Virgin Australia has officially reentered the long-haul international market with the launch of its first ever Sydney to Doha flight today, a cornerstone of its strategic alliance with Qatar Airways, marking a “pivotal moment” for the airline and Australian travellers alike.

The decision to approve Qatar Airways’ partial purchase of Virgin Australia, made yesterday by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), has been welcomed by the travel trade, with travellers expected to reap the benefits.

Qatar Tourism is working hard to establish Qatar as a leading cruise destination, with a huge spike in cruise visitors in the 2024/25 season setting it firmly on the right path.

Qatar Airways’ DMC, Discover Qatar, has introduced an air tour that offers discerning travellers the opportunity to explore landscapes and landmarks from the comfort and convenience of a light aircraft.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced the highly anticipated opening of Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay. Close to the city centre and key attractions, the property epitomises modern luxury – offering elegant furnishings, a range of culinary options, a four-floor wellness experience and seamless, personalised service.

Last weekend’s Headline sponsor of CLIA Australasia’s Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney was Visit Qatar, a burgeoning destination for cruise visitors that late last year opened a state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Doha, in the weeks leading up to the World Cup.

MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfranceso Vago says Qatar will form a “very important destination” for the contemporary cruise line’s growth into new markets, confirming this season’s deployment from Doha is not a one-off to capitalise on World Cup demand.

Qatar Airways has resumed operation of its Airbus A380 on the Sydney-Doha service. The superjumbo returns in time to meet mounting travel demand in Australia, offering larger seat capacity as well as both First and Business Class for its premium cabins.

Chiva-Som has set an official opening date for Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar for later this month.

Emerald Cruises has confirmed plans to operate a series of week-long superyacht voyages in the Middle East between late January and April 2023.

Forward-thinking designer Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio (HAADS) has revealed details of a new doughnut-shaped “Eco-Floating Hotel” it plans to develop in Qatar.

GHM plans to open a new luxury resort in Qatar ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort will occupy a beachfront setting on a 100-hectare parcel of land in the Katara Cultural Village district in Qatar’s capital, Doha.