Happy Friday! To help distract you from the inevitable hotbed of infection your office will become in the lead up to winter, take a look at all these agents doing fun things!

Personal Travel Managers’ Carnival at Sea

Combining business with pleasure, six of TravelManagers’ personal travel managers (PTMs) joined a Carnival @ Sea famil from Sydney to Melbourne, enjoying free time both at sea and ashore in Hobart and Port Arthur during their five-night cruise.

The group travelled aboard Carnival Legend and were hosted by Carnival Cruises’ Sharon Grant, who held a low-key ‘lunch and learn’ session on their second day aboard, giving them the opportunity to learn about the highlights and selling points of a Carnival Cruise.

TravelManagers’ Nicole Edgar, representative for Narre Warren South, VIC, says although it was not her first time aboard a Carnival ship, she appreciated the opportunity to experience a different ship to better understand the diversity and thereby qualifying her to determine their individual appeals.

ATG Travel Group launch Agent Facebook Page

The APT Travel Group, including leading brands, APT and Travelmarvel, have launched a new agent’s only Facebook page, ATG Travel Agents AU.

The new private group will keep agents updated on product launches, incentives, famil opportunities and provide a platform for agents to share information and feedback.

To join the group simply search ‘ATG Travel Agents AU’ on Facebook or visit https://www.facebook.com/ATGTravelAgentsAU/.

ANZ Product Managers explore the East Coast on Brand USA’s Latest Famil

Brand USA Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with American Airlines, recently hosted a fun-filled product mangers fam, with five invited participants spending eight nights visiting three USA destinations along the East Coast: Washington, DC, Orlando and Miami: Florida.

The unique cities were selected based on the insight that Australia and New Zealand product managers desired to improve their knowledge about these destinations and to explore potential new product for contracting in both markets. Working with Destination DC, Visit Orlando and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Brand USA developed itineraries designed to inform and excite buyers, enabling them to leave with a better understanding to sell product.

Flying internationally and domestically with American Airlines, showcasing its seamless connectivity to Los Angeles and onto the East Coast, the group first visited Washington, DC, arriving just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. A jam-packed schedule included a Nationals vs. New York Mets baseball game at Nationals Park, a visit to the Smithsonian Museums and a walking guided tour with Fiat Luxe Tours in Georgetown.

While in Washington, DC, product managers also enjoyed a 3D screening of the highly anticipated new Brand USA film: America’s Musical Journey, starring Grammy-Award nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc and with actor Morgan Freeman as narrator.

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board launches L.A. Insider Specialist Training Program

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) today launched ‘L.A. Insider,’ a new online training tool for travel trade professionals. The mobile and tablet-friendly programme is the first of its kind for L.A. Tourism. It has been designed to help Australian travel trade better sell the city and stay up-to-date with its latest offerings.

Demand for a bespoke online portal of information and selling tools for the travel trade is strong and growing, as global demand to visit Los Angeles continues its rapid upward trajectory. A record 48.3 million tourists visited L.A. in 2017 (411,000 visitors from Australia), a figure that is expected to reach 50 million by 2020.

L.A. Insider, developed by TravPRO which also launched Visit California’s STAR program, will provide easy access to L.A. Tourism’s marketing assets, sales collateral such as factsheets, maps, videos and even neighbourhood tours in virtual reality. The programme also provides information on the gateway to North America, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and updates on the airport’s multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme with multimedia assets added as they become available.

Participants who complete the L.A. Insider training will receive a certificate, access to discounts and specials from L.A. members, the opportunity to participate in FAMs and be entered to win a trip to one of L.A.’s award shows.

Collette Launches 2019 – 2020 Preview Brochure

Celebrating 100 years of experience in guided travel this year, leading global tour operator Collette has announced the launch of its 2019 – 2020 preview brochure offering travellers even more options for exploring the globe with additional tours, more guaranteed departures, and up to 15% discount on all early bookings.

Travellers who book by 30 June 2018 can save up to $1000 off the land portion of tours departing between 1 January 2019 and 30 April 2020. The preview brochure features 54 tours in total, with highlights including Sunny Portugal for the lead-in price of $1,949*(per person twin share) and the comprehensive 23-day Complete South America with savings of $1000 per person.

The Italian Vistas tour returns as a highlight in Collette’s new preview brochure, along with America’s Music Cities, Best of Eastern Canada, Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana, and Cultural Treasures of Japan. Starting from $4,019, travellers can save up to $650 per person on Italian Vistas and embark on a European adventure including an in-depth tour of the famous Colosseum, a scenic boat ride to the Isle of Capri and Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration and a locally-guided tour of Florence.

Collette’s America’s Music Cities featuring New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville tour offers guests the chance to visit and explore America’s most famed music cities, Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis. The leading global tour operator is renowned for its superb suite of American itineraries – and this tour is no exception. Starting from $3,329, travellers can enjoy this incredible 8-day itinerary with savings of up to $500 per person.

Hawaii Tourism Oceania activities transform May into ‘month of Lei’

Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) is presenting a series of events, destination training for travel agents and key consumer activities throughout May to share the Aloha Spirit during what the tourist board have dubbed the ‘Month of Lei’.

On the trade front, HTO are partnering with Hawaiian Airlines to fly representatives from the Hawaiian Island Visitor Bureaus of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Island of Hawai‘i for travel agent product training across Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

HTO will also join forces with key wholesale partner Excite Holidays to launch a marketing campaign, events and training as part of the ‘Month of Lei’ activities. A key consumer promotion with Airtasker to find an ‘Aloha Apprentice’ will also launch on May 1st.

The chosen Aloha Apprentice will be paid $1000 to assist the HTO team give 500 lei greetings to commuters on Friday, 25th May, and will also be flown all expenses paid to Hawai‘i for a four day ‘Aloha Immersion’ to prepare for the task.

Trafalgar launches two new #AgentsFirst incentives including the chance to win a trip to Spain

As part of Trafalgar’s always #AgentsFirst approach, they are giving agents the chance to win one of five seats on the Spanish Wonder festive famil this November including return flights with Etihad.

To be in the running to win, all the agents need to do is watch the Travel in Colour webinar on the Trafalgar agents site and answer a simple question.

Also, to celebrate its new Autumn, Winter, Spring brochure depicting the stunning colours of the seasons, Trafalgar is running The Tribe Colour In, a colouring competition where an agent can win a beautiful painting for their home. Visit the Trafalgar Tribe Facebook page for more details.

There’s no better time to book, with Trafalgar’s seven per cent off Autumn, Winter and Spring trips through Europe & Britain – for bookings made by 23 August, 2018.

You don’t need to ski to enjoy Sun Peaks Resort, say Mega Fam agents

Travel agents who enjoyed a recent educational visit to Sun Peaks Resort say there’s no need to strap on skis to have a fabulous time in Canada’s second largest ski area.

Sun Peak boasts a fantastic variety of ski terrain, but the off-piste activities really wowed the 30 travel agents who visited the resort during the Sno’n’Ski Canada Mega Famil. After being treated to a multi-course welcome lunch at the lively Masa’s Bar & Grill, the group geared up for a Moonlight Snowshoe tour with Discover Sun Peaks Adventures.

The mellow hike to the campfire site was broken up by a spontaneous group snowball fight in the setting sun, ensuring the Mega Fam agents were well and truly ready for their s’mores and cider.

Agents sought out further off-piste fun the following day, signing up for the quintessential Canadian winter activities of dog sledding and ice fishing.

Trekking is all part of a day’s work at World Expeditions’ biennial conference in Thredbo

Poor weather did nothing to dampen the spirits or more than 50 staff from adventure travel company, World Expeditions, who gathered at Thredbo Village recently, for the biennial staff conference.

According to World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, the Conference was as much about getting staff together from all over Australia to meet each other and strengthen camaraderie, as it was learning about the company’s expanded range of adventures, responsible travel initiatives and the exciting new ventures planned for the company in the future.

These days, the World Expeditions Travel Group comprises 11 separate brands, including the parent company World Expeditions, UTracks, World Youth Adventures, Huma Charity Challenge, Australian Walking Holidays and Tasmanian Expeditions. Along with recent company acquisitions such as Trail Journeys in New Zealand and Sherpa Van in the UK, this growth makes it really important to bring staff together.

Mega friends with benefits incentive: win a private tour for you and three mates! Week three winner: Lesley Judd from Helloworld in Ocean Grove, Vic!

Win the ultimate gift of mega happiness andexperience one of our mega destinations foryourself. Sounds like it’s time to prep the squad, pack your bags and take off to Mega Asia! Every week, Wendy Wu Tours are drawing a winner for a $500 MEGA EXPERIENCE voucher, with the final major prize being drawn in June.

This weeks lucky winner, grabbing a $500 experience voucher, is Lesley Judd, from Helloworld in Ocean Grove, VIC.

There are six more weeks of $500 prizes to bewon, before the major prize of a private tour forfour is announced. Hurry, this incentive is openfor bookings made before 15 June 2018. Someterms and conditions apply, for full details visitwendywutours.com.au/agents, or see yourBusiness Development Manager.

Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist visits Helloworld Travel Limited in Melbourne!

Australia’s very own history making athlete Chris McHugh, paid a visit to staff at Helloworld Travel Limited Melbourne this week.

The Australian duo of Chris and teammate Damian Schumann took home the first ever Gold Medal for Beach Volleyball at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast last month, beating the world class Canadian team in a thrilling final.

As part of his national tour with fellow athletes, Chris stopped by the Helloworld Travel Limited office in South Melbourne to meet and chat with staff, sharing stories of his time at the Games, and how his career in Beach Volleyball started out.

The experience was a great insight for those in attendance, learning more about the sport and having the opportunity to take some selfies with a Commonwealth Games gold medallist. The Helloworld Travel Volleyroos Indoor Team will be in action from 22-24 June at Hisense Arena for the Volleyball Nations League, taking on Brazil, Argentina and Poland.

TTC Weekly Deals

ADVENTURE WORLD – Extraordinary Botswana

Save $1,900 per person on Adventure World’s 8 day Extraordinary Botswana trip when the trip is booked before the 30th of June! Allow guests to spoil themselves with a completely unique and undeniably unforgettable Botswana wildlife experience through Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Starting from $7426* per person. This offer is on sale for travel departure dates between the 1st of April 2018 until the 20th of December 2018, subject to availability. For more information or to book call 1300 295 049 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

TRAFALGAR – Experience Real Britain

Experience the colours of Europe on one of our Autumn, Winter and Spring trips and save 7.5% when the trip is booked before the 23rd of August 2018. Guests will journey north to the land of the bonny and brave on Trafalgar’s 6 Day Real Britain travel itinerary through the lush green landscapes of Britain, across to the mythical Stonehenge and then on to Wales and its capital, Cardiff. Starting from $1382* per person. This offer is on sale until the 23rd of August for select travel dates from the 5th of November 2018 until the 25th of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 78 78 78 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

UNIWORLD – Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

Travellers can Fly Free to Europe in 2019 with Uniworld. Explore Europe’s rich history and Jewish heritage on Uniworld’s 11 day Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland through The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Starting from $6,099* per person twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now for the 2nd and 12th of April 2019 departure dates. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.uniworld.com.

U BY UNIWORLD – The Danube Flow

U by Uniworld’s Picture Perfect Offers save travellers up to $1100* per person so book your guests on an 8 Day The Danube Flow and allow them to explore Germany, Austria and Hungary on this 8-day cruise through Regensburg, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Starting from $2099 per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 15th of May 2018 for 12th & 26th of May 2018 and 2nd of June 2018 departure dates. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.ubyuniworld.com.

AAT KINGS – Outback Adventure

Travellers can Fly Free on a selection of AAT Kings bestselling guided holidays. Book AAT Kings 15 Day Outback Adventure before the 31st of March 2019 and discover the legendary Australian Outback on a fascinating northbound journey from Adelaide, through the Red Centre and onto tropical Darwin. Starting from $5995* per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of March 2019 for travel dates from now until the 31st of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

BUS ABOUT – Italian Adventure

Save up to 25% on Busabout’s 3 Day Italian Adventure! Was from $469* NOW from $352*. Travellers will slurp on creamy gelato with a backdrop of the kaleidoscopically-colourful buildings of the Amalfi Coast, sip on limoncello in a traditional restaurant in Sorrento, and feast on pizza after exploring the ancient town that was frozen in time, Pompeii! Starting from $352* per person. This offer is on sale until the 25th of May for the 21st & 25th of May departure dates. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.

CONTIKI – Cosy Winter

Europe is cooler in Winter! Cheaper prices, smaller crowds, twinkling Christmas lights and powder perfect pistes. Youth travellers can book a 2018/19 Autumn, Winter or Spring European Contiki trip and save up to $360* when they pay by 16th of August 2018. They’ll cosy into the most magical winter markets on the 24 Day Winter Wanderer trip, exploring the likes of Paris, Lucerne, Barcelona, Florence, Vienna, Berlin and more! Starting from $3,885* per person twin share (7.5% early payment discount included). Price reflective of select departures between 18 Jan 2019 – 1 March 2019 – other departures available for an alternate price between 19 Oct 2018 – 15 March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.