Guy Dundas
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Articles by Guy Dundas
Travellers spending plethorically for money-can-buy experiences
Australian travellers aren’t holding back when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, willing to pay whatever it takes in order to personalise an experience to suit their needs.
Orient Express appoints Thiriet as new CEO
LVMH Hotel Management’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Communication for Cheval Blanc, Amélie Thiriet, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Orient Express. Thiriet takes over from Gilda Perez-Alvarado who served as CEO from January 2024 to September 2026, while also acting as Accor’s Chief Strategy Officer. Thiriet has been with LVMH for nearly six years and was most recently Head of Marketing & Communication for the company for close to 2.5 years.
Mandarin Oriental introduces The Mayfair Countryside Edit
Mandarin Oriental has introduced a new experience, pairing a two-night stay at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London with a three-night stay at Mandarin Oriental Excepetional Home, Cirencester Estate in the Cotswolds.
Australia's first Viking Godparents make it official in Amsterdam
Two Australian luxury travel experts, representing thousands of front-line travel advisors and the wider trade community, officially named two Viking river ships at a waterfront ceremony at Cruise Port Amsterdam yesterday. Danielle Galloway of Flight Centre Travel Group and Michael Londregan of Virtuoso were among seven leading travel partner authorities from across the globe who were bestowed with the honour of christening new Viking ships that will sail the rivers of Europe and Egypt.
Viking doubles its river ship fleet goal to 200 vessels
The addition of seven new ships to the river cruise fleet of Viking brings the Norwegian cruise line within two ship of a milestone 100 vessels, and time to evaluate its next goal. In 2026, Viking will take delivery of 10 river ships, and following yesterday’s Christening Ceremony, brings the current tally to 98. Viking’s river fleet is primarily spread across Europe, but also extends to Egypt, the U.S., Vietnam, Cambodia and India.
Viking considers growth opportunities beyond the water
Viking‘s leadership duo of Leah Talactac, President and CEO, and Torstein Hagen, Founder and Executive Chairman, have flagged that the river, ocean and expedition cruise operator is mulling options beyond water in terms of potential expansion.
Viking prepared for river levels "to get worse," says Hagen
With a river cruise fleet burgeoning on 100 ships, Viking says its scale in European waters, in part, enables the brand to “prepared for it to get worse” should historical low water levels on the Danube and Rhine continue, or re-occur in future years.
Viking's Australian Godparents on the canals of Amsterdam
Viking’s first Australian travel trade Godparents will name their respective ships at a special ceremony in Amsterdam later today (Thursday 15 October 2026). Danielle Galloway from Flight Centre Travel Group and Michael Londregan from Virtuoso are in the Dutch city this week ahead of a highly-anticipated event which will see them and five other trade digninatries from around the world, officially name ships at the Viking Cruise Terminal in Amsterdam.
Savenio's MD can't get enough of luxury cruising, and working
After 44 years in the travel industry, Savenio Managing Director David Brandon isn’t just running one of Australia’s expanding luxury travel advisor networks – he’s still personally selling travel. Combining his role as Owner and MD, while managing his own portfolio of high-end luxury travel clients, Brandon writes over $2 million in travel sales annually. For him, remaining a working travel advisor is an important part of how he leads Savenio.
Savenio eyes $100 million in travel sales for FY2027
Savenio has reported its members generated approximately $87 million in annual travel sales for Financial Year 2026, and expects that figure to break through the $100 million mark in FY 2027. Within that figure, the growing agency also generated around $36 million in annual air sales. The group’s financial results were released in conjunction with the 2026 Savenio Symposium, hosted in Queenstown, New Zealand for the first time overseas this weekend.
Lufthansa Group steps up Japan frequencies to 50 per week
Lufthansa Group is significantly amplying its services to Japan for the northern summer 2027, flying up to 50 times per week and positioning the group as a leading European airline group for the market. Lufthansa is resuming its direct connection from Frankfurt to Nagoya and adding a daily flight to Tokyo-Narita to its Tokyo network. SWISS is also increasing its capacity and offering more flights.
Waldorf Astoria's first partnership with OSKIA signed in London
Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch has named OSKIA, the award-winning British skincare brand, as the hotel and residences’ exclusive spa skincare and treatment partner when it opens later this year. Wellbeing is an integral part of the guest experience at Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, shaped by the hotel’s distinctive sense of place and commitment to considered British craftsmanship.
Qatar Airways' new Chief Customer Officer previews elevated dining
Qatar Airways offered a sneak-preview of its early 2027 premium food and beverage offering at an event in Sydney yesterday. The event was overseen by Qatar Airways’ recently appointed Chief Customer Officer, Callum Laming (below), who will officially commence in the role on 1 November. Laming most recently held the same role at British Airways, from 2022 until earlier this year.
Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards winners revealed
Condé Nast Traveller has named Seabourn and Viking as dual award winners in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, revealed overnight. The 29th edition of the annual event is based on votes from UK readers. The consumer-facing publication has six award categories; River, Expedition, Small ships (less than 500 passengers), Medium ships (between 500 and 2,499 passengers) Large ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers) and Mega ships (more than 4,000 passengers).
Complimentary night in Mallorca with Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons Yachts has released a short-life promo, offering a complimentary night at the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, when booking one of two seven-night Mediterranean voyages departing this month. Guests reserving either of The Rivieras featuring Portoferrario & Saint-Tropez on 18 October, or The Rivieras featuring Nice & Valencia on 25 October, will be entitled to the free night on either 25 October (post voyage) or 24 October (pre voyage).
New Quark trade incentive for Essential Patagonia expedition
Quark Expeditions is offering travel advisors in Australia and New Zealand an opportunity to earn a cabin on its Essential Patagonia itinerary during the months of October and November. Departing Buenos Aires on 20 March 2027 aboard Ultramarine, the 15-day Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine voyage offers encounters with wildlife such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and seabirds, while retracing Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel.
Windstar Cruises dependent on travel advisor advocacy
Travel advisors are the lifeblood of Windstar Cruises‘ business from Australia and New Zealand, says the cruise company’s Managing Director of Global Commercial, Helen Beck. In Sydney last month, Beck used one word to describe her view of the travel trade down under; “critical”. With 26 years and counting working with luxury cruise brands, Beck said “I know everyone says that.” “We’ve been around a long time, but we’re not all that well known in every market.
Fora launches to the travel trade in the United Kingdom
U.S. independent contracting travel network Fora has officially debuted in the U.K., the businesses’ third international market following its entry into Canada and Mexico in 2025. The launch coincides with Fora’s recent ABTA and ATOL certifications, and builds on the U.K. advisor community Fora established since opening its first international chapter in London in 2024.
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Hilton has transitioned the first of two of its top-end luxury hotel brands in Mexico to an all-inclusive experience model. Effective 1 October, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya have been positioned within Hilton’s growing All-Inclusive portfolio.
Virgin Galactic seat prices soar by US$200,000 in latest release
Virgin Galactic has quietly bumped up the cost to fly to space on one of its spaceships to eye-watering US$850,000 per seat. That’s around AU$1.22 million. Or, think of it as around AU$4,000 per second for the five minutes of zero gravity experienced by Virgin Galactic’s Astronauts when they’re in orbit. Or US$340,000 (AU$490k) per hour, if taking into account the full journey time from lift off, spaceflight, and return to earth (at 2.5 hours).
Virtuoso spotlights 2027 ANZ Luxe Report with Advisor Appreciation event
Virtuoso welcomed some of its top advisor community from Australia for a first-of-its-kind exclusive event yesterday, recognising the expertise behind its network and the research influencing the year ahead. The 2027 Virtuoso Luxe Report: Australia & New Zealand took centre stage. The report draws on survey responses from more than 3,100 professional advisors in over 50 countries, including more than 400 from Australia and New Zealand.
Jenny Piper commemorated with 'Industry Icon' cruise award in her name
Signature Luxury Travel & Style, the consumer facing print magazine and sister-title of travel trade digital titles Travel Daily, Cruise Weekly (and LATTE) has commemorated the late Jenny Piper, publisher and founder of Cruise Weekly, with the creation of a new award accolade in her name. The Jenny Piper Memorial Industry Icon Award.
Antarctica is hot for affluent Antipodeans, Japan rising: Virtuoso data
Antarctica continues to hold its place as the top cruise destination for affluent Aussie and Kiwi travellers who booked their 2027 travel through a Virtuoso member agency, the luxury network has confirmed. “Everybody is heading there,” Misty Belles, Virtuoso’s Vice President of Global Public Relations said of Antarctica at a media event in Sydney today.
Crystal unveils 2027 pre/post-cruise Extensions by A&K
Crystal has officially launched its 2027 pre- and post-cruise extensions, curated by sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, which can be paired seamlessly with voyages, LATTE can reveal. Twenty-one exclusive land excursions are offered to destinations including Machu Picchu, Auckland, Uluru, Angkor Wat, The Great Wall of China and Hakone.
2026 Luxury Cruise Awards winners
Signature Luxury Travel & Style‘s annual Luxury Cruise Awards, supported by global luxury travel network, Virtuoso, have revealed the leading international cruise operators for 2026, as voted by a distinguished panel of locally based cruise aficionados, travel advisors and trade experts.
Serras Sevilla opens at the foot of world's largest Gothic cathedral
Serras Sevilla opened earlier this month as the third hotel under the Serras Collection umbrella and a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. The property occupies one of the city’s most coveted locations at the foot of the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accor rolls-out next generation conversation AI companion
Following a successful pilot phase, Accor says it has become the first hospitality group to roll-out a fully conversational AI companion. In a move the hotel group describes itself as “pioneering the next era of personalised hospitality,” the full launch of “ALL Concierge” builds on learning from more than 1 million guest conversations had during a 12-month trail period.
Desert & Delta Safaris common-rated pricing a hook for Aussies
A unique common-rated pricing structure across its 10 camps and lodges, has proven a catalyst for the success of Desert & Delta Safaris in the Australian market, the Botswanan travel company says. Headquartered in northern Botswana, Desert & Delta Safaris (DDS) has been in business for 44 years, and made a greater play at the Australian market in 2019.
Arsenale appoints CEO of Hospitality Business unit
Italian company Arsenale Group has appointed Fabrizio Gaggio as Chief Executive Officer of its new Hospitality Business Unit. Arsenale is the multi-brand firm that develops luxury hospitality assets, including Orient Express’ La Dolce Vita train which launched last year, La Minerva hotel in Rome and Orient Express Venezia, which welcomed guests from April 2026. Gaggio has over three decades of experience in high-end hospitality and asset management.
Traveller Made draws >70% new agencies to Sardinia event
Luxury travel community Traveller Made remains intent on introducing new agencies to partner suppliers at its triple-pronged annual ‘Essence of Luxury’ travel shows. Now in its second year offering three regional conferences, the vision has meant more Traveller Made members (known as either members of Serandipians or Takumians) are meeting closer to home, rather than an en masse gathering in Marbella, Spain, where the group met in May until 2024.
Quark 'unapologetically polar-only', says President Seward
With a tagline of “Polar-Obsessed Since 1991”, Quark Expeditions‘ makes it abundandtly clear where its niche lies in the cruising segment. And that strapline is backed up by Sam Seward, President of the company for 20 months, who says: “This is what we do. We just do polar.
Keel-laying ceremony for Four Seasons II
Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner and Operator of Four Seasons Yachts, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, hosted a celebration at the Ancona shipyard yesterday for the keel-laying of Four Seasons II, the second ultra-luxury vessel for the company. The occasion officially marks the start of the ship’s construction work in the dry dock. The first blocks of Four Seasons II at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy.
Explora Journeys opens 2027 F1 Monaco bookings
Explora Journeys has this week opened reseravations for its suite-only stays and suites with 3-day Grandstand access aboard EXPLORA 1 to the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2027. Suites with 3-day Paddock Club hospitality will also be released soon, offering guests an additional opportunity to experience the race weekend with access to gourmet dining, pit lane walks and appearances by Formula 1 legends.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht expands APAC Res Team headcount
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has welcomed four new recruits to its Asia Pacific team, as the ultra-luxury yacht operator anchors its Australian presence and expands its Reservations team. The four new additions include Wanda Ferrand who had previously been with Explora Journeys since that luxury cruise brand established its Australian office four years ago. Ferrand joins The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as Reservation Manager, the brand’s first such dedicated APAC position.
Tauck veteran homes in on river niche with AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has signed Steve Spivak, long-standing Tauck senior executive, as Chief Commercial Officer, starting 30 September 2026. Spivak, well-known to the Australian industry during his missions down under, will be tasked to lead AmaWaterways’ Sales, Global Service & Reservations, and Revenue Management teams. Spivak was most recently Vice President, Global Sales and Customer Experience at Tauck, a title he held for four of the past 14 years.
More MICHELIN Guide Keys opening doors down under
The MICHELIN Guide has introduced 22 new Key hotels across Australia in the just announced 2026 Global MICHELIN Keys Selection, concurrently elevating two Luxury Lodges of Australia properties to its highest ranking of Three Keys.
Golden Eagle returns to China with brand new hardware
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has returned to China this month following a seven-year hiatus, with a new journey commencing for the first time earlier this week. The tourist rail operator has marked its relaunch with the introduction of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, a brand new train that “will redefine luxury rail travel across China and the historic Silk Road,” says the company. “For many of our guests, China has long been one of the most anticipated destinations in our portfolio.
VisitBritian's mission to lure affluent travellers beyond London
London’s thriving luxury accommodation offering isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The United Kingdom’s capital city certainly isn’t lagging options for high-net-worth travellers, with entrenched options including The Peninsula London, The Lanesborough, The Berkeley, The Connaught, Claridge’s, 45 Park Lane, The Ritz London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Cadogan, The Beaumont Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel – a Rocco Forte Hotel, The Dorchester, The Savoy and The Goring, the list goes on and on.
La Collection expands Paspaley partnership with two hotels
Luxury travel representation firm La Collection has extended its partnership with Paspaley (through Pearl Expeditions), to encompass both The Wall Street Hotel in New York City and Pinctada Hotel Broome, in Western Australia. Each property expresses a distinct sense of place and the standards that define the Paspaley name. Opened in 2022, The Wall Street Hotel is located in Lower Manhattan pairs the history of its storied address with the Australian heritage of its owners, the Paspaley family.
Swan Hellenic to establish Australian office to support growth
Swan Hellenic is making a significant play in the Australian cruise segment, this week taking the keys to a new office in one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, as it lays down roots. LATTE can reveal the six-year old cultural expedition cruise company will open its first southern hemisphere outpost in Rose Bay, in response to strong growth from the local market.
Celebrity River Cruises’ first ship completes float out
Celebrity Cruises is celebrating the successful float out of Celebrity Compass, the first ship in the Celebrity River Cruises fleet. The milestone marks the completion of the vessel’s exterior construction and the first time the ship has touched water, bringing the brand one step closer to launching its premium river cruise experience in August 2027. The multi-day float out process began at Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 9 September.
Hyatt sunsets American Airlines alliance, aligns with Delta
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is switching allegance with its airline partners, dropping American Airlines to pursue a new partnership with Delta Air Lines. The new “long-term strategic loyalty collaboration” with Delta aims to “shape the future of loyalty by creating a connected, personalised and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members,” the airline said.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces summer 2028 Europe Season
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its summer 2028 European itineraries, comprising 52 voyages aboard Evrima and Ilma across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Sailing from late April through October 2028, the season takes guests from the lively coastlines of the Mediterranean to the dramatic fjords and rugged landscapes of Northern Europe, balancing days on board with immersive exploration ashore.
AmaMelodia unlocks the far corners of the Magdalena River
The first group of Australia and New Zealand trade partners and travel advisors to experience AmaWaterways‘ Colombia product have been lapping up the warmth of the first week of spring in South America, visiting remote towns and communities that flank the Magdalena River. Since departing Barranquilla, AmaMelodia has sailed south enroute to Mompox, a historic Colombian town and designated UNESCO Historic Site.
Viking releases a third Oberammergau journey for 2030
Viking has introduced an additional river itinerary for 2030 that will include the once-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play. The voyage includes preferred seating at the 43rd instalment of the Passion Play, plus time to explore historic Bavaria, and more. The aptly named Oberammergau, the Passion Play 11-day journey sails on the Danube, beginning in Budapest and visiting Vienna, Passau, Regensburg, two nights in Oberammergau (Germany) and wraps up with a two-night stay in Munich.
Free two-category suite upgrade with Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a Free 2-Category Suite Upgrade on select departures in 2027 when booked before 31 October 2026. The 2027 ‘Europe Edition’ promotion is valid up to penthouse suites (Category A), and also includes savings of between 15% and 20% off sailings and suite categories. The Free 2-Category Suite Upgrade is available on a choice of more than 30 luxurious Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages, with departures from 15 May to 28 November 2027.
Shangri-La unveils 'Taste of Shangri-La 2026' a global culinary festival
This October, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the signature flavours and culinary artistry that has shaped its global gastronomic identity with the launch of the “Taste of Shangri-La” festival, bringing together some of the brand’s most accomplished chefs and iconic dining destinations. “Taste of Shangri-La” invites food-lovers to discover specially curated menus across 11 hotels and 25 restaurants and bars globally.
Forbes Travel Guide elevates focus on its authority as a guide
Forbes Travel Guides‘ recent expansion through the introduction of ‘Debut’ and ‘Curated’ Collections is focused on elevating the businesses’ core basis of being an influential travel guide. Launched last month, the Debut collection showcases highly anticipated hotels and cruises before launch, while the Curated collection comprises luxury hotels and cruises in destinations where Forbes Travel Guide does not currently conduct its independent Star Ratings.
Breaking the ice: 5 myths about travelling to Antarctica
For some clients, Antarctica is a dream destination that they are waiting to finally visit one day, when they have magically saved up all their pennies and are near retirement. “Antarctica is not simply another destination to tick off a bucket list. It’s an emotional experience that stays with you long after you return home,” says Shontee Gillette from Chirn Park Travel.
AmaWaterways' inaugural ANZ famil on the Magdalena River sets sail
A group of Australian and New Zealand travel advisors, trade partners and their plus-ones have this week made history, becoming the maiden industry Antipodes to be hosted by AmaWaterways on its Magdalena River cruise program in Colombia, South America.
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