BIG FAT WHOLESALER WRAP
Australian travellers know Russia is so hot right now
With 2016 marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Trans-Siberian rail line through Russia, bookings and interest from Australian customers has in the first four months exceeded expectations for travel on this legendary rail journey.
Beyond Travel’s general manager, Bryce Crampton siad that the travel experience has always been a bucket list item for active travellers in Australia with a recent surge in demand attributed to the variety of tours and packages available, with guaranteed departures and the prominent coverage of the journey in the mainstream press due to the anniversary.
“Russia in general is hot right now; we have seen a huge spike over the last six months for forward bookings, on all products including the premium private trains, guaranteed small group tours and the tailor-made packages along both the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian routes”, he added.
Beyond Travel have been providing a comprehensive range of Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian rail journeys in the Australian market for over 21 years with a dedicated sales team as both tour leaders and passionate travellers on the trains and railways in Russia.
New Topdeck travel app cures your travel worries
The app includes handy features such as a budget tracker across multiple currencies, downloadable maps and city guides, plus all the latest itinerary, weather and timezone information.
Budding Topdeckers can also live chat with fellow passengers before the trip and share their pictures on social media within the app.
In keeping ahead of other travel brands, Topdeck have introduced MOVE as an additional app fitness feature, which hosts a series of “Bucket List Runs” (available both online and offline) providing Topdeckers with safe, scenic routes.
Asia Pacific General Manager Joe Ponte commented: “Highlighting Topdeck’s dedication to offering travellers unique and unforgettable experiences, the Bucket List Runs provide another way for Topdeckers to immerse themselves in a destination.”
“We’re seeing more millennials seek a balanced travelling lifestyle, with these runs being a vital step in the right direction to an active life, even when travelling. With this feature already launched and plans to release further features later this year, the app will be filled with even more exciting destinations to discover and additional wellbeing programs” said Joe.
All the above functions are fully operational on both iOS and Android and exclusively accessible to all booked Topdeck passengers.
Get in quick. Explore! Australia are having a ‘Europe Summer’ sale!
Explore! have announcing a Europe Summer sale available for all bookings until 31 May 2016 on all adventures within Europe. The offer is applicable on trips departing June to September 2016.
The adventure travel company have over 500 tours available in over 120 countries, offering a choice that is second to none. Explore prides itself on small group travel of around 14-16 people which minimises environmental impact and enhances the experience for travellers.
What do they have on offer? Think cycling, walking, trekking, food and drink, rail, wildlife, and beach holidays. Europe has it all.
EUROPEAN TRAIN RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN
Hold the phone, did we just hear that the reservation systems for most of the European trains over the summer period are now open for bookings?
That’s right, International Rail have announced that you can now save your illusive Eurostar train seat for the Euro-summer travels.
Agents can now confirm their customer’s bookings for travel until mid- August on the majority of high-speed train services on the major European networks, including Germany, France, Italy and Eurostar.
Managing director Jonathan Hume said that due to International Rail’s new live booking technology , the process of booking trains is much simpler. Agents will find navigating the increasingly complex rail schedules and ticket types a breeze.
He added, “This involves new live bookings to reduce time consuming and frustrating procedures for agents with the IR booking site doing all the hard work”.
Rail Pass unveils new Eurail incentive
Rail Plus is now giving away Coles and Myer Group gift cards worth up to $40 with every Eurail Global or Select pass* booking made between 2 May and 30 June 2016.
Agents will receive a $20 voucher for each booking containing a Eurail Select Pass and a $40 voucher for each booking that includes a Eurail Global Pass.
Travel agents can book Eurail passes through Australasia’s leading rail specialist 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting www.railplus.com.au.
Covering 28 countries, the Eurail Global Pass provides total freedom, with holders able to travel on an unlimited number of trains on every day of the pass’ validity. Pass validities range from 15 days to three months.
The Eurail Select Pass allows passengers to select two, three or four bordering countries to explore by rail. Holders can choose from 26 countries, with passes valid for five, six, eight and 10 days within two months.
Rail Plus’ Eurail incentive applies to all bookings totalling $1,000 or more, with full payment made by 30 June 2016.
A&K releases new journey visiting Tibet’s Horse Racing Festival
An exciting new journey from the experts at Abercrombie & Kent has been added to the company’s portfolio. This adventure reveals the heart and soul of China and its tiny neighbour Tibet.
There are two fascinating days spent at the Qinghai Yushu Horseracing Festival in the far northeast of Tibet. This unforgettable cultural experience takes place on a grassy plain south of Yushu. Colourful yak-hair tents of nomadic Tibetans surround the racecourse where more than 10,000 people converge to trade and celebrate the skills of horsemanship through horse racing, shooting and archery.
In addition, the tour visits Beijing, Xian, Lhasa and Shanghai, taking in all the major highlights, as well as a luxury cruise aboard Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer through the Three Gorges. An expert host accompanies the journey from start to finish – Beijing local, Michael Ye, one of A&K’s leading China guides.
A&K’s China, the Yangzi & Tibet’s Horse Racing Festival Journey
Tour dates: 17 July – 2 August 2017
Twin share per person: $15,495. Single supplement: $3,895.
Maximum of 18 guests.
New ‘Lando’ revolutionises overland travel in Africa
G Adventures has launched a new overland adventure vehicle (OAV), purpose-built for today’s modern traveller, and designed to maximise safety and comfort.
The fleet of ten “Landos” have been introduced on most G Adventures overland trips in eastern and southern Africa.
Each truck features full body seatbelts, reclining seats with side-seat movement for extra shoulder room, a 250-litre water tank to reduce the use of plastic bottles, in-built Wi-Fi, USB chargers at every seat, large front windows for better views of wildlife, and windows designed specifically for photography.
G Adventures VP of product Jeff Russill, says his team has completely re-invented and improved the OAV with the needs of travellers in mind, using traveller feedback and the inside knowledge of the G Africa team.
“Our travellers have become more sophisticated and their needs have changed. We no longer accept that the old vehicles suit modern-day travellers, and in our bid to lead with service have come up with a solution to bring overland travel into a new age,” Russill said.
‘Lando’ is a play on the word ‘overland’ and it’s no coincidence the OAV bears a likeness to cavaliering Star Wars character, Lando Calrissian, whose sense of adventure is similar to that of G Adventures’ travellers.
G Adventures managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Adrian Piotto said travellers would enjoy the added comfort in the new Landos.
“While the roads in Africa have improved over time, the comfort of the vehicles certainly has not – until now. We are proud to be leading the way with adventure comfort over in Africa.”
The Lando will be operating on 22 G Adventures Yolo itineraries (adventures for 18 to 39 year olds) covering Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
a&k Beyond Travel eurostar explore international rail rail plus russia topdeckLatest News
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.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...