This is our longest, most brilliant road and rail wrap yet! We wish we could say that about the number of days in a row we’ve managed to not go to the pub at lunch, but that’s still on zero.

RAIL PLUS launches 2019 Great Train Journeys Brochure with counting contest

Rail Plus has released its brand spanking new 2019 Great Train Journeys, featuring the world’s most incredible and unmissable train experiences.

To celebrate the launch agents are invited to participate in the ‘Count the Beds’ contest to win some prizes including 2 x 1st Class 8 Day Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass; 1 x $500 gift card of the winner’s choosing; and 4 x $100 Coles/Myer or Countdown gift cards.

All agents need to do is order the 2019 brochure via TIFS/BrochureNet or download it here; then count the number of beds in the brochure, and submit their answer to competitions@railplus.com.au by Friday 28 September 2018.

Agents should also note that participating in this competition will earn them an extra 20 points in the Module 99 section of the Rail Expert program.

Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail to commence operation on 23 September 2018

Hong Kong’s Transport and Housing Bureau has announced the official launch date of the highly anticipated High Speed Rail System connecting Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The rail system, which is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 60 per cent, will commence operation on 23 September 2018.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to Greater China, the 142km track will connect the city to 44 stations across Mainland China, including six short-haul and 38 long-haul stations.

With trains reaching speeds of up to 350km per hour, Wuhan, one of China’s popular cities, will be accessible from Hong Kong in five hours, whilst the journey time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong will be reduced from 100 minutes to about 50 minutes.

The Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail is approximately 26km and runs along a dedicated underground rail corridor from a new terminus at West Kowloon to the boundary near Lok Ma Chau, where it connects with the Mainland section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail.

Busabout launches new Small Group Adventures in Europe 2019/20 program

Packed with real past passenger photography and testimonials, Busabout’s new 2019/20 Europe brochure makes it easy for agents to sell the real Busabout experience.

The new brochure simplifies the Busabout concept by demonstrating how agents can help their clients create their own bespoke European adventure. Whether they are fiercely independent adventurers or prefer to explore like a local with a group of like-minded travellers – the Busabout travel network has something for everyone.

With the introduction of new Small Group Adventures, Busabout offers an even wider range of independent and guided travel styles, making Busabout a viable travel option for all types of clients.

Using Busabout’s private coach network which connects 38 of the best destinations across 14 European countries, the Hop-on Hop-off Travel Pass gives independent travellers the freedom to choose where they go and how long they stay, allowing clients to customise their trip from beginning to end. Once again in 2019, there are three, six, nine, 12 and 15 Stop Passes available, priced from $299 as well as an Unlimited Pass (priced at $1599) which gives clients the freedom to travel on the Hop-on Hop-off network as much as they like between May and October 2019.

Explore the other side of the tracks in India with APT

When considering a trip to India, it can be hard to look past the Taj Mahal, or Jaipur’s striking Palace of the Winds, but beyond the Golden Triangle lies a side to India that many travellers rarely get to experience.

Gujarat is one of the least visited but also one of the most rewarding states in India, and APT’s 23-day Contrasts of India gives travellers the chance to get to the heart of this truly captivating region, from the vast salt flats of Kutch to the ancient fortified city of Patan. Aboard the deluxe Deccan Odyssey train, travellers will explore the most authentic parts of Gujarat, providing a window into a side of India that is far from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Triangle.

APT’s 23-day Contrasts of India takes travellers to all of these fascinating destinations plus many more, with prices starting at $25,895 per person twin share.

Avis Australia wins 2018 Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards

Avis Car Rental Australia has been awarded ‘Australian Leading Car Rental Company of 2018’ at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony. Avis achieved the recognition ahead of competition from the likes of Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar Rent A Car.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledges, rewards and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The annual awards are renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry. The votes come from qualified executives in the travel and tourism industry and take place online as a year-long communications campaign encouraging global participation.

In addition to this national accolade, Avis also celebrated several wins in the Pacific region, including the ‘Leading Car Rental Company 2018’ category in Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Win a Ford Mustang with Hertz 100th Anniversary giveaway

Hertz is giving away a brand new 2018 Ford Mustang in celebration of the company’s centennial year. Furthermore, to mark Hertz’s 100-year anniversary this month, the rental car company will add 100 new Ford Mustangs to the Australian Adrenaline Collection, a range of high-performance vehicles for customers looking for an exhilarating drive.

Eligible customers who rent a qualifying vehicle with Hertz using the promotion code (PC) 204657 for a minimum of one day, before October 31, 2018, for travel before January 31, 2019, can enter a prize draw to win the American sports car, valued at $65,990. Customers who enter the competition will also receive 15 per cent off their rental.

The Mustangs will be available to rent from select Hertz locations across Australia, for drivers aged 25 years and older. Other terms and conditions apply. For more information on how to enter the competition and its full terms and conditions, customers can visit: www.hertz.com.au/100.

Rail Plus releases TGV-Lyria discounts of up to 78 per cent off! 

Until 21 September, agents can pass on to their clients up to 78 per cent off the high-speed TGV Lyria train tickets from France to Switzerland.

With prices starting at AUD65, bookings must be made by 21 September 2018 and travel completed between 24 September and 30 November 2018. The full list of journeys can be found here.

Terms and conditions apply. See Rail Plus Specials for more detail information and updates. Agents requiring additional training on the TGV Lyria can do so with the Rail Expert Program.