Le Méridien to Make Queensland Debut on Lindeman Island

A new era of luxury travel is coming to the Whitsundays, with Le Méridien set to make its Queensland debut on Lindeman Island.

Scheduled to open in 2027, the Le Méridien Lindeman Island Resort & Spa will breathe new life into the once-iconic island destination, which has remained closed since Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The redeveloped resort will feature more than 200 rooms and suites, alongside restaurants, a spa, resort pool, fitness centre and family-friendly facilities. Guests can also expect activities including water sports, tennis, golf simulators and access to Lindeman Island’s walking trails and secluded beaches.

The project marks Marriott International’s first property in the Whitsundays and is expected to boost international tourism to the region while restoring one of Queensland’s most loved island escapes.

For travellers dreaming of a tropical getaway with a luxe new edge, Lindeman Island is officially back on the map.

Ready to book a trip. Contact our team to book or find out more.

 

Singapore Airlines ramps up Europe services with new Madrid route

Singapore Airlines is expanding its European network once again, with the airline announcing a brand-new route to Madrid alongside increased services to several major cities across the continent.

From October 2026, travellers will be able to fly directly between Singapore and Madrid, opening up even more opportunities to explore Spain’s vibrant capital and beyond. The new route marks another major step in Singapore Airlines’ continued investment in Europe as international demand continues to climb.

Known for its grand boulevards, world-famous galleries, incredible food scene and lively atmosphere, Madrid is a welcome addition for Australians planning a European escape. The route also offers smoother connections throughout Spain and neighbouring destinations via Singapore Airlines’ award-winning network.

Alongside the Madrid launch, the airline will also ramp up frequencies to key European cities, giving travellers more flexibility and improved connectivity across the region.

Singapore Airlines continues to be a favourite among Australian travellers thanks to its premium onboard experience, extensive route network and seamless connections through Changi Airport.

Planning a European adventure? Our team can help tailor the perfect itinerary, from flights and stopovers to luxury stays, rail journeys and beyond. Contact us here.

ATPI Travel Vouchers make the perfect EOFY gift

The end of financial year is fast approaching, and if you’re searching for a thoughtful way to reward staff, thank clients or surprise a travel-loving friend, an ATPI Travel Voucher might just be the ticket.

Available in any denomination, ATPI Travel Vouchers can be redeemed across air, land and sea travel, giving recipients the freedom to plan the getaway they’ve been dreaming about.

Whether it’s a luxury cruise, a long weekend escape, an overseas adventure or flights for a future holiday, the flexibility of an ATPI Travel Voucher means the possibilities are wide open.

It’s a practical gift with a little extra wanderlust built in.

Better still, our experienced travel team is on hand to help voucher recipients turn their travel plans into reality, with expert advice, personalised service and access to exclusive travel deals and perks.

Ready to give the gift of travel this EOFY? Reach out to the ATPI Cruise & Travel team today.

Emirates and Qatar Airways cleared for Western Sydney Airport take-off

Western Sydney International Airport is continuing to build momentum ahead of its opening, with Emirates and Qatar Airways now cleared for take-off from the new airport.

The announcement marks another major milestone for the highly anticipated aviation hub, which is expected to transform travel options for Western Sydney and beyond when it officially opens.

New international aviation agreements signed by the Australian Government will pave the way for additional services and expanded capacity between Australia and key Middle Eastern carriers, including Emirates and Qatar Airways.

For travellers, the move promises more international flight options, improved connectivity and potentially greater competition on popular long-haul routes.

Western Sydney International Airport is set to become Australia’s first major greenfield airport development in decades and is expected to play a significant role in supporting tourism, business travel and economic growth across the region.

The ATPI Cruise & Travel team will also be heading out to Western Sydney International Airport in the coming weeks for a closer look at the new facility, so stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes insights from our visit.

One thing is already clear: Sydney’s newest airport is preparing for a very big future.

Interested in flights out of Sydney’s newest airport? Contact the team to chat.

Radisson Perth set to transform West Perth skyline

Perth’s hotel scene is set for a major boost, with Radisson Hotel Group announcing plans for a brand-new Radisson property in West Perth.

The upcoming Radisson Perth at SCQ forms part of a broader transformation of the area and is expected to deliver a fresh lifestyle accommodation option for both business and leisure travellers.

The hotel will feature 120 contemporary guest rooms, dedicated meeting and event spaces and a rooftop bar and restaurant, alongside convenient access to Perth’s CBD, Kings Park and the city’s growing dining and entertainment scene.

The development reflects growing confidence in Perth’s tourism and hospitality market, with international hotel brands continuing to invest heavily in the city’s future.

The new signing also continues Radisson Hotel Group’s broader expansion across Australasia as demand for high-quality travel experiences continues to rebound.

The property is expected to open later this year and will represent a significant milestone in the Group’s continued expansion across Australia.

If you’d like to find out more or book a trip, contact the team.

Virgin Australia unveils faster digital check-in experience

Virgin Australia is preparing to streamline the airport experience with a major digital transformation designed to significantly reduce check-in times for passengers.

The airline recently unveiled plans for a new digital check-in experience that could halve the amount of time travellers spend checking bags and moving through the airport process.

The upgrade will introduce more self-service technology and smarter digital systems aimed at making departures smoother, faster and less stressful for passengers. It’s all part of Virgin Australia’s broader push to modernise the customer journey and improve efficiency across its network.

For travellers, that means less time waiting in queues and more time relaxing before take-off.

The move reflects a growing trend across the aviation industry, with airlines and airports investing heavily in technology to improve the overall airport experience while managing increasing passenger numbers.

Virgin Australia says the enhanced system will begin rolling out progressively across its network, with the goal of creating a more seamless and intuitive journey from check-in to boarding.

For frequent flyers, busy families and business travellers alike, that’s welcome news.

Ready for your next trip? Contact our team for a chat.

New EU Border Rules Are Here. What Travellers Need to Know

 If Europe is calling, there is a new step to factor into your arrival.

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has officially been rolled out as of 10 April, introducing new biometric checks for travellers entering the region. For Australians and other non-EU visitors, this means swapping the traditional passport stamp for a more high-tech process.

On arrival, travellers will need to provide fingerprints and complete a facial scan at dedicated kiosks. This creates a secure biometric profile, designed to speed up future entries over the next three years.

The catch? First-time processing may take a little longer. With the system now live across 29 European countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Greece, travellers should expect possible queues at border control, particularly during busy travel periods.

The EES applies to short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, covering tourism, business and family visits, including visa-free travel on an Australian passport.

Looking ahead, this system also lays the groundwork for the upcoming ETIAS visa waiver, expected to launch in late 2026.

Our tip: allow extra time at arrival points, follow guidance from your airline or travel provider and plan ahead if you have onward connections.

A little preparation goes a long way. And if you would like help navigating the details, our team is always here to smooth the journey.

Ready to plan your next escape? Our team is here to help.

Unlock the World with Virtuoso Perks

If you like your holidays with a little extra something, this is where it gets interesting.

Virtuoso is a premier global network of luxury travel advisors and handpicked partners, spanning hotels, cruise lines and tour companies across the world. Think of it as your golden key to travel experiences that go beyond the standard booking.

Through Virtuoso, travellers gain access to exclusive perks you simply will not find elsewhere. We’re talking complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast, spa and dining credits, and VIP treatment from check-in to check-out. It is the kind of travel that feels seamless, elevated and thoughtfully curated.

As a proud Virtuoso member, ATPI Cruise & Travel connects you directly to these benefits, while tailoring every detail to suit your style. Whether it is a city stay in Europe, a luxury cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime escape, you will travel with added value and insider access at every step.

Because the right connections do not just get you there, they make the journey even better.

Ready to unlock the perks? Our team is here to craft something unforgettable. Get in touch here.

Business Class for Less Than Economy? China Southern’s $4K Europe Deal Takes Off

Finding the current airfares hard to justify to fly to Europe? We have found a fantastic Business Class fare circa $4000.00 for you and cheaper than many Economy tickets!

China Southern Airlines

Australia to UK/Europe

Business Class

From $4060.00 incl taxes per person*

So what’s the catch?

Flexibility is key. These fares can be tricky to secure on a single through flight, which means you will likely stop over in Guangzhou. But rather than a compromise, consider it a bonus destination. Guangzhou is one of China’s most dynamic cities, blending striking modern architecture with rich history, incredible food, lush nature and plenty of shopping to fill your layover.

Onboard, the value only gets better. Travellers can expect lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration on select Airbus A350 aircraft, along with generous personal space and a large entertainment screen. In other words, the kind of comfort that makes long-haul feel like part of the holiday.

For savvy travellers willing to embrace a stopover, this is one of those rare deals that genuinely shifts the dial.

Ready to plan your next escape? Our team is here to help.

 

*Airfare advertised is Sydney-Madrid-Sydney and Travel Dates departing 30 July 2026 returning 30 Aug 2026.

Year round fare subject to availability

Depending on the route and dates, aircraft may be subject to variations.

 

Air New Zealand’s Skynest Takes Economy to New Heights

Long-haul Economy is about to get a serious upgrade.

Air New Zealand has unveiled its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experience, featuring the world-first Economy Skynest™. Designed to help travellers rest easier on ultra long-haul flights, this innovative concept introduces lie-flat sleep pods exclusively for Economy and Premium Economy passengers.

So, what exactly is Skynest? Think six individual pods tucked between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, each offering a private, lie-flat space measuring around two metres in length. Travellers can book a four-hour session, swap their seat for a proper rest, and recharge mid-flight in a quiet, cocoon-like setting.

Launching on flights between Auckland and New York, Skynest will be available to book from 18 May, with travel commencing from November 2026. It is part of Air New Zealand’s refreshed Dreamliner rollout, which also includes expanded Premium seating options across all cabins.

For those who have mastered the art of sleeping upright, this might just be your cue to level up. Because when your holiday starts the moment you board, arriving well-rested is the ultimate luxury.

Curious to try it for yourself? Our team can help you secure a spot in the sky’s cosiest new corner. Get in touch here.