On Fridays we only read two things; the Big Fat Agent Wrap and the wine menu at the pub across the road.

Personal Travel Manager’s Private Lunch with Red Balloon Founder Naomi Simson

Although Sydney’s George Street has plenty of fabulous restaurants to choose from, it’s fairly uncommon for a Tasmania-based personal travel manager (PTM) to pop over for lunch – but that’s exactly what Kirsty Whittaker, TravelManagers’ representative for Margate, TAS, did recently.

It may seem an extravagant indulgence at first glance, but the lunch was Whittaker’s reward for winning a Crooked Compass incentive that was announced at TravelManagers’ annual National Conference in Darwin last year: a private lunch date at Indu Restaurant with Red Balloon founder, Naomi Simson, and hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto.

TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, says the lunch was one of many events held each year as part of a business philosophy that places priority on seeking and providing new and innovative opportunities for PTMs’ self-development.

itravel lends a hand at Sydney Homeless Connect

Friendly faces from itravel Surry Hills gave a helping hand to distribute pre-loved clothing to Sydney’s homeless.

The Sydney Homeless Connect was held at Sydney Town Hall to connect people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with essential services they need.

Those who attended were treated to massages, chiro and dental checks, haircuts and a hot lunch.

Hawaiian Airlines shares Aloha Spirit with Flight Centre

Hawaiian Airlines, along with Brisbane Airport Corporation brought a touch of Hawaii to Flight Centre’s BNE HQ to say thanks for their continued support and to highlight extra Brisbane Honolulu services coming up this summer.

Over 300 Flight Centre staff came from throughout Brisbane to enjoy a little Aloha Spirit. The companies Lei’d most of the staff, installed a pop-up Mai Tai Bar, Ukulele player, Hawaiian food feast and had a ton of Hawaiian shirts on-hand – all on the travel group’s sky high viewing deck at FCL’s new Brisbane headquarters.

There was also a super fun competition where nearly 200 Flight Centre staff tried to guess the weight of two 32 kilo bags (the specific weight showing off Hawaiian’s industry-leading 64 kilo free checked baggage allowance). The closest guess was from Flight Centre team members Kristy Gallaway and Patricia Cunneen – who both won enough Hawaiian Airlines miles for two tickets to Hawaii!

Solomon Airlines launches major east coast advertising campaign

Designed to create greater awareness of the Solomon Islands, Solomon Airlines has embarked on an east coast Australia print, radio and digital advertising campaign promoting the destination’s spectacular diving, surfing, and fishing.

Targeting consumers in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, as part of the campaign Solomon Airlines has combined resources with the Agnes Gateway Hotel in Munda and the highly specialized Dive Munda to offer a value-added seven-night fly/stay dive package.

The package includes return economy airfares – full service on board Solomon Airlines’ international flights – seven nights twin share accommodation at Agnes Gateway Hotel and six-days/12 tank dives with Dive Munda.

Flights from Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney operated by interline partner Qantas Airways connect directly with Solomon Airlines’ Brisbane-Munda via Honiara Saturday services.

Sell Thailand on Singapore Airlines for your chance to win!

Make the most of this exclusive incentive program with Singapore Airlines and Tourism Authority of Thailand.

To be eligible for the prize, your agency will need to sell a minimum of 10 tickets to Thailand on Singapore Airlines and complete the 10 TAT online training modules during the incentive period.

Register every ticket sold to Thailand on SQ in this google docs form: goo.gl/forms/x0Ffzw8ffbtj31S62. Remember, the more tickets sold, the more chances your agency has to win! The prize will be drawn and announced by September 7 2018.

The prize included one return economy airfare to Thailand flying on Singapore Airlines, plus three nights accommodation at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and three nights at Novotel Hua Hin Cha-am Beach Resort and Spa.

Flight Centre Agents discover the Entertainment Capital of the world

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and United Airlines recently hosted 8 Flight Centre travel agents in the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas.

The trip kicked off in style, as the lucky winners of the April trade incentive flew in United Airline’s Economy Plus class, and continued on the ground with accommodation at The Signature at MGM Grand.

Over five days, the agents enjoyed a taste of the highlife as they experienced a variety of unique experiences only available in Las Vegas. Activities included a flight over the famous Las Vegas Strip at night with Maverick Helicopters, a trek through the Downtown Arts District, high performance super car racing at Exotics Racing, a Pink Jeep Tour through the Red Rock Canyon, a Cirque du Soleil show, world class dining and more.

Northshore Travel Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Northshore Travel, a member of Helloworld Travel recently celebrated their 25th Business Anniversary. The surprise celebration wasorganised by devoted staff members and kept secret for two months prior to the festivities, culminating in a wonderful surprise for all.

The anniversary celebration took guests on a harbour cruise, taking in the evening Vivid lights around the harbour over drinks and dinner. Guests included 59 clients of the agency, representatives from Qantas Holidays, Cruise Traveller, Qatar Airways, staff from Northshore Travel and Head of Corporate, Associate and Affiliate Networks at Helloworld Travel Limited David Padman.

Headed up by owners Samantha O’Donovan and Deborah Moffat, Northshore Travel was established in 1993 as Travelscene Gordon, and has gone on to build a team of experts with over 100 years of experience, with a reputation for reliability and quality of service.

TRIP DOLLAR$ to be Awarded on Asia Escape Holidays Bookings!

From 01 July 2018 all new bookings from Asia Escape Holidays will be eligible for TRIP DOLLAR$, paid on departure, making it easier than ever to achieve Jetsetter and Highflyer tiers!

Since launching the TRIP DOLLAR$ program for the Qantas Holidays, Viva! Holidays, Ready Rooms, Rail Tickets and the Cruise Team brands the program has been gradually increasing in size.

With the addition of first Insider Journeys, then Sunlover Holidays and Territory Discoveries and most recently Seven Oceans Cruising. And now Asia Escape Holidays!

TTC Weekly Deals

TRAFALGAR – Spanish Wonder

Allow your clients to experience the colours of Europe with Trafalgar during Autumn, Winter and Spring and Save 7.5%! They will have to set their watches to a fiery Flamenco beat as they dance through the heart of Spain from Madrid to Andalusia on Trafalgar’s 9 day Spanish Wonder. Famed for its Sierra Nevada, Moorish-influenced architecture and the zesty scents of orange blossoms, Spain is a must visit destination. Guests will visit the ornate Alhambra Palace in Granada, Valencia’s 19th century Bullring and marvel at Gaudi’s Gothic gift to Barcelona, la Sagrada Familia. Starting from $2,030* per person. This offer is on sale now until the 23rd of August 2018 for select dates from the 27th of October till the 8th of December 2018 and the 23rd of February until the 23rd of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

INSIGHT VACATIONS – Britain and Ireland Discovery

Insight Vacations presents its PREVIEW of 2019 European trips. NOW is the BEST time to Book to get this trip at the lowest price offered for 2019 travel, including Insight Vacations 10% Early Payment Discount. This epic 22 day Britain and Ireland Discovery adventure illuminates the hidden corners of the British Isles as your client travels with Insight Vacations on a round trip from London through Stratford, York, Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Giants Causeway, Limerick, Dublin, Chester, Wales and Cornwall. Starting from $6975* (including 10% off discount) per person. This offer is on sale now until the 9th of September 2018 for select departure dates in April and May 2019 until sold out. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

UNIWORLD – Highlights of Eastern Europe

Your clients can Fly Free to Europe in 2019 with Uniworld and experience the 10 day Highlights of Eastern Europe luxury river cruise onboard the S.S. Beatrice. This is an ideal voyage for travellers seeking new, off-the-beaten path destinations. They will follow a path forged by crusaders, kings and conquerors through Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria whilst also immersing themselves in new cultures and make new friends as they travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalised nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way. Starting from $7,199 (including economy airfares) per person, 10 days of an all-inclusive trip, including captivating escorted excursions, services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager and more! This offer is on sale now until the 31st of August 2018 for departure on 3 and 8 of April 2019. Other departures available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Churchill Town & Tundra

Save with Adventure World Travel on select 2019 departures. The 6-day Churchill Town & Tundra hotel-based adventure allows your client to experience the excitement of polar bear viewing from a world-famous Tundra Buggy, as well as enjoy the eclectic charm of this unique Northern town. Guests will travel into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, one of the best locations in the world to view polar bears in the wild and spend plenty of time watching the majestic Polar Bears, and other arctic wildlife, in their natural environment. Starting from $7,975 (saving up to $125*) per person. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of July 2018 for select travel dates between 11th of October and the 14th of November 2019. For more information or to book, call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

AAT KINGS – New Zealand Vista

Travellers can Save on their Airfares on a selection of AAT Kings best-selling guided holidays, which includes the 14 Day New Zealand Vista travel itinerary. Guests will wander up one of the forty-eight volcanic ones that make up the rolling landscape of Auckland for panoramic city views, relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner city beach and amble alongside the Avon River, as it runs through the heart of Christchurch. Starting from $4,249* per person. This offer is on sale from now until the 30th of September 2018 for travel dates until the 30th of September 2018. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

U BY UNIWORD – Oktoberfest & Germany’s Finest!

Experience Oktoberfest with U by Uniworld when you sail on select cruise dates! We’re just being frank here: Frankfurt is effortlessly cool and the perfect lead in for this 8-day Germany’s Finest adventure. This booming metropolis is a concrete paradise with a unique German charm. You’ll get well acquainted during a night walk with your U hosts. Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg will certainly live up to the hype as well. Discover the best of Deutschland on one amazing holiday, especially when you combine your trip with the Oktoberfest package. This world-renowned beer festival is the most famous in the world. Each year, over six million people venture to Munich to experience the best of Bavarian beer, fare and music and you will be one of them, whilst you stay aboard your floating boutique hotel. Starting from $2,548* per person. This offer is on sale for the 22nd of September sailing until sold out. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.ubyuniworld.com.

CONTIKI – Fire and Ice

Contiki’s Iceland winter flash sale is NOW LIVE. Save 20% off Iceland trips departing between October 2018 – March 2019! If hot springs and sprouting geysers sound like your client’s jam, then Contiki’s 6 day Fire and Ice trip through Iceland will be sure to delight. For 6-days they will glide through Iceland’s outdoor playground, and devour the eccentric buzzing capital, Reykjavik. Traveling with Contiki your customers will access the famous Blue Lagoon and the lesser known but simply spectacular Glacier Lagoon. Travellers will delight their tastebuds with delicious, Icelandic fare like ‘kakosupa’ chocolate soup or they can choose to be brave and try the countries more unusual dishes like ‘hrutspungar’ – ram’s testicals! There’s plenty of adventurous activities to add on – quad biking, horseback riding or Glacier waking anyone? Starting from $1,944 per person (discount included). On sale now until sold out! So get in quick and don’t miss your chance to delve into the land of Fire and Ice. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUS ABOUT – Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off pass

You can now save your clients 10% on 2019 Hop-on Hop-off prices! Was $1999 NOW $1799. Travellers can explore Europe anywhere from 3 days to 6 months with the Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off ticket during May and October 2019. Hop-on Hop-off gives them the freedom to create their perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network. They’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet our amazing drivers and guides. Help them pre-plan their trip or they can always wing it as they go. With Busabout’s Hop-on Hop-off travellers can change their plan as often as they like, free of charge. It’s completely their choice, their way and from just $1,799 per person. This offer is on sale now until the 4th of September 2018 for travel between May and October 2019. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.