The Big Fat Agent Wrap
Back again to keep you fresh and current on all the latest news in the agent world!
From the famil snaps and cruising deals to hotel specials and incentives – this is the place to get all your industry tidbits in one place.
P&O set to rock Sydney
P&O Cruises has revealed details of its history-making five ship spectacular which is set to rock Sydney Harbour on November 25, including performers from Jessica Mauboy, The Veronicas, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew and Stan Walker, as well as 20 other live music acts and 10 DJs across all the ships.
More than 9000 passengers will be able to enjoy the special concerts, while all of Sydney will enjoy the spectacle of five ships on the harbour, beginning with a Salute to Sydney which will see the fleet form a V off the heads before they sail single file into the harbour.
The P&O parade will mark the arrival of the line’s two latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which will be officially named as they sail by Sydney’s Fort Denison together once they’ve sailed into the harbour.
Malaysia me crazy
Tourism Malaysia partnered with Malaysia Airlines and Berjaya Hotels & Resorts to treat seven lucky travel agents from Victoria and Tasmania to a seven-day famil to Malaysia.
First stop for the group was the tropical island of Langkawi, followed by accommodation at the iconic Berjaya Langkawi Resort in the ancient rainforest, and a stopover in Kuala Lumpur for the best of entertainment, shopping and culinary Malaysia’s capital has to offer.
The famil that ran from 23 to 28 July enabled agents to receive first-hand experience of Malaysia as a destination and its offering for Australian travellers.
Topdeck takes youth to US
Although the USA dollar is sinking, Topdeck has noticed that Aussie’s are still flocking to the USA, in particular young travellers.
So Topdeck’s new 2016 USA brochure, featuring 21 trips, has a new design where the articles and information are designed to speak in the same language as today’s youth passengers.
Travellers will be able to explore New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami to name a few, and additionally, the brochure includes new trips such as the 24-day Coast to Coast and 25-day West Coast Cruiser and new experiences such as entry to the One World Observatory and the 360 Chicago Observatory.
MTA ambassador visits Middle East refugees
Mobile Travel Agents’ long time brand ambassador, Jessica Watson OAM, has recently returned from a trip to the Middle East where she visited the Azraq refugee camp and the Save the Children Youth Centre in Jordan and the Qab Elias Refugee Informal Settlement in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
While in Beirut, Jessica was also given the opportunity to take a group of Lebanese and Syrian children sailing and share her passion for the ocean with them.
Mobile Travel Agents co-managing directors, Karen and Roy Merricks admit to being inordinately proud of Jessica, saying, “She was always our number one choice to be the face of MTA and is a perfect mirror of what we feel the MTA brand embodies.”
Dusit takes on eLan
Dusit International has entered into an exclusive agreement with South Africa-based eLan Property Group to manage several hotels and resorts in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
According to the agreement, Dusit will initially manage five hotel and resort projects: two in South Africa, two in Mozambique and one in Mauritius; a total of around 1,400 rooms across nine hotels. Dusit will also work closely with the eLan Property Group on a regional hospitality education project.
Project details are currently being finalised and will be revealed in due course.
Globus goes loco for Latin America
Globus has captured the spirit and passion of Latin America in its first brochure of South American holidays, offering more than a dozen different adventures across the continent – from the ruins of Machu Picchu to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the remote wilderness of Patagonia.
To celebrate its new brochure, Globus is offering an early booking discount of 10% on all Globus 2016 South & Central America holidays booked by September 15, 2015.
Dozens of unforgettable experiences are available in destinations including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Easter Island, Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands, among others.
Abu Dhabi on the road
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is embarking on a four destination roadshow to Australia next week in a bid to increase awareness about the emirate’s growing business and tourism opportunities.
The 11-strong delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will be in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney from August 3-6, advising Australian retail travel agents and MICE consultants on current and new tourism experiences and offerings across Abu Dhabi.
Scenic on safari
Scenic has launched its 2016 Africa program which includes the launch of a new extended itinerary and a number of new Enrich experiences and Freechoice activities.
Guests can now join Scenic for twenty wonder-filled days exploring Southern and East Africa on a new itinerary travelling from Cape Town to Nairobi – 20 Day Great Game Parks of Africa.
Scenic is offering a number of Earlybird offers including partner fly free to Africa with savings of up to $2,000 per couple including taxes, and savings of up to $1,500 per couple, on bookings made before 31 December.
TFE deals of the week
This week’s hot deal release includes TFE Hotel’s Brisbane sale, which includes 25% off selected TFE Hotels in Brisbane including: Travelodge, Rendezvous or Adina Apartment Hotels.
Visit Travelodge Hotels or Rendezvous Hotels for three nights, or Adina Apartment Hotels for 4 nights, and save 25% off your stay.
Deal: Warm up this Winter with TFE Hotels
Book by: 11 October, 2015
Stay: Adina Apartment Hotels, Rendezvous Hotel or Travelodge Hotel in Brisbane
Price: Prices from $97AUD based on Travelodge Garden City – save 25%
Conditions: Not available with any other offer. Minimum 3 night stay applies at Rendezvous or Travelodge Hotels. Minimum 4 night stay applies at Adina Apartment Hotels. Offer is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Rate is prepaid at time of booking and is non-changeable and non-refundable. No cancellation, no changes and fully prepaid.
Inclusions: This offer is for Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square, Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane on George, Travelodge Garden City (winter escapes available nationwide)
Latest News
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
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
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
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.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.