Big Fat Agent Wrap
Today is agent wrap day and we had pizza for breakfast. If that doesn’t scream Friday, what does?
Win a spot on a famil
Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays are currently running a flash Rocky Mountaineer incentive.
The travel agency who books the most Rocky Mountaineer bookings between today and 15th of Feb will win a spot on a Rocky Mountaineer famil.
The winning travel agent needs to be available to travel from the 6th of May, 2018.
Booking with our reservations team on 1300 794 959 or sales@canada-alaska.com.au for your chance to win! Terms & Conditions apply.
itravel agents discover Hainan Island on exclusive famil
Several itravel agents experienced an all-expenses-paid famil to experience China’s Hainan Island. The agents joined a VIP group of 68 agents who experienced the first direct flight from Sydney to Haikou with Hainan Airways.
The agents gained a better understanding of Hainan’s tourism development and a number of golfers in the group were invited to experience the world class golf courses visited by celebrities including actors Michael Douglas and Matthew McConaughey.
All agents stayed in luxury five-star hotels, some even had their own villas! The agents visited must-see attractions including the Five Lords Temple, Volcanic Cluster National Park, Hainan Museum and the Guanyin Statue of Hainan.
It was a successful trip and itravel agents explained that they would book Hainan Island for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday.
MTA’s Ben Deering to help boost Mount Gambier’s tourism fortunes
As if he wasn’t already busy enough booking travel for his ever-expanding client base, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Member Ben Deering has taken on extra-curricular activities with a bit of a difference as caretaker of the iconic Centenary Tower in Mount Gambier.
Opened in 1904, the Centenary Tower has always been a source of great pride for Mount Gambier residents and in the past, a popular tourist attraction for the South Australian town. Located 190 metres above sea level, views from the tower offer 360-degree views over Mount Gambier and the region’s volcanic Blue Lake and on a clear day, all the way to Port MacDonnell some 35 kilometres away.
Unfortunately, the tower had been closed in recent years due to the local council struggling to find a suitable caretaker – then along came Deering.
Deering, whose wife Tanya is Mount Gambier born and bred, had always been curious about the tower and its history and when he heard the council was looking to find a caretaker, he put his hand up for the job, was given the key to the tower and will manage the caretaker role for the next six months on a trial basis.
Explore launch new 2018-19 Worldwide Adventures brochure
Explore, The Adventure Travel Experts, have released their striking new Worldwide Adventures brochure for 2018-19. The brochure, which features its most colourful cover yet, introduces 87 brand new tours, increasing Explore’s range to over 600 trips across more than 130 countries.
Discover new adventures in Europe, including inside the Exclusion Zone surrounding Chernobyl and more trips to Eastern Europe in Romania, Bulgaria and Belarus. In Africa, there are new trips in Tanzania and South Africa, while Asia offers both reimagined versions old favourites and brand-new itineraries.
For Polar adventures there are three new trips to choose from, The Northwest Passage, Patagonia to Antarctica and Cruise the Norwegian Fjords in Depth, and for the avid food lover, a new food themed tour in Mexico.
Each holiday is designed for couples, friends and solo travellers alike, experiencing new cultures and making lasting memories alongside like-minded explorers as part of the group experience.
Rayavadee Bonus Night Summer Offer
Rayavadee in Krabi, Thailand has announced a Bonus Night Summer Offer for new bookings received until 28 February 2018 for travel to the resort from 10 May to 31 October 2018.
Bonus nights are capped at a maximum four nights. The Bonus Night Summer Offer is based on contract rates for Deluxe Pavilion category only and includes daily breakfast, an additional bed and third person occupancy.
The offer can be combined with Honeymoon Offer only.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Rayavadee presents award-winning architecture, fine cuisine, a relaxation spa and a fleet of speedboats for excursions to surrounding islands.
Gong Xi Fai Cai, Happy Chinese New Year!
The Chinese New Year brings fabulous fortune to travel agents selling Wendy Wu Tours with Australian consultants in the running to a $1000 Universal Visa card every week for 6 weeks, and the top seller awarded a whopping $20,000 Universal Visa card!
To be in the running, agents just need to make a booking worth more than $2,500 before 31 March 2018. Every booking is an entry into the draw to win the weekly prizes!
Like a fortune cookie – without the cookie – the grand prize of $20,000, will be awarded to the travel agent who achieves the highest amount of sales between 14th February and 31st March, 2018.
This incentive is even payable on the hugely successful Fly Free to China & Japan as well as Free Stopover offers, open for booking until 15th March 2018, for 2018 travel.
MTA receives double Island Destinations recognition
MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has been recognised for an outstanding sales result by Island Destinations picking up both the wholesaler’s 2017 ‘Ultimate Achievement’ and ‘Ultimate Silver Star’ awards.
Presented annually, the ‘Ultimate Achievement’ award’ acknowledges Island Destination’s top producing agency in 2017.
The ‘Ultimate Silver Star’ award, which recognises individual achievement, was presented to MTA Member Belinda Manning for her efforts in surpassing USD100,000 in sales of the wholesaler’s product across 2017.
Tempo Holidays Mediterranean discount
Cruising around the Greek islands in comfort and style or hopping from one Croatian island to the next, is undoubtedly a popular choice for travellers. The appeal of the sun, sand and culture has travellers choosing the Mediterranean as the ideal holiday destination time and time again.
Tempo Holidays are currently offering savings of up to A$800//NZ$910 per couple on a range of Greece and Croatia cruise and island hopping tours until the 11 Mar 2018.
Included in the deal is Tempo’s eight day Idyllic Aegean Cruise. This is the only Greek island cruise itinerary that has an overnight stay in both Mykonos and Santorini, giving travellers more time to explore these amazing islands. This week-long cruise will also take travellers to Kusadasi in Turkey.
Valid for departures Apr – Oct 2018, prices now start from A$2120//NZ$2415 per person and includes onboard accommodation, all onboard meals and shore excursions to Oia village, Ancient Ephesus and the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete.
TTC Weekly Deals
Scenic Road trip
Youth Travellers have TWO WEEKS LEFT to take advantage of $300 off their European airfare, when they book select summer 2018/19 Contiki adventures. These savings are combinable with a 15% discount valid on Contiki’s top Europe trips until 28 February 2018. Travellers can save up to $440 off the 20-day European Experience trip PLUS $300 off their flights and explore all the major European cities from London through, France, Monaco, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands. This trip is the perfect midpoint for those feeling unsure about how much time they have and what their budget is. Questions will be long behind them when they’re sipping vino at Contiki’s Château & boating through the canals of Venice. Priced from $2,995*per person (including discount) and available for travelbetween 2 April –27 April 2018 (other departures available for alternate price) For more information visit www.contiki.com orphone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply
Aloha Hawaii
Its time in 2018 for a walk in the sand after exploring rainforests and pineapple plantations. This year your clients can Flyfor just $899 when they book a trip to Hawaii with Trafalgar before 28 February 2018. Guests travelling on the 8-day Hawaii Explorer (Moderate Class) will wander from Honolulu, Oahu, Kona and Maui, discovering the seaside village of Kailua-Kona with a visit to a coffee plantation to learn about the harvesting of local beans, followed by a special presentation on the islands manta rays. Priced from $4,075 per person, twin share PLUS Fly for $899 economy class, reflective of select departure available 19 August 2018 (Other departures available for alternate price, airfare not included in from price). For more information or a further selection of Trafalgar’s authentic, fun and effortless guided holidays visit www.trafalgar.com or call Trafalgar on 1800 002 006(toll-free).*conditions apply
Glaciers and Whales
Couples can save $600 on select 2018 UnCruise Adventures sailings, and receive a US$50 per person credit onboard when they book and deposit before 23 March 2018. Guests travelling on the 8-day Alaska’s Glaciers and Whales small ship glacier adventure will start in Juneau setting off for glaciers and the Tongass – the largest national forest in USA. They’ll experience the Tlingit native culture on a private village tour of Kake, enjoy whale watching in Frederick Sound and hiking on the terminal moraine of Baird Glacier. Priced from $5,609 per person, twin share (discount included), 7 nights cruise accommodation, onboard meals, beverages, transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment. Available for travel between 6 May– 26 August 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com or call 1300 295 049
Tales of Freedom
Insight Vacations guests have 2 WEEKS left to fly for $999 return to Europe, Britain, USA or Canada when booking a 2018 Insight Vacations itinerary before 28 February 2018. Travellers can explore the Best of Eastern Canada and USA over 16-days from Toronto through Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington ending in NYC. Whether they’re experiencing the natural beauty of Acadia National Park or following Boston’s red-brick Freedom Trail which brings the story of the American Revolution to life, there’s something for everyone. Priced from $8,294 per person twin share (including return flights to North America). Price reflective of departure dates available
10 & 17 June 2018 and 26 August – 7 October 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). Terms and conditions apply, for further information visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.
Fun and Frivolity
With the launch of AAT Kings New Zealand 2018-19 program, guests can now save 10% off any guided holiday when they book before 27 April 2018. Save up to $1386 per couple on AAT Kings 15-day New Zealand Splendour journey from Auckland through Rotorua, Christchurch, Te Anu, Queenstown and Franz Josef and more. So many adventures to be had from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South. Guests will venture down into the depths of Glowworm Grotto, experience the fun and frivolity of a sing-along on a cruise in Queenstown, then fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach outside their hotel in Punakaiki. From $5,657 per person twin share (including saving). This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Select departures available from 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 228 546 or visit aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.
Off the beaten track
Travellers can save up to 12% off with Busabout‘s Early Bird savings valid across the European Hop-on Hop-off passes, Adventures, Sailing and Festivals, as well as their Scotland, Ireland and winter offerings when clients book before 28 February 2018. Your clients can explore the Balkans, the wildest part of Europe to travel in across 15-days on the Ultimate Balkan Adventure where they can save 10% off, travelling from Split through Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina and more. They’ll scale the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik, admire the breathtaking views of Meteora monasteries, be immersed in the unique culture of Sarajevo and visit the mighty Acropolis in Athens. Priced from $1,484 per person twin share (including discount) including your Busabout guide and driver, 14 nights’ hotel accommodation (hostel multishare), 14 breakfasts, transfers to Budva, local guide in Mostar, entry into monasteries, orientation walks and more! Available any 2018 departure. To book quote promocode EB2. For more information and a range of other Europe and Asia trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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“itravel agents discover Hainan Island on exclusive famil”
I was one of the 68 travel agents on this famil and whilst the island was interesting, the resort managers promised a lot and have delivered nothing. I have written to my colleagues that shared the famil, and not one of them has been provided with product and pricing information from our hosts.
Unfortunately we cannot promote a destination if we can’t tell our clients what it will cost.
Unless they respond to us very quickly and try to save the situation, it was a wasted week.