Latest news with #JamesKavanagh
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
‘The new Tahiti': Cook Islands emerge as latest Aussie tourist hotspot and only a five hour flight from Sydney
If your ideal holiday includes warm tropical weather, relaxation and crystal clear water, then there is a new holiday destination that Aussies are adding to their wish list. Located about halfway between Australia and Hawaii is the Cook Islands, which Flight Centre Travel Group's leisure CEO James Kavanagh have deemed 'the new Tahiti'. Locals have described Rarotonga (the largest of the 15 islands that make up the nation) as 'what Hawaii was 50 years ago', while others say it's a great alternative to Bali and Fiji without the crowds. The Cook Islands have cemented their status as one of Australia's fastest-growing holiday escapes, with new figures showing leisure bookings to the Pacific paradise have soared 28 per cent in the first half of the year. Often touted as a more affordable, closer-to-home alternative to Tahiti, the island nation is luring couples, families and retirees with its blend of crystal-clear waters, soft-sand beaches and a laid-back pace that still offers plenty to do. 'We've seen a significant increase in Australians heading to the Cook Islands,' Mr Kavanagh said. 'It's the perfect destination, enough activities to keep the whole family busy, but quiet enough for couples looking for a restful retreat.' Jetstar is now capitalising on the surge in demand, announcing it will launch its first-ever direct Brisbane–Rarotonga route from May next year, joining its already sold-out Sydney service, which began in 2023. The new flights will cut travel time from up to 20 hours with layovers to just five hours, opening up the possibility of quick long-weekend getaways. From next year, Jetstar will operate four Sydney flights and three Brisbane flights weekly, offering a record 110,000 seats annually to and from the Cook Islands. Current sale fares start at $279 one-way from Sydney. While Rarotonga remains the top draw, many couples continue on to Aitutaki — a tiny island of just 1800 people and home to a lagoon often ranked among the world's most beautiful. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says tourism is 'the backbone' of the country's economy, accounting for about 75 per cent of GDP. 'We're always ready to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles,' he said. Australian flight search engine Webjet also reports a 7 per cent increase in searches and a 1 per cent rise in bookings since last year, underscoring the Cook Islands' rise as a rival to Bali, Fiji and Hawaii in the Aussie travel stakes.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Holiday hotspot bookings soar with new direct flights
If your ideal holiday includes warm tropical weather, relaxation and crystal clear water, then there is a new holiday destination that Aussies are adding to their wish list. Located about halfway between Australia and Hawaii is the Cook Islands, which Flight Centre Travel Group's leisure CEO James Kavanagh have deemed 'the new Tahiti'. Locals have described Rarotonga (the largest of the 15 islands that make up the nation) as 'what Hawaii was 50 years ago', while others say it's a great alternative to Bali and Fiji without the crowds. The Cook Islands have cemented their status as one of Australia's fastest-growing holiday escapes, with new figures showing leisure bookings to the Pacific paradise have soared 28 per cent in the first half of the year. Often touted as a more affordable, closer-to-home alternative to Tahiti, the island nation is luring couples, families and retirees with its blend of crystal-clear waters, soft-sand beaches and a laid-back pace that still offers plenty to do. 'We've seen a significant increase in Australians heading to the Cook Islands,' Mr Kavanagh said. 'It's the perfect destination, enough activities to keep the whole family busy, but quiet enough for couples looking for a restful retreat.' Jetstar is now capitalising on the surge in demand, announcing it will launch its first-ever direct Brisbane–Rarotonga route from May next year, joining its already sold-out Sydney service, which began in 2023. The new flights will cut travel time from up to 20 hours with layovers to just five hours, opening up the possibility of quick long-weekend getaways. From next year, Jetstar will operate four Sydney flights and three Brisbane flights weekly, offering a record 110,000 seats annually to and from the Cook Islands. Current sale fares start at $279 one-way from Sydney. While Rarotonga remains the top draw, many couples continue on to Aitutaki — a tiny island of just 1800 people and home to a lagoon often ranked among the world's most beautiful. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says tourism is 'the backbone' of the country's economy, accounting for about 75 per cent of GDP. 'We're always ready to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles,' he said. Australian flight search engine Webjet also reports a 7 per cent increase in searches and a 1 per cent rise in bookings since last year, underscoring the Cook Islands' rise as a rival to Bali, Fiji and Hawaii in the Aussie travel stakes.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Cook Islands emerge as new Aussie tourist hotspot five hours from Sydney, Brisbane
There is a new tropical destination Aussies are adding to their holiday lists. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, located about halfway between Australia and Hawaii, is the Cook Islands. Locals have described Rarotonga (the largest of the 15 islands that make up the nation) as 'what Hawaii was 50 years ago', while others say it's a great alternative to Bali and Fiji without the crowds. If you ask Flight Centre Travel Group's leisure CEO James Kavanagh, the Cook Islands is the new Tahiti. The travel giant's leisure bookings to the emerging holiday hotspot jumped 28 per cent in the first half of the year, compared to the same period a year ago. 'We've seen a significant increase in Australians heading to the Cook Islands, which is often described as a more wallet friendly, closer to home alternative to Tahiti,' Mr Kavanagh said. 'The Cook Islands is the perfect holiday destination that has enough activities to keep the whole family entertained, but is just quiet enough for couples seeking a slow and restful retreat.' Last week, Jetstar announced it would launch direct flights from Brisbane to Rarotonga for the first time next year. The announcement follows the huge success of Jetstar's Sydney route, which launched in 2023 and marked the first Aussie airline to fly direct to the island nation in more than 30 years. Even before the first direct flight took off, Jetstar added an extra service to its schedule due to high demand at the time. Prior to 2023, Aussies would have to fly to the Cook Islands via New Zealand. 'There's no doubt that with extra flights, we'll see even more Aussies – especially Queenslanders – taking advantage of better prices and better connectivity to the island,' Mr Kavanagh said. 'At the moment, with layovers, travellers heading from Brisbane to the Cook Islands are looking at spending anywhere from nine to 20 hours in transit. Now, it'll only take five hours — perfect for a weekend getaway.' Jetstar has seen the most interest from couples and families, but also older travellers. While Rarotonga is most popular for family holidays, couples often head on to the second-most populated island, Aitutaki, which is still only home to about 1800 people and about a 50-minute flight away. The peak period for Aussies heading to the Cook Islands is May to October, but the airline said it had seen strong forward bookings across all seasons. 'We've seen incredible demand for our Cook Islands flights since day one,' Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully told 'Warm weather, a quiet island vibe, great food and welcoming locals have made the Cook Islands one of Australia's favourite island escapes, with flights filling quickly since launch.' From May next year, there will be four weekly services from Sydney and three weekly services from Brisbane. There will be 110,000 seats each year to and from the Cook Islands, which will be Jetstar's highest-ever capacity to the destination. The cheapest fares currently on sale start at $279 for a one way flight from Sydney to Rarotonga. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said tourism was 'the backbone' of the nation's economy — about 75 per cent of the country's GDP. On announcement of the new direct Brisbane-Rarotonga flights, Mr Brown said Cook Islanders were 'always ready to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles'. 'The Cook Islands is the ultimate tropical island destination, renowned for some of the world's most incredible crystal-clear waters, with Aitutaki lagoon recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world,' he said. 'The people of the Cook Islands, their culture and the many activities on offer are a drawcard for Australians.' Australian flight engine Webjet told there had been a 7 per cent increase in searches for flights from Australia to the Cook Islands since February last year for travel this year, compared to the same period the year before. Actual bookings increased 1 per cent.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford's most enchanting walking routes to feature in new season of RTE show
Now in its 12th season, the four-part series pairs broadcaster and musician Doireann Ní Ghlacáin with familiar Irish faces to uncover some of the country's most scenic walking routes. In its Wexford feature, she's joined by James Kavanagh, a social media star, food entrepreneur, and travel enthusiast, for a journey through Tintern's historic trails, nestled beside the 800-year-old Tintern Abbey on the Hook Peninsula. There are five walking trails in total around Tintern for all to enjoy, ranging from just under 1 km up to 6.8 km. On their 4.5 km looped trail, Doireann and James who lives near Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny, pass through shaded woodlands, riverside tracks, and a walled garden in the historic Colclough Estate. Their walk concludes with sweeping views of Tintern Abbey, as they reflect on the quiet magic of the area. The episode weaves together natural beauty and local lore, set against Wexford's signature Sunny Southeast backdrop. It offers a compelling glimpse of a county known for its layered history, warm hospitality, and unforgettable landscapes. Robert Millar, Chair of Visit Wexford and Area General Manager for the Talbot Collection Wexford said: 'Tintern is one of Wexford's hidden gems — a place where history, nature, and serenity meet. To have it featured on a platform like Tracks & Trails is a fantastic moment for our county.' 'We're proud to see this special corner of Wexford showcased to a national audience, and we hope it sparks a sense of adventure in viewers to come, stay, and explore everything Wexford has to offer,' Mr Millar added. Tracks & Trails airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on RTÉ One, from May 9 to May 30. The Wexford episode will be broadcast on Friday, May 16 and also includes a visit to the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark in County Fermanagh, with Eurovision singer Brooke Scullion. To learn more about the Tintern Trails and plan your visit, go to
Irish Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Influencer James Kavanagh on life in Kilkenny: ‘I wanted a big house, the fantasy of a big house'
James Kavanagh and William Murray had been renting in Phibsboro, Dublin 7, for years when a TV show they co-presented, The Great Inspo Home Adventure, on Virgin Media , took them to every corner of the country. This exploration of the four corners of Ireland prompted them to broaden their home-hunting horizons. 'We had a very rigid list,' Kavanagh recalls. 'The show taught us that there is so much beauty in Ireland and that what we needed was a house we could live in for a while before starting a reno project.' The couple have been together for 11 years. During the Covid lockdowns, they spent long periods in Murray's native Currabinny, south of Ringaskiddy in coastal Co Cork. 'We both felt a bit stagnated,' Kavanagh recalls. 'We were renting. We wanted to decorate.' James grew up in a council house and wanted to make his mark on his first home. 'I wanted a big house, the fantasy of a big house.' READ MORE But the reality of the property market meant that they had to dowse their dreams in a dose of truth. Finding themselves priced out of Dublin and Cork, they realised their money would stretch further outside of these metropolises, and so they started looking for a three-bedroom home with a garden in a myriad of other locations. Then, the place in Kilkenny came up, says Murray. Up a boreen and at the top of a hill, the long cottage had a two-storey section at its centre, was set in a cross formation, and boasted views of the Blackstairs mountains. It belonged to poet Kerry Hardie, whose work is on the Leaving Cert curriculum, and her watercolourist husband Sean, who co-created Not the Nine O'Clock News, and bore all the hallmarks of a home owned by creatives. It had charm and charisma in spades. Murray had initial anxiety about being so far from the sea, but when he checked the distances, the house is about a 45-minute drive to the beaches of Hook Head or to Curracloe and 50 minutes to Tramore. 'We just lucked out,' they chorus. And they did. The place had great bones. It was light-filled and decorated with books and artworks. With large windows in every room, the place was washed in light. Surrounded by mature trees, lawns and a polytunnel, it was the synergy between inside and out that wooed them. Populated with bird life, including woodpeckers and goldfinches, 'the garden is what sold it', says Kavanagh. The vendors took the time to walk them through the one acre of grounds and even left them a booklet on how to maintain them. There were fruit trees, including apple and pear, as well as raspberries, and a polytunnel so that they could grow their own. They've cleared out the beds and have planted tomatoes and courgettes, as well as potatoes and carrots that they are beginning to serve at long lunches with friends. It cost €405,000 to buy, according to the register. The couple made a conscious decision to live in it for a while before doing any refurbishment or insulation upgrades. They plan to go back to the bank and borrow the additional money in the next 12 to 18 months. They're enjoying the space as it is, having decorated it with their books and objects they have been collecting for years. Out and proud fans of clutter, they admit that many of the purchases have lived in the basement of Kavanagh's brother's home. They also shoved pieces into the corners of their rental. After living in a landlord's house for so long, they say they are chomping at the bit to get started and continue to roam salvage yards and antique shops, picking up pieces. 'My instincts were to give everything a lick of paint and fill up any holes in walls,' says Murray, but Kavanagh wouldn't let him do anything. 'His approach was that when we do the works, we do everything at once.' So, for now, they're relishing the serene atmosphere they've inherited as they add their own touches to the place. 'We want to lean into the fact that we're hoarders and are into the cottagecore look, big squishy sofas, colour-drenched rooms, and lovely wallpapers, including stripes in the sittingroom,' says Kavanagh. They're also hankering after wide plank reclaimed timber flooring that they've spotted in Kilkenny Salvage, and have asked their friend Deirdre Fitzgerald of Studio Tandem to create mood boards to visualise it all. They've also made some practical changes, recently installing solar panels with battery storage but don't yet know what sort of electricity savings these will give. 'For now, the house heats up, but the warmth is gone in a second, so we just huddle in the sittingroom by the fire,' says Kavanagh. A new boiler and an air-to-water heat pump are also on the wish list. The work of Murray's mother, Breda Lynch, who died from Covid at a time when, as one of 12 siblings, not all of her family could attend the funeral. It is now displayed proudly on the wall of their new home. As they number crunch in advance of renegotiating their mortgage to try to fund the works, Kavanagh has become obsessed with framing all manner of mementoes, so pieces are hanging everywhere, including a catalogue of an art exhibition featuring the work of Murray's mother, Breda Lynch, who died from Covid at a time when, as one of 12 siblings, not all of her family could attend the funeral. It is now displayed proudly and feels like a sign of approval, a blessing, says Murray. They estimate the new works will cost in the region of €200,000, but hope to be eligible for some retrofitting grants to reduce that number. When they're not at their calculators, they're documenting their every move on their online series, The Simpler Life? on Instagram.
