What do Kylie Minogue’s iconic gold hot pants,Australia’s first ever NFL game, world-premiere exhibitions and one of the country’s most ambitious new wellness destinations have in common? They’re all part of a wave of new experiences reinforcing why Melbourne and Victoria remains one of the world’s most dynamic visitor destinations. From major cultural moments and globally significant sporting spectacles to landmark hotel openings and transformative regional experiences, the state continues to evolve as fast as it’s epic sporting event calendar, giving travellers more reasons than ever to visit in 2026 and beyond.

Aer Lingus is accelerating the rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, as customers embrace the introduction of the free, innovative technology to stream, work and game onboard at 35,000 feet. Aer Lingus introduced Starlink on its first aircraft, Airbus A330 EI-EIN, back in March 2026, giving customers access to free, high-speed, low-latency internet in the air. Since then, the airline has continued its Starlink rollout and now all transatlantic flights to and from Shannon Airport are equipped with Starlink.

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is set to delight film fans and visitors to Venice with a series of theatrical experiences not to be missed during this year’s Venice Film Festival. From cinema under the stars on the hotel’s spectacular rooftop terrace to indulgent spa treatments, exclusive cocktails and star-worthy suites, the hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the glamour of festival season in true Venetian style. The following experiences will be available at the iconic historical hotel during the Venice Film Festival (2nd – 12th September 2026).

Expected to open by the end of 2029, the newly built hotel will feature 145 rooms, including 22 suites. The property will comprise two four-story buildings positioned around a central swimming pool, creating a relaxed resort environment designed for modern leisure travelers.

Zuma is thrilled to announce its debut in Niseko, launching as an exclusive seasonal pop-up this winter – with early reservations open from 14 August 2026. Marking the brand’s first opening in Japan, the launch represents a significant milestone in Zuma’s global journey and is especially meaningful given its Japanese heritage. Opening just ahead of Zuma’s 25th anniversary, the Niseko pop-up celebrates the brand’s continued evolution while bringing its internationally acclaimed contemporary izakaya experience to one of the world’s leading alpine destinations.

easyHotel, the great-value hotel brand has revealed its first-ever afternoon tea, swapping cucumber sandwiches and scones for sausage rolls, Party Rings and a proper cup of builders’ tea. Created to celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week, from 10 to 16 August, the playful British spread will be served free to guests staying at easyHotel London Shoreditch. But guests will need to be quick: only ten afternoon tea sets are available across the entire week, served between 12pm and 3pm on a first come, first served basis.

Located along the longest beach in Bintan, just an hour from Singapore, the resort enters its next chapter with a fuller expression of the Mövenpick experience, bringing together Swiss-inspired hospitality and the warmth of Indonesian island living.