Feeling out of the loop after spending four days out of the office? Get up to speed on all things wholesaler by having a peruse of this very informative wrap.

Trafalgar continues its war on plastic, announcing the removal of single-use plastic bottles from coaches in 2019

Alongside its parent company, The Travel Corporation (TTC), Trafalgar has announced the removal of single-use plastic (SUP) water bottles from its coaches from 2019 as part of its commitment to being SUP-free on their trips by 2022.

Powered by TreadRight, the not-for-profit foundation created more than a decade ago by TTC, JoinTrafalgar shares TreadRight’s mission to make travel matter. Pioneering the fight for a sustainable future for 10 years through their JoinTrafalgar program, Trafalgar’s mission falls under three simple pillars; have a positive impact to people, places and wildlife and to care for the planet with the announcement today being another way the brand continues to build on their commitments to the wellbeing of the planet.

UTracks Extends its “Alps Month” Deal for Another Week

Due to popular demand, UTracks, the active European holiday specialist, is extending its ten per cent* deal on its entire range of Alpine walking itineraries in Europe. The offer covers bookings made before Friday 26 April 2019.

With more than 40 walking itineraries in the European Alps to choose from, there is something suitable for all keen hikers thinking of visiting Europe this year.

Insight cares and Luxury Gold Cares launch global volunteer day in celebration of Earth Month

Award-winning sister brands Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold along with the TreadRight Foundation have launched Global Volunteer Day to celebrate Earth Month, with team members around the world making a conscious effort to give back to their local communities.

Together with Insight and Luxury Gold’s existing partner, One Tree Planted, a leading not-for-profit organisation focused on global reforestation, some regional teams participated in a tree-planting day, while other teams engaged in other Earth Month activities including picking up litter and cleaning up shorelines.

In Australia, on 11^th April, the Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold team completed tree planting and bush regeneration, where team members volunteered to work together in their local community. With 15 dedicated team members onboard the team successfully planted 330 trees in parkland.

Lake Eyre in flood, Uluru and Field of Light all with Travelmarvel

Join premium tour operator Travelmarvel for a special Lake Eyre and The Red Centre journey. See the floodwaters transform the landscapes of beautiful Lake Eyre, explore Wilpena Pound and venture into the heart of the Red Centre’s Uluru with its spectacular Field of Light installation.

This seven-day adventure starts from $3,795 per person twin share, which includes a special earlybird offer saving of up to $400 per person, with multiple departures running from June to July. But you better be quick, as this price is valid until 26 April 2019 unless sold out prior.

Receive six nights in premium accommodation, the services of a Tour Director, air-conditioned coach travel, most meals, airport transfers and porterage. Travelmarvel will also include a special scenic flight over Lake Eyre- to see this natural masterpiece in all its glory.

Savings and flight bonus on grand tour of Iceland

Celebrating 25 years as destination experts in the Australian market, Beyond Travel is offering customers the chance to save up to $1800 per couple on the Grand Tour of Iceland departing on June 3 or 24, 2019.

As an added bonus, they are offering return economy airfares to Iceland for $999 per person when the escorted 12-day itinerary is booked and paid by May 1.

Each departure is limited to just 20 travellers and will visit Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Patreksfjordur, Breidafjordur Bay, Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, and Vatnajokull National Park.

The Grand Tour of Iceland was crafted for travellers looking to escape the tourist trail, featuring some memorable locations off the beaten track as well as all the highlights this magnificent country has to offer.

Solomon Islands dive operators to establish formal association

A major step forward for the future promotion and development of the Solomon Islands dive tourism sector, the destination’s main dive operators have agreed to combine resources to create a formal representative body – Dive Operators Solomon Islands (DOSI).

The move follows a recent forum in Honiara facilitated by Strongim Bisnis, an Australian government initiative working in partnership with local companies and operators to promote business growth.

All participants unanimously agreed on the need for a formal association to champion issues affecting the local dive industry in relation to the overall growth of the tourism industry.

World Expeditions Launches First Class Galapagos Experience

Adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions, has launched an exclusive opportunity to experience the Galapagos wildlife with naturalist expert, Jaime Dominguez on the brand new, first-class yacht, Solaris.

Dominguez is widely regarded as one of the best Galapagos guides, counting one-time world’s richest man, Carlos Slim, amongst his private clients. He holds the highest certification possible for a naturalist guide in the Galapagos and has been helping visitors make sense of the wonders (and weirdness!) of the archipelago’s unique fauna for more than three decades.

Dominguez uses his exceptional photography to document and inspire those who have not yet been to this incredible ecosystem and his work has featured in publications such as the Charles Darwin Research Station Calendar. In addition, he assists as a volunteer guide for the Galapagos National Park and is involved in various educational programmes for the local communities.

African Wildlife Safaris releases 2019/20 Egypt Brochure

South Melbourne-based FIT specialist African Wildlife Safaris has gone to press with a 36 page Egypt brochure for 2019/20. With tourism to the region once again on the increase, AWS made the decision to bring out a new brochure, the first time since it was last published in 2011.

Nowhere else on earth provides the mix of cultures, religions, history, and scenery that this area can. The brochure features high-end Nile cruise boats, FIT itineraries and a range of luxury accommodation in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Oman, the UAE and Morocco.

Visit the ancient sites of Egypt, marvelling at the Pyramids of Giza, or explore the beautiful desert mountain landscapes of Oman and Jordan.

Collette’s ‘Iconic Israel’ tour adds Exclusive inclusions for 2020

Collette’s popular Iconic Israel tour is set to offer a revamped itinerary offering unparalleled exclusive experiences on tours departing from May 2020.

The tour will continue to explore some of the most significant sites of the ancient world including Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and the oldest city in the world, the ruins of Jericho.

From 1 May 2020, the tour will incorporate additional unique ways for guests to immerse themselves in the unique culture, interact with locals and taste the flavours of the region.

‘Unmapped’ launches Lux-Adventure tours

There is a new player on the small group tour scene.  Unmapped Travel is new lux-adventure company for solo travellers in their 30’s and 40’s, with a mission to bring together like-minded people for unforgettable trips to some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

Unmapped identified a gap in the market for this demographic, looking to take unique and adventurous trips without the hassle of spending weeks on research.  Unmapped are building a community of people who want to embrace new experiences, go beyond their comfort zone, learn about different cultures and do all of this with a group of people who could become friends for life.

Authenticity is number one for this audience, so Unmapped will use all local guides, incorporate local culinary experiences- from street food to fine dining degustation, all without sacrificing the well-earned comfort of a conveniently located boutique hotel.

The tours offer 4 and 5-star accommodation but primarily well-located boutique hotels.  Itineraries offer activities with a mix of physically active excursions, cultural tours, culinary experiences and some free time for self-exploration and relaxation.

Unmapped Travel is offering travel agents a 10 per cent commission on tours, with a bonus 5 per cent for first departure bookings.  https://launch.unmappedtravel.com/agentincentive