We’ve got an extra long agent wrap for you today on this extra drizzly Friday. If you scroll through it slow enough, it should get you to 3pm. Which is basically home time, right?

Exclusive Club Med Famil for Personal Travel Managers

They say the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, and for seven personal travel managers (PTMs) on a recent TravelManagers’ famil of the Maldives’ Club Med Kani and Finolhu Villas, a four-night taste was proof enough that a barefoot-luxury holiday in this exquisite destination is well worth aspiring to.

The group was hosted by Club Med’s Business Development Manager, Adam Ferraro and accompanied by TravelManagers’ Fares and Ticketing Manager, Jose Canas. After a quick stop in Singapore during which they were able to experience Changi Airport’s Ambassador Transit Lounge, they continued to their destination for the next three nights: Club Med Kani.

After taking a tour of the resort, participants were free to spend the remainder of their time at the resort enjoying the various water-sports on offer, joining yoga and pilates classes and sampling both the cocktails at the resort’s Beach Bar and dining at Velhi Restaurant.

A Very Merry Toy Story Land Christmas Mega-Fam – Final Winners announced!

Nine more lucky agents from across Australia and New Zealand are preparing their best “Oohs” and “Aahs” in preparation for their upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! The eight top selling agents and one random winner are the final lucky agents to qualify for the A Very Merry Toy Story Land Christmas Mega-Fam incentive.

The nine lucky agents are:

• Claudia Griffiths – Qantas/Viva Holidays (AU)
• Kate Robinson-Hallahan – Infinity Holidays (AU)
• Tara Dickinson – Flight Centre (AU)
• Amanda McAllister – House of Travel (NZ)
• Bella Cilia – Flight Centre (AU)
• Jess Prior – Infinity Holidays (AU)
• Kirsten Parker – Magical Mouse Holidays (AU)
• Makala Stratford – Flight Centre (AU)
• Tash McGranaghan – Infinity Holidays (NZ)

Their six-night stay at Walt Disney World Resort will include a rich itinerary with world-class entertainment and recreation across four theme parks and two water parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Fiji Airways/Club Med famil

Recently, the Fiji Airways/Club Med Top Sellers famil to Fiji and Club Med Bintan Island in conjunction with Flight Centre NZn took place. The famil took place 9-18 September and included:

• return flights to Fiji and Singapore with Fiji Airways
• one nights accommodation outbound at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
• day trip to Malamala Beach Club
• five nights accommodation at Club Med Bintan Island
• two nights accommodation inbound at the Westin Denarau
• day trip to Zip Fiji

The educational was run to showcase Fiji Airways wider network beyond Fiji to NZ agents and to show options for their clients when they stopover in Fiji enroute to Asia.  It also educated the agents on the fantastic all inclusive holiday that their clients can have at Club Med resorts around the world.

The agents were upgraded to Fiji Airways Business Class NAN-AKL on the A330 aircraft and also got to experience the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at the recently upgraded Nadi International Airport.

Trip of a lifetime for Magellan Travel Owner Managers with Qantas Holidays!

It was luxury all the way for six Magellan Travel Owner Managers when Qantas Holidays partnered with Belmond Trains & Cruises to offer the trip of a lifetime, taking in Venice and London with a stopover in Abu Dhabi on the return journey.

Transferring from Venice Airport by private water taxi to the five-star Bauer Palazzo Hotel alongside the Grand Canal, the two-night stay included an inspection of the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani and a leisurely lunch at Cip’s Club with its breathtaking views across the canal to St Mark’s Square.

The group was then transported back in time to the golden ageof travel on board the classic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on a two day, one night Venice to London journey.

It was then on to London with accommodation at the posh May Fair Hotel with site inspections of the Radisson Blu Edwardian properties. The group were wined and dined at the trendy Scoff & Banter Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt and Monmouth Kitchen at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street.

Fiji says Bula to agents and Viva! Holidays

Agents were careful not to become ‘castaways’ while on recent Fiji famil with Viva! Holidays.

Five lucky agent Owner/Managers were invited on an on an exclusive Viva! Holidays famil to experience the delights of Fiji.

Travelling with Fiji Airways, highlights included staying at the Marriott at Momi Bay, a morning snorkelling trip to a secluded sandbar in the middle of the Mamanuca Islands and a visit to Monuriki Island, where the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks was filmed.

Queensland agents reach Cape Horn, the southern-most tip in the world, thanks to LATAM Airlines and South American Travel Specialists

A group of Queensland agents recently returned from an exciting famil to South America, thanks to the region’s leading airline carrier, LATAM, and South American Travel Specialists.

Aside from making it to Cape Horn, the southern-most tip in the world, highlights of the trip included an exploration cruise through the Chilean icefields on the Australis Ventus; Chile’s buzzing capital, Santiago; and the tango-loving metropolis of Argentina’s Buenos Aires.

Throughout the journey, agents experienced LATAM’s unparalleled connectivity and friendly South American service firsthand.

Flight Centre Perth & NT team experience South Africa at annual Team Leaders Conference

113 Flight Centre Perth and Northern Territory Team Leaders travelled to South Africa for their Annual Team Leaders Conference and were hosted by South African Tourism and South African Airways.

The teams were split into three groups, each of which visited different areas of the country, experiencing its diverse range of sites and activities. To encompass the breathtaking scenery, culture and bustling city life, actioned-packed itineraries were specifically designed for each group to deliver them a trip of a lifetime.

These itineraries included travelling the whole length of the sun-soaked coasts, beginning in the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg, the groups then split off to explore beautiful Soweto by quad bike, indulged at the Cape Winelands and ventured on Safari.

Regrouping in Cape Town, the Team Leaders met for their annual conference at Southern Sun Cape Sun which was followed by a safari-themed Gala Dinner at Grand Africa Café & Beach.

Luxury Escapes on Tour embarks on it’s biggest roadshow ever

This week, Luxury Escapes embarked on its most ambitious roadshow to date, visiting 11 cities in just 21 days, meeting thousands of Luxury Escapes members across Australia and New Zealand.

Luxury Escapes on Tour (LE on Tour) gives its 2.6-million-member base the opportunity to meet the people behind the brand, hear about new hotel partners, understand industry trends and interact with the Luxury Escapes team who can help customers purchase their next Luxury Escapes holiday.

One of the largest industry-wide roadshows, LE on Tour will see 13 Luxury Escapes staff members travel for the next three weeks. LE on Tour receives incredible support from Visit Indonesia Tourism Office, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Tourism.

Hot deals from Intrepid

Save $903 on Intrepid’s eight-day Best of Chile & Argentina trip departing 17 November 2018. Celebrate the energy of Chile and Argentina travelling from Santiago, across the Andes to Buenos Aires. On this trip, travellers will discover the colonial charm and history in Santiago, wind through the country lanes of the Mendoza wine region and indulge in the cuisine, culture and nightlife of Buenos Aires. Highlights for travellers include taking part in the daily routines and duties of a gaucho on a unique, traditional Argentinian estancia and tasting some of the finest produce in the world.

Save $233 on Intrepid’s 11-day Indian Getaway departing 20 November 2018. Discover people, food and culture that make northern India such a captivating destination. On this trip travellers will explore the arches, gardens and Hall of Mirrors in the Amber Fort with a local guide, watch the sunrise on the holy Ganges River in Varanasi, visit the Taj Mahal and find the historic sights and hidden gems of Delhi. Highlights include travelling across India in a sleeper train and spending a night in a Heritage-listed palace in the relatively untouched village of Tordi Garh.

Save $542 on Intrepid’s 17-day Central American Journey departing 14 November 2018. Discover the best of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica. On this trip travellers will visit mysterious Mayan ruins, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles, experience El Salvador of the past in the colonial town of Suchitoto and encounter Costa Rica’s famous Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. A highlight for travellers includes hiking, cycling and zip-lining through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica while getting up close to hundreds of mammal, bird and plant species.

Save $363 on Intrepid’s nine-day Thailand Beaches West Coast departing 28 October 2018. On this trip travellers will take a sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of the Ao Thalane mangrove forests, discover the relatively untouched island of Koh Yao Noi and engage with wildlife at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. Highlights to this trip include travelling like the locals do on an overnight train and enjoying a home cooked meal in a local family’s home.

New PR and travel writing workshops in Sydney 

Travel writer Rob McFarland has announced two new PR and travel writing workshops this month in Sydney. The PR workshop covers press release writing and story pitching and includes feedback from 30 of Australia’s leading travel editors. The travel writing workshop covers a specialised toolkit of writing and pitching techniques plus includes a detailed post-course review.

• PR writing workshop

• Travel writing workshop

Learn a specialised toolkit of writing and pitching techniques plus get detailed feedback on your writing. Join dozens of students who’ve gone on to be published in outlets such as National Geographic Traveller, The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Telegraph, International Traveller magazine and many more.

Both courses cost $399 per person and are limited to 12 participants. For more information, visit www.robmcfarland.org. 

TTC Weekly Deals

TRAFALGAR – Irish Experience

Fly for $999 to Europe & Britain with Trafalgar! Your clients can enjoy this offer in combination with the 11 day Irish Experience where they will travel through Dublin, Belfast, Londonderry, Connemara, Killarney and Blarney. On this trip guests will encounter the natural wonders of the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher and visit Kylemore Abbey. Starting from $4,524* per person (including return air fares). This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of October 2018 for select travel dates between the 1st of April and 30th of November 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

UNIWORLD – Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy

A world of luxury awaits with the most all-inclusive river cruise finely tailored just for you. Fly Free to Europe in 2019 on select 2019 European river cruises booked before 7 November 2019. Enjoy these savings on the 8 day Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary. Guests will soak up the enchantment of “The City of Water”, the three outer-lying Venetian islands; Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, as well as Chioggia, Polesella & Taglio di Po. Starting from $5,299* per person (including return economy airfare), you will experience 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 from 13 October until 7 November 2018 for departures on 31 March or 3 November 2019. Other departure dates available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

INSIGHT VACATIONS – Spectacular Scandinavia and its Fjords (Air Inclusive)

For a limited time only, your client can fly from $899* return to Europe and Britain, when they book a 2019 European journey from Insight Vacations’ 2019 Europe Brochure. If they book before 31 October 2018 they can take advantage of this amazing offer on Insight’s 15-day Spectacular Scandinavia and it’s Fjords itinerary. Guests can revel in outstanding Scandinavian scenery as they cruise the glassy fjords and ride the Flåm Railway on this outstanding journey starting in Copenhagen and travelling through Stockholm, Uppsala, Falun, Lillehammer, Geiranger, Fjordland and Bergen before finishing up in Oslo. Starting from $7,524* per person (including return economy airfares). This offer is on sale now until 31 October 2018 or until sold out. Valid on select departures only: 14, 21, 28 July 2019 and 9 August 2019. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Handpicked Kenya & Tanzania

Guests can save up to $500* per person on the 16-day Handpicked Kenya & Tanzania itinerary when they book before November 15th, 2018. They will discover a kaleidoscope of landscapes in the ultimate safari areas of Kenya and Tanzania. From the open plains of the Masai Mara and the swamps of Amboseli, to the views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peaks and the Serengeti, this safari provides the perfect opportunity to explore some of Africa’s most diverse scenery before guests finish off their adventure soaking up the sun on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. Starting from $7,435* per person. This offer is on sale now until the 15th of November 2018. Valid for departures between the 1st of November 2018 and the 12th of June 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

AAT KINGS – Wonders of the Kimberly

Clients can save 10% on AAT King’s Guided Holidays in Australia when they book and pay in full by 31 January 2019. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 11 day Wonders of the Kimberly travel itinerary where they begin their magnificent Kimberley experience with a spectacular sunset over Broome’s Cable Beach, then enter a magical world of rich waterways, plunging gorges, stunning rock formations and prolific wildlife as they travel from Broome to Darwin through Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Katherine. Starting from $4,905* per person twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 31st of January 2019 for select travel dates between 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

U BY UNIWORLD – Germany’s Finest

Save 10% when your clients choose to book and pay in full by 31 October with U by Uniworld’s early booking savings. Clients can enjoy these savings on the 8 Day Germany’s Finest Itinerary where they will discover the best of Deutschland on one amazing holiday. Fairy-tale castles, a bike trip along the Main river, a getaway to the Franconian Brewery Museum and a Nuremberg culinary tour are some of the many highlights on this itinerary through Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Kelheim between Frankfurt and Regensburg. From $2,249* per person, twin share. This offer is on sale now until 31 October 2018 for all 2019 sailings. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.ubyuniworld.com.

CONTIKI – European Inspiration

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. Travellers will head clockwise around Europe on the 19 day European Inspiration adventure from London, through Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome and Paris to experience all the best wonders Europe is renowned for. They will visit a cheese farm and clog makers house in Amsterdam, before a private boat through the canals and islands of Venice as well as a guided tour of St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. Starting from $3,042* per person (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019. Price reflective of select departure dates available between 5 April 2019- 20 March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUSABOUT – Turkey Sail

Save 10% with Busabout’s Early Bird Offers! Constantly feel like a treasure hunter who’s just arrived at the X on the map on Busabout’s 8 day Turkey Sail as you swim in secluded bays of turquoise water daily through Fethiye, St Nicholas Island, Kaş, Limangazi, Smugglers Cove, Kalkan, Firnaz Bay and the Gulf of Fethiye. Starting from $593* per person (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until 16 November 2018 for travel between 27 April and 19 October 2019. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.