A strong Australian dollar and fears of Middle East conflict are driving Australians to choose Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea over Europe. Airlines are offering discounted fares, and travel companies report booming bookings for Asia.
Hundreds of Australians lost millions after AVG Travels collapsed, prompting calls to reinstate a national consumer protection scheme. The company owes $4.3 million to nearly 800 creditors, with customers urging the government to overhaul travel sector safeguards.
Australian travellers are reporting cancellations and delays from AVG Travels, with many trips to China affected. The travel agency's membership with CATO has been suspended, and customers are seeking refunds from the company, which cites 'operational scheduling adjustments'.
As Australian travellers linked to the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak land back in Western Australia, we look at what we do and don't know about the virus.
