Kate Webster

Brisbane

Publisher and Editor at Travel Monitor

Travel Journalist & Editor | Conservationist https://t.co/71JrTG1yLF https://t.co/5pZr0N4RZA https://t.co/yO85BA2EWJ

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Articles

Space Tourism takes off as all-female crew takes spaceflight

1 week ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Space tourism has taken a significant leap forward with Blue Origin’s recent launch of its first all-female crew, including pop star Katy Perry, aboard the New Shepard rocket. This milestone not only marks a historic moment in space exploration but also signals the increasing accessibility of space travel for civilians. On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas, carrying an all-female crew into suborbital space.
Fiji's Likuliku Lagoon Resort reopens after $7 mil makeover

1 week ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji is set to welcome guests back from 1 May 2025, following a FJD$10 million (AUD$7 million) revitalisation. The adults-only resort has introduced a range of enhancements, including a new dining concept, an immersive conservation hub, upgraded bures, and sustainability-focused infrastructure.The resort has unveiled Saluwaki, a 28-seat restaurant offering Fijian-inspired Asian tapas.
Bali travel risks rise as Aussie insurance claims spike

1 week ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Australians travelling to Bali are facing an uptick in unexpected incidents, with Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) reporting a significant rise in claims from the island. From cheeky monkey bites to scooter bag-snatches and a wave of gastroenteritis cases, the insurer has flagged some of the most unusual and costly issues affecting Aussie travellers. Claims related to Bali surged by 50 per cent year-on-year, now making up 16 per cent of all claims received by SCTI.
Virgin's overseas sale with return fares from $449

1 week ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Virgin Australia has launched a limited-time international sale, offering return Economy Lite fares from just $449 to some of the South Pacific and New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations. The ‘Pack Your Passport’ sale runs for two days only, from 14–16 April 2025, and includes up to 30 percent off flights to Bali, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Queenstown.
Michael Crawford appointed CEO of Baillie Lodges

1 week ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Baillie Lodges has announced the appointment of hospitality veteran Michael Crawford as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 May 2025. The leadership change signals a new chapter of strategic growth for the ultra-luxury lodge collection, which has expanded rapidly since partnering with KSL Capital Partners in 2019.
Cassowary Coast earns ECO Destination Certification

2 weeks ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

The Cassowary Coast has officially been recognised as an ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia, becoming the seventh certified destination in Queensland and the 14th across Australia to receive this prestigious title. Situated just south of Cairns in Far North Queensland, the Cassowary Coast is home to two World Heritage-listed natural wonders – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Fiji Airways launches direct flights from Cairns to Fiji

2 weeks ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Fiji Airways has officially touched down in Cairns for the first time, launching a direct, year-round service between Nadi and Tropical North Queensland. This milestone route, which commenced on 10 April 2025, offers the region its first non-stop connection to Fiji and unlocks faster one-stop travel to North America. The new service operates three times weekly aboard the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8, with a flight time of just over four hours.
Expedia Group finds sports tourism is booming globally

2 weeks ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

A new study by Expedia Group reveals that sports tourism is now a major driver of global travel, accounting for 10 percent of total tourism spending and forecast to reach USD1.3 trillion in 2025. With major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy and Los Angeles, the trend is gaining significant momentum.
Meet the voices behind Australia’s Aboriginal-guided experiences

2 weeks ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) has launched a compelling new video series, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from Aboriginal guides about their culture, connection to Country, and the stories they share with visitors. Titled the Storyteller series, these videos bring to life the authenticity and impact of Aboriginal-guided experiences around Australia.
Luxury travellers double down on sustainability

2 weeks ago | travelmonitor.com.au | Kate Webster

A new survey by global luxury travel network Virtuoso has revealed that sustainability has become a defining value for high-end travellers, with growing numbers taking meaningful steps to protect people and the planet as they explore the world. The March 2025 survey of Virtuoso clients found 68 percent reported recent world events have motivated them to travel more responsibly – a sharp rise from 55 percent in 2024.

Journalists covering the same region

James Hansen

Senior Tennis Editor at The Athletic

James Hansen primarily covers news in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and surrounding areas.

Emily Walker

Crime Reporter at Swindon Advertiser

Emily Walker primarily covers news in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, including areas around Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.