Turnaround story for motels, hospitality's Cinderella asset
But the boom in these city-fringe assets that started with the post-COVID surge in domestic tourism has taken a new turn, driven by travellers opting for shorter breaks, the rise of 'bleisure' – the blend of business and leisure travel – Instagram and influencer culture, and the rediscovery of nostalgic, retro-style motels.
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SBS Australia
18 hours ago
- SBS Australia
Fresh warning for Australian travellers amid 'deep concern' over Thailand-Cambodia clash
Australia is "deeply concerned" by escalating tensions across the Thai-Cambodian border, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, as she urged travellers to reconsider visiting certain areas. A Thai F-16 fighter jet has bombed targets in Cambodia, after artillery fire from both sides killed at least 11 civilians. "Australia is deeply concerned by escalating tensions across the Thai-Cambodian border, including reports of injuries and loss of life," Wong said on X on Friday. "We urge both sides to de-escalate and resolve border issues peacefully." Travel advice for Thailand and Cambodia As of Friday, Smartraveller advised Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the Thai border areas of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces near the Cambodian border due to armed conflict in the area. This includes "reports of military strikes, violence and landmines", the advice says. "Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to your personal security. Border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to be closed at short notice." Smartraveller continues to advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Thailand overall. In Cambodia, Australians are urged to reconsider travelling to the border areas of the northern and north-western provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, while exercising normal safety precautions overall. Border clashes: What we know so far Both countries accused each other of starting the clash early on Thursday, which quickly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling in at least six locations along the border. Thailand positioned six F-16 fighter jets in an uncommon combat deployment, one of which was mobilised to strike a Cambodian military target — among measures Cambodia's foreign ministry called "reckless and brutal military aggression". Thailand's military said the use of air power was to strike with precision. Thailand said there had been 12 fatalities in three Thai provinces, 11 of them civilians, including an eight-year-old boy. Authorities said 31 people were injured on Thursday. The number of Cambodian casualties was unclear. Thai people who fled clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers taking shelter in Surin province in north-eastern Thailand. Source: AAP / AP/Sunny Chittawil "We condemn this — using heavy weapons without a clear target, outside of conflict zones ... the use of force and did not adhere to international law," Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told reporters. "We remain committed to peaceful means and there should be discussions, but what happened was a provocation and we had to defend ourselves." In a letter to Pakistan, which currently holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the body to convene a meeting to stop what he called "unprovoked and premeditated military aggression" by Thailand in violation of international law. The two countries have been braced for conflict since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish, with troops reinforced on both sides of the border. The recent escalation — the worst fighting between the countries in 13 years — came after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia's envoy. This was in response to a second Thai soldier losing a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently by rival troops in the disputed area — an accusation Cambodia called baseless. A decades-long border dispute Thailand and Cambodia have for decades disputed the jurisdiction of several undemarcated points along their 817km land border. Ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the Preah Vihear have been central to the disputes. The clashes came after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia late on Wednesday and said it would expel Cambodia's envoy in Bangkok. Source: AAP / EPA/Kith Serey Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 but tensions escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site. That led to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths. In June, Cambodia said it had asked the ICJ to resolve its disputes with Thailand. However, Thailand says it has never recognised the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach. How other countries have responded In the region, the Philippines and Vietnam have called for restraint and China expressed willingness to help promote de-escalation. The United States, a long-time treaty ally of Thailand, called for an immediate end to hostilities. "We are ... gravely concerned by the escalating violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border, and deeply saddened by reports of harm to civilians," the US state department's deputy spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, told a regular news briefing. "The United States urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict." With additional reporting by the Reuters news agency.
Sky News AU
18 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Australians urged to cancel trips to Thailand and Cambodia amid growing conflict
Australians are advised to avoid travelling to Thailand and Cambodia as armed conflict between the two neighbouring countries intensifies along their shared border. On Thursday July 24, Smartraveller, the federal government's official travel advice website, issued a warning amid rising violence in the region. While the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not yet made a formal announcement, Smartraveller updated its guidance, warning that Australians should reconsider travel to the affected regions. The site flagged growing armed clashes and military interference in the border areas of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces near the Cambodia border. Their site also states: "There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand. Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket." "Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and passengers should arrive early for their flight. This follows the recent discovery of an explosive device near the airport. Thai authorities also defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga and made arrests," they added. The conflict resulted in at least 12 causalities including kids and flared just days ago when a Cambodian patrol unit reportedly crossed into disputed territory, sparking a skirmish with Thai forces. Since then, both sides have exchanged artillery fire, set up military outposts, and accused each other of aggression. Several villages near the border have been evacuated, with fears the situation could spiral into broader conflict. Australians currently in either country are being urged to avoid travel to the border zones, stay up to date through local media and follow the directions of local authorities. Smartraveller's warning highlights the unpredictable security environment and the possibility of further violence. Thousands of Australians are believed to be holidaying in Thailand and Cambodia currently. It is known that most tourist hubs remain calm, however, the uncertainty of the situation has raised alarm among travel operators and consular staff. Travellers are also being advised to register their travel plans via the Smartraveller website to receive the latest updates and to ensure consular support can be provided if needed. They are also advised to follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with local media for any updates. With DFAT yet to make a formal statement, concerns remain over how quickly the conflict could escalate. International observers have urged restraint, but tensions continue to build on both sides of the border.
The Advertiser
19 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Pack your bags: 1 in 3 Aussie bosses approve working holidays
As if you needed another excuse for a getaway! Picture: Shutterstock By Sarah Falson Updated July 25 2025 - 9:38am, first published 8:33am Despite big corporations, including Amazon, issuing strict work-from-office mandates at the start of 2025, a new survey has found one in three Aussie bosses are giving working holidays the green light. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area The survey of 1000 Australians by travel insurance company Insure&Go found almost half of workers had taken a working holiday and a third of bosses were OK with it. The findings point to a "workation" trend in which the lines between business and leisure are blurring, brought on by flexible workplaces reshaping how and where Australians choose to work. Insure&Go's commercial and marketing director, David Mayo, said employees were reaping the rewards of businesses reconsidering the benefits of working flexibly. But what happens if a mishap occurs while you are away? Do you need extra insurance to cover this? "Employees travelling with expensive laptops, phones and other essential tech should ensure they are protected, either through company insurance or a domestic travel policy," Mr Mayo said. "Travellers should check if their policy covers lost, stolen or damaged devices while working away." His other piece of advice was to tell the truth about your workation because "transparency is key". "With businesses shifting between remote and in-office models, many employers are open to flexible arrangements, but it's always best practice to ask first," he said. 'Frolleague' trips rising A similar trend was highlighted in Hilton's 2025 Trends Report which showed nearly one in five Australians were regularly holidaying with "frolleagues", friends who are also colleagues. That report showed Gen Z were leading the charge, with this age group twice as likely (almost 40 per cent) to be jetting off with colleagues. April research from the Australian HR Institute found office mandates were stabilising. Fewer Australian employers were tightening in-office requirements and most were opting to maintain existing hybrid models. A man relaxes on a beach in Indonesia with his laptop out. Picture: Unsplash/Johnny Africa "Australian employers have made it clear - hybrid work isn't going anywhere, despite recent reports that it's being scaled back," said AHRI CEO Sarah McCann-Bartlett. She said many employers were seeing hybrid working as "a key part of their talent strategy". "As we move forward, organisations that prioritise flexibility and the employee experience will be well positioned to thrive in a competitive job market," Ms McCann-Bartlett said. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
