Qatar Airways unveils new routes to Venezuela and Colombia

 

Qatar Airways has announced two unique routes set to open up South American travel destinations. 

The Middle East airline it top operate flights to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia, from July. 

Inaugural flights will run on July 22, meaning Qatar Airways will serve over 160 global destinations this northern summer. 

Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate flights from the Middle East to Caracas and Bogotá. 

Flights will depart every Wednesday and Sunday. 

The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 15th and 16th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. 

The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Sao Paolo in Brazil.

Qatar will also operate four weekly flights between Doha
and Helsinki from July 15, increasing to daily from August 10.

The carrier will also return to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from July 15.

Cycling tourism booming in south-east Asia

 

A new collection of holiday adventures combines one of the fast-growing destinations for Australians with the growing passion for active tourism.

World Expeditions has expanded its south-east Asia cycling portfolio with the launch of a new range of fully supported cycling adventures through Vietnam to meer demand for immersive active experiences. 

The launch comes amid a sharp rise in interest in south-east Asia travel, with page views on World Expeditions’ website up by 49% for Vietnam, 88% for Thailand and 85% for Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for destinations that are closer to Australia. 

The new Vietnam cycling range includes the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-Bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle.

Each journey follows routes through Vietnam’s coastline, countryside and mountain landscapes, using quieter backroads and minor roads where possible. 

World Expeditions says the new departures represent a shift in the style of cycling product available in south-east Asia, with guaranteed departures, strong availability and flexible options designed to appeal to both experienced cyclists and travellers newer to active adventures. 

E-bikes are available across all departures, broadening accessibility and helping riders manage longer distances and climbs.

“We’re seeing strong momentum in south-east Asia, particularly for active travel experiences that allow people to connect more deeply with local culture and landscapes,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Vietnam because travellers move through villages, coastlines and rural communities at a slower pace and with greater connection to the places they visit. 

"These new itineraries combine high-quality support, excellent local expertise and reliable guaranteed departures, making them incredibly appealing for both travellers and agents.”

All trips are operated by experienced local cycling crews including guides, mechanics and drivers, with luggage transfers, support vehicles and accommodation throughout. 

Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 16 guests. 

World Expeditions has also highlighted growing interest in active water-based journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia via its On Water Expeditions brand, including the Mekong River Active Explorer from Saigon to Siem Reap, which combines cycling, kayaking and small-boat travel through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.

The new itineraries are available to book now for 2026 departures via worldexpeditions.com.

Michelin Guide coming to Australia: but only to one state

The world-renowned Michelin Guide is coming to Australia - but only to the state of South Australia.

The inaugural restaurant selection will be revealed in October and will span the region.

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to support the growth of automobile mobility, guiding travellers and foodies to the best restaurants. 

The restaurant selection in South Australia will be made according to the guide's historic methodology  

“South Australia offers an impressive diversity of culinary expressions within a single destination,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. 

“The strength of its identity lies in the freedom chefs enjoy defining their own voice, guided by outstanding produce, a strong relationship to the land and a confident openness to global influences. 

"Our Inspectors were struck by the authenticity and personality of the region’s dining culture, and we are delighted to spotlight South Australia on the Michelin Guide stage.”

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in South Australia is supported by the Government of South Australia. There is always money involved. 

“We are proud to welcome the Michelin Guide to South Australia,” said the state minister for tourism Emily Bourke. 

‘Today’s announcement is a fantastic recognition of what we already know: our state sits atop the nation’s foodie must-visit list. 

"With its mix of culture, food, wine, and natural beauty, South Australia offers a vibrant calendar of food festivals and wine events, celebrating culinary excellence, from city dining experiences to regional gourmet celebrations, and we look forward to sharing this with Michelin Guide readers around the world’.

Also, South Australia does not have the long established Good Food Guides, published by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Image: South Australian capital Adelaide. Supplied. 

Sri Lanka to offer free visas to visitors from 40 nations

Sri Lanka is poised to expand its tourism appeal after its parliament approved new regulations granting free tourism visas to travellers from 40 countries.

The initiative, approved under the Immigration and Emigration Act, is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen international tourism and attract more visitors to the island nation, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Speaking in Parliament, Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, confirmed that travellers benefiting from the new free entry arrangement are from the following countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.

Previously, the free visa program was limited to only seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.

Under the new rules, eligible visitors will receive a complimentary 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa. 

Travelers will still be required to complete all standard entry formalities, including obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but the visa fee itself will be waived

The government says the measure is expected to result in an estimated loss of around US $75 million in visa fee revenue but officials believe the policy could attract an additional 247,000 tourists and generate roughly US $317 million in tourism earnings. 

The move comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen its tourism recovery and position itself as one of Asia’s most accessible and attractive long-haul travel destinations.

Image: Kalkudah Beach House by Teardrop Hotels

Sunshine Coast welcomes new international hotel

Tourism continues to boom on the Sunshine Coast.

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel opened its doors this week, marking the arrival of the first internationally branded new-build hotel in the region in more than four decades.

The opening signals a new phase for Mooloolaba, as growing domestic and international demand reshapes one of Australia’s most established coastal destinations.

Positioned on Mooloolaba Esplanade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 180-room hotel features open social spaces. 

Scott Wright, the hotel GM, said the opening marks the culmination of a long-term vision to elevate the Sunshine Coast experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome our first guests and deliver on our promise to bring a new level of accommodation and dining to the Sunshine Coast,” Wright said.

“Our team is ready to help guests settle in, explore the hotel and experience everything this destination has to offer.”

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, added that the opening represents a significant milestone in the group’s regional expansion strategy.

“The opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel marks an important step in the continued growth of our premium brand portfolio across Australasia,” Hooley said.

"Avani Mooloolaba’s rooftop pool and terrace anchor the experience, while AvaniSpa and AvaniFit offer space to reset. 

"An Avani Experience Host is available to tailor each stay, connecting guests with curated experiences across the Sunshine Coast, from ocean activities and coastal trails to local dining and cultural touchpoints."

Dining experiences are headed by Sully’s Rooftop, the hotel’s signature restaurant under executive chef Marky Godbeer. There is also the Lobby Bar at street level. 

The timing aligns with broader investment across the region. The Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project is set to enhance the beachfront with expanded parkland and improved access, while the $170 million redevelopment of Sunshine Coast Airport will strengthen connectivity from key domestic and international markets including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland, Denpasar and Singapore.

Opening rates start from $319 per night, based on two adults sharing a deluxe king room on a bed and breakfast basis, inclusive of taxes and service charge. 

For more info see www.avanihotels.com/en/mooloolaba-beach-hotel 

Where to join Maggie Beer for a weekend of food and fun

Calling all fans of artisan food producer and cook Maggie Beer.

The kitchen veteran will host a weekend of gathering, cooking and feasting in the Barossa Valley later this month.

From May 22-24, guests at luxury The Louise retreat will share farmers market visits, cooking and hands-on food experiences with executive chef Sam Cooper and Beer in the region she calls home, while the Maggie Beer Foundation.

Maggie Beer’s Table for All will place her flavour-first philosophy at the centre of the experience, from a hosted welcome dinner at Appellation to a full day at the Maggie Beer Farm Shop and Eatery.

Guests will visit the Barossa Farmers Market, enjoy cooking demonstrations and shared lunches, and spend unhurried time in conversation with Beer, hearing stories from her early Pheasant Farm days to her current work as an advocate for better food in aged care.

‘We’re very proud to partner with Maggie Beer for the Table for All weekend, which brings together everything we love about the Barossa Valley: fabulous seasonal produce, generous hospitality and the simple joy of sitting around a table with like-minded fellow guests," says The Louise general manager Hannah McCormick.

"To be able to share this special weekend in the Barossa, and support our charity of choice, The Maggie Beer Foundation - helping fund vital work in improving food and dining in aged care through education and training - is incredibly meaningful for our team and our guests."

The experience can be extended with an optional cocktail masterclass at Barossa Gin Lab, created by Maggie’s daughter Elli Beer.

For more info check out thelouise.com.au.