Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
Hooray! It’s a Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap! Boo! It’s Monday again. Oh well, can’t win ’em all.
Chimu launches inaugural Latin America & Antarctica Small Group Tours
Featuring a wide range of escorted small group tours operated by Viva Expeditions, the programme is designed for the discerning traveller looking for authentic and unique experiences in some of the world’s most intriguing and exotic regions across Latin America and Antarctica.
Flexibility and client choice are at the core of the programme, with itineraries falling under two categories, Overland Expeditions and Discovery Tours. Overland Expeditions are unique road trips with a maximum of 16 travellers exploring both the remoter regions and must-see highlights of Latin America offering a fairly active, yet comfortable, affordable and stress-free way of travelling.
Discovery Tours are designed to introduce travellers to the highlights of Latin America using a mix of various modes of transport staying in tourist class hotels, rustic cabins, guest houses or hiking lodges and travelling in groups of a maximum of 20 travellers. Both tour types are fully escorted and offer share options for single travellers.
For dates and cost of all new small group voyages, visit Chimu Adventures website.
Awards to sharpen focus on Queensland tourism
Following on from a record-breaking year for Queensland tourism at the 2016 Australian Tourism Awards, State tourism operators are being urged to put their hats in the ring for the hotly-anticipated 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the 33rd annual Queensland Tourism Awards were set to be better than ever, following on from a stellar year for Queenslanders in 2016, a new streamlined online submission process, and the exciting introduction of a new people’s choice category.
Nominations are now open and close at 5pm on Thursday 1 June. Entrants are encouraged to make the most of the new, streamlined online submission process. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners from the 28 Queensland Tourism Awards categories and the RACQ People’s Choice Award will be announced on Friday 10 November in Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Queensland’s Gold Award winners from categories 1-25 will gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Perth in February 2018.
Intrepid Launches New Trips to East Arnhem Land
Working in partnership with the Yolngu people, Intrepid Travel is to launch a new community-based trip in the remote East Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory. With the Yolngu culture, customs and way of life being the focus of the trip, the experience will give travellers from near and far a chance to be immersed in this picturesque corner of Australia that is home to incredible cultural, linguistic and environmental riches.
Visiting the remote coastal communities of Nyinyikay, Bremer Island and Nhulunbuy (also known as Gove), the ancient culture of the Saltwater people is the cornerstone of this 7-day trip. As leaders in community-based tourism Intrepid Travel have collaborated with remote Indigenous communities to set up small-scale tourism enterprises around the world, including a partnership with Aboriginal Olkola Corporation, which allows travellers to Journey into Olkola Country, in the heart of the Cape York Peninsula as guests of the Traditional Owners who regained control of their country in 2014.
The inaugural 7-day trip, starting from $5,995 per person, will take place on August 31, 2017 and the second trip departs on September 10, 2017.
takes home “Norway Coast Ambassador of the Year” award
Bentours has been named and awarded as this years “Norway Coast Ambassador of the Year” for the entire Asia-Pacific region, at the annual Hurtigruten 2017 conference. Currently being held in Norway, Damian Perry CEO of Cox and Kings Australia and New Zealand, including the specialist operator Bentours, was there to accept the award.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive the award and I wish to thank everyone in our business that have been involved in making this Hurtigruten and Bentours partnership such a success. I’d also like to thank the industry for the incredible support they gave us and our specialist teams” Perry said.
Bentours was awarded GSA (General Sales Agent) in September 2016 and offer live availability, instant confirmation and best available rates with Hurtigruten.
Win from a prize pool of $12,500 – including a Pandaw Cruise with Wendy Wu Tours
It is financial year-end in the Year of the Rooster and Wendy Wu Tours are offering a huge incentive to bring in a coup-full of bookings. Book any 2017 or 2018 departure, with deposit paid by 30 June, and receive $50 Coles-Myer gift voucher. Plus, all agents who book will have the opportunity to enter the major prize pool.
Don’t put your eggs in one basket! Each week Wendy Wu Tours will pluck the most creative answer out and giveaway a weekly prize; a $500 Coles-Myer gift voucher.At the conclusion of the competition, the best overall creative answer will win a Pandaw Irrawaddy Cruise in Myanmar – including flights – valued at $9,500!
Incentive open until 30 June. Must be booked and deposit paid by 30 June.
Beyond Travel introduce India & Beyond
Beyond Travel is broadening its horizons by adding an India/Sri Lanka division – India & Beyond – fitting in with the company’s mission and tag line “discover unique destinations”.
The new brand will have a separate experienced India team including a dedicated reservation team which can be contacted on 1300 599 005, product team website: www.india-and-beyond.com.au, and will be managed by Kellie Blackett. .
The India & Beyond 2017-2018 brochure features a comprehensive selection of private tours, first-class river cruises, a luxury rail journey, pre and post land packages for cruise and rail products, an escorted tour around India as well as product from Sri Lanka.
For further information on the brand, product and brochure contact india@beyondtravel.com.au.
MTA Members score Super Netball double header tickets from Hawaiian Airlines
A special treat for mad netball fans MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Kisane Salib and Kim Newton who attended the first-ever Super Netball double header in Sydney as guests of Hawaiian Airlines.
Pictured enjoying the action court-side at the Qudos Bank Arena (from left to right) Kisane Salib, Hawaiian Airlines Business Development Manager Northern NSW/QLD, Janis McDonald and Kim Newton.
Win a place on an Eclipse Travel Famil to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador!
Eclipse Travel are offering Australian travel agents the chance to win a place on an intimate famil to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. This amazing trip is being organised in partnership with LATAM and will take place from Monday 16 to Wednesday 25 October 2017.
The lucky agents will get to experience LATAM’s new direct service from Melbourne to Santiago, before visiting a cacao plantation and enjoying a panoramic city tour of Guayaquil on arrival. Agents will visit the Cajas National Park – home to the famous Andean condors – and experience the Devil’s Nose Train on the way to Riobamba. The group will then visit Chimborazo National Park and the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, then fly onto the Galapagos Islands where they will embark on a five-day cruise on board the Treasure of Galapagos.
To be in the running for a place on this amazing famil, simply email the Eclipse Travel team on enquiries@eclipsetravel.com.au with the subject line ‘Galapagos Famil’. To triple your chances of winning, make any booking with Eclipse Travel (minimum value $2,000) before 1 September 2017. Winners will be announced monthly from 1 July. Please note a participation fee applies.
Tahiti Tourism Reveals New Stars of Global Destination Campaign
Tahiti Tourism revealed the cast of real-life travellers who will star in its next digital video series promoting The Islands of Tahiti to audiences around the world. The new stars, a family from England and two couples from Brazil and the US, were selected from a global casting call that attracted more than 400 auditions from people around the world on social media.
The lucky travellers will fly to The Islands of Tahiti in June, courtesy of Air Tahiti Nui, for an incredible experience ranging from “getting away from it all” in secluded luxury to “being a part of it all” in the vibrant Tahitian culture and adventure.
Activities will also highlight Tahitians’ belief in “Mana”, the spiritual life force that con-nects all things. Mana is at the heart of Tahiti Tourisme’s global brand “Embraced By Mana” and its current video series starring real couples, “Two Stories/One Mana”.
The stars’ travels this summer will be featured in a new video series set for release in 2018.
Last minute explorer voyages on sale with Hurtigruten and Bentours
Journey to Svalbard, South America and Antarctica on bookings made until 30 Jun 2017, and Hurtigruten and Bentours will give you 20% off your voyage.
Valid for travel between Jun to Nov 2017, take advantage of this deal on last minute explorer voyages to some of the world’s most spectacular and remote destinations.
Hurtigruten’s Spitsbergen Adventure Voyage’s six day package is with prices now starting from A$1820 // NZ$1890 per person. It includes transfers to and from Longyearbyen airport, full board meal plan excluding drinks, all hikes and landings during the voyage and is valid for selected departures 6 Jun – 12 Sep 2017.
Also included in the deal is the 14 day voyage Adventure the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica, 17 day Wildlife in the Atlantic Ocean and 16 day Expedition to the Amazon – Southbound.
Sno’n’Ski launch Northern Hemisphere 2017/18 brochure with early bird deals
The Sno’n’Ski’s new 2017/18 brochure includes over 50 ski destinations throughout Japan, Canada, USA and Europe! Exciting new content includes some of the best Early Bird offers with many new and updated hotels. Transfer methods and times have been added to destination maps to ensure you have the best information on hand.
50 Degrees North launch New Glass Igloo Tour in Finland
50 Degrees North has added a new tour staying four nights in premium glass igloos under the Northern Lights in Levi, Northern Finland. These new well-appointed glass igloos offer the chance to sleep under the Northern Lights, complete with private kitchenettes, showers, and toilets.
Activity highlights of the tour are snowmobiling, dog mushing, and reindeer sledding; all under the spectacle of the Northern Lights. Downhill skiing at one of Finland’s premium ski resorts can also be included in this tour. This tour is designed to maximise the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as you spend the complete 5 days staying in the Aurora zone.
This premium 5-day program is priced at AUD 4 100 per person, twin share with many included meals and winter clothing for the adventure components. Travel dates valid from 01 DEC 2017 – 30 APR 2018.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
50 degrees north australian tourism awards bentours Beyond Travel chimu adventures eclipse travel hurtigruten intrepid travel mobile travel agents queensland tourism Queensland Tourism Awards Queensland Tourism Industry Council sno'n'ski tahiti tourism wendy wu toursLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
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APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
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ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
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Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!