THE NSW Government has announced a major investment in electric vehicle charging stations, a move the state believes will provide a major boost to regional tourism over the next four years.

The grants totalling $20 million will be offered in amounts of $2,000 through to $40,000, with an expanding electric vehicle network enabling Aussies to leverage a growing demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, added that a series of electric vehicle tourist drives would also be developed across the state to promote more travel across regional NSW following the rollout of the EV chargers.

“This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by COVID, bushfires and floods,” he said.

The grants will be co-funded in partnership with eligible NSW businesses who can benefit from an expanding charging network, with businesses encouraged to apply for grants HERE.

NSW said it was aiming to increase electric vehicle sales to 52% of all new car sales by 2030-31, with broader funding to inject $131 million towards manufacturing ultra-fast charging infrastructure and a $20 million investment in charging in commuter car parks.

The news follows moves by major car rental companies to migrate their fleets across to electric vehicles, including Hertz, which announced a major partnership with Sweden-based electric vehicle maker Polestar last month (TD 06 Apr), purchasing up to 65,000 electric vehicles over the next five years, as well as the NRMA opting to represent electric vehicles for the German SIXT brand in Australia (TD 02 Dec 2021).

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THIS month’s gun issue of travelBulletin has been released, featuring an array of travel analysis, industry roundups and expert opinion pieces.

The magazine’s cover story delves into how the entry of Bonza will affect the local aviation sector, consulting senior airline executives about how the sector can survive having four major players in what Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has characterised as “one of the world’s most competitive markets”.

Adam Bishop speaks with Bonza’s CEO Tim Jordan and Rex Airlines Deputy Chairman John Sharp to pick their brains about the future of aviation and commercial hurdles Australia faces, as well as what the upside is for challenger brands against market leader Qantas.

There’s also commentary from CATO and CLIA, our regular wrap-up of some of the biggest travel, cruising and tourism industry stories from the last month, and this month’s feature on mental health from Tim Hoopmann, as well as a special introduction to The Jackson, Sydney’s newest multi-million-dollar floating events venue.

The magazine is available for viewing and download now at travelbulletin.com.au.

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HOTELBEDS has inked a new strategic partnership with Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand, a deal which will encompass the hotelier’s Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Residences properties.

The agreement will see Hotelbed’s network of travel agents able to access to Minor’s 60 properties located throughout Australia and New Zealand, with the company’s New Zealand Group Director of Sales, Daniel Csortan, suggesting the timing of the tie-up was ideal as confidence in travel continues to grow in Australia and New Zealand, as well as globally.

“As confidence in corporate and leisure travel continues to increase, it will be invaluable to have access to their high-value distribution channels to reach a broader market of travel buyers,” Csortan said.

Hotelbeds is a bedbank that provides over 300,000 hotel properties internationally, providing segments such as travel agents with a wide range of travel products, including rooms and booking experiences.

The news comes as Hotelbeds ceased trading in Russia and Belarus last month due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

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VIRGIN Voyages is set to call Australia home, with its third ship, Resilient Lady, to be based at Station Pier in Port Melbourne from 2023 (TD breaking news).

Resilient Lady will first make her way to Australia on a 44-night trans-continental voyage from Athens to Sydney, which was originally made public earlier this year (TD 28 Feb).

She will then travel to destinations across Australia, including Hobart, Burnie, and Sydney, as well as New Zealand, on cruises ranging from two to 14 nights in duration.

Resilient Lady will be in Australia from Dec 2023 to Mar 2024, with reservations now open alongside a launch sale of up to 30% off voyage fares.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson described the Aussie debut as an exciting milestone for the brand.

“Australia has a very special place in my heart,” he said.

“For more than 50 years, Virgin companies have been innovating and making industries better for our customers.

“Virgin Voyages is very much charting its own path, offering a fresh perspective on cruise travel with all the elements of the Virgin experience that people love.”

The announcement coincides with Virgin’s First Mates Roadshow, which this month is touring major Aussie cities.

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