The Big Fat Agent Wrap
From the week that brought you “too fat” flight attendants, Qantas’ new seat selections, and Tony Abbott in his speedos, comes the Friday Agent Wrap.
Sort out all your last minute agent news before the weekend, catch up on the famil gossip, and score yourself an incentive or two while you’re at it.
It’s finally Friday, so roll on into the weekend, glass of bubbly in hand.
Chile Earthquake Update
Tragically, the Chile Earthquake has now claimed 11 lives, World Journeys have heard from their operators in Chile this morning, who report that despite the magnitude of yesterday’s earthquake, client travel arrangements have not been affected.
Santiago and its surrounds, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas and Patagonia are fully operative, with hotels and tourist services being unaffected.
Chile’s connectivity by air and land is running normally and Santiago airport is fully operative, but some flights may be delayed or rescheduled in the short term. Read the latest update on the earthquake here.
TravelManagers get up to date
TravelManagers understands that its ongoing success partly relies upon its personal travel managers (PTMs) having regular access to the best possible product training.
Sydney-based personal travel managers were among the latest to benefit from this approach, participating in two days of airline-focused product training that was organised by TravelManagers’ NSW Business Partnership Manager, Julie Anderson.
The training took place over two days and was supported by nine airlines: Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, Thai Airways, Etihad, Qantas and United Airlines.
“Over the course of two days, we covered all nine airlines pretty comprehensively: everything from on-board product to schedules and fares, and even picked up some unique hints on how to differentiate stopovers,” Anderson says.
Sydney embraces a hint of Taiwan
Earlier this week, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) launched its series of trade promotional roadshows at The Westin Sydney, attracting close to 100 travel agents, suppliers and media guests.
Guests gained insights on Taiwan’s upcoming developments, tips on tailoring Taiwan’s unique offerings to suit various travel budgets, and a first-hand experience of the cultural beauty of Taiwan through an Aboriginal dance performance.
Sydney marked the first stop in a series of four annual Roadshows to showcase Taiwan to the Australian travel trade industry players this month, including Melbourne and Brisbane as well.
Helloworld pops up by the planes
Travellers departing from Sydney International Airport are responding well to helloworld.com.au’s brand new Pop-Up kiosk which was launched earlier this month.
The self-service kiosk is located at Pier B, which contains Qantas, British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines. This airline base represents approximately 50% of the departures out of Sydney International Airport and means that the kiosk is visible to approximately 262,000 travellers per month.
The kiosk boasts stunning digital artwork both on tablets and in large display format, and features the latest Orbitz software solution. helloworld is trialling the kiosk for an initial three months.
Intrepid’s new sailing trips
Intrepid Travel has added two brand-new trips to its popular range of Sailing Adventures in Europe with a cruise down the peaceful Canal du Midi in southern France and a journey through the waters around Sardinia and Corsica.
The Canal du Midi is from $1995 per person with the first departure on 9 May 2016. Sardinia and Corsica Sailing Adventure is from $1795 per person with the first departure on 21 May 2016.
Intrepid is currently offering 15% off these trips as part of the Europe earlybird offer. Book by 31 October 2015 and travel between 1 April and 30 September 2016.
STA Agents see the real Fiji
Swimming with manta rays and reef sharks, sipping kava with villagers and taking part in the Vinaka Fiji volunteering program were just some of the ‘real deal’ Fiji experiences for a group of Australia STA agents recently.
The top sellers for Awesome Adventures Fiji and Virgin Australia got to know the remote, but highly accessible, Yasawa island group first hand in a packed famil schedule that allowed plenty of opportunity to learn about the stunningly beautiful islands and the culture of the people living there.
The STA Agents also learnt about traditional Fijian cuisine in a cooking class with the coconut and lime marinated fish dish, kokoda, featuring.
Pictured L-R: Front row – Richard Carrick, Awesome Adventures; Shirley Mai, Sydney University; Lili Perez, George Street; Elizabeth Croft, Sunshine Coast; Tessa Ball, Selina McGowan and Miri Sau, Awesome Adventures. Back row – Kaila Zeeman, Lygon; Cory Scott, Bondi; Allyce Balderston, Central Melbourne; Asha Thomson, Myer Centre; Christine Voon, Monash Clayton; Isabella Hazelman, Marion.
Bunnik fresh tours for 2016
Bunnik Tours have just launched their 2016 program for Cruise & Tour including itineraries covering South & Central America and Europe.
The 2016 Cruise & Tour program features a line-up of 13 fantastic cruise & tour itineraries, exploring the highlights of South & Central America and Europe.
Eight new itineraries are also featured in the 2016 program. In Europe, these include a tour of Norway and the Baltics, along with cruises along the Mediterranean coastline packaged with popular small group tours of Italy, Morocco or Croatia.
Clients will receive a $250pp Early Bird saving when booked on the European 2016 program before December 18, 2015 and booked on the South & Central American program before 22 January, 2016.
Local Life Tours with Infinity
In August Buffalo Tours launched “Local Life Tours”. These are small group tours that get the traveller up close and personal with the locals for an honest and authentic experience. Infinity now has a number of these tours loaded and ready to sell.
“Local Life Tours” are low impact, support local businesses and have a maximum of 8 passengers per tour. All guides are Buffalo Tours employees. These tours seek to engage the senses and often involve food.
Infinity Holidays has a number of these tours loaded across a variety of destinations in South East Asia.
Emirates Melbourne Cup visits Perth
The Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy symbolises the height of racing success and last week the people of Perth were given the opportunity to get up close with the coveted trophy.
Travel and Sports Australia hosted the 18 carat gold Melbourne Cup during a function at their new Mount Lawley location on Tuesday, 8 September.
Approximately 70 guests attended and heard from 1994 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Wayne Harris, where he discussed the feeling of crossing the line first and how be mentally prepared for the race.
As an official tourism operator of the Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival for more than 15 years and sending hundreds of satisfied customers to Melbourne every year, Travel and Sports Australia were delighted to be part of the 13th annual Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.
The $175,000 trophy visited Perth on the 8th and 9th of September – one of 33 stops on the tour across Australia, New Zealand and for the first time, Malaysia, before returning to Flemington in preparation for the race that stops the nation.
Hong Kong gets involved in #helloworldRELAY
On Sunday 27th September, Hong Kong will join up to 60 countries around the globe to participate in the Helloword Global Instagram Relay. In each destination, the lead influencer will post 12 images- (1 per hour of daylight), in their location.
During the day, each influencer will host an instameet with up to 10 other grammers to join them in their destination. Our lead instagramer- fellow Australian and Hong Kong resident, Geneva Vanderzeil, blogger and lifestyle guru of @apairandaspare fame, will take us on special journey to some of her favourite parts of Hong Kong, taking in the best places to shop, eat, explore and enjoy the stunning views across Victoria Harbour.
Geneva’s amazing day will culminate in an extraordinary instameet gathering where she will catch up with other influential Hong Kong instagramers to experience the Fire Show and the Tai Hung Fire Dragon Dance as part of the Mid Autumn Festival celebrations in Victoria Park.
Cosmos unveils Europe 2016
Cosmos has unveiled its 2016 program of European tours, introducing new itineraries in Spain, France, Italy and Germany as well as savings of up to $1144 per couple.
The new Cosmos Europe 2016 brochure offers more than 60 top-value holidays throughout Europe. Tours range from eight to 29 days including seven priced from less than $1000 per person.
On sale now, the 2016 Cosmos Europe tours are available with a choice of discounts when booked by December 1, 2015, each of which can be combined for added savings.
Palm Cove serves up reef feast
Chefs will be dishing up tasting plates featuring local produce and home brewers will be battling for beer awards as an array of entertainment is served up at Palm Cove’s Reef Feast on October 8-11.
Tourism Palm Cove President Francetta Bridle said the annual Reef Feast held alongside Palm Cove’s palm-fringed beach would celebrate Tropical North Queensland’s lifestyle and unique regional produce with nine events over four days encompassing food, wine, beer, fashion, art and music.
“Cairns Airport is presenting Reef Feast in 2015 as part of the Tropical Queensland Export Exchange, an initiative of the Airport, in collaboration with Cairns Regional Council and Trade and Investment Queensland, to grow the profile of Tropical North Queensland’s produce and create international trade opportunities.
“The Exchange involves 50 visiting media from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists who will attend Reef Feast which we hope will result in an international profile next year.”
Bridle said Reef Feast had become a much anticipated event on the Tropical North Queensland events calendar with more than 11,000 people attending last year.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
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!