Qantas launches its 1 Million Seat Sale

Qantas launches its 1 Million Seat Sale

Psssst! Here’s a must-know deal for your next getaway. Qantas has launched its 1 Million Seat Sale, offering incredible fares for those eager to explore Australia.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Top End or a relaxing coastal escape, there’s a flight deal to suit you. Start planning your next Aussie adventure now.

Be quick, don’t miss out, sale ends, 11.59pm (AEDT) 2 March 2025.

Please contact us for a quote today.

Introducing Delta flights non-stop L.A to Melbourne

Introducing Delta flights non-stop L.A to Melbourne

Delta further strengthens its presence in Australia and the South Pacific with the launch of nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), beginning December 2025. The new route combines easy connectivity to one of Australia’s most dynamic cities with the award-winning service Delta customers know and love. Additionally, travelers will enjoy the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and Delta’s premium facilities at LAX, including the world-class Delta One Lounge.

“Delta’s new service to Melbourne reflects our commitment to connecting customers with the world’s most exciting destinations,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta. “As the largest carrier at LAX, we’re proud to provide a premium experience, whether customers are exploring Melbourne or connecting through our Los Angeles hub to destinations around the globe.”
Delta continues to elevate the customer experience at Los Angeles International Airport, offering convenience and luxury at the start of your journey.

Delta One customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at LAX, featuring seating for nearly 200 guests, premium food and beverage offerings, one-on-one hospitality, a wellness area, and more.

Travellers preparing to explore Melbourne and beyond, can count on Delta’s exceptional reliability and service which continues to earn Delta top honors. For the fourth consecutive year, Delta was named ‘Top U.S. Airline’ by The Wall Street Journal and received Cirium’s Platinum Award for operational excellence, all while maintaining its status as North America’s most on-time airline in 2024.

Jet Promises Global Travel in Four Hours

It has now been nearly 55 years since the Concorde 002 prototype first pierced the skies at Mach 1 on March 25, 1970. And it has been over 21 years since the era of commercial supersonic travel ended with the final flight of the legendary Anglo-French airliner in November 2003.

Now, the dream of supersonic flight is being revived. Boom Supersonic, an independent aerospace company, has already secured an impressive 130 orders and pre-orders, with major commitments from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

With a vision to operate on more than 600 routes worldwide, Boom is setting the stage for a new era of high-speed air travel.

Back when CNN Travel spoke with Scholl in May 2021, his goal was for people to one day be able to “fly anywhere in the world in four hours for $US100 ($160)”. In 2024, he confirmed that was still his “north star”.

Recently, one of its aircraft broke the sound barrier for its first time during a test flight in Mojave, California. They’re well on their way to achieving their goals.

Emirates Offers Free Hotel Stay

Emirates Offers Free Hotel Stay

Emirates is offering a fantastic opportunity for customers flying to or through Dubai this season: a complimentary night’s stay in the city. With perfect sunny weather and the added benefits of My Emirates Pass offering exclusive discounts, now is an excellent time to explore Dubai.

First Class and Business Class passengers can enjoy a one-night stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis, while Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers will receive a complimentary night at the Holiday Inn Festival City. The offer includes 24-hour check-in and check-out, along with the option to extend at special rates.

Additionally, passengers with stopovers of 24 hours or more are also eligible for the free night’s stay, allowing them to explore Dubai during their travels.

To take advantage of this offer, customers must book flights within the sales period.

Sales and Travel Periods

Sales Period: 6 February 2025 to 26 February 2025
Travel Period: 22 February 2026 to 29 March 2026

For all the details on how to claim your free hotel stay contact the ATPI team today. 

Qantas Restores In-Town Check-In for Customers Departing Hong Kong

Qantas Restores In-Town Check-In for Customers Departing Hong Kong

Qantas customers departing Hong Kong for Australia can now check in and drop off their bags in the heart of the city before their flight, as the airline brings back its popular Airport Express In-Town Check-In service.

Travellers on Qantas’ daily flights to Sydney or Melbourne can take advantage of this convenient service at either Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station. Once checked in, passengers’ baggage is transferred directly from the station to the aircraft via the Airport Express, allowing them to enjoy a full, baggage-free day in the city before their evening flight to Australia.

This service, which starts at 07:00am, is available exclusively to Qantas customers and is one of only three such services offered by airlines in Hong Kong. The Airport Express, which operates every 10 minutes, takes just 24 minutes to travel from Hong Kong Station to Hong Kong Airport.

This reinstated service offers both convenience and comfort for travellers, making their journey from Hong Kong to Australia even smoother.

1 Hotel Redefines Luxury with Its Eco-Friendly Glass Sanctuary

1 Hotel Redefines Luxury with Its Eco-Friendly Glass Sanctuary

Nestled along the serene banks of the Yarra River, 1 Hotel Melbourne is a retreat that offers an enchanting blend of the city’s natural beauty and rich heritage. With an emphasis on sustainability and a deep respect for the land, every aspect of this sanctuary reflects a commitment to harmony and well-being.

With 277 beautifully designed rooms, including 36 luxurious suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne provides an ideal escape. Guests can also enjoy over 1700 square metres of meeting space, 1000 square metres of versatile event space – both ideal for both business and leisure. After a day of exploration or meetings, unwind at the tranquil Bamford wellness spa, the first in Australia and make your next Melbourne experience a truly rejuvenating one. 1 Hotel is open from 29th May 2025.

IHG Hotels & Resorts acquires Ruby, its 20th brand

IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially welcomed Ruby Hotels as its 20th brand, enhancing its portfolio with Ruby’s signature ‘Lean Luxury’ concept. Known for blending soulful design, authentic storytelling, and city-rooted charm, Ruby offers a stylish yet relaxed experience tailored to modern, lifestyle-focused travelers.

At the heart of Ruby’s appeal are thoughtfully designed guest rooms featuring premium beds and invigorating showers, complemented by vibrant 24/7 destination bars serving expertly crafted cocktails. This curated approach ensures guests enjoy premium city stays at the right price.

Already well-established in Europe, Ruby is poised for further global expansion, including development opportunities in the US by year-end.

IHG’s powerful enterprise platform, global distribution, and IHG One Rewards loyalty program will further elevate the Ruby experience. IHG aims to grow Ruby to more than 120 hotels within the next 10 years and surpass 250 hotels worldwide over the next two decades, solidifying its position as a leader in the urban lifestyle hospitality segment.

Qantas will launch direct flights to Japan's iconic snowfields

Qantas will launch direct flights to Japan’s iconic snowfields

Qantas announces direct seasonal flights from Sydney to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, providing Australians with the only nonstop connection between the two cities. 

Sapporo will become the airline’s 100th destination, with flights to commence just in time for the peak ski season. Services will operate three times per week from 15 December 2025 to 28 March 2026*, with the airline’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft and offer more than 20,000 seats on the route across the northern ski season.  

Departing Sydney in the morning and arriving at Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport early evening, the new nonstop flight will save Australians several hours compared to existing one-stop options and enable same-day travel to popular ski resorts Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu and Kiroro. 

The new Qantas flights will also coincide with the Sapporo Snow Festival.  

“We know Sapporo is an extremely popular winter destination for Aussies who love the snow and we’re excited to make it even easier for them to reach Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts with a direct fight from Sydney.” Says Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

Return Economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo will be available at qantas.com and include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and inflight entertainment.

*Subject to government and regulatory approval.

Book your dream ski holiday with our experts at ATPI Cruise & Travel leisure.au@atpi.com

Virgin Australia returns to Doha

Virgin Australia returns to Doha

Virgin Australia Enhances Partnership with Qatar adding daily services to Doha, subject to regulatory approval.

Virgin Australia will introduce daily services to Doha from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, with flights now available for booking and set to commence in June 2025.

Services from Melbourne will go on sale in early 2025, with travel starting at the end of 2025. These new routes will be operated by Qatar Airways on behalf of Virgin Australia.

Follow the link for the pdf of information: Virgin Australia flights to Doha on sale now

The Australian passport update you need to know

The Australian passport update you need to know

As of January 1st, 2025, The Australian Passport now requires higher fees for renewals across all segments. 

Passport:

  • 10-year validity passport (for persons aged 16 and over)
    $412
  • 5-year validity passport (for children under 16)
    $208
  • 5-year validity passport (optional for persons 75 and over)
    $208
  • Replacement Passport
    $259
  • Emergency passport overseas
    $259

Head to passports.gov.au/fees for all of the price changes. 

ATPI Hot Tip: We recommend your passport be valid for at least 6 months for any trip you are embarking on. Don’t get caught short, check your passport validity!