There’s never a dull moment in travel – or the travel industry – and it was no different in 2024. Bookended by earthquakes in Japan and Vanuatu, the year in travel was shaken further by the demise of multiple airlines, the launch of game-changing routes, and plenty of news about one destination, in particular, you just couldn’t get enough of.
Whether it’s the biggest news in aviation, the hottest cruise comebacks, or jaw-dropping destination updates that everyone’s still talking about, we’ve rounded up the top 24 stories that captured the magic of our industry this year. So, grab a coffee (or a cocktail) and take a trip down memory lane with our ultimate 2024 travel highlights.
#24. Bhutan announces masterplan for Gelephu Mindfulness City
Discover what the amazing project will look like.
#23. Bali set to (finally) drop visas for Australian travellers
Prompting a possible wave of Aussie visitors to Indonesia?
#22. First look at Qantas A330 revamp: High-tech seats, Bluetooth & more
Coming to select international flights.
#21. China Eastern launches first route between Victoria & sister state
The thrice-weekly service is forecast to boost tourism and trade.
#20. Global carrier pulls out of AU airport; sister airline halves Bali flights
The move comes just seven months after launching.
#19. Asia’s largest airline returns to South Australia after nearly 5 years
In a big boost to two-way tourism, China Southern returns to ADL.
#18. How visiting Bali just got easier for a whole lot of Aussie tourists
Good news for Bali-bound Australian travellers and the trade.
#17. Thai airline suspends its last remaining Australian service
Thai AirAsiaX‘s SYD-BKK route will end but it’s not all bad news.
#16. Get set for a Viking good time at agent & client Explorer Sessions
Coming to a capital city near you soon.
#15. Vietjet to expand Aussie network with new routes; where to next?
Vietjet currently operates 7 routes in 5 different states.
#14. Melbourne Airport welcomes largest hotel opening of 2024 in Australia
Comprises many MEL firsts including a health and wellbeing club.
#13. Australia’s largest year-round cruise ship to return after revamp
The Sydney-based ship is Singapore-bound for a makeover.
#12. SYD could welcome its only European airline by end of 2024
Carrier is keen to grow its Australian airport footprint beyond MEL.
#11. Qantas to launch new Africa route as first A380 flights take off to RSA
A significant expansion for QF in South Africa.
#10. Thai AirAsia X returns to Australia… with one big difference (and 2 benefits)
Why travellers will benefit more after the carrier’s return…
#9. Pay to play: Bali to apply new tourist tax on all visitors from next week
Aussies travelling to Bali will need to put a little extra cash aside.
#8. Countdown is on for AU’s newest largest cruise ship
And the biggest world cruise is coming along for the ride!
#7. Jetstar launches new Vic-Qld route today, the first for any airline
Want to swap the cold for the warmth? Or vice versa?
#6. Malaysia Airlines cancels 100+ Australian flights by end of 2024
Network cuts due to “operational difficulties”.
#5. New process set to shake up entry to Japan for Aussie travellers
A new Japan travel authorisation for visitors is coming.
#4. Indonesia introduces new Bali entry process for all Australians
Aussies now need to complete a health declaration.
#3. New route alert! Brisbane Airport gets new nonstop international destination
Australia & Palau will be linked with direct flights for the first time.
#2. Airline operates first nonstop Norway-Australia passenger flight
European carrier flew directly between Oslo and this capital city.
#1. Federal Government issues new Indonesia travel warning, including Bali
Bali-bound? Read this latest travel alert before you go.
