AS THE long weekend has begun, debates around changing the date of Australia Day have returned into public consciousness.
There was a time when businesses would stay out of such politically charged matters, and while many are still cautious of getting involved, operators like Intrepid have changed their policies to reflect Australia’s cultural climate.
I spoke with Managing Director Brett Mitchell about this very issue this week, as the tour company is again offering its teams the option of swapping out the public holiday with another day.
“For us, we understood these are very small decisions that we can make as a business, but ultimately it promotes an inclusive environment, by having no judgement and allowing people respectfully to make their decision,” Mitchell told Travel Daily.
“It upholds what we stand for, which is respecting that there are diverse views and perspectives, particularly on our reconciliation journey as well.”
It’s a move that other major businesses have implemented in recent years, such as Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Canva, Ernst & Young, and ANZ.
While Mitchell declined to comment on other business’ decisions, he did offer some advice for those looking for ways to support Indigenous communities.
For example, Intrepid currently works with First Nations operators on 70% of its trips in Australia, but that will increase to 100% within the next three years.
“All businesses are different with a different maturity cycle, it’s not that one way is the best way. It’s about understanding your own personal journey as a business,” he said.
“There are a lot of great resources and businesses out there to collaborate with, so put your hand up and ask for advice.”
Meanwhile, it’s been a big week for travel news and the Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly teams sent out several bangin’ breakers.
Yesterday, Virtuoso added the launch of an ultra high net worth business division, designed to grow the company’s collaborations with like-minded brands across categories such as jewellery, fashion, food and beyond. The new division will be led by General Manager Shelbey Donley.
We also published a breaker on the Federal Government acquiring $50 million of Rex’s debt from the carrier’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings.
It seems that there are some stakeholders who have shared rather negative opinions about the latest move, but ATIA’s Dean Long weighed in on the importance of Rex’s survival.
“We need a third airline, and if Rex is allowed to fail, the reality is that even if another airline decides to enter this market, it will take so much longer for them to come into play,” Long said. “That’s a delay that would hit regional and rural Australia hard, as well as the hip pocket of Australian travellers.”
“Allowing the company to continue means there’s also an increased likelihood that our members, the travel businesses who are owed money as a result of having sold Rex tickets, are more likely to get at least some of their money back.”
Meanwhile, Cruise Weekly Editor Myles Stedman reported the news of Celebrity’s sixth Excel-class ship, Xcel 2, which will include innovations such as the Magic Carpet and the Infinite Veranda staterooms.
My colleague Travel Daily Editor Adam Bishop was in Melbourne with Journey Beyond in the middle of the week, where the rail operator announced the addition of luxury safari resort, Monarto Safari Park. The 78-room premium hotel will offer exclusive access to animal encounters, and eventually a 20-tent luxury safari lodge.
Journey Beyond also unveiled new Platinum suites that will be available on three of its rail services, starting with The Ghan from April 2026.
In other news, as part of an overhaul of its loyalty program, Qantas Frequent Flyers will now need up to 20% more points for Classic Upgrades and Classic Reward seats on domestic and international flights.
The points required for a Classic Rewards return trip from Sydney to London, for instance, will jump by 15% from 110,400 to 127,000, while a Sydney to Melbourne business class reward seat will cost 19,300 points plus $76, up from 18,400 points and $55.
The Queensland Government also ran an event in Longreach this week with 70 industry and community stakeholders in an effort to help create a new 20-year tourism plan.
‘Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future’ is a road map for the state’s tourism industry and aims to grow visitation, boost global appeal, attract investment, support jobs and accelerate infrastructure and experiences.
Phew! What a killer week of travel news. Same time, same place next week?
PS. Before I head off, just a little nudge to sign up for Travel Daily’s new virtual event, Home-Ex, which is aimed at home-based travel agents and will go live on 10 March.
The whole industry is invited to attend and the program will be jam-packed with great speakers, from travel legend Wendy Wu and Helloworld’s Cinzia Burnes to TravelManagers GM Michael Gazal, itravel CEO Steve Labroski and plenty more.
