Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
When we say “Big Fat” we mean it. Today’s wholesaler wrap is EPIC, and gives you bite size updates on all you need to know is going on in the world of wholesalers.
Rail Plus celebrates a special one-in-a-million booking
25 May 2016: italktravel Horsham wrote itself into the travel industry record books this month when it visited the Rail Plus website and unknowingly made the company’s one millionth booking.
Anne Taylor, Managing Director of italktravel Horsham in Victoria, made the historic transaction, using the Rail Plus website to secure an ATOC ticket between London and Glasgow.
To celebrate the milestone Rail Plus Sales Executive James Hooper visited the italktravel Horsham last week to deliver some flowers and treats
Rail Plus can trace its origins back to the mid 1980’s when it was created as a specialist rail unit within National Australia Bank’s travel division. Thirty years later the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rail Europe.
“There is no doubt that Rail Plus has driven the expansion of the rail sector in Australasia, and it has done so by offering an unmatched level of specialist service and an unrivalled range of rail products around the world,” Dunne said.
$800 per couple calved off whale swim holiday in Tonga
Humpback whales are now heading north to warmer waters to breed and for whale lovers keen to swim with the majestic mammals in a tropical lagoon, Australian eco operator, Majestic Whale Encounters, is offering a discount of $800 per couple on its seven-night whale swim holiday this August.
The $400 per person discount is for twin-share bookings made by June 27, 2016, on Majestic Whale Encounters’ all-inclusive tour starting in Tonga on August 23, 2016.
The whale swim package offers an intimate encounter with the graceful humpbacks and their playful calves, with spending five days swimming with whales off Ha’apai, an island north of Nuku’alofa. Guests will also have the opportunity to snorkel in coral reefs, relax on white sandy beaches and get a taste of Tongan culture. Bush walking, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and cycling are also available during leisure days.
The seven-night tour in August costs A$3691 per person, twin-share, including the discount if booked by June 27, 2016. Included in the package is resort accommodation on Ha’apai, local flights, all meals, transfers and five guided days on the water with the whales.
Flights to Tonga from Australia (five hours direct) with Virgin Australia or from New Zealand with Air New Zealand and Virgin are extra.
For bookings or information, call Majestic Whale Encounters on 0405 594 253 or visit www.majesticwhaleencounters.com.au .
Evergreen Tours Launches 2017 Canada & USA Brochure
Evergreen Tours has released its new 2017 Canada & USA Touring and Cruising program with a 162 page brochure featuring an 18 day Rockies tour from only $6,145pp with a 2 for 1 airfares offer*, plus a new four night itinerary to the Yukon.
“Evergreen’s Rockies and Alaska combination has been a bestseller and the feedback from our guests is that they want more! For 2017 we’ve included a four night Yukon experience to make our new 31 Day Rockies, Alaska and Yukon Adventure the trip of a lifetime,” said Angus Crichton, General Manager of Evergreen Tours. “For value conscious guests, Evergreen’s 18 Day Rockies Explorer tour and Inside Passage cruise is from just $6,145pp twin share, including two for one airfares.”
As with all Evergreen’s worldwide cruising and touring programs, the popular “You’re invited” experiences are complimentary. In Canada and Alaska, these experiences can include a home-visit with an Iditarod (dog sled) champion and his furry friends, lunch at a family-run sugar shack in Quebec, an encounter with a Yukon Quest legend to learn what it takes to be a competitive ‘masher’ and a Canadian Rockies Western Style dinner in Jasper just to name a few. In the USA, guests will enjoy a memorable Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas, soak up the traditional southern hospitality with a home-cooked meal in a Deep South antebellum home while in Memphis there’s dinner and a show at BB Kings Blues Club.
Couples save up to US$2117 and solos US$3271 on new offer with Pandaw in Burma
Couples can save up to US$2117 and solo travellers US$3271 by combining a river cruise and coastal voyage in Burma with Pandaw Expeditions.
The back-to-back cruise offer through Active Travel – Australia’s leading agent for Pandaw – is valid on 12 paired departures between October, 2016, and March, 2017.
Under the deal, Australians who book a 10-night cruise through Burma’s seldom-visited coastal islands aboard Pandaw’s 18-passenger motor yacht, Andaman Explorer, will get a 50 per cent discount on one of Pandaw’s seven-night river journeys on the Irrawaddy through the heart of mysterious Burma.
Peregrine extends special offer after sales on special packages up 172%
Peregrine Adventures has extended a special offer on eight travel packages as a result of a 172% increase in sales.
The special offer to eight of the world’s hottest destinations include flights and up to $1000 worth of additional nights accommodation and Urban Adventures day tours including Cuba, Japan, Morocco, and Peru.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from agents to the new Peregrine packages,“ says Pete Rawley, Australia Regional Director for Intrepid Group. “They love being able to offer our loyal Peregrine customers the added extras of an Urban Adventures day tour and additional accommodation, as well the simplicity of having flights included”.
The offer has been extended until May 31 2016. For more information on the eight packages visit www.peregrineadventures.com/peregrine-holiday-packages
Tiger takes flight to Venture Holidays
Flights to Bali with Tiger Airways are the latest addition to Venture Holidays’ airline repertoire.
Travel agents are now able to book these fares online via Calypsonet or directly with Venture Holidays’ reservations team.
Managing director, Robert Mackay says, “Being able to offer the option for a low cost carrier through Calypsonet is a great introduction to complement our Bali product”.
Regular airfares are commissionable and can be booked and held for five days (*conditions apply). Airfare must be sold in conjunction with Venture Holidays’ land product.
Venture Holidays is an independent travel wholesaler established in 1979 with extensive international product range including being the GSA for Fez Travel, Acacia Africa, and China Links Travel.
Tempo Holidays Introduce India and Subcontinent 2017
Tempo Holidays, your destination specialists for over 25 years, have announced the release of their new India & Subcontinent 2017 brochure which has hit stores.
With new and exciting destinations, Tempo Holidays are offering a greater variety of options, with more creativity, to appeal to any and every type of traveller.
In response to an apparent desire in the market, the 2017 brochure has branched out into exciting new destinations they know cover – Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar and Nepal.
Highlights of the brochure include tips on the best ways to travel as well as new programs and inclusions, allowing travellers to enjoy experiences they otherwise wouldn’t.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
pandaw peregrine adventures rail plus tempo holidays venture holidaysLatest News
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
In case you haven’t heard, Rail Europe has rolled out its latest campaign which will see one very lucky travel advisor’s dream train journey through Europe come true in the very near future. In the lead up to the launch of Rail Europe’s e-brochure featuring a host of sample-themed itineraries across Europe, travel advisors can […]
Bonza’s future on knife edge
The fallout from yesterday’s mass Bonza cancellation has been swift, with the failing airline announcing yesterday afternoon that it has gone into voluntary administration. Australia’s newest airline launched last year in February and promised to bring cheap flights to travellers around the country. In its first year, Bonza operated 38 routes to 21 destinations, 84 […]
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
TripADeal had the biggest outlay of the more than $153 million spent on travel and tourism advertising in Australia in the first quarter of 2024, followed by Virgin Australia and Flight Centre-owned Ignite Travel, new Nielsen Ad Intel data has revealed. And the industry ad spend enjoyed an increase of 8 per cent on the […]
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.