The Big Fat Agent Wrap
Another week has come and gone, and we bet you’re still a little behind on your emails.
Well, never fear – because we’ve done the legwork and found all the new agent goss you need to stay updated.
Wind down to the weekend with this cruisy update, and have a happy Friday!
Save a seat on the #TTCGreatEscape
Not in the running to win the ultimate agent famil ever? Well that’s alright, because we’ve got an exclusive seat for one lucky TW reader – and it could be you!
Just post a photo of your own ‘Great Escape’ to social media and tell us why you want to be on The Travel Corporation’s Great Escape. Add the #TTCGreatEscape hashtag, and tag one of Travel Weekly’s social media’s and away you go!
Entries close on September 4 folks so get cracking!
Go inside with new brochure
Insider Journeys has launched its comprehensive new India Sri Lanka Bhutan brochure with a range of new tours and packages, and a refreshed layout including features on some of the country’s most popular experiences such as ‘24 hours in Jaipur’, ‘Food in Delhi’, ‘Agra Monuments’ and ‘Planning your Safari’.
The brochure, which covers tailor made travel, Small Group Journeys and river cruises, highlights a range of new itineraries and packages, including a 12 day north India Golden Triangle Wildlife package complete with a stay at the charming Chambal Safari Lodge and river boat safaris to see the amazing Gharial (an endangered crocodile), as well as a range of new 6-18 day FIT itineraries.
Rail Plus’ great luxury
Ireland’s first luxury rail voyage and a selection of romantic excursions into the heart of Persia are just some of the highlights of Rail Plus’ newly-released 2016 Great Train Journeys program.
Rail Plus’ team of experts have once again drawn on their unsurpassed knowledge and experience to curate a unique collection of train journeys exploring all corners of the world.
From 2016 the train will offer a range of itineraries – including two-, four- and six-day options – that traverse the Emerald Isle’s lush green landscapes and dramatic coasts.
Vegas says #sorrynotsorry
With a title like ‘entertainment capital of the world’, Las Vegas is anything but boring, so to celebrate this, Las Vegas has teamed up with retail travel agency, iTravel to create the ultimate antidote.
This week the duo has launched a social media campaign based around the popular hashtag trend, #SorryNotSorry. Aussies are asked to share their most ‘un-Vegas’ like images, in line with the theme for that week, using the hashtag #VegasNotVegas.
The most creative entry each week will win one of three once-in-a-lifetime Las Vegas holidays for themselves and a friend, plus the priceless opportunity to escape the mundane aspects of everyday life.
Adventure World turns Japanese
Adventure World has announced the addition of Japan product to its Asia collection for the first time ever with the introduction of its 13-day Handpicked Japan.
The new itinerary, which can be tailor-made to suit individual needs and wants, provides a range of unique experiences that showcase the contrast between the region’s ancient and modern cultures, fascinating traditions and spectacular sights.
TravelManagers announces new conference speakers
TravelManagers’ eighth Annual National Conference is now less than a fortnight away. Due to be held in Adelaide over the weekend of 28-30 August, with a theme of “Focus” and an impressive line-up of inspirational speakers, anticipation is building among the attending personal travel managers (PTMs), who are looking to find new ways to achieve great things in their businesses.
Delegates can expect to gain much from the session presented by Teresa Boyce, a nutritionist who specialises in educating and motivating individuals and groups on managing stress and understanding the negative impact of ongoing stress.
New Arctic adventures launched
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have released its much anticipated 2016 Arctic program inviting adventure seekers to discover the many wonders of the Northwest Passage and North Pole.
From uncovering the Viking history of this polar region, hiking along the fascinating Scandinavian hamlets, to witnessing the extraordinary beauty and majesty of a polar bear in its natural environment, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic offers guests an unrivalled experience allowing guests to follow in the footsteps of famed explorers and scientists.
A new addition to the Lindblad product range, Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic is a 13 day expeditionthat explores Greenland’s rugged fjords, enormous glaciers, and includes hikes of the wild islands that trace Canada’s north shores. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic is giving guests greater choice by offering a selection of pre and/or post-voyage extensions to enhance their Arctic experience.
Unicycle for a good cause
Travellers Choice today revealed that popular actor Samuel Johnson – the man who unicycled around Australia to raise funds for breast cancer research – as the keynote speaker at its 2015 Annual shareholders’ Conference.
Over the past 20 years Johnson has been one of the country’s hardest working actors, with acclaimed roles in television series and films, including The Secret Life of Us, Rush and award-winning comedy Crackerjack.
Special industry only rate!
To celebrate the opening of Mercure Newcastle Airport, the only hotel located in the airport precinct, the 4-star hotel is offering the travel industry a special member’s only industry rate.
For bookings made before 30 September 2015, travel industry associates can take advantage of $90 room rates for stays until 30 November 2015 by calling 02 4033 8900 or emailing h9000@accor.com and quoting ‘Opening Industry Rate’
Aussie wholesalers back Vanuatu
A group of 16 key product managers, team leaders and marketing managers from Australian wholesalers and Online Travel Agents (OTA) experienced the beauty of Vanuatu first-hand last week, as the destination shows it is open for business after the destruction caused by Cyclone Pam earlier this year.
Taking place from 10 to 16 August, 2015, the itineraries were designed to showcase a large range of properties and activities available in Vanuatu by including the islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna.
Last chance to become a Japan expert!
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is sending out a reminder that this is your last chance to register to attend “Japan Endless Discovery Seminar” in Melbourne at Park Hyatt from 5-8pm on September 8.
Representatives from popular and up-and-coming tourist spots in Japan as well as an Australian travel blogger to present about her experience. Become a Japan travel expert in one night!
To register, email the Secretary of JAPAN ENDLESS DISCOVERY SEMINAR 2015 at visitjapan.mel@gmail.comby Friday September 4 2015. Please include your name, company name (wholesale, retail, airline, media, other), job title and email address.
Topdeck’s top deals
Wander the plains with Africa’s big five in Maasai Mara National Park, slither the grounds at Meserani Snake Park and climb the World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater on Topdeck’s 13-day Kenya & Tanzania trip.
The trip is part of Topdeck’s Specials of the Week, where Topdeckers can score a 20% discount. The trip is priced from $2500 per person and includes nine nights in campsites with two-person dome tents and a sleeping mattress, three nights in hotels, 12 breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners.
The discount applies to trips departing August 23, September 6 and September 20, 2015.
Also on sale is Topdeck’s 25-day South West Safari trip, where Topdeckers can score another 20% discount. The trip starts in Johannesburg and travels to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Cape Town.
The 20% discount applies to trips departing August 27, September 10 and September 24 2015.
World Journeys explores Amazon in style
World Journeys have released a “one off” special cruise with Canadian explorer John Hemming departing the 10th February 2016 on a 5 day/4 nights program.
Guests will be treated to special lectures from this world renowned expert on Amazon tribes and Incan civilization. John has published several best-selling books on related topics such as ‘Conquest of the Incas’, ‘Tribes of the Amazon’ and ‘The Search for El Dorado´.
Expand your knowledge as you cruise on the Delphin II along one of the world’s largest rivers as John will be giving special lectures and available for discussion.
Latest News
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre’s biggest sale has just landed giving Aussies the chance to lock in more affordable holidays close to home and overseas with saving of up to 50 per cent. The Big Red Sale starts today, 9 May, and runs until 5 June 2024. Flight Centre Global Managing Director Andrew Stark said that after the […]
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Aurora Expeditions has today announced savings for solo travellers thinking of going north for the summer. Adventurous solo travellers can take advantage of no solo supplements, enjoying a guaranteed private cabin on select departures during Aurora’s Arctic 2024 season with plenty of options available on unforgettable voyages visiting Greenland, Svalbard, Northwest Passage, Iceland and more. […]
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad Airways and the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced the launch of Abu Dhabi Stopover which invites guests flying through to turn their stopover into a free hotel stay and holiday. The Abu Dhabi Stopover, exclusive to Etihad Airways, will enable passengers to enjoy a convenient free stay in […]
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.