Agent wrap: France, Sri Lanka and Mont Blanc famils up for grabs, agents take on Las Vegas + MORE
Are you keen to escape the winter chill? There are loads of famils up for grabs in this week’s agent wrap! Plus, pictures from all the latest agent shenanigans.
Scenic offers agent famil as part of France promotion
Scenic Group is offering agents the opportunity to win a self famil to France as an important part of the July campaign focusing on France River Cruising
To be eligible, agents will need to book and deposit two Europe or France river cruise products on either Scenic or Evergreen between 1 July – 31 July 2019. Then, in 25 words or less tell us why you would recommend a Scenic and/or Evergreen France river cruise to your clients.
Entries will go into the draw to win either a:
- Self famil to France for two in 2020 with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: or
- Self famil to France for one with Evergreen in October 2019
Simply log your entry at https://www.scenic.com.au/france-incentive or https://www.evergreentours.com.au/france-incentive
The famil prizes will be drawn on 14 August 2019 and the winning agent will be contacted via email.
Sydney agent wins $15,000 polar cruise with Dr Karl
Emily Cai, from Sydney-based Onlyluxe travel agency, has won the ultimate adventure holiday – an Antarctic Peninsula voyage escorted by the iconic Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, in World Expeditions’ 2019 agent incentive competition.
Emily sold the most World Expeditions Travel Group holidays to win the prize valued at over $15,000, which includes a berth on the 12-day Antarctic Cruise with Dr Karl on board the M/V Ortelius, return airfares and AU$500 spending money.
Hilton Hawai’i celebrates ‘100 Years of Aloha’ in Sydney
The Hilton Hawai’i team were back in Sydney last week celebrating 100 years of Hilton, welcoming agents with a warm aloha.
The evening held on June 20 at Hilton Sydney’s Marble Bar, focused on Hawaii’s tropical marketplace.
Duke Ah Moo, Vice President and Commercial Director and Cynthia Rankin, Regional Director of Corporate Communications, were joined by representatives from the Hilton Hawaii portfolio; DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki, Hilton Waikiki Beach, Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk, Grand Wailea, Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Waikoloa Village.
The evening was also supported by Hawai’i Tourism Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines.
Lucky agents Samantha Seagel (Hoot Holidays), Toshiya Yamada (JTB Australia), Stephanie Jones (Hoot Holidays) and Zane Batson (Planetdwellers) were drawn as winners of accommodation prizes from the Hilton Hawai’i properties.
Four more join the TIME ranks
Another lively TIME gathering took place in Melbourne last week, with Travel Counsellors hosting a brilliant evening of networking and inspiration fuelled by a generously laden spread of food and refreshments.
TravelManagers agents take Las Vegas by storm
Eight TravelManagers agents recently enjoyed a whirlwind four-day famil of Las Vegas and discovered firsthand why the destination is renowned as the Entertainment Capital of the World, thanks to Delta Air Lines and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
Beyond exploring an array of exciting properties including the new Park MGM, The STRAT and Palms Casino Resort, the group also experienced a range of world-class shows such as Magic Mike Live and Le Rêve – The Dream. But it wasn’t all bright lights, with group also venturing beyond the Strip to marvel at Hoover Dam.
Trafalgar and NYC & Company trivia night
On June 25, Trafalgar and NYC & Company invited 70 Sydney-based travel agents to a trivia night at the Hard Rock Café Sydney, for an update on New York City and to launch Trafalgar’s North America Tours.
Trafalgar also announced their first City Explorer to New York for those who want to uncover the secrets of a city. The new concept for City Explorer includes ‘Daily Choice’ options to tailor customer’s days with hand selected inclusions suited to their personal preference, along with the expert guidance by their Travel Director.
NYC & Company covered a bonus round providing winning agents with prizes to visit attractions including the Empire State Building, THE RIDE and Bike Rent NYC.
Canada Day celebrated with glowing hearts
90 travel trade industry members and travel media joined Destination Canada to hear transformational stories and celebrate Canada Day at est. restaurant on Monday, 1 July 2019.
Hosted by Donna Campbell, Managing Director of Destination Canada GSA, VIP guests included Maureen Riley, Vice President International of Destination Canada, and Wei Li, Regional Managing Director Asia Pacific, who flew in from Vancouver and China respectively to attend the event.
Canada’s Consul-General, Angela Bogdan, and Vic Naughton, Air Canada’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand were also in attendance.
Bunnik Tours and the Small Group Touring Co. launch mega-famil to Sri Lanka
The Bunnik Group is excited to announce their latest agent incentive, offering 45 lucky agents the chance to join them this October on their first ever Sri Lankan mega-famil.
The ten-day visit, led by Dennis and Marion Bunnik, will explore the fascinating culture, history, culinary scene and lush landscapes of Sri Lanka – recently announced as Lonely Planet’s top ranked country for travel.
Arriving in the bustling capital city of Colombo, the group will travel to Negombo, take in the impressive world-heritage designated Sigiriya rock fortress before heading south to explore the country’s cultural heart of Kandy. They will then continue to the captivating Dutch colonial city of Galle filled with ancient mosques, imposing mansions and museums telling of its history as a trading port. The tour finishes back in Colombo for a fine farewell at the recently restored, grand ocean-front Galle Face Hotel built in 1864.
The group will depart Australia on 3 October flying with Singapore Airlines and return on 13 October.
To qualify, agents need to register online at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5079266/Sri-Lanka-Mega-Famil-2019-Registration; book clients on any Bunnik Tours or Small Group Touring Co. tours and complete the Bunnik Tours and Small Group Touring Co. online training module at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5084420/Sri-Lanka-Mega-Famil-2019-Online-Training-Module.
The top-selling Bunnik Tours and Small Group Touring Co agents from each state who have booked tours from 1 April through 15 August, 2019 will qualify. There will also be bonus lucky draws.
The tour price is $250pp. A single supplement is available on request for an additional $450pp.
Win a spot on a Mont Blanc Famil by simply snapping a pic!
Continuing their celebration of 45 years, Global Leaders in Active Adventures, Exodus Travels are offering agents the chance to join them on a fully escorted famil to the beautiful region of Mont Blanc in Europe! Never fear, we cater for all fitness levels on this trip. Departing on the 4th of October winning agents will spend a week based in the gorgeous Chateau Chocolat, with dramatic views of Mont Blanc. Agents will use a mix of private bus and local trains and buses to travel out each day and walk beautiful sections of the famous Mont Blanc circuit. At the end of each day they will return home for afternoon tea or a dip in the chalet’s bubbling Jacuzzi.
To enter simply take a photo of you and your favourite Exodus brochure, tell us in 25 words or less which is your favourite Exodus Trip in that brochure and why. Exodus have four brochures, so you can enter four times provided your photo and trip is from a different brochure each time. Make sure you email it through to competitions@evolutiontc.com.au by July 31st to ensure you are in the running.
Entire Travel Group showcases French Pacific Islands to Sydney agents
On Tuesday and Wednesday night, 130 travel agents and trade partners gathered at ‘Ivy Sunroom’ in Sydney and ‘SouthBeach Social’ in Brisbane to discover the mesmerizing islands of Tahiti and New Caledonia. The theme of the Soiree was ‘Champagne and Coconuts,’ hosted by Entire Travel Group in partnership with Tahiti Tourisme and Air Tahiti Nui, New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin.
Agents were first invited to explore Entire Travel Group’s ‘islands’ brands via a market place where they were able to interact with the key partners and destination specialists. Entertainment was provided by Tahitian Dancers who encouraged crowd participation and taught those in attendance a few new moves.
Business as usual for Tempo Holidays and Bentours
Tempo Holidays and Bentours are reconfirming to the trade that it’s business as usual in the Australian and New Zealand Market. None of the matters that have been reported recently on CNK India, have any impact on Tempo Holidays and Bentours as they trade independently and the issues that exist overseas do not affect their daily operations. There is a continued strong demand for both Tempo Holidays and Bentours products in the market as they continue to experience YOY positive growth of up to 10 per cent. Tempo Holidays and Bentours look forward to their ongoing success and would like to thank all trade partners for their past and continued support.
Hottest deals from Intrepid Travel
Save $238 on Intrepid Travel’s eight day One Week in Las Vegas & the American Wilderness 18-29’s trip departing 21 July 2019.
Now $1,552 per person twin-share – was $1,790 per person.
Take a road trip through the American wilderness to see California, Arizona, Nevada, Los Angeles and San Francisco. On this trip, travellers will hike through Joshua Tree National Park that features desert cactus gardens, oases and strange rock formations, take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and try their luck in a city where anything is possible, Las Vegas. Highlights include seeing Yosemite National Park’s granite cliffs, redwood forest’s star-studded nights and waterfalls, spend nights camping in the great outdoors and experiencing Death Valley’s landscapes of sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, extinct volcanic craters and fields of wildflowers.
Inclusions: Accommodation, an expert local leader, transport and most activities.
Please note: this trip is for travellers aged between 18 and 29 years old only.
Save $312 on Intrepid Travel’s 12 day Real China 18-29’s departing 24 July 2019.
Now $1,388 per person twin-share – was $1,700 per person.
Take a trip to see the best China has to offer, from the Great Wall of China to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’ or the neon lights in Hong Kong. On this trip, travellers will take a toboggan down the Great Wall, sample Chengdu’s cuisine, Beijing duck, Cantonese yum cha and take on silkworm, spicy rabbit head, or beer fish. Highlights include interacting with pandas at the Panda Breeding Centre, striking up a conversation with locals on China’s overnight high-speed rail network and cycling past farms and karsts along Yangshuo’s countryside.
Inclusions: Accommodation, an expert local leader, transport and most activities. Please note: this trip is for travellers aged between 18 and 29 years old only.
Save $158 on Intrepid Travel’s eight day One Week in Northern Thailand 18-29’s trip departing 21 July 2019.
Now $692 per person twin-share – was $850 per person.
Go on a journey through Northern Thailand to venture through cities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok. On this trip, travellers will bike through Sukhothai’s Historical Park, take a guided zip line tour through the jungle canopies of Chiang Mai and embrace a true local experience when boarding the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Highlights include taking a private minivan to see the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, meeting primates native to the area and exploring Chiang Rai’s night market, which offers a selection of hill tribe handicrafts.
Inclusions: Accommodation, an expert local leader, transport, some meals and most activities.
Please note: this trip is for travellers aged between 18 and 29 years old only.
Save $113 on Intrepid Travel’s 10 day Essential Cambodia 18-29’s trip departing 16 July 2019.
Now $727 per person twin-share – was $840 per person.
Go on an adventure to get a first-hand experience of the lesser known Cambodia, while stopping into Thailand and Vietnam capitals along the way. On this trip, travellers will be taken to Angkor by a local guide to temple hop, enjoy a meal at Friends International restaurant, dedicated to training vulnerable young people in hospitality and venture out of Cambodia to explore Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Highlights include learning more about Cambodia’s confronting but important history, a homestay in rural Chambok to experience everyday village life in Cambodia, taking on the Flight of the Gibbon zip-line and visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Memorial
Inclusions: Accommodation, transport, some meals and most activities.
Please note: this trip is for travellers aged between 18 and 29 years old only.
TTC Weekly Deals
U RIVER CRUISES
Amsterdam & Brussels Bound
Your choice: save 10 per cent or enjoy a free U Drink Package (valued at $499) when you pay in full at time of booking by 30 September. Guests can use these savings or enjoy their drink package on the 8 day Amsterdam & Brussels Bound itinerary. We’ve fallen in love with this dynamic cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium, and your clients will too. Guests will be able to see Amsterdam’s famous cityscape, the city of Rotterdam, Middelburg and Ghent before finishing in Brussels. Starting from $3,419* per person, twin share (10 per cent early payment savings included OR enjoy a U Drink Package valued at $499).This offer is on sale now until 30 September 2019 for all departure dates. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010or visit ubyuniworld.com*Conditions apply.
UNIWORLD
Castles Along the Rhine
Extended due to popular demand – Let’s Fly Away – Free air with 2020 Europe river cruises with the option to upgrade to business class air from just $3,999 per person. Guests can use these savings on the 8 day Castles Along the Rhine itinerary. Your clients will find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine on this journey from Basel to Amsterdam, where the spires of medieval churches and castles appear around each bend in the river, and vineyards climb the verdant hillsides. Starting from $5,899* per person, twin share (return economy airfares included). This offer is on sale from now until 31 August 2019 for departures on 22 & 29 March, 5 April, 25 October & 1 November 2020. Other departures dates are available but prices may vary.
CONTIKI
Fiestas & Siestas
15% off Contiki’s Fiestas & Siestas itinerary! On this 12-day journey, travellers will float through two of Europe’s finest countries, staying south where the nights never fizzle and the days can surely sizzle. Commencing in Spain’s beachside beauty then legging it north to find pintxos in San Sebastian, before drifting into Portugal’s inimitable culture. Starting from $2,674* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 15 July 2019 for departures on 10 & 24 July 2019.
AAT KINGS
Northern Wonders – Solo Traveller
No travel companion? No worries! We now offer No Single Supplement on selected departures and we are delighted to invite solo travellers to explore the iconic landscapes of Tasmania and the enchanting scenery of New Zealand, at no extra cost. These Solo Traveller savings can be used on the 8 day Northern Wonders itinerary in New Zealand. Guests will journey through landscapes that blend magnificent beaches, sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders, as they make their way to the Far North from Wellington to Auckland, exploring fertile heartland, lush forests, rugged mountains and steep gorges. Starting from $2,695* per solo traveller, no single supplement, saving $795 per person. This offer is on sale now until 30 September 2019 for departures on 6 November and 18 December 2019.
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL
Handpicked Kenya & Tanzania
Save up to $400 on select East Africa itineraries with Adventure World Travel. Guests can use these savings on the 16 day Handpicked Kenya & Tanzania journey where they will discover a kaleidoscope of landscapes in the ultimate safari areas of Kenya & Tanzania. From the open plains of the Masai Mara and the swamps of Amboseli, to the views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and finishing in Zanzibar. Starting from $8,090* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 July 2019 for selected departures between 05 November 2019 to 01 December 19 and 01 March 20 – 21 April 20.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Country Roads of Switzerland
Insight Vacation’s Preview brochure has launched for 2020 Europe and Britain journeys. Book now to secure your 2020 travel at 2019 pricing. Plus, book and pay in full before 18 December 2019 to save 10 per cent per person. Guests can use these savings on the 14 day Country Roads of Switzerland itinerary. An intimate journey of discovery amid stunning Alpine panoramas, this itinerary includes riding on the famous Glacier Express and staying in some of Switzerland’s most enchanting hotels. Starting from $5,693* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 August 2019 or until sold out for departures on 22 & 27 September 2020. Departure dates are subject to change. Other departure dates are available, but prices may vary.
BUSABOUT
Hop-on Hop-off Europe
Lock in your 2020 15 Stop Europe Hop-on Hop-off Pass at 10 per cent off 2019 Prices. The Europe Hop-on Hop-off network gives your client the freedom to create their perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network across 38 destinations in 14 countries. They’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet our amazing drivers and guides. Clients can change their plan as often as they like, free of charge. It’s their choice, their way. From popular cities to unknown gems, the network has it all. Starting from $1,250* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 August 2019 for travel in 2020.
TRAFALGAR – Family
Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes
Book and pay by 18 December to save 10 per centon selected Trafalgar family trips like the 8 day – Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes itinerary. Get up close and personal with turtles, monkeys, butterflies and more on this Family Experience in Costa Rica. Glide along the canals of Tortuguero under the watchful eyes of colourful toucans, walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges and go ziplining on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano. Starting from $2,317* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December for departures between 25 January 2020 and 19 December 2020.
TRAFALGAR
Colombia Rediscovered
Book & pay by 18 December 2019 to save 10 per cent on selected Trafalgar trips. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 13 day Colombia Rediscovered itinerary which begins in vibrant Bogotá, with stirring encounters in Medellin, charming Cartagena and with the breathtaking beauty of the Coffee Triangle making this a South American adventure to remember forever. Starting from $5,971* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December for select departures between 11 January 2020 and 19 December 2020.
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