Big fat agent wrap
Want to leave work early but your boss won’t let you? Silently fume away here with this photo-filled agent wrap.
Ynot Concepts Wraps up Big Five Roadshow
Last night at the Art House Hotel in Sydney, industry guests were given a taste of Africa as a part of Ynot Concepts inaugural Australian roadshow.
Representatives from African Bush Camps, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Lemala Camps and Lodges, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and Wild Horizons visited Australia for a series of networking and B2B events in Melbourne and Sydney this week.
Ynot also held networking events in Sydney and Melbourne to assist sales and reservation staff on how best to sell the destinations and products.
Aside from award-winning luxury camps and lodges, the ‘Big Five’ have a common thread of being trailblazers in practices of sustainability, community engagement and conservation.
Individually they have been practicing sustainable tourism long before it became fashionable to do so. Their businesses help empower local communities changing the lives of many and their efforts in conservation have kept natural environments in pristine condition and ensured endangered species will endure on this planet.
Uniworld River Cruises accolade for MTA’s Wendy Gunther
Uniworld River Cruises has recognised MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Wendy Gunther’s outstanding sales performance at a special presentation taking place at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Wendy was flown from Brisbane to attend the event where she was presented with Tiffany jewellery and, along with other guests, treated to a private showing of ‘The Masters of Modern Art’ from the Hermitage in St Petersburg currently on display at the gallery.
The evening rounded off with a Matt Moran-inspired dining experience.
Wendy is pictured second from right with her MTA colleagues attending the event, from left Mandy Patterson; MTA business development manager, NSW/ACT Jackie Pennock; Sally Curtis, Anne Coombes and Robin Stevens.
Playful pachyderms charm agents on Southern Africa famil
Unexpectedly close encounters with wild animals can stir some deep emotions – mostly notably fear. But for Endeavour Travel and Cruise’s Jill Faircloth it led to some sweet tears.
Travelling on an exclusive Travellers Choice educational tour of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana as guests of The Africa Safari Co., Jill stepped into Nehimba Safari Lodge in Hwange National Park to find herself almost face-to-face with a group of curious elephants.
US consul general meets agents at Visit USA expo in Brisbane
Prizes, presentations and a celebrity vibe brought Brisbane travel agents out in droves to the Visit USA Expo in Brisbane last night with over 250 agents attending.
Held at Howard Smith Wharves, travel agents chanted throughout the prize rounds, celebrating the prize-winners announced by I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner and MC Richard Reid.
US Consul General Sharon Hudson-Dean also made a surprise visit to mix with the agents commenting, “The energy and enthusiasm at the Visit USA Expos 2019 is really impressive.”
“The USA has an endless list of top class tourist destinations and we’re thrilled that Australian travellers come for long visits to explore and experience as much as they can, frequently more than once,” commented Hudson-Dean. “Our doors are open and we love to host Australian visitors.”
Hayman Island EXCLUSIVE Deal with Viva! Holidays extended due to popular demand!
With ALL the buzz surrounding the opening of the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort on July 1st it is no surprise that the exclusive Viva! Holidays special deal for the opening of the resort has been selling like hotcakes!! Gorgeous-Luxury-Island style hotcakes that is!
The response has been so good that the original travel dates have had to be extended due to overwhelming demand. And it’s no surprise when you look at the deal itself!
More info here.
High Times in Melbourne at TIME meet up
The lively gathering of ambitious travel, tourism and hospitality professionals were treated to an evening of inspired presentations, tasty victuals and refreshing libations with industry folk with a common passion for mentoring and career development.
Under a perfect evening summer sky with spectacular views over Albert Park lake, leadership & management consultant Sandy Colombo emceed the event. Sandy introduced TIME’s renowned mentoring program to the first-timers, before handing over to the night’s guest presenters, Graeme Riches and Peter Topping.
TIME’s 34th program intake starts its six-month mentoring journey on 10 April 2019, with expressions of interest due on 10 March 2019.
Leading Australian travel insurance provider, Cover-More, has generously committed to fully-fund a placement in the 34th intake.
Interested individuals are encouraged to download a scholarship application HERE.
Visit USA wraps up expo week in Sydney with a full house of agents
As the finale event, Sydney was the strongest of the three shows yet at Visit USA’s Expo Week that wrapped up last night with over 350 agents filling the Hilton Sydney’s ballroom.
Once again entertained by Hollywood celebrity and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner Richard Reid, it was a memorable night for agents as they were presented with all the latest tourism offerings by US suppliers, with many winning trips to the USA.
TTC Weekly Deals
TRAFALGAR
Italian Concerto
Save up to $500 per couple of all Italy Trips with Trafalgar including the 11 day Italian Concerto. On this trip guests will travel from Rome to Cassino, Pompeii, The Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri & Florence before wrapping up their Italian sojourn in Venice. Starting from $3,875* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 28 February 2019 for select departures from 8 April to 14 October 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 78 78 78 or visit www.trafalgar.com *Conditions apply.
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL
South Africa Panorama
Save up to 15% on tailor-made Africa with Adventure World Travel such as the 14 day South Africa Panorama itinerary. Travellers will journey through the kaleidoscope of South Africa on this locally escorted small group trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town through Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Swaziland. Zululand, Durban, Knysna, Oudtshoorn & Franschoek. You’ll enjoy game drives through Kruger National Park, searching for the Big Five before a journey through the Cape Winelands and along the glorious Garden Route, visiting villages and beachside towns along the way. Starting from $4,069* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 15 March 2019 for select low season travel dates. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com*Conditions Apply.
BUSABOUT
Morocco Highlights
Save up to $150 per person with Busabout on the 9 day Morocco Highlights trip. Travellers will need to get ready to do things differently – get ready for Morocco. Here they’ll step outside of their comfort zone as they travel from Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge and Ait Benhaddou and camp in the Sahara Desert. Visit one of the world’s largest medieval cities, and gaze upon the tenacious Todra Gorge. Starting from $1355 per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 28 February 2019 for departure on 9 March 2019 and 23 March 2019 only. Other departures are available, but prices will vary. For more information or to book contact www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226. *Conditions apply.
UNIWORLD
Danube Holiday Markets
Save up to 30% on the 8 day Danube Holiday Markets cruise with Uniworld thanks to their Our Best Offer deal. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable, as guests sail through the holidays on the Danube from Budapest to Passau through Bratislava, Vienna, Krems & Linz on the S.S. Maria Theresa. Starting from $3,359* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale until 31 March 2019 and reflective of departure on 9 December 2019. Other departure dates are available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com *Conditions apply.
AAT KINGS
East Coast Islands & Rainforest
Save up to $1200* per couple with AAT Kings Last Minute Deals. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 13 day East Coast Islands and Rainforest itinerary where they will explore the epic coastline of Eastern Australia on a journey that takes them from Sydney to Cairns through Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast, Noosa, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island and Mission Beach. Starting from $4,950* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed for select departures between 7 April and 27 September 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visitwww.aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.
CONTIKI
Berlin to Budapest
Flash Sale! Save 20% off Select Contiki Itineraries booked before April 1, 2019! There’ll be no tired icons on the 13 day Berlin to Budapest trip, and no queuing in lines. Travellers will be too busy sampling Czech craft beer & soaking up Krakow’s salt mines on this adventure through Dresden, Prague, Krakow, Auschwitz, Banska Bystrica and Budapest. In Krakow travellers will get to check out Kazimierz, the UNESCO-listed Old Town & historic Jewish Quarter with its jumble of street art, vintage markets, crumbling cafes & 14th century synagogue before journeying deep underground on a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, with an included tour of the mind-blowing crystalline tunnels, caves & cathedral, all carved out of the salt rock.Starting from $2,440* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 1 April 2019 for select departures between 6 May and 23 September 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com *Conditions Apply.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Alpine Christmas Markets
Guests can experience the Winter magic, Spring blooms and Autumn colours on their next trip to Europe. If they book now they will enjoy a 5%* Early Payment Discount on Autumn, Winter & Spring departures when paid in full by 29 August 2019. They can then enjoy these savings on the 9 day Alpine Christmas Markets itinerary where they will enter the realm of gingerbread, mulled wine and carol singers as they travel with Insight Vacations from Munich to Salzburg, Innsbruck, the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Freiburg before departing from Zurich. Starting from $2,328* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 29 August 2019 and valid on the following select departures unless sold out prior; 24, 25 and 27 November 2019. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com *Conditions Apply.
Latest News
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Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
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ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
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Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
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HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
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Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
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!