Festival offers a glimpse into Canada's indigenous culture

The remote Yukon Territory offers a unique slice of Canadian life to tourists, far removed the urban experiences of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. 

The Klondike gold fields, Dawson City and Whitehorse are home to a fascinating combo of wilderness, history and indigenous culture and are a highly recommended destination. 

Lover of cultural ceremonies are alerted to the Moosehide Gathering, described as one of Canada's most moving cultural celebrations, as the spirit, stories and songs of the Hän people come alive. 

To be held from July 30 to August 3, the celebration of Indigenous culture is hosted by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in at historic Moosehide Village, on the banks of the Yukon River near Dawson City.

This cultural event is an expression of resilience, renewal and cultural pride, at the heart of which resides an extraordinary story of survival. 

During the upheaval of the Klondike Gold Rush, Chief Isaac foresaw the threat that rapid change posed to the traditions of his people. 

To ensure the songs and dances of the Hän people would endure, he entrusted them to relatives in Alaska for safekeeping. Decades later, those treasured traditions were returned to the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and revitalised, paving the way for the first official Moosehide Gathering in 1993.

Open to all, Moosehide Gathering invites travellers to move beyond sightseeing. 

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. 

Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. Additionally, travellers now have the ability to combine WestJet and Air North on a single ticket or itinerary. 

For more info see travelyukon.com

Tourism booming despite global uncertainty

Global tourism continues to boom despite ongoing issues in the Middle East. 

UN Tourism's latest data shows 207 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2026, about 6 million more than the same period of 2025.

While the start of the year saw sustained travel demand overall (+2.5% cumulative growth in January and February), the Middle East conflict impacted performance in March (+0.4%).

The US assault on Iran and Israel's genocide in Palestine and Lebanon is expected to reduce growth in international arrivals by 1 to 2 percentage points below UN Tourism’s initial forecast of 3% to 4% for 2026, depending on the conflicts' duration and scope.

Aside from disruptions in flights to, from and within the Middle East and effects on traveller confidence, the spike in oil prices and jet fuel shortage in some markets is increasing air fares and reducing flight capacity also in other regions. 

More expensive travel coupled with uncertainty about air connectivity, could redirect demand towards closer tourism destinations while also affecting overall travel demand.

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting travel patterns well beyond the region itself, including rising inflation, particularly in transport and accommodation," says UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais. 

"This is placing pressure on travellers, businesses and destinations alike. Even amid this uncertainty, international tourism continued to show resilience in the first quarter of 2026. At a time of growing geopolitical and economic pressure, this reinforces tourism’s wider role in supporting economies, creating opportunity and sustaining communities far beyond the sector itself.”

The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index, which monitors sentiment by 300 tourism professionals around the world, reflects a cautiously positive outlook for May-August 2026, amid a challenging geopolitical environment.

New flights link Hanoi direct to Amsterdam

Vietnam Airlines has officially inaugurated its non-stop service between Hanoi and Amsterdam, becoming the first Vietnamese carrier to operate a direct route connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The new service marks a significant milestone in the airline's international network expansion strategy and further strengthens air links between Vietnam and Europe.The initial flight, VN83, departed Noi Bai International Airport at 3:50 AM on June 16, carrying nearly 300 passengers aboard an Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.

After a flight time of more than 12 hours, the aircraft landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In the opposite direction, flight VN82 departed Amsterdam for Hanoi at 2:00 PM on the same day.

Vietnam Airlines will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"The inauguration of the Hanoi-Amsterdam service reflects Vietnam Airlines' continued commitment to expanding its international network and strengthening Vietnam's connectivity with key global markets," said Nguyen Quang Trung, executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines.

"This new route not only offers Vietnamese travellers more convenient access to Europe, but also facilitates greater travel to Vietnam for international visitors.

"As the national flag carrier, we will continue investing in service excellence and network development to meet evolving customer demand and further reinforce our role as an air bridge linking Vietnam with the world."

The new route also strengthens Vietnam Airlines' presence in Europe. With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 non-stop routes linking Vietnam with eight major European destinations: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow and Amsterdam.

And from July 1, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of its Hanoi–Moscow service from three to four round-trip flights per week.

Familiar faces to open Sanctuary Cove's new enoteca

It is closing in on 40 years since the eyes of the world were on the opening of Sanctuary Cove. 

Owner Mike Gore spared no expense on "The Ultimate Event" back in 1988 with entertainment from Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and Peter Allen. 

What a time we had, despite the rain. Thanks Patti Mostyn. 

All those years on I'm still writing about the Gold Coast drawcard with top hospo operators Max and Amanda Alfieri to open a new Italian-style wine bar at the resort next month. 

Zio Italian Enoteca will see the former owners of popular Italian restaurant Ioesco will bring their passion for Italian food, wine and hospitality back to the Cove. 

Located in Building Four on Masthead Way, along the village’s main thoroughfare, Zio Italian Enoteca will offer seating for approximately 70 guests, with both indoor and outdoor dining available.

“We are incredibly excited to return to Sanctuary Cove and to be part of [developer] Mulpha’s vision for the future of the Village,” the duo said. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant dining and lifestyle experience that makes Sanctuary Cove such a unique destination.”

Zio Italian Enoteca will offer a selection of local and international wines, paired with traditional Italian antipasto-style offerings including freshly sliced cured meats, artisan cheeses, crusty breads and seasonal accompaniments. 

As the venue settles into spring, the menu will expand to feature a broader range of authentic Italian specialty dishes. 

“Sanctuary Cove has always been home to us,” said Max Alfieri. “Zio Italian Enoteca gives us the opportunity to share the flavours, traditions and discoveries we have experienced across Italy. From regional wines to time-honoured food traditions, we hope to bring a little piece of Italy to the Cove.”

Wind down with a cocktail or two at Melbourne's hip new hotel

Collaborations are all the range across the drinks business and the hospitality industry.

Melbourne hotel hotspot Hannah St Hotel has just launched a new collab with Malin+Goetz, a hip skincare brand founded in the very hip Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City.

The duo has unveiled The Wind Down by Malin + Goetz, an accommodation experience designed around "comfort, ritual and relaxation".

Here's what the hotel has to say: "Created in partnership with modern apothecary brand Malin + Goetz, the new package transforms an overnight stay into a sensory escape, where slowing down becomes the main event."

Fair enough.

"The collaboration draws inspiration from the shared character of Melbourne and New York."

Melbourne and New York are about as similar as myself and a LooksMaxxer.

But there is a legit link.

Hannah St Hotel occupies a location within the podium of The Queensbridge Building. Like New York's iconic Flatiron Building, The Queensbridge Building has become a defining architectural landmark of its city, creating a natural connection between two destinations celebrated for their creativity, culture and neighbourhood spirit.

At the heart of the Wind Down experience is Soft Flame, an exclusive cocktail developed by Hannah St. Hotel Bar Manager Ryan Brandon. Inspiration is drawn from the scent profile of Malin+Goetz's Dark Rum fragrance.

Guests can choose between two collab experiences.

The signature Wind Down by Malin + Goetz package includes overnight accommodation in a choice of Local, Traveller or Explorer Room types and Skyline or Lookout Corner Suites, plus daily breakfast for two, two Dark Rum-inspired cocktails served in Bar Hannah, nightly turndown service, extended 2pm checkout and a full-size Malin+Goetz Dark Rum candle to take home.

For those seeking an elevated retreat, The Ultimate Wind Down by Malin + Goetz is available exclusively in the hotel’s Terrace Balcony Rooms, the Melbourne Suite and the Hannah Suite.

Alongside all the inclusions of the signature package, Ultimate Wind Down guests can also enjoy cocktails shaken and served in-room on request, creating a private cocktail experience within the comfort of their suite. The premium package also includes a signature Hannah St Hotel robe to take home, "extending the feeling of indulgence".

Packages are available to book and stay from now until August 31, with prices starting from $705 per room for a minimum two-night stay. For online reservations and more info see www.hannahsthotel.com/packages.

* With 188 "uniquely styled" rooms, Hannah St Hotel is part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

Star chefs set for Bangkok gourmet festival

How about a holiday gourmet experience in the heart of Bangkok?

The return of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel celebrates a culinary collaboration between Asia, Latin America, France and the United States from September 29-October 4.

Under the theme The World of Flavours the festival brings together celebrated culinary talents including Álvaro Clavijo, chef and founder of El Chato in Bogotá, Colombia, which has been named the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants.

He will be joined by Julien Royer, chef-owner of Odette in Singapore, holder of three Michelin stars. Odette reflects Royer's vision of refined French cuisine interpreted through an Asian perspective.

Also on board is Josiah Citrin, chef-owner of Mélisse in Los Angeles, awarded two Michelin stars. Citrin is regarded as a pioneer of Californian luxury dining and ingredient-driven cuisine.

"The World Gourmet Festival continues to celebrate the diversity and creativity that define the global culinary landscape," says Torsten Richter, general manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

"We are honoured to welcome Álvaro Clavijo, Julien Royer and Josiah Citrin to Bangkok, where their distinct culinary philosophies will offer guests an extraordinary journey across Latin America, France and the United States."