Tourism Authority of Thailand ups its tech game

With tourism in Asia increasingly competitive, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has relaunched an updated ‘Amazing Thailand’ app. 

The new version integrates AI technology and secure payment solutions, offering a "worry-free travel experience", TAT says.

The Amazing Thailand app now features tools for every stage of a travel experience including planning, booking and making secure payments.

An AI-powered chatbot (oh no!) aims to make real-time recommendations based on prompts and user preferences.

The app suggests suitable itineraries, places to stay, dining, activities, plus traveller safety tips, local newspaper The Nation reports.

The newest version of the Amazing Thailand app can be downloaded from March 15, 2026.

Kittipong Praphathong, deputy governor for Digital, Research, and Development at TAT, said the new app is a key step in developing Thailand’s national digital tourism platform. 

It strengthens the country's global tourism competitiveness and supports local businesses with sustainable economic opportunities.

Head to Slovenia for a monastic experience

Fancy sleeping in a former monastery? Slovenia can deliver that.

Mekinje Monastery has introduced a distinctive new hospitality concept - an overnight stay designed as a retreat into silence, simplicity and the culture of the mid-20th century.

Conceived for individuals and couples seeking respite from the pressures of modern life, constant connectivity and digital noise, the program offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. 

Guests stay in renovated monastic rooms furnished with restored pieces from the former Kamnik monastery.

The interiors echo the 1950s with the architectural and cultural landmark said to offer "dignified presence and contemplative ambience".

The rural location is surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.



An essential part of the experience is discovering the monastery’s history - dating back to 1300 - and the lives of the monks and nuns, including Ursuline and Poor Clare sisters.

Visitors can explore exhibitions, join guided tours of the monastery and chapel and discover herbal products from the monastery garden. Mornings begin with a simple herb-infused breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients.

Additional experiences can be arranged in advance, including herbal and culinary workshops, orchard visits, guided tours and options dedicated to calming body and mind - from yoga and meditation to sound and mindfulness workshops.

Overnight rates start at €70 per person and curated multi-day packages are available – from experiences celebrating traditions beneath the Kamnik mountains to family retreats tailored monastic packages for seniors.

See https://monasterymekinje.eu/

Photos: Blaž Muc

So you'd like to stay on your own private Tasmanian island?

Looking to enjoy one of Tasmania's most exclusive destinations? 

After extensive renovations and the construction of a new primary suite, Picnic Island Tasmania has officially re-opened this month as an exclusive private island experience.

Availability is limited to 100 nights per year to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem (and resident Little Penguin colony). 

Picnic Island is located 800 metres offshore from Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's east coast. 

“This week we celebrated with the extraordinary people who helped make this vision a reality: architects, builders, local artisans, experience providers and producers, conservation partners, and Tasmania's tourism community,” said Picnic Island co-owner Mark Israel. 

“Their commitment to doing things right, rather than simply doing things quickly, has created something special. Now we're ready to share it with guests seeking an authentic connection to place.”

The property now accommodates up to eight guests across four luxe spaces: the newly built primary suite and two fully renovated copper-clad structures. 

No expense has been spared here. Think a dedicated island host and skipper, a private chef showcasing Tasmanian produce, and a selection of premium Tasmanian wines and spirits. 

A new Tasmanian-built boat is available for marine excursions and transfers to and from the island. 

The property operates off-grid through advanced solar systems and rainwater collection. 

“We’re not trying to recreate a five-star hotel on a remote island," says co-owner Elisa Yu. 

"We’re offering something more valuable: complete privacy in a place where nature still dictates the rhythm. The transformation guests experience emerges organically when they connect with this extraordinary place.” 

The bad news: the all-inclusive rate is $16,000 per night for the entire island for up to eight guests. With a three-night minimum stay. 

For more info see www.picnicisland.com.au.

Anantara hotel brand to make Australian debut in Perth

Anantara, a leading high-end hotel brand in Asia, is set to make its Australian debut in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. 

Minor Hotels, the hotel brand owner and operator, this week signed up for the Anantara Perth Hotel in the Burswood Point precinct.

 

The expansion will bringing Anantara’s Thai-inspired hospitality to one of Australia’s fastest‑growing capital cities.

The hotel will anchor the $3.8 billion Burswood Point development, which will open in 2032. 

Anantara Perth will become a flagship destination on the Swan River waterfront with the new-build. property to be developed by Golden Sedayu, a partnership between Perth’s Golden Group and Agung Sedayu, one of Indonesia’s leading property developers. 

The hotel will have 150 contemporary guest rooms and suites, two destination restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and an Anantara Spa. 

Anantara Perth will join a collection of over 50 Anantara properties. Minor Hotels also operates Australian properties under its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands. 

"We are delighted to introduce Anantara to Australia. Perth is experiencing rapid development across its urban and tourism landscape, creating the ideal environment for a property of this standard," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"Anantara Perth represents our commitment to expanding world-class luxury experiences into new markets.”

Burswood Point is being promoted as "a world‑class entertainment, tourism, and residential destination". 

Qantas unveils new seasonal flights to Las Vegas

 

Qantas today announced it will be the first airline to operate a non-stop route between Australia and Las Vegas.

The new seasonal Sydney–Las Vegas service will run from December through to March 2027 and will save customers up to five hours in travel time by eliminating the need for connections through another US city.

Las Vegas becomes the 101st destination on the Qantas network and the airline’s eighth city across North and South America, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, New York, Vancouver and Santiago.

Available for booking from today, the service will operate during some of the city’s biggest global events and expos including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest and most influential tech show, and as Vegas plays host to the National Rugby League’s (NRL) annual season kick off: Las Vegas Festival. 

For the past two years the airline has operated charter flights in partnership with NRL from Australia’s East Coast to Las Vegas to get Aussie fans to games. Flights took off this week and, for the third year, in a row are fully booked.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said strong customer demand for international travel is driving the airline's expansion of seasonal services to destinations like Las Vegas.

“Australians' appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong." Wallace asaid. 

"Rome and Sapporo have shown us there's real demand for seasonal services to destinations people want to visit at certain times of year, and we're continuing to expand those direct connections around the world.

"Our historic fleet renewal is giving us the flexibility to deploy aircraft where we see demand, opening up route possibilities that simply weren't there before."

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said Qantas’ new non-stop service was a testament to the strength of the Australian market for Las Vegas.

“Australia has consistently ranked as our second-largest overseas market and our top international market without a nonstop flight," Hill said. "More than 250,000 Australians visit each year, drawn by the breadth and depth of experiences Las Vegas offers. We are grateful to Qantas for their partnership and confidence in our city.” 

* Sydney (SYD) to Las Vegas (LAS) will operate as QF55, with the inaugural flight taking off on December 29, 2026 and initially operating until March 12, 2027.The new route will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Economy return fares start from $1,099.

Calling golfers who love their wine and food

 

Calling all lovers of luxury, Tasmanian food and wine, and golf. 

How about three nights at delightful Country House, dinner, Pooley wine experiences and the chance to play two of the best golf courses in Tasmania? 

The the inaugural Prospect Epicurean Open from April 19-22 might be of interest. 

The experience includes a three-night stay at Prospect Country House - just across the road from owners the Pooley family's cellar door - and rounds of golf at 7 Mile Beach and Royal Hobart Golf Club.

From seasoned low handicappers pros to weekend enthusiasts, the event is designed for golfers of all skill levels. 

After the golf, participants can retreat to the heritage comfort of Buscombe's Restaurant and Prospect Country House in the Coal River Valley for a five-course degustation dinner, Pooley wines, and the quiet of the very pretty 1830s estate.

Mathew Goggin's 7 Mile Beach (above) is one of Australia's newest top-rated courses and participants will be led by pro golfer Scott Laycock and John Davis from Tasmanian Golf Experiences. 

Davis will also host the 18 holes at Royal Hobart Golf Club. 

The experience includes all transfers, accommodation, curated meals, Pooley wines, green fees and pull buggies included. All you need is a toothbrush and your golf clubs. The price is $3,150 person.

For full details email Lisa Pooley at lisa@prospectcountryhouse.com.au or check out https://prospectcountryhouse.com.au/