October International Travel Update

Global hotel rates expected to rise in 2027

Hotel rates are forecast to increase across many major business destinations next year as corporate travel and meetings demand remains resilient and inflation continues to put pressure on operating costs.

American Express Global Business Travel's Hotel Monitor 2027 forecasts Sydney rates rising by 3.5% to 5%, Tokyo by 3.3% to 4.9% and Singapore by 0.8% to 1.6%.

Higher increases are expected in some European and Latin American markets, including London at 3.6% to 5.4%, Madrid at 6.1% to 9.2% and São Paulo at 10.9% to 12.2%.

For the first time, the report provides forecast ranges rather than a single figure for each market, reflecting ongoing geopolitical and commodity-price uncertainty.

What this means for travellers: Businesses planning 2027 travel should factor higher accommodation costs into budgets, particularly in major business centres. Preferred hotel programmes, advance booking and greater visibility of accommodation spend will remain important tools for managing costs.

Travel advice updated for the UAE and Qatar

New Zealand's SafeTravel advice for both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar was updated during September to Level 2: Exercise increased caution.

The UAE advice was updated on 22 September, while Qatar moved to the same level on 28 September. Both advisories cite the unpredictable regional security situation, the threat of terrorism and the possibility of drone or missile attacks.

While the change is a positive development from higher previous advice levels, SafeTravel continues to advise increased caution in the UAE, with similar advice currently in place for Qatar. Airspace closures or travel disruption could still occur with little notice if the regional situation changes.

What this means for travellers: Dubai and Doha remain major connecting points for New Zealand travellers. Businesses with people travelling through or into the region should continue monitoring SafeTravel advice, keep traveller contact details up to date and be prepared for itinerary changes if the security situation shifts.

Korean Air increases Auckland–Seoul services for summer

Korean Air is increasing services between Auckland and Seoul for the New Zealand summer season, moving to daily flights between 25 October and 15 March.

Aircraft will also change across the season, including Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-900 services featuring Korean Air's refreshed Business and Economy Class cabins.

The additional frequency improves both point-to-point travel between New Zealand and South Korea and onward connectivity through Seoul into North Asia and beyond. Travellers can view Korean Air's current Auckland–Seoul schedule and availability online.

What this means for travellers: Daily services provide greater choice around departure days and connections, making Seoul a more flexible option for both business travel into Korea and onward travel across Asia.

Auckland Airport's international journey is changing

Auckland Airport's terminal transformation has passed the halfway mark, with several changes now underway that will reshape how international travellers check in, move through departures and have their baggage processed.

Security screening will progressively move ahead of passport control, reversing the current sequence and bringing Auckland into line with the process used at many international airports. Auckland Airport says the transition will be introduced in stages, with travellers not required to do anything differently for now.

The airport is also replacing or adding around 10km of baggage conveyor equipment and developing an automated early-bag storage facility capable of holding around 3,000 bags as part of its major baggage-system upgrade.

A new-look Zone C check-in area is due to open this summer, featuring 28 self-service kiosks and 15 automatic bag drops, with staff and exception desks remaining available for travellers needing additional assistance.

What this means for travellers: The international terminal will continue to look and operate differently as work progresses. Travellers should follow airport signage, check their airline's recommended arrival time and allow time to navigate temporary layouts and changing check-in areas.

Air New Zealand adds more Shanghai capacity

Air New Zealand is adding more than 7,000 seats between Auckland and Shanghai around Chinese New Year, increasing capacity during one of the busiest periods for travel between New Zealand and China.

From 23 January to 20 February 2027, three additional return services will operate each week, taking the Auckland–Shanghai route to 10 weekly services.

Together with Air China's services through Shanghai and Beijing, the two airlines will offer up to 24 weekly services between New Zealand and China during the peak period, with onward connections to more than 30 destinations across China. Air New Zealand says the additional capacity will also provide more cargo space for exporters.

What this means for travellers: Businesses travelling into China during the Chinese New Year period will have greater schedule choice, but demand is traditionally high. Early planning remains important for travellers needing specific timings or greater fare flexibility.

Western Sydney opens a new option for trans-Tasman travel

Air New Zealand will begin services between Auckland and the new Western Sydney International Airport from 26 October, becoming the first international airline to operate at the airport.

Three return services will operate each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, giving New Zealand travellers a second Sydney airport option alongside Sydney Kingsford Smith.

Western Sydney is home to more than 2.5 million people and a growing number of businesses, making the new airport particularly relevant for travellers whose meetings, offices or clients are based in the west of the city. Air New Zealand's new service begins on 26 October.

What this means for travellers: When booking Sydney travel, consider the traveller's final destination rather than automatically defaulting to Sydney Kingsford Smith. For some Western Sydney locations, WSI may offer a more practical airport and could reduce ground transport time.

Emirates updates checked baggage rules

Emirates has updated its pre-purchased baggage discounts and checked baggage dimensions.

Under the weight concept, travellers can now save 35% when purchasing an additional 5kg or 10kg in advance and up to 45% when purchasing larger additional allowances. Emirates has also reduced the maximum total dimensions for an individual checked bag under the weight concept to 203cm.

The change will be particularly relevant for travellers carrying equipment, samples or other oversized items. Emirates has full details of its current additional baggage allowances and advance-purchase discounts online.

What this means for travellers: Travellers with additional or oversized baggage should check Emirates' limits before departure. Purchasing additional allowance in advance can offer significant savings compared with airport rates, while oversized items may need to travel as cargo rather than standard checked baggage.

As international travel continues to evolve, changing costs, network capacity, security conditions and airport processes all have an impact on how businesses plan and manage travel. The Tandem Travel team will continue monitoring these developments and helping customers navigate the options as they change.