BUSHFIRES: Tourism Australia update, CLIA statement + more travel companies step up
Australia’s peak tourism body has urged the travel industry to continue to promote popular Australian destinations.
Amidst an ongoing fire crisis currently engulfing parts of the country, Tourism Australia says many of Australia’s most popular destinations have not been affected by bushfire.
These regions, according to the tourism body, need the travel industry’s support to “get people on planes”, and to boost bookings ahead of the coming year.
“Tourism Australia acknowledges the tough time many of you are facing at the moment, whether directly or indirectly impacted by this terrible bushfire season, and our thoughts and best wishes are with you,” the organisation said in an update.
“We are working to spread the message that the best way to help Australia’s tourism industry is to still visit, whilst at the same time providing factual information as to where the risk areas are at any given time. This as you know, can change from day to day.”
Since September, bushfires across Australia have killed at least 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes across multiple states. In New South Wales alone, around five million hectares of land have been lost so far, with more than a billion animals thought to have been killed as a result of out-of-control blazes, according to wildlife experts, according to ABC News.
In an effort to assure the industry that Australia remains well and truly open, Tourism Australia has created a bushfire information resource, fit with up-to-date information on popular tourism areas in Australia affected or unaffected by fires.
Among the destinations unaffected by bushfire, as detailed on Tourism Australia’s bushfire information page, are the Great Ocean Road, Hunter Valley, Whitsundays, Hobart and Launceston, the Margaret River, and Adelaide and its surrounds.
Cruise industry prepares for bushfire recovery
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia maintains that most Australian cruise destinations are unaffected by the fires, and confirmed all major cruise lines in the region are currently operating as scheduled.
To date, five cruise itineraries have had minor adjustments to avoid ports in areas that have been impacted by fire, CLIA said. While only two regional destinations have been affected, out of around 50 Australian ports, which are expected to be accessible again “soon”.
“Cruise lines have made clear they want to return to these ports as soon as possible to help support local businesses and assist in their recovery,” CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz said.
“Tourism is vital in these parts of Australia and the passion of local communities has made them popular destinations.”
The South Australian Tourism Commission has also commented on the situation on Kangaroo Island, where travel restrictions have been lifted, and advised it is in the process of creating a “three-phase” tourism recovery strategy.
“When it is safe and appropriate for us to travel to the island, we will sit down with industry leaders and tourism representatives to properly assess what help is needed first,” the commission said.
“We want to help the community get back on its feet as soon as possible in a tangible, practical and meaningful way.”
More travel companies step up to fundraise for fire relief
Wholesalers, tour operators and travel multinationals have rallied around the communities affected by bushfires across Australia, with some of the industry’s biggest players urging customers to donate.
The Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $600,000 for the Red Cross in support of those suffering from the devastating bushfires across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
“During this crisis, it is important for businesses and communities to dig deep and donate whatever they can to those that need it most,” Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said.
“So far the emergency appeal has raised a total of … $608,000, and we want to encourage everyone to continue to donate and give our fellow Australians some much needed support.”
Click HERE to donate.
On Friday, Ola announced that it would donate 100 per cent of its weekend profits from rides across Australia, in support of bushfire relief.
The rideshare company announced its funds would be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund, and RSPCA Australia’s National Bushfire Appeal.
Late last week, Carnival directors Lee Mason and Chloe Leddo pledged to plummet down the Green Lightning and Green Thunder waterslides dressed in ball gowns if guests could raise $5,000 in donations.
This came after news the cruise company had commited $350,000 to the Australian Red Cross, in support of communities affected by the bushfire crisis.
Before the week’s end, passengers onboard both Carnival Splendor and Carnival Spirit were able to raise $15,200.
If you would like to help with bushfire response and recovery, please consider donating to one or more of the following organisations:
Latest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.