With tomorrow being a public holiday, we’re giving you the Big Fat Agent Wrap a day early! God, we’re good to you.

Wendy Wu Tours Easter Eggstravaganza for agents

Asia holiday specialists Wendy Wu Tours are getting into the Easter festive season with an ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ agent incentive. Agents will receive a $50 Coles Myer gift voucher for every new booking they make from April 10 until April 26.  The incentive is valid on bookings with a minimum gross value of $2900 per person for all 2017 travel.  It includes both group tours and FIT bookings.

Wendy Wu Tours offers a comprehensive range of product across more than 20 countries throughout Asia.  There are over 90 group tours across the collection of Classic, Discovery and Deluxe Tours- with multiple departures throughout 2017.

The specialist also offers an extensive range of independent product, private tours and tailor-made holidays, with products such as cruises, hotels, sightseeing options and transfers that can be arranged to suit individual traveller needs.

Agents can also register for Wuniversity to complete training modules and access various marketing tools to assist with selling the wide range of product available.

Travellers Choice members enjoy adventure famil

A bunch of travel agents – guests of Adventure World on a seven-night voyage around Thailand and Malaysia – secured spots on an exclusive journey after winning a coveted Silver Choice Award in 2016.

Each year Travellers Choice presents Choice Awards to its top 30 members, based on support for preferred partners. As well as reward trips, winners also benefit from exclusive sales incentives and service grants, which can be used towards any of the network’s member services, including the Travellers Choice Cruise Club and local area marketing activities.

The above pic features: Travellers Choice award winners at Phuket’s Karon Viewpoint, which overlooks Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches: (L-R) Andrew Hutchinson  (Adventure World), Jim Cooper (Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise), Nancy Sinopoli (Travel House Group), Robyn Mitchell (Travellers Choice), Lisa Carter (Capricorn Travel), Deb Long (Weston Cruise & Travel), Mike O’Leary (Endeavour Travel & Cruise), Sue Holmes (Carine Travel Bug) and Carol Shaw (Tour de Force Travel).

Helloworld for Business celebrates re-signs

Helloworld for Business (HWFB) is delighted to confirm the re-signing of significant agencies to the network group including Travel Tree, Acland Travel, Motive Travel, Travel Together, New England Travel and the Donna Barlow Travel Group.

Travis Smith, Owner and Director of Travel Tree in WA commented that the Helloworld for Business value proposition and the benefits offered to its network members deliver substantial value to his company and was instrumental in his commitment to the network for a further 5 years.

“One of the most significant factors for us is the HWFB incentive model that rewards on an agency level not just on growth of the group. This along with exclusive product, like their Corporate Jetstar deal and inclusive Customer Protection Charter is of major value and reward for Travel Tree,” said Smith.

Donna Barlow, Owner and Director of Donna Barlow Corporate Travel in NSW, also echoed their support and re-signed for a further term. “I’m really pleased to renew our long term partnership with HWFB. Our shared values have been the foundation of our relationship for many years now and Helloworld for Business’ delivery of travel technology, business insights and Business Manager Support are key benefits to our business” said Barlow.

South Pacific Management launches new websites

South Pacific Management has reinforced its digital strategy, launching three new hotel websites dedicated to Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, Manava Beach Resort & Spa, and Moorea and Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort.

These new websites aim to reflect each hotel brand identity and to improve hotels online exposure.

They have also been designed to enhance online travellers’ experience with larger pictures and optimised content. To further streamline the experience, these websites are mobile friendly and allow guests to make their room booking with a few clicks.

The sites (below) complement the existing South Pacific Management main website.

• Manava Suite Resort Tahiti – www.manavasuiteresorttahiti.com
  Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea – www.manavamoorearesort.com
  Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort – www.tikehaupearlbeachresort.com
  SPM Hotels – www.spmhotels.com

Last minute Croatia deals

A panoramic view of the walled city, Dubrovnik Croatia

Croatia sells itself, with its turquoise water surrounding ancient walled cities, beautiful lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park and a full cultural calendar in the capital, Zagreb. But while it may hold its own, a littler sweetener never hurt anybody, right?

Tempo Holidays are offering discounts on select Croatia cruises and escorted group departures until the end of April to help agents sell the hot destination to clients.

Travellers can save up to A$740//NZ$775 off per cabin, for two people travelling together, on the eight day K200 Adriatic Cruise, which sails from Dubrovnik and back again. Prices for this package now start from A$1920//NZ$2020 per person based on 15 Jun 2017 departure, Lower Deck.

Or save up to A$500//NZ$525 off per cabin on Tempo’s deluxe eight day cruise K231 – Dubrovnik to Porec. Prices start from A$2445//NZ$2570, based on 7 Oct 2017 departure, and includes breakfast daily, six lunches and three dinners, as well as sightseeing in Dubrovnik, Mljet National Park, Korcula, Hvar, Split and more.

For a change in pace, Tempo are also offering a 10% discount on the nine day escorted group tour, Croatia Express. This tour includes accommodation in superior hotels, a tour director throughout and sightseeing in Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and Montenegro. Prices for this tour now start from A$2320//NZ$2420 per person, based on 10 May 2017 departure.

These tours are valid for travel selected dated between May to Oct 2017.

Thailand to showcase unique experiences at WTTC Global Summit

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be hosting cultural and rustic trips for delegates attending The World Travel and Tourism Global Summit 2017 and their partners. The trips will showcase some of the Unique Local Thai Experiences that can be enjoyed in and around Bangkok to industry leaders attending the summit on 26-27 April.

The Rustic Thailand and Bangkok Medley Tours will take place on 27 and 28 of April 2017 and will give world leaders in the tourism industry the chance to experience the cultural and historical attractions of Bangkok and a traditional way of life on the canals of Amphawa. This is in line with the TAT’s drive to promote local experiences and Thainess to visitors.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), The World Travel and Tourism Global Summit 2017 will take place in Bangkok, marking the first time this event has been held in Southeast Asia. Leaders in a range of tourism fields will address the conference and there will be roundtable discussions about the future of tourism and challenges the industry faces.

Tour 1, Rustic Thailand will take up to 50 visitors to Damnern Saduak floating market in Ampawa on 27 April. There, they will be able to enjoy the flower plantations and orchards before going to the market itself to see traders sell goods from their boats.

In the afternoon they’ll visit Ban Pinsuwan Benjarong village where they’ll be able to learn a distinctly Thai way of decorating ceramics and even try their hand at creating their own masterpieces.

Tour 2, Bangkok Medley on 28 April, will give up to 50 WTTC visitors the chance to enjoy the attractions of Bangkok including the city’s oldest market, Pak Klong Talad, and glories of Rattankosin Island including the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew.

Visitors will travel in iconic Thai Tuk-Tuks, and lunch at Supatra River House before crossing the river to explore the canals of Thonburi and the famous Bangkok landmark of Wat Arun.

As 2017 has been delegated the International Year of Sustainable Tourism For Development by the United Nations World Tourism Authority (UNWTO), The WTTC Global Summit 2017 will have the theme “Transforming Our World”.

So travel industry leaders at the event will address issues including the future of travel and tourism; the impact of security threats and climate change and how to improve the ability of people to travel. There will also be discussions on digital borders, security, the growth of Chinese tourism and trends for luxury travel.

Helloworld for Business and Serko develop unique SME Technology Tool

Helloworld for Business (HWFB) is pleased to announce the development and delivery of a brand new purpose built SME Technology Tool that will deliver substantial benefits to Helloworld for Business members.

In partnership with Serko, the serko.travel SME Tool has been designed and integrated specifically for Helloworld for Business customers and will offer businesses with up to 150 employees a new and improved way to manage every aspect of their company travel directly with individual HWFB members via HWFB.com.au.

This will allow users to make bookings online and most importantly will give them access to expert HWFB member support.

The bespoke SME Tool will also deliver further benefits including, discounted booking and setup costs with the ability to compete on customer pricing with larger volume Travel Management Companies, the ability to opt-in to a range of dynamic hotel rates from Expedia as well as exclusive rates and inventory from Helloworld-AOT. Qantas Business Rewards and Mobile App integration powered by Serko, are also key features.

Emerging Destinations Contribute to TravelManagers Record Start to 2017

TravelManagers is celebrating the company achieving a new sales revenue record for the first quarter of 2017. Following a record sales month for February, the month of March resulted in a 16 per cent increase compared to 2016, while the cumulative result for January to March 2017 was up 13 per cent compared to the equivalent three months in 2016.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2017, our consistent increase in sales further cements TravelManagers’ standing in the industry. These results are proof the home-based consultancy model is robust and confident and that demand for the personal travel manager concept is strong.

“We’re thrilled with these results as it shows the professionalism and calibre of our personal travel managers who have taken everything we’ve given them and leveraged it for their clients and converted it into sales,” said TravelManagers Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal.

TravelManagers’ attribute its leisure sales increase to predominantly escorted touring and cruise, with increases of 29 per cent and 18 per cent respectively for the same first quarter period last year.

The emerging destinations of Africa and in particular South America have also played a part in the company’s increased first quarter sales.

PR writing workshop – Apr 28 – last 2 spots

What do Australia’s top travel editors want in press releases and story pitches? What format, tone and style do they prefer? How do they want images? What about follow-up?

Learn all this and more in a half-day writing workshop for travel PR and marketing professionals that includes feedback from 30 of Australia’s leading travel editors.

Taught by award-winning travel writer Rob McFarland, the workshop also includes a detailed post-course review of a press release or story pitch.

Details
When: Fri April 28, 2017 – 8:30am to 12:30pm
Where: Vibe Hotel Sydney, cnr of Goulburn and Elizabeth Streets, Sydney
Cost: $399 per person
How many: Limited to 10 participants

TTC Weekly Travel Specials

The Travel Corporation has rounded up its hottest deals for the week just for travel agents. Enjoy:

Colourful Italy

For a limited time only, guests of Insight Vacations can save $500 per couple on their choice of airfare when they book a 2017 Europe tour. Clients can ALSO SAVE an EXTRA 5% with an early payment discount on select tours when they pay in full by 27 April 2017. Your client will visit the likes of the colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre and the cobbled streets of Pompeii when they book the 11-day Treasures of Italy, SAVING a total of up to $964*per couple.

Priced from $4,418 per person (including 5% EPD), all journeys include an expert Insight Tour Director, luxury coach, quality centrally located hotels and more. Select departures between 08 May – 17 June 2017 (other departures available). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767

Happiness Blooms

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is encouraging guests to book early for the best prices on 2018 itineraries. Guests who pay in full at the time of booking will enjoy 10% savings on all voyages booked before 30 June 2017. Book your clients on Uniworld’s seasonal 10-day Tulips & Windmills luxury river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium.

During the season of rebirth guests will experience happiness blooming in the form of millions of vividly coloured tulips as they stroll through 28 colourful hectares at Keukenhof Gardens. They’ll enjoy an all-inclusive 9-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the River Duchess , including all meals and unlimited beverages onboard, 8 days of hosted excursions, services of an experiences Uniworld Cruise Manager and more!

Priced from A$3,869 per person twin share (including discount) departing on 27 March 2018 (other departures available). For more information call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com

Fly Free to NZ

Guests of AAT Kings can receive a FREE return airfare to New Zealand (Auckland) (departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane) when they book the 18-day Best of New Zealand guided holiday. From the blue waters and sandy white beaches of the North Island, to the snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines of the South Island, guest of AAT Kings will explore every nook of New Zealand.

This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $6,650 with free return airfare, twin share and available on select departures between 1 October 2017– 30 September 2018 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com

Majestic Northwest

Adventure travellers can tailor-make their own way around the majestic Pacific Northwest on Adventure World’s self-drive journey through Washington state and Oregon. The 15-day Majestic Northwest itinerary is designed to offer flexibility for your clients to discover the USA according to their own schedule.

They’ll have the opportunity to stay at unique lodges in the wilderness including the luxury boutique property of Kalaloch Lodge overlooking a wild stretch of the Pacific Northwest coast. Priced from $3,249*per person, including 14 nights’ accommodation, 14 days car rental, driving directions and information package. Available for departure between 31 May– 31 October 2017.

For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com call 1300 363 055 *Conditions Apply

Easter Special

Travellers booking with Busabout can SAVE 10% off an Unlimited Pass  PLUS an additional $50 off with Busabout’s latest Easter Early Payment Discount when they pay in full before 23^rd April 2017, quoting the promocode EASTER. Perfect for backpackers and budget independent travellers wanting to design their very own trip around Europe who have a clear idea of what cities they want to experience.

Priced from $1747.12 (including discount) per person, departing May – October 2017. For more information and a range of other Europe trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Calling all Hipsters

Youth Travellers can save up to 25% off Contiki’s European Limited Edition Summer Series, and receive an additional $200 off their trip when they book and pay in full by 21 April 2017.

Travellers will take in some of Europe’s trendiest and most up and coming cities, on the new 12-day ‘Boutique Local’ itinerary, focusing on going local in style throughout Spain and Portugal. Guests can now SAVE a total of $1211 off this trip offering boutique stays, cocktail bar wanderings, neighbourhood tours on the coolest parts of Bilbao, Lisbon and Barcelona.

Priced at $2,834 *per person (including discount) and available for travel 23 August 2017.For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply

Fly to Vegas and Cruise

Discover Los Angeles, Mexico & Las Vegas with this 13 night cruise package from Creative Cruising, get your bookings in quick deal ends 7 May 2017! This package includes a return Economy class airfare to Las Vegas stopping in Los Angeles flying Qantas Airways,1 night pre-cruise accommodation in LA, a 7-night cruise onboard Carnival Miracle from LA return, 5-night accommodation in Las Vegas post-cruise, and more!

Priced from $3,289 pp (ex Melbourne), cruise departs 29 July 2017 (other cruise departures available, pricing upon request). *Conditions apply please visit  www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.