Surprise! It’s another wrap! Yes, we know agent wraps are usually on Fridays. But come tomorrow we’ll be too busy gobbling easter choccy to care, tbh.

Green Lakes, Blue Seas and Pink Beaches on Multi-Coloured TravelManagers’ Famil

Thirteen agents and wholesalers joined Viking Cruises on a famil that began with Portuguese fado and tapas in Lisbon and ended with Cuban music clubs and empanadas in Miami: a 12-day Atlantic crossing that took them from the Old World to the New.

TravelManagers’ Erin Beckford was one of the group of New Zealand and Australia-based travel professionals that took part in the famil, accompanied by three representatives from Viking Cruises. Beckford, who is representative for Anna Bay NSW, took advantage of her time in the departure city of Lisbon by visiting the nearby towns of Sintra and Cascais before immersing herself in the city’s local culture and cuisine on a walking tapas tour with a local guide.

The ship followed a route taken by countless explorers who set sail from Lisbon in the Age of Discovery during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, before arriving in the Azores: a string of nine islands roughly one-quarter of the way across the Atlantic.

From here, the cruise continued westward, and the group had four days in which to enjoy ship life, taking part in a traditional Nordic spa night where they enjoyed both the sauna and snow-grotto in the traditional Norwegian way. Other highlights included the authentic Norwegian waffles in Mamsen’s and High Tea in the picturesque Winter Garden.

UK Athletes welcomed at Commonwealth Games Preview

Some of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s most promising athletes have been welcomed to Queensland as athletes arrive on the Gold Coast ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games which runs from April 4 to 15.

In a precursor to the competition commencing, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce and business travel specialist Corporate Traveller has hosted a 2018 Commonwealth Games Lunch in Brisbane at the global head office of Flight Centre Travel Group.

Along with invited dignitaries and athletes in attendance were clients of Corporate Traveller and members of the Australian British Chamber of Commerce. Athletes Mimi-Isabella Cesar, rhythmic gymnast from England; Euan Inglis, swimmer from Scotland; and Adam McMullen, long jumper from Northern Ireland were introduced to the audience for a panel discussion along with Professor Nicola Phillips, Chef de Mission from Wales.

They expressed their hopes for the Games, discussed their diverse career paths and how they were pleased to be in Australia to compete.

Tourism Authority of Thailand announce dates for the Amazing Thailand Roadshow 2018

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Australia (TAT) will host the annual “Amazing Thailand Roadshow” between the 30th April and 7th May 2018.

The Roadshow will showcase TAT’s new global marketing concept, “Open to the New Shades of Thailand” and highlights activities based on 13 core niche products: Sports, Gastronomy, Maritime tourism, Wedding and Honeymoon, Medical and Wellness, Community-based Tourism, Leisure, Green Tourism, Night Tourism, MICE, Trade Fairs, B2B Marketing Activity and Logistics.

Communication strategies for the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 can be categorised into four ‘S’s’: Saneh or Charm (as reflected in the Thai people), Sanook or Joy (sports), Sabai or Relaxing (Thai massage), and Sut Saep or Delicious (fine street food and fine dining).

The Amazing Thailand Roadshow is an annual event for Australian and New Zealand travel professionals to network and update their knowledge on Thailand’s tourism. Over 50 Thai hotel and tourism operators from various parts of Thailand, alongside airlines such as Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, are expected to be present at each cit

Flight Centre NZ Top FJ Sellers Famil 22-25 March 2018

The recent Flight Centre NZ Top FJ Sellers famil to Fiji took place on the 22-25 March and was hosted by Kate Adams, Business Development Manager Fiji Airways NZ.

The agents stayed in the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa and had a special hosted dinner with Michael Bell at Salt Bar and Restaurant. They also checked out the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau with Sarah Chung and Jean Simpson and enjoyed a hosted lunch at the Blu Bar and Grill

Whilst in Fiji, their activies and perks included:

• Access to Waitui Beach Club at the Sofitel
• Day trip to Malamala Beach Club
• Sampled the new FJ Resort Check-in at the Sofitel
• Sampled the new FJ Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport
• Upgraded to Business Class on the return flight back to NZ

Travel Agent Incentive – WIN a free trip to Vancouver

Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays has teamed up with Tourism Vancouver to incentivise travel agents to become Vancouver Specialists. Travel agents will be in the running to WIN a four night stay in Vancouver by completing the Vancouver Specialist Program by 20 April, 2018 and booking a minimum three nights in Vancouver through Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays by 27 April, 2018. Simply quote the promo code “CASH18” when signing up the specialist program and when booking their packages through Canada & Alaska’s reservation team.

Natalia, Marketing Manager, tells us that Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays takes great pride in educating travel agents in becoming specialists themselves. The more knowledgeable and confident they are with a destination, the more likely they are to recommend and sell it to their clients.

The grand prize consists of staying 2 nights at the Sheraton Wall Centre and 2 nights at The Douglas, plus a Destination Experience Pass so that the travel agent can embrace all that the vibrant city of Vancouver has to offer. Prize will be drawn on 30 April, 2018.

Please contact your Canada & Alaska specialists on 1300 794 959 or sales@canada-alaska.com.au for a quote request and terms and conditions.

TTC Weekly Deals

TRAFLAGAR

Salutes Italy and Sicily
The Best of Italy and Sicily will be uncovered with Trafalgar on this 15 day jaunt at 15% off was $4,631.25 per person and now $3.936.56 per peson. Italy and Sicily’s rich heritage is unveiled on this Country Explorer trip through Rome, Venice, Sorrento and more. From the meandering calle of Venice to the Grecian remains of Agrigento. See the imperial monuments of Rome, the Romanesque architecture of Pisa and Venetian glassblowing on Giudecca Island. Travel through the heart of Italy to Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento before your Sicilian hop to Palermo, Taormina and the Valley of the Temples. This trip comes complete with an array of wonderful inclusions including meals and accommodation as well as Trafalgar’s signature Be My Guest dining experience. On sale until 21 April, 2018 for departure on the 15th June, 2018. For more information visit www.trafalgar.com/worldsale or call 1800 002 007.

AAT KINGS

Spotlight on New Zealand’s North Island
AAT King’s slashes up to $562* per couple on its Northern Spotlight trip WAS from $2485* per person NOW from $2237* per person through the North Island of New Zealand. Follow the path of pioneer settlers as you travel the North Island of New Zealand, the birthplace of the country’s European history. This journey takes you from the shores of the beautiful Bay of Islands to Rotorua, rich in Māori culture and traditions, and on to the spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park the thriving modern capital, WellingtonReceive a 10% discount on all AAT Kings operated Guided Holiday in New Zealand when booked and paid in full by 27 April 2018 for travel between 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019. For more information or to book visit www.aatkings.com.au or call 1300 228 546 or visit aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.

INSIGHT VACATIONS

Best of Spain and Portugal
Insight Vacations are celebrating their 40th Anniversary with 10% off 40 trips. Clients can utilise this special on the 15-day Best of Spain and Portugal. This enchanting journey showcases the architectural masterpieces, regal history and delicious cuisine of Spain and Portugal.
Priced from $4,390 per person twin share (including discount). Price reflective of select departure dates 23 and 30 June 2018 (other 2018 departures available, however prices will vary). Terms and conditions apply, for further information visit insightvacations.com or call 1800 001 781.

BUSABOUT

Iconic 9 Stop Hop-On Hop-Off Pass offers huge Savings
Busabouts famed Hop-off Hop-off 9 Stop Pass WAS: $1029 and is NOW: $699. Don’t settle for fixed itineraries when you could use the Hop-on Hop-off network to create your own instead! Our Short Stop Passes are great options for a 2 or 3 week adventure. Choose your route around our European Hop-on Hop-off network and stop where you want. Our 9 stop pass is the ultimate flexible Europe travel option, you can choose anywhere you’d like to go and then buy the number of corresponding stops. This is ideal if you really want a true trans-continental flexible tour of Europe or have a clear idea of what cities you want to experience – perfect for backpackers and budget independent travellers. On sale until April 30 2018 for travel between May-October 2018. For more information visit www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.

UNIWORLD

Christmas Holiday markets
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has returned their Best Offer Ever. Live your best life and save up to 40% off select 2018 voyages when you book before 14 April 2018. Combine this unbeatable offer with the 8-day Parisian Royal Holiday 2018 river cruise and SAVE 30% per person. Romantics will relish the chance to see Paris adorned in holiday splendour, and history buffs and followers of royalty will delight in four exclusive châteaux visits. Priced from $3,009 per person twin-share (including discount), 8 days of captivating escorted excursions, services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and more! Departing 13 December 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary) For more information call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD

Tundra Buggy Lodge
Receive one free night and complimentary Winnipeg attractions pass with Adventure World when they book before 19 April 2018. Experience and opportunity of a lifetime on Adventure World’s 7-Day Tundra Buggy Lodge itinerary as you get up close and personal with polar bears in their natural habitat as they congregate in large numbers each year waiting for the ice to form on Hudson Bay.
Priced from $10,235 per person, twin share (discount included), 6 nights’ accommodation, meals as per itinerary, sightseeing as per itinerary with a local English speaking guide and transfers in Churchill. Available for travel dates 25 and 31 October, 1 November 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com or call 1300 295 049.

U BY UNIWORLD

ROLLING ON THE RIVER
Book before 14 April 2018 with U by Uniworld and save 10% off selected cruises, including the delightfully quirky Rolling on the Rhine itinerary. Cruising along the Rhine river, guests will have three days to spend in this laid-back and forward-thinking Dutch hotspot, along with stops in Haarlem, Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Frankfurt. Priced from $2,249 for the 14, 21 or 28 April 2018 departures, other departures available at alternate prices. For more information visit ubyuniworld.com or call 1300 780 231.

CONTIKI

Sweet As
Uncover Wonder with Contiki, Uncover NZ. Get in early and book before 19 June 2018. Youth travellers can save 10% with the 2018/19 Australia and New Zealand Early Payment Discount valid on trips 7 days or longer, departing after Oct 2018. Calling all thrill seekers to the ‘Sweet As’ South, from Lake Ohau through Queenstown to Christchurch – it’s an adventure you won’t want to end. Contiki travellers will experience the best of the South; taking a scenic flight over Mt. Cook, bungy jump off Kawaru Bridge, cruise the stunning Milford Sound, hike a glacier in Franz Josef , and not to mention the Free Time add Ons exploring the beauty of the Glow worm Caves and horse riding in Queenstown. Priced from $1,463*per person (discount included), 8 nights’ accommodation (including 7 nights lodge accommodation) available for travel on select departures between 3 October 2018 – 20 September 2019. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply