News – Page 4 – ATPI Cruise & Travel

1 Hotel Redefines Luxury with Its Eco-Friendly Glass Sanctuary

February 20, 2025

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

February 20, 2025

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

January 20, 2025

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

January 16, 2025

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

January 16, 2025

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!

Cathay Pacific returns to Rome

January 16, 2025

Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome on 5 June 2025, operating three times weekly as a seasonal summer service. This marks Cathay’s second direct route to Italy, complementing its existing flights to Milan, which will increase to daily this summer.

Rome, a hub of historical and cultural landmarks, is set to attract travellers, especially as the city prepares for the 2025 Year of Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event with special celebrations in Vatican City and Rome.

Cathay’s return to Rome follows nearly 40 years since the airline first flew directly to the city in 1986. The service will be operated on Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy class options.

Thailand welcomes its second Ritz-Carlton

January 16, 2025

Thailand welcomes its second Ritz-Carlton, this time in Bangkok. A serene retreat amidst the vibrant cosmopolis of the Thai capital, the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers a perfect doorway to the city. With many iconic attractions just a short distance away, such as the Chao Phraya River and the famous Sukhumvit district, you’ll find the best of Bangkok within easy reach.

Unwind in the sophisticated surroundings of your room or suite with features such as Dyptique bath products, Frette linens and Dyson hairdryers, before savouring culinary delights at one of the hotel’s four dining concepts. From afternoon tea and late-night cocktails at Caleō to French fine dining at Duet, and an interactive chef’s table experience at Lily’s, you’ll create lasting memories with every meal.

Experience a new level of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, where exclusivity and comfort come together, complemented by unparalleled personalised service and attention to detail.

Etihad Airways’ new Stopover program: Free hotel stay

January 16, 2025

Etihad Airways is delighted to share details on the reintroduction of the popular Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which is available for our Australian trade partners to book.

Offering travellers the chance to explore the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, enjoying a complimentary stay for up to two nights or extended stays at competitive rates.

Key details:
1. Customers have 2 options to choose from:
1) Stay for 1 or 2 nights in a 3 or 4-star hotel complimentary
2) Stay for 3 or 4 nights in a 5-star hotel with breakfast from:

3 nights at $249.99 USD per person or
4 nights at $349.99 USD per person

2. Stopover Reservation Fee of $25 USD ($39 AUD) per person is payable at the time of booking.

This exciting programme is applicable on new bookings only and for those with a layover of between 24 and 96 hours. Codeshare flights are not applicable for this program. It is worth noting that the stopover fee or hotel fee is non-refundable for any voluntary changes and some blackout dates do apply.

Hawaiian Airlines releases its Aloha Fares

January 16, 2025

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the release of its Aloha January Sale, featuring special fares from Australia to Honolulu (HNL) and selected neighboring Hawaiian islands.

Return fares from Sydney (SYD) to Honolulu start at just A$999, with the following travel periods available:

1st February 2025 to 23rd February 2025
1st March 2025 to 17th June 2025
15th July 2025 to 26th August 2025

Traveler’s can also add a return flight to a neighbouring island for as little as A$135. Think, Big Island, Maui, Kauai.

Additional add-ons are available from other Australian domestic cities, including Melbourne , Brisbane, and Adelaide with certain booking classes.

These limited-time fares are on sale now and will be available until midnight on Tuesday, 28th January 2025. Be quick to secure yours.

Marriott to open 51 new hotels across Asia Pacific

January 16, 2025

Marriott Bonvoy is set to launch an impressive 51 new properties across Asia Pacific in 2025, further solidifying its presence in the region.

From Australia to Guam, the Maldives to Vietnam, and South Asia to the Philippines, these new hotels promise to offer something for every type of traveller.

Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated city hotel in one of the region’s most sought-after destinations or a heavenly resort that delivers the ultimate indulgent escape, Marriott Bonvoy’s diverse collection of accommodations, has something to suit every taste and occasion.