Latest news with #DeanLong
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australians are choosing to travel to Asia over the US. It's not because of Trump
Japan, China and Vietnam are fast becoming the top travel destinations for Australians, with fewer residents flying to the United States than before the pandemic. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last week, the number of Australian residents visiting Japan nearly doubled from about 484,000 in 2018-19 to more than 910,000 in 2024-25, making it the third most popular destination for Australian travellers, overtaking the US. While China, Vietnam and Indonesia also recorded continued growth, with the latter – attracting 1.7 million visitors – remaining Australia's most popular overseas destination, fewer than 750,000 Australian residents chose to travel to the US. That figure was up on 714,000 the previous financial year but remained lower than the nearly 1.1 million who travelled to the States in 2018-19, before the pandemic. Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long said that while US President Donald Trump had some dampening impact on Australian business travel to the US, there was little effect on visits for leisure. Loading 'It's not having as big an impact as we originally anticipated,' he said, noting instances of Australians being stopped at the US border were consistent with the pre-Trump era. 'There's definitely been some loss of business events, but in the leisure market, people still want to go do things they can only do in the US.' Long said the more popular Asian destinations were those where costs had not risen dramatically over the past few years, as well as those that had experienced favourable exchange rate movements.
The Age
3 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Australians are choosing to travel to Asia over the US. It's not because of Trump
Japan, China and Vietnam are fast becoming the top travel destinations for Australians, with fewer residents flying to the United States than before the pandemic. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last week, the number of Australian residents visiting Japan nearly doubled from about 484,000 in 2018-19 to more than 910,000 in 2024-25, making it the third most popular destination for Australian travellers, overtaking the US. While China, Vietnam and Indonesia also recorded continued growth, with the latter – attracting 1.7 million visitors – remaining Australia's most popular overseas destination, fewer than 750,000 Australian residents chose to travel to the US. That figure was up on 714,000 the previous financial year but remained lower than the nearly 1.1 million who travelled to the States in 2018-19, before the pandemic. Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long said that while US President Donald Trump had some dampening impact on Australian business travel to the US, there was little effect on visits for leisure. Loading 'It's not having as big an impact as we originally anticipated,' he said, noting instances of Australians being stopped at the US border were consistent with the pre-Trump era. 'There's definitely been some loss of business events, but in the leisure market, people still want to go do things they can only do in the US.' Long said the more popular Asian destinations were those where costs had not risen dramatically over the past few years, as well as those that had experienced favourable exchange rate movements.
Courier-Mail
26-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Earlier this year I boarded the beautiful Celestyal Journey for a voyage around the Arabian Gulf. Kicking off in Doha where we shopped the souqs, the seven-day Desert Days itinerary taking in the likes of Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi quickly became one of my favourite cruises of all time. Back in Sydney, I told everyone within earshot: with its warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes and glorious cuisine, the Arabian Gulf (aka the Persian Gulf) is going to be the hottest destination for cruising in 2025. Then the bombings began and now I'm reminded of the time I told my computer studies teacher back in the early '90s that computers were never really going to catch on so I didn't need to attend class, thank you. I'm devastated by what's going on in the Middle East, and humanity (or perhaps the lack of it) is my chief concern. I also can't help but wonder what it means for my travel plans. Looking at my inbox, I can see I'm far from alone, with countless emails from others panicking about upcoming trips to Europe (particularly those connecting via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi). Travellers due to travel to or transit through the Middle East have been warned of likely disruptions. We know that disruptions for flights anywhere near the region are significant and ongoing, with many airlines cancelling or rerouting flights, being forced to turn back or announcing long delays, and the situation is changing minute by minute. The Australian government, however, has issued a travel warning via Smartraveller advising that 'the security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region, as well as the potential for terrorist attacks.' So what does this mean for you? Resist that knee-jerk reaction to cancel your holiday, advises Dean Long, CEO of Australian Travel Industry Association. 'You may lose your right to a full refund or rebooking,' he says. 'If the airline cancels, you are entitled to those protections under Australian Consumer Law.' Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the major airports in the Middle East region. Airlines and ATIA-accredited travel agents are prioritising support for passengers flying in the next 72 hours and progressively contacting those whose flights are impacted, he adds. For anyone else who has had their flight plans changed, or can no longer travel, your best bet is to first contact your airline and accommodation providers to explore refunds or credit options, says Natalie Ball, managing director of Compare Travel Insurance. 'Given the current escalation, major airlines should offer cash refunds or flight credits if your flight is cancelled,' she says. 'Some accommodation providers may offer flexible cancellations or rescheduling options, but this will depend on the terms and conditions that apply to your booking.' Some flights to Dubai - the busiest airport in the Middle East - have been delayed and rerouted. No satisfaction? Your next step is to contact your insurer. Remember, too, that government warnings affect insurance coverage. 'Given that parts of the Middle East – including Israel – are now at a Level 4, ie 'do not travel', insurers generally can't offer cover for claims related to that destination. This includes cancellations, disruptions, or medical emergencies related to the conflict,' Ball adds. 'There's also the risk that those who travel against such warnings may face limited or no consular assistance during emergencies, so consider these factors carefully before making any travel decisions.' Stay in contact with your travel providers in the lead-up to your trip, and keep an eye on for updates on the latest advice on your intended destination. Originally published as Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
ABC News
24-06-2025
- ABC News
Passengers stranded as flights cancelled, delayed amid Israel-Iran war
Stranded passengers have faced chaos and uncertainty while waiting for flights, either delayed or cancelled, due to the Middle East conflict. Routes to major cities across the world have already been cut off, including in Qatar's capital of Doha along with Dubai. Dubai Airports said operations had resumed after a brief suspension but is warning of further delays and cancellations, while Qatar's civil aviation authority said it had also reopened its airspace. Meanwhile, travellers in the air, in transit and waiting to board long-haul flights have reached out to the ABC, desperate for clarity as conflicting information spreads online and in terminals. Some passengers reported being diverted mid-air, while others were stuck on the ground in limbo. By Tuesday afternoon, DFAT had not issued any updated advice since the airspace reopened. While the head of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) expected some flights to the gulf countries to be cancelled today, he said the worst thing travellers could do was cancel their own flights. "That means you limit the number of things that an airline can … provide in terms of refunds," CEO Dean Long said. "If [passengers] are flying out today or in the next 48 hours, they will be contacted by their travel agent or airline if their flight has been cancelled." Mr Long said the most important thing was for travellers to stay calm. He said if they hadn't been contacted by their agent or airline within the next 24 hours, they should try to get in touch themselves. "Be aware that their call centres are experiencing long delay times … we may not necessarily have the answer at this time," he said. Mr Long also said people should contact their travel agency about what sort of emergency accommodation is available to them. "If they are nervous, book an extra night's accommodation where you are to give you that certainly that you will have a place to stay, and most of the time, you will be able to claim that with your travel insurance." Compare Travel Insurance managing director Natalie Bell said passengers should also pay attention to Smartraveller and speak with their insurer about any concerns they have regarding their destination. "Stay in contact with your booking agent or travel provider and make sure you know what options are available to you. Insurers will also typically assess claims on a case-by-case basis, taking individual circumstances into account, so get in touch if you have any queries," she said. Conflicting reports about cancellations and delays left many passengers at airports unsure of what to believe. An Adelaide nurse stranded at Doha's Hamad International Airport said the experience had been "surreal" after an air-strike hit a US military base about 50 kilometres from the terminal. Amanda Tate had just wrapped up a conference in Italy and was preparing to fly home when the incident unfolded. "We started looking on the internet and seeing there had been some missiles launched. At that time we didn't know what had happened," she said. She found a quiet space in the airport and was huddled there with four others. "We're like family now," she said. She described a tense atmosphere, with many travellers afraid to leave the airport. She said there were long queues at airline counters and little information about what was happening, or when flights would resume. "He looked completely discombobulated. And another young girl was crying." Polly Robinson was en route to Adelaide when her journey was disrupted by a sudden airspace closure, reportedly linked to restrictions imposed by the Qatari government. Speaking to ABC News Breakfast from Hamad International Airport, she described the confusion and frustration felt by many passengers. "Everyone is literally sitting where they can find a spot and waiting for any of the announcements," she said. "I flew in from Dublin and my flight was on the ground for 40 minutes. I was going through security when it happened. No announcements. Nothing." She said travellers had received credit loaded onto their boarding passes but had heard nothing from airline staff. Damian Milverton, an Australian expat who travelled from Paris to Doha for work, was leading a workshop when Iranian rockets zipped overhead. "It was initially a very large sound and then everyone was like, 'What was that?' We did not immediately think, 'dive under tables, we are under attack'. It was more a case of bewilderment," he told ABC News Breakfast.
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- News.com.au
Why Aussie travellers should avoid cancelling flights independently
Aussie travellers flying to Europe via the Middle East have been urged not to cancel their flights as doing so may impact refund rights. It comes after Iran launched what it called its 'mighty and victorious' response to US air strikes on its nuclear sites, on Monday evening, local time. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said 'Operation Besharat al-Faith' saw missiles fired at the US' Al Udeid air base in Qatar. It is the US' largest air base in the region. The skies across Qatar's capital Doha – familiar to many Australians who fly through on the way to Europe – were streaked with antimissile interceptors and explosions. The State of Qatar closed the airspace but has since reopened it. Flights in and out, however, have been impacted as global airlines scramble to accommodate passengers. Hamad International Airport located to the east of the capital, Doha, is considered one of the best airports in the world. According to Flightradar24, it currently has 24 cancelled flights and 30 delayed flights. 'Don't cancel flights' The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) – the country's peak industry body – has since advised Australian travellers to remain informed about the situation in the Middle East and, 'most importantly, not to cancel their flights'. 'Travellers shouldn't panic or cancel unnecessarily,' ATIA CEO Dean Long said. 'The one thing we learned through Covid is don't cancel as it reduces the number of rights you have. Let the airline make that decision. This approach ensures your rights are protected and you get the support you need.' He told they're seeing growing concern from Australians scheduled to travel in the next 72 hours. 'This evolving situation is understandably causing increasing anxiety, especially for travellers transiting through the Middle East,' he said. 'The most important thing Australians can do right now is not cancel their flight independently. 'If your airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking. But if you cancel yourself, you could lose those rights entirely.' He said this applies across most airlines under Australian Consumer Law, although terms may vary based on your ticket and carrier. He explained that with 70 per cent of international air tickets in Australia booked through ATIA Accredited Travel Agents, 'our members are carrying the load, working around the clock to support affected travellers'. 'Your agent or the airline you booked with will contact you directly to advise what's happening and what your options are. That contact process starts with travellers scheduled to depart now and within the next 72 hours.' ATIA said airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Route planners Jo Lloyd, the global head at FCM – one of the world's largest travel management companies, has reassured travellers that air travel remains the safest form of transportation. She said this is largely thanks to a dedicated group of specialists who work tirelessly behind the scenes: the route planners. 'In the complex world of airline operations, route planners are the unsung heroes who combine art and science to chart the safest paths through ever-changing airspace conditions,' Ms Lloyd said. 'Their role, essential to everyday travel, becomes even more critical amid geopolitical tensions that may restrict certain airspaces or alter established routes.' She said people can remain confident in their journeys, thanks to the meticulous efforts of route planners who employ sophisticated technologies and data analytics. 'They use GPS systems, real-time data feeds, and artificial intelligence tools to craft routes that navigate potentially risky areas while maintaining travel efficiency. 'Their work is underpinned by a deep understanding of international airspace regulations and geopolitical developments.' 'Be patient' Mr Long added there are robust, methodical systems in place to manage these disruptions. 'It's critical that you don't make the decision to cancel without first speaking to your agent or airline. Please be patient and wait to be contacted especially if you're not travelling in the next couple of days as there's a tremendous amount of work to be done helping those immediately impacted.' Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin, Qatar Airways and Emirates have all felt the impacts with the carriers forced to cancel or reroute flights due to the changing nature of the situation, including the closure of airspaces. 'Travellers on Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are certainly feeling the impact more directly because those carriers operate out of hubs in the region. But concern extends to other airlines too,' Mr Leong said. 'With airspace closures and rerouted paths into Europe, delays and changes are affecting the broader network, not just the Middle East-based carriers.' Mr Leong said the key concerns they're hearing are around flight cancellations, rebooking difficulties, getting stranded mid-journey, and not knowing if they're entitled to a refund. 'That's why we're reinforcing this message: don't panic, don't cancel. Your accredited agent or airline will contact you if you're affected.' 'Making your own cancellation could void your refund rights.' ATIA has also advised travellers to monitor official travel advice, particularly via the Smartraveller website. The site is run by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and as of last week raised the advice level for Qatar to 'exercise a high degree of caution'. 'You will be contacted, your accredited travel agent or airline, will prioritise impacted travellers of delays and cancellations,' the statement continued. It asked travellers not to contact their travel agent or airline unless they are travelling in the next three days so that the needs of those travelling immediately could be accommodated as a priori 'There is an increased chance of delays so be prepared that you maybe spending some time airports as a result of schedule adjustments.' ATIA is the peak body representing Australia's $69 billion travel industry. It represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators and wholesalers.
