Kate Webster This month, we wrap up the latest in travel news and updates from around the world. From airlines, hotels and resorts, tours, travel gadgets, trends and more, Captured Travel keeps you up to date so you can better plan your next getaway.
Turkish Airlines to fly out of Sydney
Sydney Airport has announced it will welcome Turkish Airlines to its network of 50 international airlines from 5 December 2024, with a four-times-weekly service flying via Kuala Lumpur. The route will eventually become a non-stop service once Turkish Airlines takes delivery of its Airbus A350-1000, which is due in late 2026.
Flights will be operated by an Airbus A350-900, with 329 seats, including 32 in business class and 297 in economy class. Sydney has long been on the radar for Turkish Airlines to build on its existing Melbourne service (via Singapore). Until recently, the Istanbul-based carrier had not inked a confirmed start date.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji takes top award
Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji has been named Oceania’s Leading Beach Resort at the 2024 World Travel Awards™, recognising its excellence in hospitality and guest experience. The resort, known for its unique over-water bungalows and commitment to environmental conservation, is 100% Fijian family-owned and operates within a protected marine sanctuary.
Group General Manager Brad Calder expressed gratitude for the accolade, crediting the hard-working team. At the same time, resort owner Tony Whitton highlighted the honour of receiving such recognition in the resort’s 18th year, reflecting its mission to provide exceptional guest experiences.
In 2025, Likuliku will undergo a revitalisation, including the addition of 11 private plunge pool bures, a new dining concept, and the establishment of the na Vanua Conservation Hub, which will enhance the resort’s connection with Fijian culture and the environment. Situated in the Mamanuca Islands, Likuliku offers various transfer options, including a 10-minute helicopter ride from Nadi International Airport.
New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy Increase
The New Zealand International Visitor Levy (IVL) will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100, starting from 1 October 2024. The levy will contribute to high-value conservation projects and help maintain New Zealand’s appeal as a top global destination.
Travellers should be aware that they must pay the IVL when applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visa. With this change just around the corner, travellers are advised to get onto their NZeTA, or visa applications, ASAP. Note that Australians and most Pacific Island travellers are exempt from this levy. More information here.
High Tea launches at The Reef House Adults Retreat
The Reef House Adults Retreat has launched decadent High Tea afternoons each weekend on their restaurant deck overlooking the Coral Sea in Palm Cove. Traditional English afternoon tea staples are elevated with seasonal Australian flavours and presented on a High Tea tower at The Reef House’s signature restaurant every Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm.
The Reef House Chef Ondrej Urbanovsky has crafted a selection of savoury and sweet treats which are made in-house including lemon myrtle scones with seasonal berry jam and Daintree vanilla Chantilly, and Coronation chicken choux pastry with snow pea sprouts.
The Reef House Adults Retreat Director Malcolm Bean said guests and locals aged 16 years and over could book the only High Tea experience in Tropical North Queensland that comes with an ocean view and enjoy the hospitality of TripAdvisor’s 2024 No1 Luxury Hotel in Australia and South Pacific.
The Reef House Adults retreat High Tea is Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm. The High Tea tower is $150 for two. Visit reefhouse.com.au/high-tea/ to book.
Trekking in Tibet returns
The North Face of Everest, the most sacred mountain in the Himalaya, Tibet is home to two of the Himalaya’s most amazing trekking experiences, and they are finally back.
Tibet has been one of the most anticipated destinations for the World Expeditions trekking community to return to, and they are thrilled to be the first Australian company to help trekkers fulfil their dreams of spending time here.
Tibet is often referred to as the Third Pole, with four major rivers on the Sub-continent fed by Mt Kailash. It is literally the roof of the world, so World Expeditions carry a Portable Altitude Chamber on every trekking and overland touring trip. World Expeditions haven’t been this excited since they pioneered trekking in Tibet in 1981! Join them and be the first to trek in Tibet in 2025.
Growth for Accor’s Queensland hotels
Accor‘s Queensland hotels are seeing strong performance, driven by the revival of international air travel and growing visitor demand. The group’s 95 hotels across Queensland, including key destinations like Brisbane, Cairns, and the Gold Coast, recorded a 1.5% increase in occupancy to 70.7% for the year ending July 2024. Brisbane led the way, with a 4.6-point increase in occupancy, driven by a surge in both leisure and corporate demand. Cairns also saw impressive growth, with a 7-point rise, thanks to increased group bookings and leisure travellers.
The resurgence of international flights, with new routes to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns, has been a key factor in the recovery. Brisbane Airport reported a 39.4% increase in international travel for FY24, with additional services from China, the U.S., and Southeast Asia set to further boost arrivals. Accor’s Queensland network is expected to benefit from this influx, with continued growth anticipated into 2025, as tourism demand, particularly for leisure travel, remains resilient across the state.
New hike cruises with Sail Croatia in 2025
Sail Croatia has launched two new hiking-themed cruises, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The National Parks Hike Cruise offers easy daily hikes through Croatia’s stunning landscapes, including Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks.
Guests will sail on a Premier Ship, exploring a new hiking trail each day, with departures on 17 May and 27 September, priced from £1,219 per person. For a more indulgent experience, the Luxury Hike Cruise on the custom-built MS Salve Di Mare includes hikes through UNESCO sites, kayaking on Mljet, and exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This luxury 7-day cruise departs on 26 April and 3 May 2025, starting from £1,489 per person.
Both cruises feature ensuite cabins, onboard WiFi, and the guidance of an experienced hiking leader. Daily breakfast, lunch, and park entry fees are included, making these cruises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. For more information, visit Sail Croatia’s website.
Lonely Planet launches new Australian series
Lonely Planet is redefining Australian travel with the launch of its innovative new guide series, offering a fresh and immersive take on exploring the country. The updated collection includes exciting first editions like “Experience Australia,” along with reimagined titles such as “Pocket Sydney” and “Pocket Melbourne.”
These guides go beyond traditional tourist spots, featuring insider secrets, local voices, and fresh perspectives that align with the needs of modern travellers. With a focus on cultural diversity, responsible travel, and accessibility, the new series promises to deliver an authentic and engaging travel experience across Australia.
Incorporating insights from local experts, the guides also include new storybook sections that dive into Australian culture and history, covering topics from women in sport to the fascination with “giant things.” Despite the digital age, Lonely Planet remains committed to on-the-ground journalism, with their writers personally visiting every location featured in the books. Chris Zeiher, Global Marketing and Sales Director, describes the series as an evolutionary response to the modern traveller’s needs, celebrating Australia with a fresh approach.
Lonely Planet can be found on lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video, social media, and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks and more.