It’s Monday, which of course means the Wholesaler Wrap – and a serious case of Mondayitis around 2.30pm, so read up before that hits!

Small group Spain savings with Tempo

Uncover the splendors of Spain with Tempo Holidays small group, English-only tours. Sit back, relax and watch the landscape pass by on a scenic coach tour of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

For a limited time, Tempo are offering 25 per cent off two of their most popular Spain small group coach tours, with maximum 18 travellers, Madrid, Andalucia & Toledo and Treasures of Spain, when agents book by 30 Sep 2017.

Experience a Madrid city tour, enjoy a Seville Monumental and Panoramic city tour and visit the world famous Alhambra complex on the six day Madrid, Andalucia & Toledo package. Prices for this tour start from A$1425 / NZ$1540 per person and includes accommodation in superior hotels, daily breakfast and a English speaking tour escort.

Or uncover the medieval origins of the city Madrid including the Arabic fortress, visit the Alhambra Red Palace and explore the World Heritage City, Toledo. With prices starting from A$1640 / NZ$1765 per person travellers will save up to A$545 / NZ$585, and the package price includes superior hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, English speaking tour escort and AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid with a transfer from the station to hotel.

To ensure clients have the ultimate holiday add on Tempo’s Taste of Madrid or Taste of Barcelona four day packages. These packages are available to travel on selected departures May – October 2017.

Scenic World welcomes one millionth visitor

Scenic World welcomed its one millionth visitor for the operating year over the weekend, marking an exciting milestone which highlights how the family business is punching above its weight in attracting visitors to the region and boosting the local economy.

Celebrating the landmark occasion, the Parkinson family from Padstow was surprised with a celebratory gift hamper, five star VIP treatment, and a Scenic World Annual Pass as they boarded the Scenic Railway on Saturday morning.

Father of three, Alan Parkinson, said the experience made the weekend extra special for his wife and visiting relatives: “We’ve come here so many times as a family, and to be the millionth visitor when we’re with our family visiting from Thailand is unbelievable.”

The milestone – which was achieved during the Scenic World operating year from June 2016 to May 2017 – follows an incredible growth trajectory of over 25 per cent in visitor numbers since the 2013-14 financial year, led by strong growth in both domestic and international markets.

Domestic visitation has increased more than 40 per cent over the past three years, while Chinese visitation jumped over 47 per cent, and the groups market saw a 21 per cent increase over the same period.

Final week for Excite ‘California Dreaming’ campaign

After five weeks of exploring the Golden State, we are now entering the final week of our ‘45 Days of California Dreaming’ campaign, in collaboration with Visit California.

From breathtaking rugged terrain, to world-class shopping precincts, picturesque beaches and theme parks that provide endless fun for the whole family, the campaign has showcased the incredible opportunities and activities on offer in iconic California.

Currently featuring the must-see destinations San Diego and Palm Springs, our carefully curated guide has been designed to help agents create the ultimate California adventure for their clients. The guide can be found at exciteholidays.com/engage/california.

We are also excited to be giving away an amazing California-inspired prize every day for 45 days ! All agents have to do is make a paid California booking between 24 April 2017 and Sunday 4 June 2017, and they will automatically go into the draw to win an incredible prize.

In addition, for every room night booked in California during the campaign period, agents will receive double rewards points.
With only seven days of the campaign left, agents won’t want to miss out!

Fly free to South America

To celebrate Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic 50^th anniversary to the Galápagos Islands, Adventure World is offering an incredible free international air offer on selected 2017 departures with Lindblad Expeditions.

A trip to the Galápagos Islands should be on everyone’s wish list – this awe-inspiring part of the world is one of nature’s foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing, guests can search for fur seals and experience their natural habitat with an undersea specialist and a National Geographic photographer and learn the secrets to swimming with the Galápagos penguins.

The expeditions are aboard the brand new National Geographic Endeavour II or the yacht-scaled National Geographic Islander – guests can snorkel, paddleboard, cruise by Zodiac and even hike to the top of Bartolomé’s volcanic cone for a stunning view of the Pinnacle.

Every expedition sails with a team of experts, which includes a veteran expedition leader, eight naturalists – together providing guests with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional island.

Neil Rodgers, Managing Director for Adventure World Australia commented: “To be the first expedition to take guests to the Galápagos is quite a feat, and to now be celebrating 50 years to these incredible islands, we’re thrilled to be celebrating this milestone by offering guests and explorers alike, the trip of a lifetime with free international flights.”

Available now until June 30, Adventure World recommends agents to book now and not miss out on the free international air offer, departing from either Sydney or Melbourne to the Galápagos Islands.

2017 “Amazing Thailand Roadshow” the biggest yet 

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently hosted its annual “Amazing Thailand Roadshow” in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Roadshow kicked off in Auckland with 115 travel agents attending, before crossing the ditch to Brisbane for the first time where 100 agents were in attendance. Melbourne followed with 115 attending before the Roadshow wrapped up in Sydney with a massive turnout of 160 agents.

This year also saw an increase in the number of Thai suppliers participating, with operators such as Siam@Siam Design Hotel, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Manathai Hotels and Resorts and Foto Hotel Phuket all taking part for the first time.

This year the roadshow was held at Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland, The Hilton in Brisbane, Show Time in South Wharf Melbourne and Doltone House, Hyde Park in Sydney.

Guest speaker ‘Miss World Australia 2016’, shared her Thailand holiday experiences with the audience and Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific) thanked agents for their support which has seen Thailand enjoy even more growth.

“In 2016 despite unfavourable world economic conditions, our tourism sector showed an 11 per cent growth to about USD$72 billion, making it the country’s largest export. So far this year, revenue has reached USD$131 billion and the sector has created nearly 14 million jobs.”

The Deputy Governor presented TAT’s marketing approach for 2017 which aims to position Thailand as a ‘Preferred Destination’.

“When Aussies are dreaming of their next holiday, we hope Thailand comes up as the number one choice. The Amazing Thailand brand will remain in place supported by the powerful narratives of ‘Discover Amazing Stories in Amazing Thailand.”

Wanapinyosak also encouraged agents to “up-sell” to clients by encouraging them to explore multiple destinations within Thailand.

The Amazing Thailand Roadshow is an annual event, held usually in May, for Australian and New Zealand travel professionals to network and update their knowledge on Thailand’s tourism.

Insight Vacations Launch 2018 Chelsea Flower Show Collection

Insight Vacations is excited to release a selection of tours for the Chelsea Flower Show Collection for 2018 – in line with the Chelsea Flower Show officially kicking off last week (23 May).

Departing in May 2018, the tours have been released early to respond to great demand for the next season.

With only three tours available which include the Chelsea Flower Show, guests are urged to book now for their chance to witness the very best gardens, flowers and gardening from around the world.

The three tours also include visits to the renowned gardens at Keukenhof, Monets Gardens, the incredible Versailles Chateaux and gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and the famous Aalsmeer Flower Auction plus many more. Visit the website for more details.

Celebrate with the locals at a winter festival

Timing your next adventure with a festival is a wonderful way to learn about the local customs and traditions of your chosen destination – and to interact with the locals as they celebrate the event.  Below are short descriptions of four of the best happening over the next few months.

Inti Raymi, Peru >>> The Festival of the Sun

South America’s second largest festival dates back 500 years to the heyday of the Incan Empire, honouring one of its most venerated gods: Inti. Celebrated on the shortest day of the year, it involves a procession through the streets with music, prayers, dancing and scattered flowers. Women with brooms sweep away the evil spirits – plus you will see priests dressed as snakes, condors and pumas!

• Inti Raymi Festival with World Expeditions 7 days, departs 23 June, from $2,590 per person

Hemis Festival, India >>> The Birth of Guru Rinpoche (Lord Padmasambhava)

Celebrated at the Hemis Monastery, in the north-Indian province of Ladakh, this colourful festival (said to originate back in the 8^th century) has become famous for the masked dances that represent the good prevailing over evil, performed by gompas that follow tantric traditions. Joining is believed to bring spiritual strength and good health!

• Hidden Valleys of Ladakh with World Expeditions 20 days, departs 30 June, from $3,490 per person

Naadam Festival, Mongolia >>> The Three Games of Men

An ancient cultural spectacle that combines colourful costumes and performances with an exciting tournament of three traditional sports: archery, wrestling and bareback horse riding. It is the biggest festival of the year in Mongolia, held throughout the country in mid-summer, and since 2010 it is part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• Wild Mongolia Cycle and Naadam Festival with World Expeditions 16 days, departs 28 June, from $4,290 per person

Bhutan Thimphu Festival >>> The Festival of Good Fortune

From the beautiful alpine valley of Paro, this Bhutan experience features day walks and a trek  through old growth forest to the capital of Thimphu.  The annual three day Thimpu Festival is a spectacle of colourful celebration where onlookers are believed to be blessed with good fortune.

• Bhutan Thimphu Festival and Trek with World Expeditions – 11 days departs 23 September, from $4,290 per person

Contiki grows product in Central and South America

Contiki has launched their product offering in Latin America with six new trips and departure dates through to 2019.

Increasing their footprint, the brand has added three trips featuring new destinations Bolivia and Chile. Bella Bolivia, Bolivian Magic and the Andean Crossing all take in the vibrant cities and jaw-dropping landscapes that have catapulted Bolivia to the top of the South American bucket list for young travellers.

Building on the success of Contiki’s Limited Edition Series in Europe and North America, the brand have brought the food-focused trip to Central America with Munch Mexico.

The final additions are new trips created in continued partnership with ME to WE, empowering travellers to give back to local communities in remote Ecuador. The Lava Line and Ecuador and Galapagos Island Hopper trips both feature dedicated departures that include three days working with ME to WE at their project deep in the Amazon jungle, accessible only by boat.

NEW Trips in 2018/19

• Bolivian Magic – In just two weeks travellers pack in an incredible 4 Latin heavyweights, visiting Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Kick off with awe-inspiring Incan Ruins, explore the colonial beauty of Salta, take in the heady Bolivian salt flats, and marvel at bubbling hot springs and colourful flamingos – all included, 14 nights from $3,331.
• Bella Bolivia – Perfect for those short on time but unable to resist Bolivia’s charm and beauty. Dial up the experience by adding Me Time Optionals like sand boarding in the Atacama Desert or a Winery Tour in gorgeous Salta – 12 nights from $2,823.
• Andean Crossing – For the avid Latin explorer, trip takes the sights of the Bolivian Magic and extends into more Peruvian destinations, experiencing the rich history and vibrant foodie scene of Lima contrasted with an overnight stay in a jungle lodge deep in the Amazonian Rainforest – 21 nights from $5,950.
• Munch Mexico – Building on the success of Contiki’s Limited Edition Munch trips through the Mediterranean and the Deep South, Munch Mexico is an exclusive culinary trip visiting Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Merida, Chichen Itza and Cancun. Foodies will delight in included Tequila distillery tours, cocktail classes, market tours, salsa making classes and specialist regional cooking demonstrations – all included, 11 nights from $2,892
• Both The Lava Line with ME to WE and Galapagos and Ecuador Island Hopper with ME to WE include two nights at the Minga Logde in Ecuador, where travellers enjoy an Amazonian Night Walk, incredible local meals and of course working with local community members on a project in a WE Village.

All trips are on now on sale on contiki.com and travellers can save up to $905 when they book before 1 August 2017.

Bentours Follow The Lights receives incredible customer feedback

Bentours small group escorted departure Follow The Lights has received amazing feedback from travellers.

This small group tour is a Bentours original and includes its partner Hurtigruten within the program.

Highlights of the feedback include:

• Bentours have the best Tour Managers in Scandinavia, they rated in all categories at over 90 per cent satisfaction.
• The included Husky dog safari is a much-loved excursion (92 per cent satisfaction)
• 4 out of 5 people would recommend this tour to their friends and family

This 15-day unique tour is designed to give the best opportunity to travellers to see the Northern Lights, including highlights such as a night in a unique glass igloo, husky dog sled rides, the stunning Hurtigruten voyage, a day trip to the medieval town of Tallinn and many more.