Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
If you didn’t go away for the long weekend, we’ve got you covered. Or even if you did, really, this wrap has it all.
Vietnam tour for the budget-conscious Aussies
ASIA holiday specialist Helen Wong’s Tours has released an affordable 12-day Highlights of Vietnam group tour specially created for budget conscious travellers.
Priced from $2400 per person, twin share, the tour includes return Vietnam Airlines fares from Sydney or Melbourne, and focuses on visits to capital Hanoi, breathtakingly beautiful Halong Bay, former capital Hue and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An.
Cosmopolitan Danang and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, famous for the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, are also toured in an air-conditioned coach along with the fascinating Mekong Delta with its stilted homes and seafood farms.
To grab a closer view along the canals in the delta region, travellers will board a sampan for the sightseeing experience. Nine nights in four-star hotel accommodation (with daily breakfast) are included in the price along with a night aboard a traditional Vietnam junk “Calypso” and most lunches.
Amankora – The original journey through Bhutan
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of Earth’s most fabled destinations – a place of pristine natural beauty and cultural authenticity, where happiness is valued more highly than monetary gain.
Beautiful valleys score the Kingdom’s mountainous terrain, and Amankora’s five intimate lodges facilitate a ‘kora’ or ‘circular journey’ of discovery throughout central and western Bhutan. Amankora guests can choose a journey entailing all or a combination of these lodges, ensuring a seamless unveiling of this remarkable Kingdom on top of the world.
Combining pared back luxury with exceptional cuisine, cosseting spa treatments, one off cultural encounters, unique sightseeing and breathtaking adventures in nature, Amankora continues to open ip ways in which to discover and experience this unique destination.
New for Amankora in 2018: Helicopter transfers introduced between lodges, a series of Michelin-starred chefs in residence, a unique helicopter breakfast excursion to Twin Lakes, forest and prayer flag bathing experiences, immersive wellness retreats and four new suites and a swimming pool at Punakha Lodge.
Discover magical moments on Insight Vacations 2019 USA and Canada premium escorted journeys collection
Insight Vacations, a leader in premium escorted journeys, is excited to launch its truly enhanced 2019 USA & Canada Premium Escorted Journeys collection.
The featured 15 outstanding journeys were crafted to encourage clients to explore North America’s most majestic landscapes, scenic destinations and culturally diverse places. Offering a carefully curated collection of over 35 Insight Experiences from joining a lobster fisherman aboard his boat in Shediac Bay, to Sonoma wine tasting while visiting the Madrone Family vineyards to meeting the Alaskan champion dog team of high-speed huskies.
With Insight Vacations, guests will be staying at accommodations inside several national parks including the Grand Canyon Lodges and Zion National Park Lodge. They will also enjoy deliciously authentic dining experiences including Farm-to-Table cuisine, a Dine-Around selection of restaurants and a Dine-at-Home experience with our partner, EatWith who specialises in connecting guests with local foodies for meals in their homes.
To incite clients’ wanderlust for North America, those who book and pay in full before 1 Nov 2018 will be able to save 10 per cent.
Adventure South NZ announces new Alps to Ocean “End to End” cycle
Great news – Adventure South NZ’s Alps to Ocean Cycle trail has become so popular that the cycling holiday specialist has created a new itinerary for people wanting to cycle the entire trail from end to end.
Announcing the new seven-day itinerary, Adventure South NZ General Manager, Phil Wyndham, says the Alps to Ocean End to End has been designed for active travellers looking for something more challenging.
Highlights include:
- Staying in premium backcountry accommodation with uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki
- Cycling along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
- Soaking in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau Lodge
- Spending a night “glamping” in a private luxurious lotus belle ‘tent’
- Exploring the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru
Earn five times more Qantas Points in The Kimberley with APT
Award-winning travel operator APT announced a huge deal for all 2018 Kimberley itineraries, guests can now earn five Qantas Frequent Flyer Points per AU$1 spent on any APT Kimberley itineraries departing between June and September 2018.
This unmissable deal could earn guests up to 77,475 Qantas Points per person when booking an APT Kimberley holiday including coastal cruises. The super special ends 31 July so don’t delay. APT have been touring in the Kimberley for over 40 years. Their network of exclusive wilderness lodges are unmatched, leading the way in remote accommodation, while APT’s fleet of expedition ships set the standard for coastal cruising.
The 15-day Kimberley Complete, APT’s most popular 4WD Kimberley tour, includes a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls, a visit to the Bungle Bungle Ranges and traverses the iconic Gibb River Road, from only $9,995 per person, twin share, including a Fly Free deal and earns 49,975 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points.
The picturesque Kimberley Coast, 11-day cruise aboard MS Caledonian Sky, takes guests on an exhilarating ride through Horizontal Falls, to the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Falls and on a cruise under King George Falls, the tallest single drop waterfall in Australia, for $15,495 per person, twin share, in a Premium Balcony Suite, including a Fly Free deal in addition to earning 77,745 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points.
Scenic launches 2019 Canada, Alaska & USA brochure
Scenic has released its 2019 Canada, Alaska and USA brochure featuring exciting luxury itineraries to Americas East Coast and the Deep South, as well as old favourites including the Canadian Rockies and Alaskan cruise.
In the 2019 program:
- Exclusively offer the full range of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts from the incredible Fairmont Express in Victoria to Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Complimentary drinks packages during all cruises on Holland America Line and Princess Cruises
- Unique East Coast USA tours including the 11 Day Southern Belles starting from $8,695 per person – which takes in the charm of Americas Deep South from Gracelands in Memphis to the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans.
To mark the release of the new program Scenic is offering a range of special Earlybird offers. Available until 29 September 2018, the Earlybird offers include:
- Fly from only $595 per person – when booking selected tours to Canada
- Fly from only $795 per person – when booking the Eastern Explorer, Cruise & New York; or Ultimate Canadian Rockies Alaska and Artic Circle
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Adventure South NZ Amankora Bhutan apt helen wongs tours insight vacations scenicLatest News
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.
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.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.