A New Era of Luxury Lands in Queenstown

Queenstown’s luxury scene is set for a new arrival, with the iconic St. Regis brand making its New Zealand debut in late 2027.

Overlooking The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, the hotel will bring its signature sense of glamour and service to one of the country’s most striking destinations. Expect 145 elegantly designed rooms, butler service, refined dining spaces and a spa built for proper unwinding.

Positioned in the heart of Queenstown, the property adds another layer to the region’s appeal for luxury travellers, pairing world-class hospitality with that unmistakable alpine backdrop.

For travellers who like a touch of luxury, this one’s worth watching.

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

Hilton’s Lifestyle Brand, Motto Lands in Sydney

Sydney’s hotel scene is about to welcome a new arrival, with Hilton announcing the launch of its lifestyle brand, Motto by Hilton, set to open in the CBD in late 2027.

Marking Hilton’s seventh brand in Australia, this new addition brings a mix of compact design, social spaces and locally inspired experiences, right in the heart of York Street. Think easy access to the Opera House, Darling Harbour and some of the city’s best dining spots.

It’s being positioned as more than just a place to stay, with flexible rooms, shared work and hangout spaces and a rooftop bar that moves from morning coffee through to evening drinks.

For travellers who like their stays stylish, social and well located, this is one to keep an eye on. A new option for anyone wanting to stay close to the energy of the city.

Thinking about your next getaway? Connect with our team to start planning.

Hawaiian Airlines Joins oneworld Alliance

Hawaiian Airlines is officially joining the oneworld Alliance from 22 April 2026, which is great news if you’re collecting points or travelling often.

For Atmos Rewards members, this means seamless status matching across the oneworld network, bringing access to premium lounges, priority boarding, extra baggage allowances and fast-track security across member airlines.

Even better, travellers can tap into oneworld’s iconic Round-the-World itineraries, making multi-stop, multi-destination adventures smoother than ever.

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

Anantara to Make Australian Debut with Landmark Perth Hotel

Minor Hotels is bringing a new level of luxury to Perth, with its renowned Anantara brand set to make its Australian debut as part of the Burswood Point development.

Opening in 2032, the waterfront hotel will blend contemporary design with Anantara’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality, featuring 150 rooms, destination dining, a spa and wellness facilities.

Positioned just minutes from the CBD, the property is set to elevate Perth’s growing status as a gateway to Western Australia’s natural beauty, offering travellers a refined base to explore everything from pristine beaches to world-class wineries.

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

 

British Airways Lands in Melbourne as Winter Routes Expand Worldwide

British Airways has just announced a fairly big shift to its winter 2026 long-haul network, with nine per cent growth and two destinations joining the map for the first time: Melbourne and Colombo.

Melbourne comes online in January 2027 via Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo launches as a winter sun option from October 2026. Beyond the new additions, the airline is also putting more seats on routes that have consistently performed well, including Cape Town, Tokyo, the Caribbean and Costa Rica, with seasonal services like Abu Dhabi returning to the schedule too.

There’s also been some movement on the short-haul side. BA has quietly added capacity to Bangkok and Singapore in response to demand shifts coming out of the ongoing Middle East situation, which gives travellers a bit more flexibility when it comes to planning.

On the demand side, the search data is starting to show a pattern. Antigua, Barbados and the Maldives are all seeing a spike in interest, which makes sense when you think about how quickly people pivot to sun and escapism when their original plans fall through. The appetite for getting away doesn’t really shrink, it just redirects.

Winter planning is already well underway for a lot of people and with more routes in the mix, there’s genuinely more to work with this season.

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

Bonus Points and Added Savings with Marriott Bonvoy Events

Planning your next event just got a whole lot more rewarding. Marriott Bonvoy Events is rolling out a limited-time offer across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, giving organisers more value when booking closer to home.

From triple Bonvoy points on event spend to 10% off group accommodation and 5% off food and beverage, it’s a compelling mix of perks designed to make meetings, conferences and group stays work harder for you.

With a wide network of premium properties and flexible event spaces across the region, it’s an opportunity to bring your next event to life while unlocking meaningful savings and rewards along the way.

Book your next event with ATPI Events – australia.corporateevents@atpi.com

Ethiopian Airlines Plans Australia Launch by 2028

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to launch flights to Australia in 2028, a move that would complete its ambition to operate on almost every continent.

Widely recognised as Africa’s largest and most connected airline, Ethiopian currently serves 145 cities across five continents. Australia remains the only continent not yet included in its global network.

The proposed expansion will depend on the airline securing at least two wide-body aircraft capable of operating ultra long haul routes. Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew confirmed that aircraft availability will ultimately determine the launch timeline, highlighting ongoing global supply chain pressures affecting the aviation industry.

Two Australian cities have already been shortlisted for the service, although the airline has not yet revealed which destinations are under consideration. A final decision will be made once suitable aircraft are secured.

If confirmed, the new route would mark a significant milestone for the airline and introduce greater connectivity between Australia and Africa.

Get in touch with our expert team to book your next adventure.

Emirates Enhances Chauffeur Drive Service With Shared Transfers and Extended Mileage

Emirates has introduced new enhancements to its chauffeur-driven service, making premium travel even more convenient for eligible passengers.

Two or more eligible adult passengers travelling to or from the same address can now share a chauffeur-driven car, with the added benefit of up to 50 per cent extra complimentary mileage beyond the standard allowance.

In another welcome update, Emirates now accepts chauffeur drive service requests up to 10 hours before departure. This added flexibility provides a smoother and more stress-free experience, particularly for last-minute planners or itinerary changes.

The updates further strengthen Emirates’ premium ground offering, delivering greater convenience and flexibility for travellers before they even reach the airport.

Ready to book your next Emirates journey? Contact our expert team.

St. Pancras London Enters a New Era With Autograph Collection

Originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel, St. Pancras London has long been one of Britain’s most striking Gothic Revival landmarks. Now, the hotel begins a new chapter as part of the Autograph Collection, blending its rich history with contemporary luxury.

The fully renovated Barlow Wing introduces refreshed rooms, new family accommodation and updated suites designed for modern travellers while preserving the building’s historic character.

Experiences Rooted in History

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a series of daily rituals inspired by meaningful moments from the hotel’s past:

5:05pm – Victorian Punch Ritual in the historic Booking Office 1869, echoing the hospitality traditions of the original Midland Grand Hotel.
7:35pm – G&T & Tea Ritual, a tribute to Britain’s gin and tea culture and the year the original hotel closed.
8:11pm – Evening Meditation Ritual at St. Pancras Spa, marking the hotel’s reopening in 2011 and offering a moment of calm and reflection from Monday to Thursday.

Guests can also uncover hidden stories and architectural details through a self-guided QR-code virtual tour, exploring the landmark at their own pace.

A Special Invitation

For guests booking between now and 31 March, St. Pancras London is offering complimentary breakfast throughout the stay, along with a welcome cocktail on arrival. The offer is valid for new bookings only, with a travel window until 15 December 2026.

Ready to book your next historic getaway? Speak to our expert team today.

Qantas Makes History With First Ever Direct Flights From Australia to Las Vegas

Key information:

  • Sydney (SYD) to Las Vegas (LAS) will operate as QF55, with the inaugural flight taking off on 29 December 2026 and operating until 12 March 2027*.
  • The new route will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
  • QF55 is scheduled to depart Sydney at 9:00pm and arrive in Las Vegas at 3:55pm (approx. flight time is 13 hours and 55 minutes)
  • Economy return fares start from AUD$1,099.
  • Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn double Qantas Points (6 Points for every $1 spent) on Qantas Hotels and Holiday packages to Las Vegas for bookings made before 2 March 2026**

*Subject to government and regulatory approval.

**Offer valid for bookings made between 26 February – 2 March 2026 with a check-out date prior to 3 March 2027. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership required. Full terms and conditions apply at qantas.com/hotels