It’s Friday & that means two things at Travel Weekly – time to don our drinking muumuus AND a delightfully full Agent Wrap.

Tempo Holidays launches tours in East Africa 

Tempo Holidays will launch its first tours in East Africa, offering small group and independent departures in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zanzibar. Travellers will also have the option to create their own itineraries.    

The new product range responds to an increasing demand and opportunity within the region, with an emphasis on the wilds of Africa, and will offer travellers different options for the most important aspect of any African adventure – game drives. Travellers can expect to see large herds of elephants lumbering by, be greeted warmly and openly by locals and cast their eyes upon the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. Travellers can choose between seat-in-vehicle, private vehicle, air safaris or a combination of both air and road that depart daily or weekly, and the vehicle fleet is one of the largest and most modern in East Africa. 

Tempo Holidays has partnered with local on-ground teams with extensive expertise gained through years of experience to meet client’s needs as well as to secure local guides to accompany tours.  

Tempo Holidays East Africa online brochure is available for download now. Visit www.tempoholidays.com/our-brochures

Switzerland Tourism Launches Brand New Switzerland Travel Academy

Switzerland Tourism has unveiled their brand new e-learning tool, the Switzerland Travel Academy. The aim of this tool is to not only better equip travel agents with the necessary information that will improve their knowledge as well as sale of tours to the country, but also encourage them to become Australia’s certified Switzerland experts.

There are only five modules to complete where each module ends with a practice test: ‘Welcome to Switzerland’; ‘Basic and practical knowledge; Hot to travel to and within Switzerland; Switzerland in 3, 5, or 10 days; and News from Switzerland

In order to receive a certificate of graduation, all five modules and final test must be completed with flying colours by 15 July. Agents have three attempts to score a minimum of 80% on the final exam to qualify to win one of 10 spots on the September famil to Switzerland.

Other high performing certified Switzerland experts stand the chance to win one of 10 $200 Westfield gift cards and one of five specialty Swiss cheese hampers from Fromart valued at $150 each.

On the weeklong famil, the 10 lucky agents will visit some of the country’s most iconic and naturally Instagram-worthy destinations, experience the different products offered in terms of the Swiss nature, cities, adventure, cultures, history, cuisine and of course, the transportation system.

All winners will be announced on 26 July 2017.

To register, agents need to go to www.MySwitzerland.com/academy.

Air Tahiti Nui Flight Changes

Air Tahiti Nui is making further adjustments to the departure times of its services to and from New Zealand with a fire services strike at Tahiti’s international airport set to continue over the weekend.

To keep disruptions to a minimum, the airline has shifted its departure time on the TN492 Auckland-Papeete service to ensure it operates within the restricted times that Faa’a airport is manned by a fire crew.

TN492 will now depart Auckland at 3.15pm on Sunday May 21, arriving in Papeete at 10.05pm on Saturday May 20.

The inbound flight has also been altered with TN491 now scheduled to depart Papeete at 8.55am on Saturday May 20, arriving into Auckland at 12.50pm on Sunday May 21.

Affected customers from Australia have been contacted and alternative arrangements made.

Agents can stay up to date via Air Tahiti Nui’s website or by calling Air Tahiti Nui on 1300 657 190.

WIN A PANDA WITH WENDY WU TOURS!

Share Wendy Wu Tours’ Big Asia Sale with your customers, in any way you can, and the top 30 most creative messages will win a box of Hello Pandas, that contains 24 mini-packets of these decadent treats.

Wendy Wu Tours has put together a full marketing pack to help you get the message out. Simply click here to download everything you need, and make sure you use the #ChooseWu. You could try video, audio, painting, emailing, Facebooking….even shout it from the rooftops!  This promotion is a great way to grow your business and hone in your marketing skills, with a little help from the experts.

Wendy Wu’s Big Asia Sale gives travellers the opportunity to explore Asia in style, while taking advantage of savings of up to $500p.p. With a huge 74 tours, in 16 destinations, available in the sale, it’s proving hugely popular, and places are filling fast. So, channel a Bullet Train and act quickly to secure your clients’ spot.

This exciting competition is open until 9 June.

Thai Grand Palace Closure

The Thai Royal Government have recently announced the dates for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of his majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in October 2016. The funeral rites and the cremation will take place from Monday 23 October and are expected to last for approximately one week.

During this time the Royal Palace will be closed and there will be some access restrictions to places located close to the Royal Palace and its temples. Destination Asia Thailand will offer alternative tour arrangements for customers who were scheduled to visit the Grand Palace or attractions within the vicinity of the Royal Palace during this period.

The Royal Cremation Ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 October 2017 and it has been proclaimed as a National Holiday. Destination Asia Thailand office will be closed on this day as a remark of respect for the late King.

Visitors at this time are respectfully reminded that on this occasion it will be a time of great sadness for the whole nation . The Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends that visitors act and dress in a respectful manner during this period – not just in Bangkok, but throughout the whole Kingdom.

Please note that Destination Asia Thailand will be operating as usual. However, banks and some other government related services will be closed on 26 October 2017.

TravelCube drops prices on popular activities in new Sightseeing Sale

With sightseeing tours now one of its fastest-growing products in Australasia, TravelCube is cutting prices on a wide range of popular activities across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific by up to 60%.

TravelCube’s Sightseeing Sale covers discounts available for bookings before 30 June 2017 and travel before 15 December 2017.

In Europe, selected sightseeing experiences – such as an Ancient Rome Walking Tour and a small group tour of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia – have all fallen by 10%, while in the US discounts range from 15% off the cost of entry to USS Battleship Missouri to 40% off a sunset walking tour of the Hollywood Hills.

Across Asia prices are down by 20% for selected tours, including a Great Wall Experience in Beijing, a Temple and River of Kings excursion in Bangkok and local food experiences in Hong Kong, Bali, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

TravelCube is also offering up to 40% off day tours of Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. And discounts are available for tours in Auckland, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.

For further information on TravelCube please visit www.travelcube.com.au.

Greenland, Spitsbergen and Antarctica voyages mega suites sale  

Bentours and Hurtigruten have announced a suites sale on select expedition sailings in which travellers can save A$5200//NZ$5400 per couple.  

Available until the 15 June 2017, travellers can experience a once in a lifetime journey to Greenland, Spitsbergen or Antarctica on this special offer.  

Greenland to Svalbard Expedition, is a 13 day journey that explorers a variety of islands in the arctic, the largest of which is Greenland. The Arctic wilderness of Greenland offers some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery on earth.  

Prices for this package, for an expedition suite, now start from A$10,490 //NZ$10,910 per person and departs 22 Jun 2017. This price includes the most comfortable suite on board situated on upper deck, a full board meal plan, landings and activities on board and ashore as well as a professional expedition team.  

Or journey to incredible Antarctica with Adventure the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica 15 day sailing. Wildlife is abundant here in the starkly beautiful frozen landscape. Watch for albatross, whales, seals and more. Sailing on the MS Midnatsol also includes the Young Explorer Antarctica Club, where the focus for kids is on education, fun and participation.  

Prices for this package start from A$10,570pp//NZ$11,000 per person Departing 8 and 21 Nov 2017, this price includes transfers to and from airport, charter flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas to Santiago, full board meal plan and lectures and landings with an expedition team.   

Luxury Gold Expansion

Luxury Gold is set to continue its worldwide expansion with the addition of Costa Rica to its already impressive portfolio, taking its footprint to 39 inspiring travel itineraries.

The sister brand to Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold aspires to take guests on a journey beyond the ordinary. Guests stay in properties renowned for their exceptional style and service including the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia, The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa in Italy, The Milestone Hotel in London and the Belmond Copacabana Palace in Brazil.

Costa Rica will be no exception, with guests set to indulge in memorable dining and enjoy boutique accommodation, including a stay in eco-luxury within the El Silencio Lodge & Spa’s private, 500-acre cloud forest reserve.

To support continued growth, Insight Vacations is pleased to announce the appointment of David Farrar, as Sales Directorfor Luxury Gold, following more than a decade with Insight Vacations. He will commence his new role on July 3.

Stunning China

Trip Information:  

9 Days Best of China

• Visit Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.
• Sights include the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace in Beijing; Lingering Garden in Suzhou; West Lake in Hangzhou and the Bund and Shanghai Museum in Shanghai.
• Extensions to Xi’an and Yangtze River Cruise are available.

Click here for a detailed itinerary.

Departure:

Oct 21st, 2017; March 24th, 2018; April 14th, 2018.

Length:

9 days 7 nights

Cost:

• 599 AUD for land only packages. Companion 200 AUD
• Land-only packages include 4.5 star hotels, High-speed train(Beijing-Suzhou), English-speaking tour guides, entrance fees, transportation, daily breakfasts,

Noteworthy: 

Single supplement is 299 AUD.

Contact:

Email: info@stunningchina.com; Tel: 01-626-965-9999

The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) Announces June Intake

Since launching in 2009, TIME has accelerated the leadership paths of 150 graduates from more than 60 travel, tourism and hospitality businesses.

TIME attracts mentors from senior ranks of the industry who are passionate about giving back and sharing their experience with aspiring travel industry professionals. The program has a stable of 95 accomplished senior executives who are matched with program participants on the basis of complementary business skills and experience that enables them to offer relevant advice and perspective.

And right now, TIME is calling for expressions of interest from aspiring industry leaders wishing to take action and develop their skills, networks and advance their careers.

The next TIME intake commences on 28 June 2017.

To be part of the program’s 27th intake, aspiring participants are encouraged to visit the TIME website or contact Marie Allom:

• Email Marie at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au
• Visit www.travelindustrymentor.com.au/participate

Expressions of interest must be received by 02 June 17.

What TIME can do for YOU:

• Further develop management and leadership potential
• Develop confidence and professional networks
• Strategic career planning
• Increase your knowledge of organisational culture, structure and processes

Si Holidays launches new online booking platform

Si Holidays, Australia’s largest independent wholesale travel company, has today announced the launch of its new online booking platform – pronto, set to go live on Monday 22 May.

The new version of CalypsoNet has been designed to create a streamlined and convenient booking experience for travel agents, while delivering content rich product information and new enhanced booking functionality.

The new platform will also allow agents to export booking information from pronto to Tramada’s Mid-Office solution, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading travel industry software and solutions providers. The company’s upgrade to pronto complements its commitment to introducing market leading technology to support and better service their partners, while continuing to deliver on providing expert destination advice and superior customer service.

Newly released 2017/18 brochures include USA, Canada, Hawaii, Bali, Maldives, Singapore/Malaysia, Hong Kong/Macau/China and Fiji, which are now available to order through TIFS or to view on the siholidays.com.au website.

‘ET’ pledges return to Solomon Islands in 2018

Pictured at the Coral Seas Resort & Casino at a farewell function., (from left to right) – SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto, ‘Escape with ET’ cameraman Paul Flaherty, Solomon Airlines’ general manager – commercial, Colin Sigimanu, Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen, Ministry of Culture & Tourism Permanent Secretary, Andrew Nihopara and Solomon Airlines’ assistant marketing manager, David Keru.

Honiara, Solomon Islands – Australian rugby league legend Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen has pledged to return to the Solomon Islands in 2018 after yet another successful visit collating footage for his hugely popular ‘Escape with ET’ fishing show.

‘ET’ and his crew visited Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands last week as part of a combined Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) and Solomon Airlines initiative aimed at promoting the destination’s ability to deliver a world-class fishing product.

Now in its 19th season, the ‘Escape with ET’ show is televised every weekend on  Australian national TV Channel Ten to an estimated 350,000 fishing enthusiasts.

Solomon Islands 2016 international visitor arrivals surpass target

Rounding out another positive 12 months for the Solomon Islands’ tourism fortunes, international visitation for the period January – December 2016 has surpassed set targets for the second year running.

Figures released this week by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office show the destination received a total of 23,192 international visitors for the 12-month period – a 7.3 per cent increase over the total achieved in 2015.

On an individual country basis, Australian visitor arrivals again led the way, the 9539 total recorded for the period slightly increasing by 0.3 per cent to account for 41.1 per cent of the 2015 total.

New Zealand more than cemented its number two spot, a 1544 figure recorded for 2016 marking a 6.4 per cent increase over the 1451 Kiwis visiting in 2015, with Fiji, US and Papua New Guinea growing as well.

However on a regional basis, combined Asia figures jumped a massive 26.7 per cent, a factor Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) CEO, Josefa Tuamoto attributing the positive result to the efforts his marketing team has gone to in the region across 2016.

On The Go Tours hosts agents in India

On The Go Tours recently hosted a group of Australian travel agents in India on a specialised version of their Shere Khan ten day tour.

With India continuing to grow as a key outbound destination for Australians, it has grown 15% in the last ten years and is now the 12th most popular outbound destination, first hand product knowledge of this fascinating country is invaluable.

The group included representatives from a range of South Australian and Northern Territory based travel agents including,  Flight Centre Travel Group, RAA Travel, Inflight Travel and Escape Travel. The tour was hosted by On The Go’s BDM for South Australia and the Northern Territory, Di Bignell.

The ten-day itinerary was led by On The Go Tours expert local guide Satendra. Starting in Delhi the famil group travelled south to take in the sights of India’s famed ‘Golden Triangle’, followed by a jungle wildlife adventure in Ranthambore National Park before catching the  train back to Delhi. This diverse itinerary included everything from iconic bucket list attractions such as; visiting India’s largest mosque, uncovering the secrets of the legendary Taj Mahal and exploring the hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur, to local experiences such as joining in evening prayer (Aaarti) at the Karauli City Palace and visiting a cotton weaving house in Jaipur to see fabric dyeing and block printing demonstrations.

Thai-Riffic time in Thailand for Victorian agents

6 lucky Victorian Flight Centre and Infinity wholesale consultants had a ball in Thailand last month thanks to a Centara Hotels & Resorts & Thai Airways incentive.

The incentive started off in Phuket where the agents stayed at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Spa Phuket, where they enjoyed some quality beach time and had a go floating down the lazy river and whizzing down the waterslides at the resorts very own waterpark.

Then it was off to Krabi arriving in style by private boat at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi a spectacular property nestled in the jungle and surrounded by Jurassic looking limestone cliffs. The agents enjoyed a special candle lit dinner on the beach where the head chef served tantalizing dishes using fresh ingredients from the Krabi area.

Then it was off to the Centara Grand at CentralWorld Bangkok to shop up a storm. Located in Bangkok’s main shopping district and an easy walk to the Skytrain stations the property is in an ideal position to explore the city. The agents ended their trip by savouring some Champagne cocktails at the new roof-top Champagne bar CRU Bar which is located on the 59th floor of the hotel with 360 degree views of the city below.

Travel Associates agents return from epic famil

A group of Travel Associates agents have just returned from a whirlwind tour of the United Arab Emirates and France courtesy of Etihad Airways, Uniworld and Abu Dhabi Tourism.

Held from April 26 to May 8, the famil included business class flights, two nights luxury accommodation at Jumeirah Etihad Towers, seven night river cruise onboard the SS Catherine with Uniworld Boutique River Cruising plus pre and post cruise accommodation in Paris staying at Westin Paris-Vendome and Prince de Galles hotel.

Working From Home No Barrier to Achieving Record Commission Sales

In February TravelManagers’ personal travel managers Mike Eacott, representative for Boronia in Victoria and Queensland’s Denise Dean representative for Hendra, celebrated their personal best ever month of commission sales.

For Dean, success is attributed to client loyalty and a passion for travel.

“Three years ago I became a personal travel manager and I haven’t looked back. My clients inspire me and they are the reason I get out of bed every day. My clients are extremely loyal, as well as booking their travel they are constantly recommending me to their local interest groups and colleagues who need travel too. Having a broad network of contacts, here and overseas is important to my business along with my ability to promote to my target markets. This is what I believe has taken me to the next level of success.”

Repeat business and long term satisfied clients prove a winning combination for Eacott, as well as the ability to be flexible.

“The flexibility to run my business in the way that suits me is fantastic. I love that I can provide my clients with products to best suit their holiday needs and the flexibility to meet with my clients where and when is best for them. Working from home also allows me the opportunity to look after my ailing mother without any stress, I can drop by to see her 3-4 times a day and it doesn’t impact on my clients. And still achieve a significant income, you really can’t ask for more than that.”

Magellan Celebrates Growth & Success with Members

Casey Anderson (Hawthorn Travel & Cruise), Jacqui Bendall
(Surrey Travel & Cruise), Amy Wyatt (Destination HQ).

Trevor Jones (Hawthorn Travel & Cruise), Hayley Bayford
(Journeys By Design), Jason Harwood (Journeys By Design), Kevin Dale (MTG Board).

David Hummerston (Encore Journeys), Rob Mackie (Trans World
Travel), David Stafford (Magellan Travel Group).

Last night at the Westin in Melbourne, the Magellan Travel Group kicked off their annual State Dinners. Partnered by Emirates Airways, the roadshow will continue around the country over the coming week. The gathering saw Magellan members, management and board come together, enjoy a meal and review activity that has taken place in the 7 months post the Group’s 2016 conference in Auckland.

In his address to the 55 members in attendance, Group CEO Andrew Macfarlane shared progress and results and highlighted the continued growth that sees Magellan now a 130-member strong Group of over $1 billion in annual TTV. Co-founder Kevin Dale reflected on the journey since Magellan formed in 2008 and Group Chairman, Andrew Jones outlined the vision for continued success and growth into the future.

Magellan Awards Time Scholarship

The Magellan Travel Group is pleased to have presented Casey Anderson of Hawthorn Travel & Cruise a scholarship for the 26th TIME mentee intake. Casey responded wholeheartedly when CEO, Andrew Macfarlane announced that Magellan would sponsor an individual from within the Group.

Anderson was awarded the opportunity as she demonstrated a strong desire to learn, develop and accelerate her career in an industry she is passionate about. She commenced in travel nine years ago as a domestic consultant in Echuca, rural Victoria. She then moved to Melbourne four years ago and was recently appointed Retail Travel Manager at Hawthorn Travel & Cruise.

TTC Deals

Natural Wonders

Guests of AAT Kings can receive a discounted return airfare to New Zealand (departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or Brisbane) when they book the 14-day New Zealand Marvel guided holiday. There is an abundance of spectacular natural sights to explore, including the alpine landscape of Lake Tekapo, Mt. Cook National Park, Rotorua, the dramatic Waitomo Caves and photogenic Milford Sound, to name a few. This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $4,249 with discounted return airfare* departing Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, 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 *

Quintessential North American experience

Youth Travellers can save 10% off Contiki’s 2018-19 USA & Canada products when they book and pay in full by Thursday 1st June 2017. How about saving $349*off the 14-day Eastern Escapade trip and hitting up the East Coast, starting from Boston. A Harvard University tour, Niagara Falls, Wall Street & the White House are just some of the quintessential American experiences these two weeks will deliver. Priced from $3,146 (discount included) *per person and available for travel between 21 May 2018–24 September 2018. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply

Lose yourself in Europe

Guests of Insight Vacations can save $716 per couple on the 15-day Highlights of Europe  journey where they will see Europe at her best with a wealth of history, art and architecture. With a local expert, guests will enjoy VIP fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with privileged behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase. Priced from $4,417 per person twin share (including early payment discount) on select departure dates including 4 & 18 November and 2 December 2017 (other departures available, subject to availability). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.

Quick trip to Thailand with Busabout

Travellers booking with Busabout can SAVE up to 15% off Asian trips when they pay in full before 31st of May 2017, quoting the promocode MAYASIA. The 5-day Southern Thailand Adventure short trip is the best way to get from Bangkok to the islands, stopping at an exceptional national park, some bustling markets and a majestic cave along the way to Phuket. Priced from $806.65 per person (including discount, accommodation, all private transport, park entrance fees and more), departing between 1 June – 31 December 2017. Deposit of $100 must be paid at time of booking and full payment due 45 days prior to departure. For more information and a range of other Europe trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Ultra-Luxury Mediterranean Cruise     

Book your clients on Creative Cruising’s 5-star 11-night All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise travelling from Athens through the Greek Islands, to Italy, Monaco, France and Spain before 30 June 2017 and they’ll receive a FREE* Economy class airfare and Bonus upgrades* onboard. This package includes a FREE* Economy class airfare to Athens returning from Barcelona, a 11-night voyage onboard Silver Wind from Piraeus (Athens) to Barcelona, butler service in every suite, free WiFi, main meals and entertainment onboard the cruise including beverages in suite & throughout the ship including champagnes, select wines and spirits! Priced from $6,850 per person (shore excursions additional cost) cruise departs 30 October 2017. *Conditions apply please visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.