2012, the year the world didn’t come to an end (again), the year Qantas tied the knot with Emirates and that period of time the Costa Concordia sunk off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy.

2012 had its hardships - ongoing struggle with the GFC and an array of natural disasters including flooding in Thailand and Hurricane Sandy striking the US.

But ultimately, the Australian tourism industry came out stronger than ever, securing closer relations with China and growing Asian markets as well as introducing a new phase that will see the departure of the TCF and introduction of a new accreditation scheme.

In aviation, Qantas wasn’t the only airline making new friends, with Virgin Australia purchasing a 60 percent stake in low-cost carrier, Tiger Airways, as well as selling off up to 30 percent of its stake to alliance partners, Singapore Airlines and Air Zealand.

Meanwhile, on a cruising front Carnival made headlines after announcing it would home port the Carnival Spirit down under, the first Carnival ship to be home ported outside North America.

10.Qantas takeover rumours persist  
9.  Fiji flooding update
8.  Flight Centre sued over harassment accusations
7.  A royal dump as QF moves to the Eagle Route
6.  Carnival Spirit Calls Australia Home From 2012

5.  Bali to consider boozing ban
4.  Sydney Airport gets e-Smarter
3.  Online booking sites under threat
2.  Travellers scammed on TripAdvisor’s FlipKey
1.  TAT in shock following death of Aus travel agent

What was your most memorable travel moment in 2012?