Grand Prix champion Ricciardo's 'Drive the Dream' Road Trip Puts WA on the Map

Grand Prix champion Ricciardo's 'Drive the Dream' Road Trip Puts WA on the Map

By Author

Published on October 1, 2023

Western Australia, known for its stunning landscapes, is set to become the ultimate self-drive holiday destination thanks to a new global tourism campaign led by Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo. Titled 'Drive the Dream,' the campaign showcases WA's diverse road trip itineraries, connecting iconic destinations and experiences in the state.

Ricciardo and his best mate, Blake, embarked on a road trip from Perth to Exmouth along the Coral Coast Highway, exploring Western Australia's breathtaking attractions. Their adventures included swimming with whale sharks, participating in an Aboriginal cultural experience involving fishing and cooking, and camping at Bullara Station.

The campaign aims to attract travellers from around the world to experience WA's open roads and unique adventures. It will be rolled out over the next year, targeting key international markets such as Europe, the UK, South East Asia, and Japan. Partnerships with Qantas, Trip.com, and Expedia will further encourage travel bookings to Western Australia.

Daniel Ricciardo, a proud Western Australian and global Formula 1 superstar, was chosen to front the campaign, highlighting his home state's incredible beauty and appeal. The campaign's success is expected to create local jobs and support businesses across the state.

Ricciardo, who has gained international recognition through Formula 1 and Netflix's "Drive to Survive" series, believes that Western Australia's road trips offer a unique adventure, and he is excited to share this experience with the world.

The campaign, a follow-up to the previous 'Walking on a Dream' initiative, aims to turn awareness into action and make Western Australia a must-visit destination for road trip enthusiasts. With its stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, WA is now firmly on the global map as the ideal location for a memorable road trip adventure.

As the 'Drive the Dream' campaign takes off, travellers from far and wide are expected to flock to Western Australia, supporting local businesses and boosting the state's tourism and hospitality industries. Western Australia, with its vibrant communities and breathtaking destinations, awaits adventurers eager to explore its wonders.

Daniel Ricciardo's road trip adventure is set to inspire travellers to experience Western Australia's dreamlike landscapes and unforgettable road trip experiences. Western Australia's Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Rita Saffioti, believes that the campaign will help Western Australia stand out as one of the world's most unique and desirable road trip destinations, both now and in the future.


Situ Unveils New Global Headquarters in Exeter to Support Expansion

Situ Unveils New Global Headquarters in Exeter to Support Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Situ has officially unveiled its new global headquarters in Exeter, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey.

Founded in 2008, Situ has steadily expanded its footprint as a worldwide provider of serviced accommodation solutions. The company originally relocated to its current Exeter site in 2018, but continued growth soon outpaced the building’s capacity. Seizing the opportunity to expand within the same footprint, Situ undertook an ambitious redevelopment project, resulting in a transformed, purpose-built two-storey headquarters that now offers more than double the original space.

The newly unveiled office follows an extensive eighteen-month development programme and has been thoughtfully designed to support modern ways of working. The layout balances collaboration and focus, with open-plan workspaces complemented by smaller seating areas for informal discussions and individual productivity.

A key highlight of the headquarters is its central atrium, a dynamic, tiered space equipped with a large screen and balcony. This multifunctional hub is designed to host company-wide meetings, facilitate hybrid collaboration with global teams, and serve as a venue for community and industry events.

The workspace also incorporates extensive greenery, enhancing air quality while creating a calming and visually engaging environment. The design reflects Situ’s emphasis on employee wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Sharing his thoughts, Phil Stapleton said, “As our global footprint continues to grow, this space gives our entire team the environment they deserve to collaborate, create, and support our clients around the world. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see what comes next.”

Beyond internal use, the new headquarters has been designed as a welcoming hub for clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. Situ plans to host learning sessions, industry discussions, and community-led events at the facility, further strengthening its position within the serviced accommodation sector.

With a presence spanning over 144 countries, Situ continues to combine advanced technology with a human-centric hospitality approach, delivering tailored extended-stay solutions to organisations worldwide. The launch of its new global headquarters reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustained global growth.


ROOH San Francisco Unveils Special Menu for Restaurant Week 2026

ROOH San Francisco Unveils Special Menu for Restaurant Week 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2026

ROOH San Francisco is set to present a specially curated menu for Restaurant Week 2026, offering guests a unique dining experience that brings together Indian flavours with a modern global touch. The menu has been designed by Executive Chef Ashish Tiwari, known for his approach of blending traditional recipes with contemporary techniques.

Created as a multi-course experience, the menu takes guests through a range of textures and flavours, starting with a refined amuse bouche and ending with a modern Indian dessert. Each course has been thoughtfully put together to reflect both creativity and a strong connection to regional influences.

image

The meal begins with the Avocado Treat, featuring a crisp phyllo shell filled with avocado chaat, along with tamarind chutney, yogurt, and fresh herbs. For starters, guests can choose between the Beirut Mezze Chaat, which brings together Middle Eastern and Indian street food elements, or the Pondicherry Shrimp Malai, a coastal-inspired dish with shrimp in a coconut-based curry.

For the main course, the menu offers dishes like Broccoli & Cauliflower Rezala, prepared in a light cashew-yogurt gravy, and Methi Malai Chicken, where chicken is cooked in a rich fenugreek cream sauce. These dishes are served with accompaniments such as Rooh daal, saffron rice, garlic naan, and plain naan, completing the experience with familiar flavours.

To end the meal, guests can enjoy the Blueberry Rasmalai Cake, a modern take on a classic dessert that combines cardamom sponge, saffron-infused cream, and a blueberry finish.

Sharing his thoughts on the menu, Chef Tiwari said, "This menu is a celebration of global influences interpreted through an Indian lens. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a memorable dining experience that resonates with both tradition and innovation."


Japan Plans Major Increase in Visa Renewal and Residency Fees

Japan Plans Major Increase in Visa Renewal and Residency Fees

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 15, 2026

Japan is planning a significant increase in visa renewal and permanent residency fees for foreign residents, as part of proposed changes under the Immigration Control Act. The move is aimed at revising existing fee structures in line with current administrative needs.

According to reports, the revised structure will apply across visa categories, including long-term stays and permanent residency permits. The proposal has been submitted by the Cabinet, which has suggested higher fee limits while allowing flexibility in final pricing.

Under the new plan, renewing a five-year visa could cost around 70,000 yen, compared to the current flat fee of 6,000 yen for in-person renewals. Short-term visa renewals of three months or less are expected to be priced at about 10,000 yen.

The most notable change is in permanent residency fees, which may increase to around 200,000 yen, a sharp rise from the current 10,000 yen. The government has also proposed setting maximum fee caps of 300,000 yen for permanent residency and 100,000 yen for other visa categories. Final charges will be decided through official directives within these limits.

Officials have stated that provisions will continue for individuals facing financial hardship, with possible fee reductions or exemptions available in such cases.

The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to update immigration-related policies in Japan, as the government looks to balance administrative requirements with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.