Big Fat Agent Wrap
The agent wraps are our favourite thing to do on a Friday. Well, that and research places to go for lunch. And bars to go to for happy hour. But agent wraps come a close third.
Princess Cruises host biggest travel agent famil onboard largest and newest ship, Majestic Princess
Princess Cruises hosted their largest ever Travel Agent famil over the weekend, with 70 travel agents from around the nation sailing onboard Majestic Princess’ maiden voyage into Sydney to mark the start of cruise season on Saturday.
The two-day famil sailing out of Brisbane featured a presentation by Majestic Princess’ Entertainment Director, Mark Turner during which Natalie Wykes from Macarthur Travel and Cruise Centre won a two-night cruise onboard Majestic Princess sailing Sydney to Brisbane in March 2019, luckily finding the winning ticket underneath her chair.
The newest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, Majestic Princess is the first international ship to visit Australia for the nation’s busy summer cruise season. The 3560-guest ship will be based in Sydney for the next six months, carrying close to 70,000 Australian and international travellers on 18 cruises this season.
Aussie agent scores VIP treatment at Pearl Jam’s The Home Shows concert
Visit Seattle and Hawaiian Airlines recently rewarded an Australian travel agent with an experience of a lifetime – two seats in Visit Seattle’s VIP suite at Pearl Jam’s The Home Shows concert.
The winner, Mobile Travel Agents’ Tracy King, flew as a special guest of Hawaiian Airlines from Sydney via Honolulu to Seattle and joined 50,000 screaming fans for a night to remember at Pearl Jam’s first hometown appearance in five years. The Home Shows concert was particularly significant with it raising over USD$11 million dollars to help the homeless community in the city.
In addition to the incredible Pearl Jam experience, and to experiencing Hawaiian Airlines’ renowned in-flight hospitality, Tracy and her guest also had the chance to take in Seattle’s sights, including the latest exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture, the legendary and newly renovated Space Needle, as well as the iconic Pike Place Market.
APT release Agent Only Tailor Made Journeys Brochure
APT, the leaders in luxury river cruising and touring, has released a Tailor Made Journeys Travel Agent Guide to help you make the most of the company’s custom travel planning service. In conjunction with the new guide, APT also announced Vietnam and Cambodia are the newest destinations to be included in the Tailor Made Journeys, with information and sample itineraries available in the newly released APT Vietnam & Cambodia River Cruising 2019//20 brochure.
Tailor Made Journeys allow you to offer the APT experience to more of your valued clients, particularly those who want to travel outside specified departure dates, spend more time in a destination, create their own tour extension, or travel independently.
Within the dedicated publication, you’ll find everything you need to help customise the dream APT journey for your guests, including an overview of the service, the benefits for agents and for clients, a step-by-step guide to the planning process, along with a host of sample itineraries across South America and Africa.
Make the most of your time thanks to APT’s dedicated Tailor Made team, who are experts in designing unforgettable journeys and remove the often time-consuming research and planning process involved in creating bespoke passenger itineraries.
MTA team glams up for Luxperience 2018
Pictured are the MTA-Mobile Travel Agents’ team attending Luxperience 2018 in Sydney this week.
It’s certainly a far cry from the misconception that home-based travel consultants sit around all day in their dressing gowns and curlers!
Viking releases trade survey
Viking want to make sure they are supporting trade with relevant and timely communications. A short survey has been created to gather feedback on a wide range of marketing initiatives. There are five $100 Visa gift cards to be won just for participating.
This survey is a great way for Viking to understand the needs of their travel partners to refine the way they communicate. Please click on this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2KGHXJL and fill out the survey before 10 am 24th September.
Winners announced by 28th September 2018.
Six Lucky Travel Agents Embark on a 12-day famil in South Africa
Six Travel Agents have returned from a 12-day famil, hosted by South African Tourism and its partner South African Airways, after winning a trip through the tourism board late last year.
The winners were picked from a pool of 684 travel agents and secured their prize by providing the best answers to the question, ‘Why do you want to ‘Meet South Africa’’.
Highlights from the famil included an encounter with a herd of more than 40 elephants wading through a watering hole and sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards and caracals. The group also took a Cape sidecar tour through Franschhoek and rode tuk-tuk’s through Soweto.
Following the success of the trip, South African Tourism, along with South African Airways, Taj Hotels, Grotbos Private Nature Reserve and Lion Sands Game Reserve, are once again offering travel agents and wholesalers based in Australia and New Zealand the chance to win one of six spots on an eight-night famil to South Africa. This trip will see the winners take part in a series of quintessentially South African activities, including seeing the ‘Big 5’ on an iconic wildlife safari, drinking their way through the Cape Winelands and Great White Shark cage diving, if they dare. This prize includes all international and domestic flights and taxes, accommodation, meals and activities.
To enter the competition entrants need to complete the SA Specialist online training course, and in the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s Centenary, answer in 30 words or less which Mandela-inspired tourist attraction they would visit and why. Find out more here.
Myconian Collection Agent Famil
A group of travel agents had a wonderful time visiting the Myconian Collection in Mykonos recently. The trip included a visit to all 9 Myconian Collection properties, a look at a property which is still undergoing construction (due to open next season), an archaeological tour of Delos and many delicious lunches and dinners. They met all four brothers of the family-owned Myconian Collection and were flown direct to Mykonos (with a short stop in Doha) with Qatar Airways
The agents specialised in a wide range of travel including business, luxury and leisure travel and included:
- Sean Keiran – Mosman Travel (Sydney)
- Alexandra Douglas – Travel Call (Melbourne)
- Marcela Hrncir – Marry Rossi Travel (Sydney)
- Jacqueline Byrne – Shire Travel (Sydney)
- Debra Eustice – Executive Edge Travel (Melbourne)
The Australian Sales Ambassador for the Myconian Collection Lea Seguier was there to guide them through the tour.
Travel Associates set to help make sure our farmers R OK
Travel Associates launched on RUOK day, a new initiative that gives a $100 donation to either of two charities, R U OK and the National Farmers Federation.
Aimed squarely at giving back to the community, each new client referred by a current client, to a Travel Associates Advisor, who then makes a booking of $1250 or more, will automatically generate the $100 donation. The referral campaign runs until the end of the year.
So by simply referring clients, friends and family to your favourite Travel Associates Advisor, when they book you’ll automatically be raising $100 for the charity to the charity you choose from the two.
Hot Deals from Intrepid
Save $1,162 on Intrepid’s 21 day China Experience trip departing 20 October 2018. Experience the essence of China from Beijing to Hong Kong. On this trip, travellers will visit key destinations from north to the south such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army, sail through the Yangzi River, venture through the Three Gorges and learn about the endangered giant pandas by getting up close and personal in Chengdu. Highlights include travelling by overnight train and trekking the peaks of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery.
Save $1,279 on Intrepid’s 12-day Japan Family Holiday trip departing 21 October 2018. Discover to wonders of Japan on a family-friendly adventure. On this trip, travellers will feast on market fresh sushi, learn the art of calligraphy, cook okonomiyaki in Tokyo, relax in the soothing waters of Japanese hot spring baths in Hakone and visit Hiroshima to learn more about one of Japan’s most important chapters of history. Highlights of this trip include walking through the bamboo forest of Kyoto, witnessing some of Japan’s finest temples and navigating through the country’s finest cuisine options.
Save $929 on Intrepid’s 15-day Real Peru 18-29-year-old trip departing 1 and 22 October 2018. Discover the best of Peru from Lima to the Amazon jungle. On this trip, travellers will indulge in the delicious tastes of Lima, roam the jungle floor of the Amazon and embark on a journey through the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A highlight of this trip includes spending a night under the stars in a traditional village when visiting the floating Islands of Uros and Lake Titicaca.
For more deals, head to the Intrepid website.
MTA team enjoys top night at Top Golf Gold Coast
Pictured the MTA-Mobile Travel Agents’ head office marketing and product team trying out the Gold Coast’s latest big tourist attraction – Top Golf Gold Coast.
Located at Oxenford, the three-level venue is fitted with 90 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host up to six players at one time. The Gold Coast Top Golf is one of 33 similar venues around the world which, combined, attract more than 10.5 million people every year.
TTC Weekly Deals
INSIGHT VACATIONS – Northern Lights of Scandinavia
Special offer: Discover the Insight Difference when travelling to Europe in 2019. Insight Vacations Europe & Britain 2019 brochure is OUT NOW. Your clients can book now and take advantage of our amazing early booking deals today with a 10%* Early Payment Discount. Clients can enjoy these savings on Insight Vacations’ NEW 10 day Northern Lights of Scandinavia itinerary. This trip is one for nature lovers as it offers a bewitching journey across Scandinavia’s breath-taking mountains, rivers, cities and fjords through Helsinki, Ivalo, Honningsvag, Alta, Tromso and Oslo. Guests will also meet Trine Lyrek at her working husky farm in Alta to gain an insight to the challenges Trine and her Alaskan Huskies face when competing in marathon Arctic dog sled races. Starting from $4,937* per person. This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019 for select departures between the 30th of October 2019 and the 15th of April 2020. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.
TRAFALGAR – Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Save 10% on select Trafalgar trips when you pay in full by 31 Jan 2019. Your clients can enjoy these savings on the 11 day Best of Croatia and Slovenia itinerary as they trace the walls of ancient capitals, pretty Adriatic seaside retreats and natural icons like Plitvice and Lake Bled. Guests will enjoy an enchanting journey through Zagreb, Bled, Ljubljana, Opatija, Split, Ston and Dubrovnik. Starting from $3,375 per person twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 31st of January 2019 for select departure dates between the 21st of January until the 13th of October 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.
UNIWORLD – Brilliant Bordeaux
The choice is yours, there’s more to explore with $1,000pp off your next experience with Uniworld or one of our luxury sister brands: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Insight Vacations or Luxury Gold. Enjoy this offer on Uniworld’s eight day Brilliant Bordeaux luxury river cruise. Uncover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France as you set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey through Bordeaux, Cadillac, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne and Saint-Émilion. Starting from $5,299 per person, 8 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 31st October 2018 and reflective of departure on the 3rd of November 2018. Other departures available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.uniworld.com.
AAT KINGS – Western Wonderland
Save your clients 10% when on all AAT Kings Guided Holidays when they book and pay in full by 31st of January 2019. They can enjoy these savings on the 16 day Western Wonderland itinerary. Guests can explore the vibrant cityscapes, iconic landmarks, ancient forests and white sandy beaches with the crystal-clear blue waters that Western Australia is renowned for as they travel on a round trip from Perth through Wave Rock, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany, Margaret River, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Geraldton. Starting from $5,243 per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of January 2019 for select departures between the 1st of April 2019 and the 31st of March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.
CONTIKI – Simply Italy
Why wait to see what 2019 brings, when you can make sure it brings the goods? Lock in a Europe Summer trip now and you can get 10% off. Sip cocktails in the Amalfi, watch the sunset on a private boat in Croatia and watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night next year. Clients can enjoy these savings on the 12 day Simply Italy trip. This itinerary allows travellers to learn to make pizza, watch the intricate art of Italian leather and enjoy Chianti & Antipasto at a 16th century Tuscan winery as they travel with Contiki through Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice, Milan and the Riviera. Starting from $2,025* per person twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019. Price reflective of select departure dates 28 Jan 2020 & 8 March 2020, other departures available for an alternate price. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.
BUSABOUT – 15 Stop Hop-on Hop-off
Busabout’s Early Bird offer saves travellers 10% off the 15 Stop Hop-on Hop-off pass! Hop-on Hop-off gives you the freedom to create your perfect European itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network across 13 countries and 38 unique destinations. You’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet our amazing drivers and guides. Pre-plan your trip or wing it as you go. Change your plan as often as you like, free of charge. It’s your choice, your way. Starting from $1,250* per person (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 16th of November 2018 for all 2019/2020 brochure listed departures. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
apt intrepid mta Myconian Collection princess cruises south african tourism travel associates ttc viking Visit SeattleLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.