This Month
Dave Emerson emerges from consultancy-land for Virgin’s ASX redux
He’s “fair” and seems “nice enough”. Flight Centre’s Graham Turner reckons he’d “class him as an introvert”. But the former Bain consultant is about to go big.
The uber wealthy Dane waging a one-man war on loneliness
When Flying Tiger founder Lennart Lajboschitz sold his business for millions, it failed to make him happy. So he went in search of something that would.
Tourists flee as Mount Etna erupts in Sicily
The Italian volcano sent ash plumes thousands of metres into the air, but authorities said there was no danger to human life.
The Webjet plan that sparked a fight with big egos and big money
When a company’s five-year plan is more attractive to suitors than investors, the conditions are set for a delicious takeover battle. Webjet is one to watch.
May
Web Travel bookings surge defies industry slowdown
The hotel aggregator is still seeing strong demand, even in the difficult US market, helping its shares to rise sharply.
This CEO was given a 5pc chance of survival. That was 21 years ago
With his wife pregnant with their third child, YHA Australia chief Paul McGrath was diagnosed with a blood cancer. It taught him a lot about the power of the mind.
This CEO lives in Sydney, works in Melbourne. Lucky she runs Webjet
Katrina Barry sees the sudden takeover interest in Webjet as recognition of the potential at the $330 million ASX-listed company.
The luxury travel trend you probably haven’t considered
Train travel is nothing new. Maybe that’s why you should hop on board.
How the dance of the devil’s violinist came to define this city
Waltzing through 2025, Vienna celebrates 200 years since the birth of its musical genius, Johann Strauss.
Grollos put Mount Buller hotel stake up for sale
The developer of Victoria’s alpine regions plans to sell assets for the first time to a small investor. But it has plans that involve big investors, too.
Your next Airbnb could include a cooking class and personal trainer
The company is introducing hotel-like services, along with a new selection of local tours and classes, in a bid to take more business away from hotels.
United Airlines takes on Qantas with improved business class cabins
The world’s biggest carrier is moving into Qantas’ backyard with more flights and more cities, pinning its strategy on the ‘premiumisation’ of its business class.
The Middle East oasis where travel is safe and sublime
The Sultanate of Oman has plenty to offer travellers keen for a taste of the “real” Middle East.
Disney to open new Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi
Disney will open its first Middle East theme park on an island outside Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Tourists are shunning America. That’s great for Australia
With travellers increasingly looking for alternatives to the US, there is an opportunity for Down Under’s long-suffering tourism industry to pick up business.
April
Hotel price surge for Magic Round is a warning for Brisbane Olympics
The NRL’s Magic Round and even the Brisbane Truck Show trigger hotel room shortages in the city, and developers warn something needs to change fast.
Brisbane’s newest attraction has three infinity pools and killer views
The Star Brisbane launches its long-awaited Isoletto Pool Club, seven months after the hotel’s grand opening.
US economy to lose billions as foreign tourists stay away
Donald Trump’s hostile environment means Europeans are cancelling their holiday plans, Canadians are boycotting US goods and many countries have warned against travel to the US.
Ex-CBA business banking chiefs land at real estate group
Mario Saia and Andrew Hazell will establish a debt advisory arm under the HTL Group.
Vestey family puts ‘tariff-resistant’ winery on sale with $20m hopes
One of the UK’s wealthiest clans will exit a long-standing Australian investment portfolio – once it disposes of The Lane.