Canberra apartment hotel now part of global Best Western network

Leading global hotel brand BWH Hotels has welcomed Best Western Plus Canberra Central Apartments to its network, marking the first property under its new partnership with Central Apartment Group (CAG) Hotels.

Formerly operating as Canberra Parklands Central Apartments, the central property has a mix of studio and apartment-style accommodation. 

The opening marks the start of the partnership. Central Apartment Group operates 25 apartment hotels in key locations across Australia and has additional new‑build properties currently under development.

Best Western Plus Canberra Central Apartments is the first of its properties transitioning to BWH. 

Under the new agreement, CAG Hotels' diverse apartment portfolio will be rebranded across the Best Western Plus, Best Western, and SureStay brands - joining the global distribution platform. 

Sid Knell, CEO of Prime Group Australasia, which owns CAG Hotels, said the launch marks an important first step in the partnership.

“We chose BWH because of the dedicated service they offer to franchisees and owners, from design through to operations, as well as their strong global distribution and loyalty platform," Knell said. 

"The launch of Best Western Plus Canberra Central Apartments is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to bringing more of our properties into the network over the coming months.”

Rod Munro, managing director, BWH Hotels Australasia, said: “The addition of Best Western Plus Canberra Central Apartments is a proud moment for our team and sets the tone for what's ahead. It's the first of many high-quality apartment hotels that will strengthen our presence in key markets and broaden our offering for today's travellers."

* BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality network comprised of three hotel brands, including WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global network boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. 

On the right track: move to make rail travel in Europe easier

The European Commission has proposed new rules to make seamless rail travel across Europe a reality.

The proposals adopted this month are aimed at simplify planning and booking for regional, long-distance and cross-border travel, particularly for rail journeys involving multiple operators. 

At present, comparing all available travel options and identifying the most sustainable choices, especially for cross-border travel, remains difficult for passengers in the EU; especially for rail tickets.

Many passengers encounter obstacles when combining different transport services. 

Booking multiple-leg train journeys involving tickets from different companies can be complex, largely due to fragmented booking systems and the dominant market presence of certain rail companies.

Also, passenger protection is limited on rail journeys involving multiple tickets by different rail operators, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The proposals address these obstacles, delivering on President Ursula von der Leyen‘s suggestions. 

The Commission proposes measures enabling single-ticket bookings across multiple rail operators, making the rail market more transparent and accessible.

Passengers will be able to find, compare and purchase services combined from different rail operators into one single ticket, which can be bought in one transaction on a ticketing platform of their choice. This can be an independent platform, or the rail operator’s ticketing service.

In the event of missed connections during multi-operator rail journeys, passengers with a single ticket will benefit from new, full passenger rights protection, including assistance, rerouting, reimbursement and compensation.

The Commission will now submit the proposed regulations to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament for consideration. 

The Community of European Railways (CER), representing major national rail companies, strongly cautioned against the proposal’s mandatory distribution requirements and heavy burden of liability on railways. 

It says that railways will be left carrying the real cost and responsibility with inevitable repercussions on ticket prices.

Hiroshima: From devastation to modern metropolis

Hiroshima may be a Japanese city with a tragic history, but it is also a vibrant modern destination. 

Mercure has unveiled the newest addition to its growing hotel portfolio in Japan with the opening of  Mercure Tokyu Stay Hiroshima in the city known for being bombed by the US with nuclear weapons. 

Located in the vibrant Hatchobori district, the 182-key hotel represents Accor's first property in Hiroshima, the second dual-branded collaboration with Tokyu Stay, and the 20th Mercure hotel in the country.

It is within a two-minute walk from Hiroshima Electric Railway's Hatchobori Station and offers easy access to Hiroshima's shopping, dining and cultural attractions. 

Inspired by Hiroshima's identity as a “city of water,” the hotel's design concept, “Beauty of Water and Light,” reflects the city's rivers, waterways and cityscape. 

Facilities include Share Lounge, a co-working space and lifestyle lounge that is open to both hotel guests and local residents. 

Hotel guests can enjoy craft bread created in partnership with long-established local bakery Aloft, as well as coffee by Hiroshima-based roastery, Mount Coffee.

Garth Simmons, divisional COO for Accor in Asia, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Mercure Tokyu Stay Hiroshima, an exciting collaboration that brings together the strengths of Tokyu Stay and Mercure to create a distinctive hospitality experience in Hiroshima. 

"As Accor's first hotel in the city and the 20th Mercure hotel in Japan, this opening marks an important milestone for our growing presence in the country. Hiroshima continues to attract increasing interest from international travellers, and we believe this hotel is ideally positioned to connect guests with the culture, creativity and warmth of the destination. 

"The double-brand concept also remains relatively unique in Japan and within Accor's global network, making this partnership with Tokyu Stay a meaningful example of how two brands can come together through a shared commitment to locally rooted hospitality.”

Canadians proving keen on Australian wine

Canada should be a major market for Australian wine producers, particularly given the ongoing boycott of goods from the US. 

But when I visited late last year I was surprised how few quality Australian wine were available on LCBO shelves in Ontario.  

Now Australian winemakers are seeing renewed momentum in Canada, with new export and sales data along with feedback from importers pointing to a surge in demand for premium, regionally distinctive wines. 

That's the precise market I noted back then: https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2025/11/plunging-us-wine-sales-to-canada-create.html

In the 12 months to March 2026, Australian wine exports to Canada rose 24% in value to $188 million and 15% in volume to 69 million litres, Wine Australia reports. 

The number of Australian exporters active in the market to 220 businesses.

Small steps from a low base, but important nonetheless. 

While 2025 restrictions on US wine imports reduced the availability of American products across Canadian liquor boards, producers say the strong performance of Australian wine over this period reflects groundwork laid over several years. 

Sustained engagement with buyers, retailers and sommeliers has strengthened understanding of Australia’s quality, diversity and regional strengths, positioning Australian wine to expand as shelf space became available, Wine Australia says.

Matt Fowles of Fowles Wine said the premium category’s momentum reflected renewed consumer interest in Australian wines with a strong sense of place.

“Our focus in firmly on fine wine, and it’s clear customers value having these wines back on shelves,” Fowles said. “When the regional story and provenance are understood, the category lifts quickly.”

Over the past two years, buyers from major provincial liquor boards including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have visited Australian regions through in-bound programs, while ongoing in-market activity including tastings, masterclasses and trade education has strengthened understanding of modern Australian wine.

Collectively, these visits have contributed to 177 new liquor board listings, expanded training for retail and on-premise staff and strengthened advocacy among sommeliers.

Vancouver-based importer Peter Marshall of Sur Lie said first-hand experience has played a critical role in shifting buyer confidence.

“Buyers who have travelled to Australia approach the category with far greater confidence,” Marshall said. “That first-hand experience reshapes their perceptions and opens the door to more distinctive and adventurous Australian wines.”

Libby Nutt, general manager marketing and export sales at Casella Family Brands, said engagement with buyers had strengthened relationships and delivered consistent commercial outcomes.

“Our relationships with the liquor boards have always been strong, but they’ve deepened significantly as more buyers travel to Australia,” Nutt said.

“These visits have driven real alignment, and we’ve secured new listings every time we reconnect. Each engagement is opening new doors and strengthening our presence in the market.”

At a recent trade event in Vancouver as part of Wine Australia’s North America Roadshow (top image), almost 100 key trade, buyers, media and sommeliers attended. 

Qatar Airways reports big profit despite headwinds

Qatar Airways Group has announced a post-tax profit of US $1.94 billion for financial year 2025-26.

The Middle East carrier says the results "demonstrate a robust performance against a final month impacted by significant geopolitical events" despite a 7% drop in profits.

The Virgin Australia partner said it "continued to develop, innovate and provide world-class services and experiences to passengers and businesses".

The airline carried more than 41.8 million passengers, maintaining extensive global connectivity through Hamad International Airport. while the airline's cargo division advanced its position as the world’s largest air freight carrier with a 12% global market share.

Qatar Airways also maintained industry‑leading punctuality, achieving an 86% on‑time performance, placing it among the top five most punctual carriers worldwide.

"It is not often that a single financial year asks an organisation to demonstrate both the best of what it can achieve and the depth of what it can withstand," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al-Khater.

"The 2025-26 financial year [ending March 31] did both, and the Qatar Airways Group rose to each in turn.

"These results speak to the strength of this Group across every measure that matters - a strong balance sheet, industry-leading operations, partnerships of real depth, and people who maintained the standards this group is known for, even under the most demanding conditions.

"Behind every result are 57,800 people, working across more than 90 countries. In the final weeks of the financial year, many of them were managing an active crisis with a standard of professionalism that defines this organisation as much as any financial metric, and it deserves to be recognised.

"We are actively rebuilding our global network with the confidence that comes from a balance sheet that has never been stronger, partnerships that proved their depth when we needed them most, and an organisation that has demonstrated, under genuine pressure, exactly what it is capable of.”

Rouge Homme Wines back in the Redman family

Iconic Coonawarra wine brand Rouge Homme is back in its traditional home with original owners the Redman family. 

Global wine producer Treasury Wine Estates today announced the sale of the brand. 

First bottled in 1952, the label grew an Australian and international following for its distinctive wines, including its cabernet sauvignon/shiraz blend. 

Rouge Homme (literally Red Man in French) was sold in 1965 to Lindeman’s, which is now part of TWE. In recent years it has languished. 

Redman Wines was launched in 1966 by the family after the sale of Rouge Homme. 

Redman Wines co-owner and fourth-generaIon winemaker Dan Redman said he was delighted to have the label back in the family’s brand portfolio. 

“Rouge Homme has a special place in the heart of Coonawarra," he said. "Welcoming it back in the 60th year of Redman Wines is especially meaningful - a full-circle moment. 

"We’re often asked about the connection of Rouge Homme with Redman, with many wine drinkers enjoying the wines that were made in the 50s and 60s. The label is synonymous with the Redman family and we’re proud to take it into the future.”

Treasury Wine Estates senior viticulturist Ben Harris said: “We’re proud to have been the custodians of Rouge Homme and are delighted that it’s been acquired by the Redman family. 

"With storied brands, unmistakable terroir and exceptional wines, global interest in the Coonawarra region continues to grow, and we look forward to following the next chapter of the Rouge Homme story.”

No financial details were disclosed. 

Rouge Homme was officially handed over at a lunch at the historic Wynns Coonawarra Estate. 

Redman Wines intends to make a small premium release of Rouge Homme in keeping with its award-winning history. 

The sale of Rouge Homme back to Redman Wines includes a small quantity of back-vintage wine.