IHG Hotels & Resorts are celebrating the upcoming opening of InterContinental Brisbane, set to transform one of the city’s most iconic buildings into a world-class hotel and dining destination.

InterContinental Brisbane will open late June following the signing of a long-term management agreement with ISPT, a leading property funds manager and developer of the150 Elizabeth Street precinct where the Hotel is located. The property will be converted from the former Hilton Brisbane and become a proud member of the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand.

Primely positioned in Brisbane’s CBD on Elizabeth Street, and connected to the bustling Queen Street Mall, it is the only hotel in Australia designed by the renowned Harry Seidler, who is widely recognised for his Modernist architectural legacy. ISPT’s renewed vision for this precinct integrates the hotel, Wintergarden and the Regent Theatre into one destination seamlessly blending retail, dining, entertainment and hospitality into a dynamic urban setting.

InterContinental Brisbane will undergo a two-year transformation to elevate its luxury experience through brand hallmarks that embrace innovation, diversity and cultural discovery while retaining the features from Harry Seidler’s original designs that make the hotel iconic. Once complete, it will feature 321 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many with stunning views across the Brisbane skyline. The hotel will also boast four unrivalled restaurants and bars and showcase expansive conference and events facilities.

InterContinental Brisbane will open as the third InterContinental property in Queensland, joining InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. It expands IHG’s fast-growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio and reinforces its focus on growing its presence in the region. In Australasia, IHG currently operates 21 hotels within its luxury & lifestyle segment, with five properties in the pipeline, spanning its InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo brands.

In a move set to thrill families, film buffs and adventure seekers alike, Universal Destinations & Experiences (part of Comcast NBCUniversal) has revealed plans to open a world-class theme park and resort in Bedford, United Kingdom.

Pending planning approval, this will mark Universal’s very first foray into the UK entertainment park scene, following over a year of feasibility studies and consultations with both government stakeholders and local communities.

Known globally for creating some of the most immersive and technologically advanced attractions, Universal promises the UK park will deliver signature experiences for all ages.

“At Universal Destinations & Experiences, our mission is to offer guests the most innovative and popular entertainment experiences in the world,” a spokesperson said. “This new park in the UK is an exciting extension of that mission.”

No official opening date has been announced, all the same, travel lovers and theme park enthusiasts are already buzzing with anticipation. Watch this space!

USA Travel Advice & Safety updates for travellers to the United States as entry protocols tighten for International travellers.

If you’re heading to the United States, it’s more important than ever to understand the latest entry and border inspection procedures.

US authorities maintain wide discretion when determining a traveller’s eligibility to enter the country. This applies to all travellers, whether you’re visiting on a visa or via the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Entry is not automatically guaranteed and decisions are made at the discretion of border officials based on US law.

Travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with all relevant entry, registration, transit and exit requirements well before departure.

In addition, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conduct inspections of personal electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, cameras and tablets. These checks are part of standard border security protocols and can be carried out without prior warning.

To avoid delays or complications:

Ensure you understand the conditions of your visa or ESTA

Carry documentation that supports your travel purpose

Be aware that your digital devices may be inspected

While most visits proceed smoothly, arriving prepared helps ensure a stress-free start to your journey.

For more information, visit Smartraveller the US CBP website, or contact your ATPI Cruise & Lesiure team for more.

Hyatt House South Melbourne is now welcoming reservations ahead if its grand opening.

Offering a new kind of stay for those spending a little longer in the city. Set in the heart of South Melbourne, the property brings residential-style accommodation to one of Melbourne’s most connected and character-filled suburbs.

The hotel features 97 spacious rooms designed with longer visits in mind. Each one comes with a fully equipped kitchenette and generous living and working areas, making it easy to feel at home whether you’re staying for a week or more.

Guests will enjoy easy access to nearby favourites like the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne Arts Precinct, with trams and bike paths close by for exploring the city at your own pace.

Every morning starts with the Hyatt House “Breakfast Bar”, a complimentary spread in the lobby with options like scrambled eggs, sausages, hash browns, pastries, fruit, granola and yoghurt. Whether you’re after something hearty or a light bite, it’s a great way to begin the day.

In keeping with Hyatt’s focus on sustainability, some amenities are now only available on request. Guests are encouraged to check ahead to make sure they have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

Hyatt House South Melbourne brings together the space of a home with the service of a hotel and is set to be a favourite for travellers looking to linger a little longer in the city. Contact the ATPI Cruise & Leisure team to book.

Qantas is set to transform the flying experience on its Boeing 737 fleet with an extensive cabin overhaul program. This initiative comes as part of the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy, including the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft over the next decade.

The cabin upgrades will enhance 42 of Qantas’s 737 aircraft, introducing new Business and Economy seats, larger overhead lockers offering up to 50% more storage space, as well as full cabin refreshes with updated carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting. The upgrades are designed to offer a modern, ‘as-new’ experience for passengers, alongside the airline’s signature fast and free Wi-Fi.

The first upgraded 737 aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027, operating on Qantas’s domestic routes, as well as to popular international destinations like Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.

This overhaul is part of Qantas’s largest fleet renewal program in the airline’s history, complementing the introduction of next-generation aircraft like the A321XLR, which is set to enhance both Business and Economy class experiences with quieter cabins, more spacious seating and even larger overhead lockers.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasised that these upgrades, along with the introduction of new aircraft, are a testament to the airline’s commitment to delivering a top-tier flying experience for its customers, stating “This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers.”

With over 100 new aircraft on order, Qantas looks to ensure its fleet remains modern and reflective of it’s customer base of avid domestic and international travellers alike.