The agent wrap is our favourite thing to do on Fridays. That and finish work early. Too bad our boss said it “isn’t productive” to finish work five hours early once a week.

Paresa launches exclusive incentives for Australian agents

Perched high on the cliffs of Kamala Kathu, Paresa is an ultra-luxe resort with 48 luxurious and elegantly appointed suites, villas and residences, each offering uninterrupted 270 degree views across the Andaman Sea. It also has two restaurants, a cooking school and a high-end spa onsite.

For the first time ever, Paresa is offering Australia travel agents an incentive to book. Agents will receive Visa vouchers for suites and villas booked and paid across all room types. For entry level and mid-tier rooms, agents will receive a $50 voucher for a five night booking and a $70 voucher for a booking of seven nights or more.

For Grand Residence Pool Villa and/or Two Bedroom Ocean Pool bookings, agents will receive a $100 voucher for a five night booking, and a $120 voucher for a booking of seven nights or more.

The offer is valid from now until – 31 October 2019 (inclusive) with a black out period from 20 December 2018 – 10 January 2019. This new program applies to all new FIT bookings.

First winner announced to join a very Merry Toy Story Land Christmas Mega-Fam

Today, Disney Destinations, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines are pleased to announce the lucky winner of the first Random Spot on the ‘A Very Merry Toy Story Land Christmas Mega-Fam’ to the largest Disney Destination of them all: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Jessica Davidson from Viva Holidays is the first of three random winners that will be drawn throughout the incentive period. The second random winner will be drawn in August, so agents are encouraged to continue to log bookings as soon as possible, as all it will take is one booking to be in the running to win one of the Random Spots. The top sellers and the final random winner will be selected at the end of the incentive period after 21 September 18.

The 11 lucky winning retail and wholesale travel agents will experience 6 magical nights’ accommodation at Walt Disney World Resort where they will visit all four incredible Theme Parks and be one of the first to visit Buzz, Woody and the entire Toy Story team at the all new Toy Story Land. Plus, if that wasn’t lucky enough, agents will get to see the Resort sparkle with the lights, sounds and scents of the merriest season of them all – Christmas!

To be part of the action, agents must make a new profile on wheredreamscometrue.com.au and register any eligible Disney Destinations, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines bookings that fit the competitions criteria listed on the terms and conditions on the site.

Travel Agent exclusive: book any Silversea Package with Creative Cruising and EARN $100!

Creative Cruising, Australia’s leading independent cruise wholesaler, has launched an exclusive $100 gift card Agent incentive with Silversea Cruises. This offer is applicable to ANY Silversea sailing packaged with air and land, that is booked and deposited before 31 August2018.

Alongside this offer, Creative Cruising hashand-picked a selection of all-inclusive luxury packages across Asia with incredible bonuses for Travel Agents to on-sell to their clients. These ultra-luxurious packages start from $7,200*pp for nine nights and include FREE flights, five-star pre-cruise accommodation, shore excursions and transfers.

With fantastic savings and bonus inclusions, now’s the time to discover Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and more aboard one of Silversea’s intimate luxury ships. All accommodationsare spacious, ocean-view suites that include butler service, and most with private verandas.

Global STARS 2018 hit Hamilton Island this weekend!

Over a hundred top selling agents from around Australia (and some from NZ) are currently flying into Hamilton Island for a weekend of reward, exploration and celebrations for Global STARS 2018 this weekend!

Agents are invited to attend the much anticipated weekend thanks to their top seller status which is achieved through sales across wholesale brands including; Qantas Holidays, Viva! Holidays, Sunlover Holidays, Rail Tickets, Ready Rooms, The Cruise Team, Seven Oceans Territory Discoveries and Insider Journeys.

New Zealand based agents will be well represented, with top selling stars for NZ based wholesale brand GO Holidays also attending.

Agents will also have the opportunity to take part in pre and post famils, experiencing the very best of Queensland. From tropical north Queensland to the outback the rewarded agents will most certainly be spoiled for choice for their Global STARS experience.

Flight Centre Store Managers headed to South Africa

Flight Centre have announced that 120 of their Store Managers will be travelling to South Africa for their upcoming Leadership Conference in August and will be hosted by South African Tourism and South African Airways.

The announcement was made at the Flight Centre Western Australia & Northern Territory Annual End of Financial Year Ball in front of over 1,000 guests. Many of the managers have never travelled to South Africa previously, despite being an incredibly popular destination for leisure travellers.

During the upcoming trip, South African Tourism will host the group across three provinces to highlight the diversity of experiences that South Africa has to offer.

South Africa boasts award-winning hotels, restaurants and spas, breathtaking scenery and a range cultural experiences, suited for many types of holidays. South Africa also proves a popular destination for Western Australians given its proximity and array of exciting activities.

MTA marital bliss in Noumea

Pictured, MTA- Mobile Travel Agents wife and husband team, Ally and Nick Kilpin taking time out from a recent Silversea Silver Discoverer Cruise study tour for a quick snorkel while sailing from Noumea to Cairns.

Now an 18-year ‘veteran’ with MTA, Ally is one of a well-respected group of high achievers who have attained ‘Platinum’ sales status with the company. She was in fact MTA founders and managing directors, Roy and Karen Merricks’ very first ‘recruit’.

Ask Ally what it’s like having her husband on board and she’ll tell you he’s made a major difference to her business since joining her 13 years ago. He handles all the administrative elements leaving her to concentrate on what she loves best – consulting.

APT Hosts Christmas In July with Australian Women’s Weekly

Leading luxury tour and cruise operator APT celebrated Christmas in July last week with four lucky APT Club Diamond Members and Australian Women’s Weekly readers.

Held at Trunk Bar & Restaurant in Melbourne on Thursday, the 75 attendees enjoyed a perfectly themed event hosted by Australian Women’s Weekly editor Nicole Byers and Food Editor Fran Abdallaoui, who gave a cocktail demonstration and provided helpful tips and tricks on hosting the perfect Christmas with friends and family.

Scott Ellis, APT’s National Sales Manager held a Q&A session on Europe and Canada Christmas tours, while APT staff were on hand to assist any curious travellers. The APT and Australian Women’s Weekly team will be hosting another event in Sydney this Thursday at Beta Bar with four APT Club Diamond Members in attendance.

As APT Club Diamond Members guest receive additional privileges on tour such as private return airport transfers, complementary gifts, on-board credit vouchers and a free ipad Mini or two nights’ accommodation pre or post trip.

Agents MARVEL at the exciting future of Hong Kong Disneyland

Last week, over 300 agents from Sydney and Melbourne enjoyed a free screening of Marvel Studios’ latest blockbuster, Ant-Man and the Wasp. The events were hosted by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic to celebrate the upcoming expansions to Hong Kong Disneyland, and the newly re-established Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic global partnership.

To kick off the night, agents heard from Disney Destinations Travel Business Development Manager Michael Cassis, who shared some exciting news regarding the recent and upcoming additions to Hong Kong Disneyland, which just kicked off an unprecedented expansion project that will see a new attraction open almost every year between now and 2023.

The new “We Love Mickey” Main Street Projection Show and the inspiring Moana: A Homecoming Celebration Show – both of which opened earlier this year – are just the start of this expansion that will next year see the Park also welcome a new Marvel ride-through attraction featuring Ant-Man”.

Agents were then informed of two amazing Australian and New Zealand wholesaler offers that arenow in market for Guests looking to stay and play a little longer at one of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hotels between now and March 31, 2019. These offers include a stay three, pay two room night offer, and a second offer where guests looking to stay two nights or longer may be able to receive two Hong Kong Disneyland General Admission tickets as a bonus for their stay. Both of these offers are now available to book via select Australian and New Zealand wholesalers.

MTA invited to join exclusive Hyatt Privé program

Further industry recognition for MTA – Mobile Travel Agents this week with Hyatt welcoming the company into its prestigious, by invitation-only, luxury travel program, Hyatt Privé. MTA now becomes one of only a handful of organisations invited to be members within Australia and New Zealand.

Launched just last February, the Hyatt Privé program gives its globally-located members access to a range of exclusive customer benefits, personal connections and promotions at Hyatt’s luxury, lifestyle and resort hotels.

These include Park Hyatt, the luxury boutique Andaz by Hyatt brand and the Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, a portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury hotel properties, boutique properties to resorts and private home accommodations.

Announcing the development, MTA executive manager, Sara Pearce said the invitation to join Hyatt Privé was further recognition of the company’s ability to deliver quality luxury travel experiences through its travel experts in conjunction with luxury travel providers such as Hyatt.

Contiki brings the ultimate fun at Splendour in the Grass

This weekend Contiki hosted 250 campers at their legendary campsite in North Byron Parklands for Splendour in the Grass. Contiki guests arrived at the sold-out campsite on the Thursday afternoon, just outside the main entrance to the festival with tents already set up and gift bags full of festival essentials.

The celebrations kicked off on Thursday night at the Contiki Tiki Bar where guests started up the karaoke early, belting out tunes from Shania Twain to Bohemian Rhapsody. The Contiki campers were treated to a ton of Splendour surprises throughout the weekend, the biggest of course being the secret and exclusive performance by Wafia at the campsite on Sunday morning.

This intimate show was attended by influencers Chloe Barry-Hang and Luke Casey, both naming it as one of their highlights of the entire weekend. The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise alums Sam Cochrane and Bingham Fitz-Henry were also guests of Contiki, staying on the campsite, much to the joy of the campers who snapped plenty of pics with the famous pair.

There was glitter, colour and music galore as the campers explored the festival. Spirits were high throughout the entire weekend with Lorde belting out killer rendition of My Happiness on Friday night followed by the rocking of the amphitheatre by Franz Ferdinand, Chvrches and Vampire Weekend on the Saturday. PNAU, MGMT and The Wombats gave serious 2000s feels on the final night before headliner, Kendrick Lamar blew everyone away. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable memories and Contiki can’t wait to do it all again next year!

TTC Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS – Great Western American Adventure

For a limited time only, you can fly for $699 return to Canada & North America, when you book in conjunction with Insight Vacations’ 2019 USA and Canada trips. From glorious cities to wine country, dramatic canyons and coastal towns, this 15-day Great Western American Adventure allows you to see the highlights of America’s West in a concise but enriching manner. Along the way you’ll discover the bohemian charms of San Francisco and Sonoma and the wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park, all while staying in a number of lodges within the National Parks. Starting from $8,394* per person (including economy flights). This offer is on sale now until the 31st of August 2018 for departure on the 12th of April and 18th of October 2019, until sold out. Other departure dates are available however trip pricing may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

TRAFALGAR – Northern California

Explore The Real America and fly with Trafalgar for $799* on USA & Canada trips. Guests wind their way through fresh California cityscapes and along the sun-kissed seaside cliffs of The Golden State on Trafalgar’s 8 day Northern California travel itinerary. Your client will be tasting the golden age of rail travel through Napa Valley wine country as they explore San Francisco, Monterey and the beauty of Big Sur, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with Trafalgar on this Regional Explorer! Starting at $3,875* per person plus $799 flights. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of August 2018 for departure on 6, 13 & 27 July, 3, 17 & 31 August 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

UNIWORLD – Portugal, Spain & The Douro River Valley

Your clients can Fly Free to Europe in 2019 when you book them on select 2019 European river cruises departing before 15 November 2019. Uniworld’s 11 day Portugal, Spain & The Douro River Valley river cruise itinerary takes guests on an extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travellers. Their journey starts in Lisbon, the city that launched some of the world’s most renowned explorers and follows the Douro River past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards through Portugal and into Spain. Guests will dine on traditional fare in majestic Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings; enjoy private tastings of Port; and explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Starting from $7,399* (including return economy airfares) per person. This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of August for departure on the 21st of March 2019. Additional departures available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Into the Northwest Passage

Save your client 10% on Adventure World Travel’s 16 night cruise – aboard the Ocean Endeavour – on the Into the Northwest Passage travel itinerary through Canada’s Northwest Passage. Your clients will join the ranks of the fearless adventurers who have been lured by the Northwest Passage’s spirit into the fierce untameable wilds of Eastern Canada aboard. Experience the stark beauty and untamed wild of the remote reaches of Northern Canada and Western Greenland. Starting from $21,665* (including discount, all shipboard meals and activities, shore excursions, port taxes and fees) per person. This offer is on sale now until the 30th of September 2018 for select travel departure dates between the 17th of August 2019 and the 22nd of August 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

AAT KINGS – Tassie’s Wilderness Icons

Save up to $650* per couple when you book your client on select AAT Kings Last Minute Deals. Your clients will be awed by the spectacular natural beauty of Russell Falls, the Gordon River, Cradle Mountain National Park and the sheer-sided ‘Nut’ at Stanley on AAT Kings 6 day Tassie’s Wilderness Icons travel itinerary. They will see deep freshwater lakes, majestic harbours, towering rainforests, and feast on the artisan produce that is the bounty of verdant pastureland and burgeoning vineyards. Starting from $1,850* per person. This offer is on sale now for select 2018 departure dates until sold out or departed. Additional departures available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

BUS ABOUT – Hop-on Hop-off USA

USA LAUNCH DEAL! Save 10% on USA West Coast Hop-on Hop-off Unlimited pass for a limited time only. Hop-on Hop-off USA gives your client the freedom to create their perfect itinerary using private, door-to-door coaches that connect 8 of the best destinations on the USA’s West Coast. They’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet amazing drivers and guides. They choose where to start, how long they want to stay in each spot and what they spend their time doing. It’s their choice, their way. Travel from 1 week up to 3 months. Get private, door-to-door service to pick-up and drop-off points and choose from a range of optional activities to suit every interest. Starting from $719* per person. This offer is on sale until the 31st of August 2018 for access to the entire USA loop between June and August 2019. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.