The Week in Focus: Tragedy in Phuket
Along with the rest of the industry, Travel Today was shocked and saddened at the senseless death this week of Perth travel agent Michelle Smith.
It is almost impossible to comprehend and our thoughts are with her friends and family. Sympathy should also be extended to Michelle’s colleagues on the famil and to Asia Escape Holidays, who were hosting the agents.
Attention will now inevitably switch (indeed, it has already done so), from the tragic event itself to whether Phuket has suddenly become a lawless, dangerous place, best avoided for fear of a repeat.
Assuming the department of foreign affairs does not have information to the contrary – and there is no reason to suggest it does – the answer to this question is a resounding no.
In the hours after news emerged of Michelle’s murder – let’s call it what it is – agents were contacting the Australian Federation of Travel Agents seeking advice on cancellation policies to Phuket. Some firms even waived fees for those wishing to alter their travel plans. I find that troubling.
As terrible as this incident is, Phuket, and Kata, has not suddenly become beset with violence and a risk for tourists. People will point to reports of another stabbing the same night while a third tourist has come forward to say she was robbed last November. That’s eight months ago. I just don’t buy the predictable knee jerk conclusion that Phuket is now dangerous, not even remotely so.
Michelle’s tragic death is a rare occurrence which of course is of no consolation whatsoever to her family, friends and colleagues. Nevertheless, an unusual incident is what it appears to have been.
While Australia is far from a crime-ridden nation, dreadful attacks, beatings and stabbings occur here.
But if you were to hear on the news tonight of a random stabbing in Melbourne or Perth, would you cancel plans to visit the city and travel elsewhere? It is bordering on the preposterous to suggest you would.
Would agents contact AFTA seeking advice on whether it was safe to travel and whether cancellation policies were in place? Again, absolutely not.
So why do people react so differently when something of this nature occurs in a foreign land? Is it because they have limited knowledge of the destination? The culture is different? The language? The simple fact that it isn’t home?
Whatever the reason, it is illogical.
The image of Phuket has been damaged, that much is obvious. But let’s get things into perspective before we hysterically question the safety and security of Phuket which welcomes countless tourists from around the world who leave with nothing but fond memories.
Be angry at what happened, be angry at the cowardly perpetrators who stabbed a 60-year-old mother of three, and grieve for Michelle and her family. But don’t persecute Thailand and Phuket in the false belief it has suddenly descended from a holiday haven to a destination best avoided.
Departure tax success – of sorts
Some tourism businesses may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Despite a high profile industry-wide campaign, the departure tax will rise by $8 on July 1.
Yet tourism lobby groups and associations are celebrating. Why? Because Labor dropped plans to index the Passenger Movement Charge to the rate of inflation. And not only that, tourism will receive an additional $40 million.
Flight Centre, which partially funded newspaper adverts objecting to the PMC increase, described the outcome as “moderately positive”. In some respects it is right. Ultimately the industry failed in what was always going to be a tough ask – to block the $8 increase.
But there is a bigger picture here. The tourism industry has traditionally been fractious, with groups and associations rarely seeing eye to eye. What this anti-tax campaign has demonstrated is that the industry can, when it puts its mind to it, present a cohesive voice and make a difference.
There is a huge opportunity now to continue that united approach. History tells us it will also be a challenge.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
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.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
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.