockup in a remote area of Argentina, facing a possible jail term for allegedly desecrating the country's flag....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Watch out in Fiji: Aussies
AUSTRALIANS have been warned of the crime situation in Fiji in a travel advisory by the federal government. From Watch out in Fiji: Aussies...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Middle market endures tourism's volatile times
Yet evidence points to other longer-running hostels suffering occupancy drops recently and margins being squeezed on massive tour package discounts. The rest of Queensland's tourist sector this summer also forms...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Cdns now altering instead of cancelling travel to tsunami-ravaged countries
Less than two weeks after the south Asian tsunami, tourism officials say Canadian travellers are altering instead of outright cancelling plans to visit areas devastated by the disaster. From Cdns...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas denies monopoly
QANTAS has staunchly defended newspaper allegations that it enjoys a monopoly on government travel and it has denied its first and business-class service is below global standards. From Qantas...Continue reading... | by Court | #
US giant scoops up travel firm Synergi
A company listed on the Nasdaq in the United States has bought Auckland corporate travel business Synergi Travel. Synergi was at the centre of a bitter sideshow to the Gullivers...Continue reading... | by Court | #
�Australia Avoids Insurance Claims Through Travel Warning�
The Indonesian government suspects that the travel warning issued by the Australian government to its citizens, warning them not to visit Indonesia due to terrorist threats, is aimed at anticipating...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tsunami nations �back in business�
Two countries hit by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami have declared themselves open for tourism business. Officials in the Maldives have said 68 resorts are functioning and that they are...Continue reading... | by Court | #
This backpacker plans to be back
I am a British girl living in Australia who fell in love with Thailand and the wonderful spirit of the Thai people whilst backpacking in Asia this year. I would...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Air travel delays for bomb checks
Territorians heading overseas for their holidays can expect delays at Darwin Airport as new anti-terrorism security measures are introduced. From December 29, international travellers will need to provide their checked...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Phuket still on holiday radar
Australians are refusing to cancel holidays to Thailand's tsunami-devastated southern beach resort island of Phuket because they want to do what they can to help the locals struggling to cope...Continue reading... | by Court | #
US trip could require passport detour to Sydney
Australia is on the brink of a new era of international travel, with a decision expected by May on whether the Government will adopt biometric passports at an estimated cost...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel's premier-ship
Welcome to the world of cruising, one which will see 300,000 Australians travelling on cruise ships within two years or so. From Travel's premier-ship I want to sail on...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Regional airline REX muscled out of the market
Competition in Australia's skies suffered another blow today when the regional airline REX announced its decision to abandon the Sydney-Canberra route. The airline simply can't compete with the market muscle...Continue reading... | by Court | #
NZ, Australia sign border security arrangement
An arrangement signed today between Australia and New Zealand will strengthen the security of international air travel. The arrangement was signed in Auckland at the end of our regular six-monthly...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Steady rise in new tourism jobs
Australia�s tourism industry has created 31,600 extra jobs since 1997, according to the TTF National Tourism Employment Atlas 2004. From Steady rise in new tourism jobs...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Overseas holidays up and away
Times are great for airlines, but not for tourism at ground level. New figures show there was virtually no growth last year in the number of Australians taking domestic holidays...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel 101: Australia's Great Barrier Reef
From The Great Barrier Reef is actually a maze of about 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching along Australia's east coast, from north of Brisbane to Papua New Guinea....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Backpackers careless about sex
Young Britons heading to Australia have received fresh warnings about the dangers of casual sex after a survey of backpackers in Sydney and Cairns revealed that more than half had...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas climbs into China market
ACROSS China is a network of more than 300 specialist travel agents who each know the price of a beer in an Aussie pub. They have been through three...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourism from China to quadruple
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Australia is forecast to quadruple in the next 10 years, prompting a new government strategy. Chinese visitor numbers will rise from 220,000 to 960,000...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Government issues Indonesia travel warning
As thousands of Australians prepare to fly out to Indonesia for their Christmas and New Year holidays, the Federal Government has issued a new quite specific warning about the risk...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Student on the road
Greetings, campers. News from the southern hemisphere: Before we got to Australia, there had apparently been a pretty serious drought all over, with reservoirs down to 40 percent or something...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Virgin's Branson Sees Fare War on London-Sydney Route
Virgin Atlantic Airways, controlled by U.K. billionaire Richard Branson, said its new flights between London and Sydney via Hong Kong will trigger a price war with rivals British Airways Plc...Continue reading... | by Court | #
New stats give better picture of tourism
Australians spent $4.8 billion on international travel in the September quarter, up 9 per cent on the same time last year, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourism Australia Offers Three New Packages to Canadian Traveler
Looking for somewhere different to escape Canadian winter? With the seasons upside-down Down Under, December to March is high summer in Australia. So throw off the parkas and pack your...Continue reading... | by Court | #
PROFILE - AUSTRALIA'S INBOUND TOURISM INDUSTRY (NOV 2004)
The number of overseas visitors to Australia during fiscal 2003/04 rose nine per cent to 5,057,200, breaking the previous record of 5.031 million set in 2000/01, when tourism was boosted...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas changes the rules for frequent fliers
Qantas Frequent Flier points members will soon need fewer points for a free domestic flight, but business travellers are balking at a clampdown on upgrades. The programme, which has about...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Sun has risen
AUSTRALIA'S booming cruise industry has doubled in size with the maiden voyage from Sydney in mid-November of the largest liner ever based in Australia, P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun. In...Continue reading... | by Court | #
More holidaymakers taking up travel insurance
Although more are taking up travel insurance, just what are they covered for? It seems that holidaymakers would rather be safe than sorry. Aside from booking plane tickets and hotel...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Backpackers welcome a new generation: stressed-out executives
They are gap-year backpackers who trek through the Andes and lounge on idyllic beaches in Thailand to satisfy their wanderlust. But they are not seeing the sights of the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourism industry gets another gong
Blue Mountains YHA, a fully renovated art deco 1930s landmark, is celebrating after winning the 2004 Best Backpacker Accommodation at the 2004 New South Wales Awards for Business Excellence held...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Hayman resort tops readers poll
HAYMAN Island is Australia's top resort experience, the nation's most discerning travellers have decided. From Hayman resort tops readers poll Top resorts? I wouldn't know...can I nominate the nastiest hostel...Continue reading... | by Court | #
SA on biggest travel map in 2006
ADELAIDE will hold the largest international travel trade show in the southern hemisphere in 2006. From SA on biggest travel map in 2006...Continue reading... | by Court | #
The Rough Guide to New Zealand
"Rough Guides are taking over from Lonely Planet as the tourist's best friend," says a quote from New Zealand teen magazine Jetmag on the cover of the latest Rough Guide...Continue reading... | by Court | #
More flights sought to boost NT tourist sector
The Northern Territory Backpackers Association says it does not believe that the backpacker market is shock-proofing the tourism industry. Tourism Australia says that over the past five years the number...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia and US on trail of missing passports
Australia and the US will trial a system to find up to three million passports missing across the Asia Pacific region. From Australia and US on trail of missing passports...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Zuji becomes latest entrant to online travel industry
Online flight booking agency Zuji has become the latest entrant to New Zealand's Internet travel industry, launching a site managed by Gullivers Pacific. Zuji, which has sites based in Hong...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Hostel territory
KATOOMBA, Australia _ We settle into our room, then check e-mail, lounge on comfy couches and grill steaks for dinner. We trade stories and play cards with travelers from around...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Sunshine state still tops for tourists
It appears the sun is still shining brightly on Queensland's lucrative tourism industry, with the state's main tourism body showing the sunshine state is still Australia's most popular tourist destination....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Aussie tourism gets Kiwi knowhow
Australia's travel industry is to take lessons from across the Tasman. The Australian government is hiring former Tourism New Zealand executive Ian Macfarlane as its top tourism marketing head. He...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Airfares, hotels to cost more - Business Travel - Business Surveys Series
INCREASING business travel demand across the globe is set to push up airfares and accommodation prices in all markets in 2005, with costs in Australia forecast to rise by between...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Too few for $1 airfare dream
Fellow travel agents are pouring cold water on the Flight Centre's suggestion that $1 airfares between New Zealand and Australia could soon be a reality. Flight Centre says $1 airfares...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Terrorism threaten Aussie travellers
Australians travelling overseas were directly threatened by terrorism, the federal government said. The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its general advice to Australian travellers, warning the threat of attacks...Continue reading... | by Court | #
T-Mobile Inks Wi-Fi Roaming Pacts
T-Mobile has struck a deal with six international wireless operators to simplify roaming and billing for travelers using Wi-Fi abroad, the company said Wednesday. From T-Mobile Inks Wi-Fi Roaming Pacts...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel industry faces new challenges
The Australian travel industry, having survived SARS, the Iraq war and the upturn in terrorism was facing new domestic challenges, Harvey World Travel Ltd said. Meanwhile another operator in the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
They won't get far with .travel
THE biggest joke of the past fortnight was the announcement by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that it has made progress on approval of the new sponsored...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's Harvey World Expects 20% 1H Core Pft Growth
"The outlook for HWT remains one of growth; solid organic growth from our established markets of Australia, New Zealand and Southern Africa, and dynamic growth from our move into the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Queensland's bay of plenty
They're a literal bunch once you cross the border into Queensland. And the further north you head, it seems, the more literal they become. At Hervey Bay, the whale-watching capital...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Star rating heads to Fiji
AAA Tourism�s well-known accommodation classification scheme has been expanded to Fiji with the Outrigger On The Lagoon recently being awarded five-star rating. The group already provides ratings for approximately 11,000...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Careful who you get into bed with ... the bugs are back
He estimates treatments in Sydney are up 800 per cent in the past four years. A survey by the City of Sydney found almost eight out of every 10 backpacker...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Sarawak hopes to attract Aussies with direct flights from Sydney
Sarawak has established direct air links with Sydney in its efforts to attract more Australians to the state. From Sarawak hopes to attract Aussies with direct flights from Sydney Good...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Princess Publishes New Australia-South Pacific Brochure
From beaches and swaying palms to kangaroos and koalas, Princess' new Australia South Pacific brochure can help travelers choose the perfect cruise or cruisetour to this often dreamed of part...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Virgin hits kangaroo route tie-up
VIRGIN Atlantic is urging the competition watchdog to impose conditions that include Qantas and British Airways relinquishing slots at London's Heathrow Airport before it gives a final blessing to...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Few clues after backpackers vanish
NSW police remain baffled by the separate disappearances of two young tourists in Sydney last week and hold fears for the safety of both women. From Few clues after...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tourist book gives NZ a rough time
Despite an overwhelming thumbs-up for scenery, friendly people and wild tourist attractions, the new edition of the Rough Guide to New Zealand has some warnings for visitors. From Tourist book...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Stocks to watch
FLT - FLIGHT CENTRE LIMITED - down 25 cents to $19.35 One of Australia's largest travel agencies told shareholders today it was confident of a 15 per cent profit growth...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia eases Turkey travel warning
Australia has downgraded its travel warning for Turkey, but still urged travellers to avoid the country's southern border regions with Syria and Iraq. From Australia eases Turkey travel warning Nice...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Air NZ expects profit
Air New Zealand Ltd said it expected to book a profit before unusual items and tax of around $US220 million ($A294.99 million) for the current financial year. From Air NZ...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Mother still waits in hope that vanished backpacker is alive
Themother of a backpacker who vanished without a trace in some of the world's most inhospitable terrain five months ago has not given up hope of finding her son alive....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Qantas to spend $5bn on planes
QANTAS is looking to spend more than $US4 billion ($5.48billion) on about 20 new aircraft when it starts to phase out its venerable jumbo jet fleet later this decade....Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia renews travel advisory against Philippines
Australia Friday renewed its travel advisory against the Philippines citing persistent reports of terrorist attacks in the country From Australia renews travel advisory against Philippines...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Customs strike hits air, sea ports
Customs officers around Australia are on a 24-hour strike, disrupting traffic at international air and sea ports. From Customs strike hits air, sea ports Better expect to spend some...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's Qantas increases fuel surcharge
The Australian carrier, Qantas, has announced another increase in its fuel surcharge, blaming the move on high oil prices. The airline is putting up the surcharge by $US1.45 per sector...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Gulf travel numbers on the rise
Gulf state travellers to Australia are increasing in number as the region's citizens seek alternative travel destinations and avoid post 9/11 US markets, where security is stricter, the head of...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Customs strike to delay travel, post and cargo
International air travellers, postal services and foreign cargo will be severely disrupted later this week by a customs officer strike over a pay claim. From Customs strike to delay travel,...Continue reading... | by Court | #
A new image for the Alice?
Destination Alice Springs has appointed tourism consultancy firm Sustainable Tourism Services (STS) to help strengthen its profile and positioning...�Tourism is the region�s main economic driver and we need to be...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Election result �good for tourism�
TTF Australia has welcomed John Howard�s win at the polls on the weekend. Managing director Christopher Brown said he believed tourism policy had played a vital role in the election....Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (1)
Qantas to strengthen Air NZ ties
Qantas is to push ahead with forging closer ties with Air New Zealand after the Australian Competition Tribunal yesterday authorised an alliance between the two airlines. From Qantas to strengthen...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Chinese travelers pay with plastic
Australia is the top destination in the region for travellers with Visa cards followed by Thailand and Hong Kong. From Chinese travelers pay with plastic Chinese are heading to Australia...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Foreign Visitors Venture Back
California, which attracts more foreign visitors than any other state except Florida, is reaping the benefits of the turnabout. The number of overseas visitors to California increased 21% during the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Space Travel
"If it goes well, we�d love to have one based in Australia, Japan, Europe, and based in South Africa, or Africa somewhere," Branson stated. From Space.Com Australia looks to get...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Top tech leaders to address TRAVELtech 2004
One of the strongest line-ups of travel technology leaders ever assembled in Australia will address the fourth TRAVELtech Conference in Sydney on November 10. This year�s conference will focus on...Continue reading... | by Court | #
New budget airlines are fueling bargains on air travel within Asia
"We anticipate that most people flying on Tiger Airways are either Singaporean or Thai or noncitizens who live in either country," Tiger spokesman Patrick Keenan said. From New budget airlines...Continue reading... | by Court | #
A new approach to tourism management
Our most recent work was a report entitled "Successful Tourism Destinations". France, Ireland, Australia, Barbados, Costa Rica, Jamaica, South Africa, Singapore, Dubai, Thailand and Mauritius were singled out. We discovered...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Australia's coastal, laid-back Broome sweeps cares away
One of the most popular ways to explore Cable Beach is on the back of a camel. Three companies operate rides that last up to an hour. Be prepared -...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Tighter US Entry Checks Begin
Travellers arriving from 27 "visa waiver" nations overnight had to undergo two digital index-finger scans and have their photographs taken before clearing immigration portals. The new procedures apply to nearly...Continue reading... | by Court | # | Comments (2)
Air Pass Makes Oz Easy
The Qantas Aussie Air Pass, starting from an incredible USD$999, gives American travelers three bonus domestic flights within Australia when they fly from the US to Australia with Qantas. From...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Too Much Stuff
I'm leaving the country in less than 24 hours and I've come to the realization that I have too much stuff. When I returned from the US just over a...Continue reading... | by Chris | #
Canberra
I was looking forward to my weekend in Canberra for the people I was going there to see than for the city itself. Canberra has something of a reputation for...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (3)
Queensland a bloody rip-off!
According to a recent news article, backpackers are getting the hump with being ripped off by shoddy tour operators in Queensland. So much so that tourism numbers have taken a...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (1)
Coolangatta Holiday
Easter time in my family has, for many years, meant a week at Coolangatta at a time share my folks bought more years ago than I can even remember. Just...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (4)
Zamunda - For Travellers
If you're a hardcore traveller, slightly cynical about the gringo trail and positively shun people who carry LP guidebooks, then you'll want to hear about this untouched paradise we've come...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (4)
Boost to Queensland Tourism
Qantas to fly non-stop between Brisbane, Los Angeles This will be a great benefit for QLD tourism if Qantas can keep the price down and maybe a few more backpackers...Continue reading... | by Chris | #
Moreton Island Weekend
Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland Moreton Weekend MARCH 26 - 28 Barge times: 8.30am Friday Morning & 6.00pm Friday Evening Departs Port of Brisbane, Howard Smith Drive Leaves Moreton Island...Continue reading... | by Chris | #
Note from New BootsnAll Member
We personally look at every single BootsnAll membership application. Here is one of the replies I received today....Continue reading... | by Sean | #
Road Trip from Brisbane to Sydney
It's always tough to blog about stuff that happened a few days ago, especially if there is more stuff to blog about right afterwards. So here is a roughly chronological...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (7)
Die for a Holiday
From the folks who love to throw out statistics to prove a point, comes a story that makes it sound like Australia is a death trap: Britons who see Australia...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (3)
Brisbane as a backpackers location
Brisbane, often refered to as a �big country town� 10 years ago has been developing and I like the changes....Continue reading... | by | # | Comments (7)
Sydney Cricket Test vs. India: Howzat!
After missing the results of the first two test cricket matches between Australia and India (a draw and an Indian win), Sean and I have really been getting into the...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (6)
Homeward Bound
It's been a fantastic couple of weeks in Bali, but the BootBoyz and I head back to BrisVegas tonight. Looking forward to spending Xmas with the guys and my fam...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (1)
Terror Backpacker
Backpacker found carrying explosives What I want to know is what country this idiot is from, how he gained possession of the explosives, and what exactly he was thinking of...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (1)
Final Countdown
Coming down to the last couple of hours before I leave for the airport. Just about fully packed (besides the laptop) and I don't think I've forgotten to do/pack anything...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (2)
Travel Writer Peter Moore
Peter Moore has a few Australian and New Zealand speaking events for his new book, Vroom with a View. For the Brisbane event, if you mention that you saw it...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (1)
Workin' on the Land
For some reason I thought that heading out to my brother's house in Kingaroy would be a relaxing weekend, watching some rugby, drinking a few beers, hanging out with my...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (2)
Time to Get Away
Virgin Blue is holding a fare sale this week for flights taking off next year. Sale ends midnight Wednesday Nov 5, or when all tickets are sold, whichever comes first....Continue reading... | by Chris | #
Schoolies in Hostels
My pops, Dave, does a lot of customer service for BootsnAll since we hired him a few months ago. Today, at breakkie he told me about a 17 year old...Continue reading... | by Sean | # | Comments (1)
Working Holidays
Was watching one of those awful travel shows, like Getaway, for about 5 minutes last night. Normally I can't stand these shows but this time I saw a URL for...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (1)
One Night in Bangkok...
...makes a hard man humble. Actually, it's more like four nights, but this song always pops into my head when I think of Bangkok. I leave today to meet up...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (6)
Hostels to get star ratings
"You need not squirm amid rats, bed bugs and dope-smoking backpackers and call it a holiday ever again. The federal Minister for Tourism, Joe Hockey, launched a star ratings system...Continue reading... | by Chris | # | Comments (2)
