Yesterday
Business event revenue down by up to 90 per cent, no bounce until at least 2022
Australia’s battered business events industry has abandoned all hope of a 2021 rebound after an appalling start to the year and continued border uncertainty.
- Martin Kelly
This Month
Hotels turn empty suites into private dining rooms and offices
Pandemic-hammered hotels are generating new business by transforming rooms from places to sleep to places to get things done.
- Hannah Sampson
What’s new in travel, from hygienic plane seats to Antarctic bargains
With vaccination programs under way around the world, the tourism sector is shape shifting in the direction of business as usual.
- Updated
- Fiona Carruthers
‘We need open borders more than we need the tennis’: Marriott boss
Marriott boss Sean Hunt says keeping state borders open is critical to the domestic-led revival of tourism and hosting the Australian Open puts that at risk.
- Larry Schlesinger
Edgeless luxury at Crown’s Sydney spa
With five La Prairie facial treatments and Blainey North-designed interiors, the urban resort’s wellness offering is a five-star addition to the city.
- Lauren Sams
Kuwaiti sheikh puts $200m hotel portfolio on the market
The three hotels, owned by the Sheikh’s Dubai-based Action Hotels Group, include flagship property the Novotel Melbourne South Wharf.
- Larry Schlesinger
Rooms with heart: Glam city hotels for you and your valentine
Infinity pools, edgy bars, fine dining, butler service, great views and soft furnishings: welcome to the best romantic stays in Australia’s big cities.
- Updated
- Fiona Carruthers
Salter Brothers swing to $50m loss on pandemic revenue plunge
Hotel revenues across six hotels owned and operated by Salter Brothers fell 24 per cent or $35 million last financial year, full-year accounts show.
- Larry Schlesinger
Stretched hoteliers hit the ground running during pandemic
A new batch of hotels is thriving during trying times by doubling down on the local market, creating escapist atmospheres and using unusual tactics.
- Sarah Firshein
Take a local holiday and save jobs, Tourism Minister pleads
Many regional areas have fared well, but the overall sector remains depressed nationally, prompting Tourism Australia to launch a $5 million ad blitz.
- Fiona Carruthers
January
Government flags more tourism support but not JobKeeper
Josh Frydenberg has flagged more sector-specific support for tourism but there will be no JobKeeper extension.
- Phillip Coorey
More jobs at risk in aviation without JobKeeper extension: Hrdlicka
Virgin Australia boss Jayne Hrdlicka told an inquiry that without support it would be ‘impossible for us to stand back up and support the country as it opens up’.
- Lucas Baird and Jenny Wiggins
$55b tourism hit forecast despite Australia reopening
Australia’s tourism industry is forecasting a $55 billion hit in 2020-21 as the country slowly reopens and Sydneysiders face a mixed bag of travel restrictions.
- Updated
- Finbar O'Mallon and Fiona Carruthers
Crown Sydney is a winner with locals, as inquiry prepares to report
Designed to attract high roller whales, Crown Sydney’s hotel has been open for almost a month. It’s in-house casino has been banned from opening, but the hotel is making a splash.
- Fiona Carruthers
Tourism bosses plead for certainty as borders come down
As Queensland and South Australia open their borders to Sydneysiders, the Morrison government has extended the suspension of quarantine-free travel from New Zealand.
- Andrew Tillett and Tom McIlroy
Thongs welcome: New gallery aims to show a party town can do culture
When the Home of the Arts (HOTA) opens in May, the Gold Coast will finally have a place to properly show its collection and to host international exhibitions.
- Mark Ludlow
Chinese investor picks up discounted Sydney Radisson
The 100-room hotel in Darling Harbour has been sold for $38 million, having been offered for sale for a price above $40 million.
- Larry Schlesinger
- Exclusive
- Australian recession
'More than devastating': One in five tourism businesses could fail
Prime Minister Scott Morrison won't extend JobKeeper payments for the tourism industry, warning 2021 will be tough for operators.
- Tom McIlroy and Fiona Carruthers
- Exclusive
- Coronavirus pandemic
Airlines want a say in reopening borders
Australia's on-again, off-again approach to borders, bubbles and passenger caps is affecting confidence not only in tourism, but also international aviation.
- Fiona Carruthers, Tom McIlroy and Lucas Baird
Border closures dent recovery after horror year for hotels
Sydney and Melbourne hotel revenues fell 60 per cent in 2020, but were heading in the right direction until the latest state border closures.
- Larry Schlesinger
