The Big Fat Agent Wrap
We gather up the good stuff so you don’t have to. Happy Monday agents, here’s everything you need – and want – to know, fresh from the industry.
Tourism Tas gets bigger
Tourism Tasmania has recently filled two important marketing vacancies following the appointment of Nikki Brew (left) to the role of Executive Manager Strategic Partnerships and Kate Dale (right) to the role of International Marketing Specialist.
Scenic ups Asian product
Scenic has launched its 2016 China & Japan program which includes four new itineraries, eight new destinations, and a number of new Enrich experiences and Freechoice activities.
Guests can now explore even more of China with two new itineraries and six new must-see destinations, including the 13 Day Natural Wonders of China, 20 Day China Revealed, 12 Day Japan Highlights and 17 Day Essential Japan.
Agents off to Peru
Five lucky Australian and New Zealand travel agents joined with agents from China and India on a PromPeru International familiarization tour, with an eight-day itinerary that took in the capital Lima, Cusco, Puno, the Sacred Valley and Macchu Pichu.
The agents included Donna Kranas from Savenio, Laura Dean from MP Travel, Penny Gordon from Concierge Traveller, Zoe Clarke from World Journeys, Michelle Barnes from Holland Clarke & Beatson along with their hosts, PromPeru’s Australia Market Specialist Jennifer Pizarro and PromPeru’s Australian Account Director Sarah Thornton.
MSC upgrades you
MSC Cruises is offering passengers a complimentary cabin or experience upgrade on a myriad of Mediterranean cruise departures between July 2015 and November 2015.
The offer, valid from July 16 2015 until the September 4 2015, allows guests to choose between an Experience Upgrade, Cabin Upgrade, or both.
Turkish delights
2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, making Turkey a firm favourite on the bucket list of more Australians than ever before.
But the eight personal travel managers (PTMs) who were lucky enough to be hosted on an exclusive ten-day TravelManagers famil to Turkey discovered that this beautiful country has so much more to offer besides the well-known Gallipoli and Istanbul.
Pictured all wrapped up warm against the snowy weather is TravelManagers’ personal travel managers prepare to experience Turkey’s magical Cappadocia region from a hot air balloon. From left to right – (front) Tracey Cosgriff, Kellie Browning, Leanne Johnston, Jo Geary, Zoe Hemming, Kristina Acevski, Antonella Damiano, and Natasha Schurink.
Bench takes Namibia
Witnessing the sunrise over ‘Dune 45’ in Namib-Naukluft National Park, a cheetah sighting at their own private camp and a visit to meet the fascinating Himba tribe – just a handful of the many highlights of this 8-day itinerary, hosted by Bench International.
Bench International escorted this group of 10 agents, introducing them to this picturesque African country, complete with striking landscapes, spectacular wildlife and an abundance of culture.
Excite and Nevada reward agents
Excite Holidays and Nevada Tourism have joined forces to give travel agents the chance to win a place on exclusive famil to the Silver State.
The agent who books the highest number of room nights in Nevada through Excite Holidays (including at least one night outside of Las Vegas) between July 15 and August 14 2015 will join their Excite Holidays’ BDM and other winners from around the globe on the exclusive famil.
The lucky winner will be flown to Nevada for a five-day adventure which will take in Reno, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Lamoille Canyon, the Great Basin National Park and the mesmerising Valley of Fire State park.
QLD agents explore Dawn Princess
Fifty Queensland travel agents enjoyed a gourmet tour of the newly refurbished Dawn Princess in Brisbane recently, with a welcome reception in the Wheelhouse Bar, followed by a full tour of the ship’s new features and a three-course lunch served with premium local wines.
The agents all agreed the upgraded Horizon Court with its new Amuleto Italian Café, offering excellent espresso coffee and a tempting array of cakes and pastries, were major highlights of the refurbishment.
Swiss superstars
Rail Europe, Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System have announced their second batch of winners of their Swiss Travel Pass SuperStar Program.
For Module 3, Shona Bray from House of Travel took out first place, Andrew Guillaume from Helloworld Wheelers Hill came in second and Danielle Hennessey from World Travel Professionals came third.
For Module 4, Yvette Van Urk from Outdoor Travel came first, followed by Cassandra Zayonce from TravelManagers and Jennifer Somerville from MediaTravel.
Agents should note that all four earlier modules have reopened and will run until the end of July, allowing agents who may have missed one or more modules to still complete the program.
Christmas in July
Excite Holidays, VisitBerlin and the German Tourist Board this week invited a selection of agents in Melbourne and Sydney to join them in celebrating Christmas in July and the launch of a campaign which rewards travel agents with 1000 bonus rewards points for every night they book in Berlin.
Approximately 50 travel agents in each city attended the events which were held at Hophaus Bier Bar and Grill in Melbourne and at The Angel Hotel in Sydney.
Travel agents were treated to traditional German festive food and drinks, including gluhwein, bratwurst and gingerbread whilst learning about Germany’s coolest city – Berlin.
Preview brochures goes ‘Beyond’
Beyond Travel are celebrating their 21st anniversary this year and have released a range of premium and deluxe tours and rail journeys in its newly designed 2016 preview brochure.
The brochure promotes the benefits of early booking to agents and their clients by securing the best possible prices for 2016 products.
The brochure features Discover More Travel Vouchers on the majority of product with up to $800 per couple available when booked and deposited by December 31 2015.
Latest News
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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
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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.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.