Big Fat Agent Wrap
Hey, agents! To celebrate this very special Friday, we’ve got a cool wrap for ya. Okay fine, we do it every Friday. But that doesn’t make it any less cool.
Air Tickets says Muchas Gracias Chile!
Air Tickets, LATAM Airlines & the South America Travel Center (SATC) recently hosted nine lucky agents on an amazing trip to Chile.
Highlights of the trip included; staying amongst the majestic peaks in Los Torres and Los Cuernos, visiting Tierra Patagonia in the remote region of Chilean Patagonia, cruising the picturesque Patagonia Fjords, staying at the quite specular winery ‘Vina VIK’ and a couple of days soaking up the vibes of the laid-back coastal town of Valparaiso.
AirTickets would like to thank LATAM Airlines and the South America Travel Centre for a truly fabulous and unforgettable famil!
Take this quiz to win a Go Pro!
Canuck Kiwi have just launched a great competition in conjunction with Visit Utah, for agents to win a Go Pro Hero 5 and show us what they know about Utah.
Take the quiz here.
Agents kick up their heels at a Texas trivia night
Earlier this week, Travel Texas partnered with Brand USA, Visit Houston and United Airlines to host a themed trivia event at Surly’s, an American BBQ restaurant in the heart of Surry Hills, to educate front line travel agents about The Lone Star State.
Over Seventy travel agents attended and put their destination knowledge to the test, safe in the knowledge that it’s easier than ever for Aussies to visit Texas, with the recent launch of United Airlines’ new direct service between Sydney and Houston.
But it wasn’t all business, agents were treated to Texas-themed cocktails, southern cuisine and line dancing, with one lucky winner also walking away with two return economy class tickets to Houston, courtesy of United Airlines.
Travel Texas Marketing Director in Australia, Andrea Campbell, said these industry events are a crucial platform for providing front line agents with key destination knowledge and strengthening the profile of the state within the Australian market.
Travel agents discover firsthand why The Emerald City is a “must-see” for Aussie travellers
A lucky group of eight Flight Centre Travel Group agents have returned from a whirlwind tour of Seattle courtesy of Visit Seattle and Delta Air Lines. The group enjoyed an action-packed itinerary, carefully curated to showcase the very best of The Emerald City, from its vibrant and sophisticated dining scene to the nearby national parks.
Highlights of the trip included a culinary tour of Pike Place Market, the oldest, continuously operated, public market in the US; a tour of The Boeing Factory where the new 787 Dreamliners are assembled; and a trip to the top of the city’s most iconic landmark, The Space Needle, where the agents enjoyed spectacular aerial views of the city and beyond. In between activities, the group relaxed in their luxury accommodation provided by Thompson Hotel Seattle and The Westin Seattle.
A day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, where the group went snowshoeing, and Woodinville Wine Country, which is home to 100 plus wineries, showcased what is on offer within driving distance from the city limits.
Helloworld Travel supports Humpty Dumpty with the Burn
As a proud long standing partner of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Helloworld Travel was out in force on the weekend with their athletic prowess in support of the annual Balmoral Burn held on Sunday 27 May.
Helloworld Travel representatives attended events held across the weekend, including the fundraising dinner on Friday night and the Balmoral Burn run on the Sunday, which saw staff taking part in the gruelling corporate challenge up the hill.
The annual run up the Awaba Street 420m course in Mosman, one of the steepest streets in New South Wales was supported by various other events and activities across the weekend which raised over $2.6m for much needed lifesaving medical equipment for children’s wards in Australian hospitals.
Team captain Mark Brownlee, Commercial Analyst at Helloworld Travel Limited said the team had perfect blue skies and sunshine on the day, setting the perfect scene for the challenging sprint up the hill.
Aussie agents experience the best of Carnival Breeze
Carnival Cruise Line recently took 12 cruise-loving Aussie travel agents on a seven-day cruise on Carnival Breeze. The tour saw the agents travel from Galveston, Texas to the palm-lined beaches of the Western Caribbean. Onboard, the agents experienced the best the ship had to offer including an extensive ship tour with the ship’s Captain, Stefano Battinelli, and VIP dining experiences at specialty restaurants, Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi and Cucina Del Capitano.
Guests also got involved in all the fun and thrillseeking onboard, including the Carnival SkyCourse – a ropes challenge sky-high above the ship and Thrill Theatre, a 4D movie experience. Agents also had a chance to experience a range of showstopping entertainment from Playlist Productions, including the popular shows Flick, Punchliners Comedy and all-round crowd pleaser, Carnival Quest.
During shore excursions the guests soaked up the sun in Mahogany Bay while satisfying their inner adventurer aboard a Jungle ATV for the day. Agents also experienced the breathtaking sights of the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico.
Travellers Choice’s Bronze winners enjoy award spoils in Cook Islands
It’s hard to know what’s warmer, the Cook Island’s crystal clear waters or the welcome locals give to those lucky enough to visit. A select group of award-winning Travellers Choice members embraced both this month on an exclusive educational organised by All About Travel.
Travellers Choice General Manager Finance and Administration Justin Michael says the agents – who won spots on the trip after receiving coveted Bronze Choice Awards – experienced all the languid paradise has to offer.
Each year 30 Travellers Choice members are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze Choice Awards based on their support for the network’s broad stable of preferred suppliers.
All Choice Award winners have the opportunity to take part in exclusive educational trips, which this year have also explored Italy’s stylish Amalfi coast and Ecuador’s exotic interior. In addition, winners benefit from exclusive sales incentives and service grants (worth up to $1500 per agency), which they can use towards the network’s member services.
Helloworld Travel Owner Managers hop to Kangaroo Island post-OMC!
Following the recent Helloworld Travel Owner Managers Conference (OMC) in Adelaide, 13 Helloworld Travel Branded and Associate Owner Managers extended their stay in South Australia to experience a post-OMC famil to Kangaroo Island for 2 nights.
Taking in some of the many highlights, agents stopped by the Birds of Prey show at Raptor Domain, got up close and personal with some seals at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, sampled a variety of Gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits, explored the Admirals Arch and the Remarkable Rocks and went looking for wildlife after dark on the Nocturnal Tour.
On top of all the activities, the group were very well catered for, sampling some of Kangaroo Island’s famous produce and wine in spectacular locations throughout the famil, which was kindly supported by the South Australia Tourism Commission.
Support for Regional Personal Travel Managers a priority
One of the most appealing aspects of choosing to work as a home-based travel agent is the freedom and flexibility to work wherever and whenever you choose. With a network of more than 530 personal travel managers (PTMs) in locations throughout Australia from Mackay to Mount Gambier; Busselton to Bendigo, adequate support in marketing, systems, product knowledge and business development is vital.
For TravelManagers, this responsibility belongs to the state-based Business Partnership Managers (BPMs): a team of seven who are described by Executive General Manager Michael Gazal as the company’s resident “angels”.
Gazal says many of these visits are run as cluster meetings, bringing together PTMs from far-flung locations to ensure that whenever possible they enjoy from the same practical and social benefits as their metropolitan counterparts.
TTC Weekly Deals
TRAFALGAR – Paris Explorer
Save 7.5% on select Autumn, Winter and Spring trips when you book before the 23rd of August 2018. With the zest of a large city and the heart of a little village, Paris reveals its secrets to a select few. Your client will be one of these select few on Trafalgar’s 8 Day Paris Explorer travel itinerary. They will get to see the City of Light on this At Leisure holiday as it has never been seen before – the hidden courtyards and charming arrondissements, each with their own distinct personality, witness the opulence of Versailles and sample French flavours fit for royalty. Starting from $2289* per person. This offer is on sale until the 23rd of August for the following travel dates; 4th of November until the 16th of December 2018 and 13th of January until the 24th of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 78 78 78 or visit www.trafalgar.com.
UNIWORLD – Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time
A world of value awaits you with Uniworld’s 2019 Air Offer allowing travellers to Fly Free to Europe when booking a 2019Uniworld European river cruise. As you travel from Amsterdam to Brussels through Antwerp, Maastricht, Nuenen, Heusden & Kinderdijk on Uniworld’s 8 day Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time travel itinerary you’ll find an ideal mix of old and new, historic and modern, in some of Europe’s liveliest unspoilt cities. Starting from $5,099 per person (including economy airfare), 8 days of an all-inclusive cruise, including captivating escorted excursions, services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager and more! This offer is on sale now until the 30th of June 2018 for departure on the 24th and 31st of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.
INSIGHT VACATIONS – Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast
Save up to 10% on USA and Canada trips as Insight Vacations launch their 2019 USA and Canada brochure. Discover the majestic landscapes, towering peaks and sparkling turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies, paired with the charming and sometimes quirky Pacific Northwest as you travel with Insight Vacations on the 14 day Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast travel. Starting from $7043* per person, twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 1st of November 2018 for departure dates on the 29th of June and 14th of September 2019 until sold out. Other departure dates are available at different prices. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.
AAT KINGS – Perfect Tasmania
Travellers can Fly Free on a selection of AAT Kings bestselling guided holidays. The island of Tasmania is renowned for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, gourmet food and wine, and friendly locals. Your clients will get to experience all this and more on AAT Kings 12 Day – Perfect Tasmania travel itinerary. On this wide-ranging journey, you’ll visit Hobart’s bustling Salamanca Markets, witness the stunning natural beauty of Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, and indulge your tastebuds with local artisan cheeses and other delicious treats. Starting from $5380* per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of March 2019 for travel dates from now until the 31st of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.
CONTIKI – Kiwiana Panorama
Uncover Wonder with Contiki, Uncover NZ. Get in early and book before the 19th of June 2018 to save 10% off select 2018/19 trips across Australia and New Zealand. There’s no better time to discover the magic of New Zealand. From hidden foodie secrets, daring adventures and endless fun Contiki’s 16 Day Kiwiana Panorama is full to the brim with all the NZ bucket list musts. Youth travellers will feed their adrenaline cravings – relaxation is overrated! They’ll hit Rotorua, ‘Zorb’ or luge! Cruise Lake Taupo, mountain bike across Mount Ruapehu, then head to the adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown. Ever tried bungy jumping, quad biking or canyon swinging? Now ‘s their time! Starting from $2075* per person twin share. Price reflective of departures between the 5th of July 2019 – 10th of August 2019 with (other departure dates available at different prices). For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.
BUS ABOUT – Three Stop Hop-on Hop-off Pass
Busabout’s Hop-on Hop-off Network across Europe is on sale now! Save $200 on the 3 Stop Hop-on Hop-off Pass – Was $599, Now $399! Hop-on Hop-off gives you the freedom to create your perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network across 15 Countries and 47 of Europe’s best destinations. You’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and have the help of our amazing drivers and guides along your journey. Pre-plan your trip or wing it as you go. The best thing about Hop-on Hop off is that you have the ability to change your plan as often as you like, free of charge! It’s your choice, your way. Choose a 3 stop pass to get around for a 2-4 week itinerary. Only $399! Need more stops? 6-15 and Unlimited stop passes are also available at different prices. On sale now until the June 30, for travel between now and the end of October 2018. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.
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