Big Fat Agent Wrap
It’s that time of week again, folks! Prepare to ogle jealously at all the cool things agents have been up to over the past few weeks then take solace in the fact that you don’t have to go to work tomorrow.
Personal Travel Managers Cruising into 2019
When the Majestic Princess, the newest vessel of the Princess fleet, sailed into Sydney Harbour in early December, she provided a stunning venue for the third of a series of Cruise Masterclass days attended by personal travel managers (PTMs) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
A total of 111 PTMs attended the training days, which were organised by TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office (NPO) and scheduled to coincide with the company’s final round of state meetings for the year – a convenient concurrence that was welcomed by the PTMs during a busy time of year.
Princess Cruises also provided the venue for the Melbourne cruise master-class, which was held aboard the Golden Princess, while PTMs in Brisbane spent the day on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ (NCL) Norwegian Jewel.
Attendees at all three master classes received updates on the ten different cruise lines and 100 cruise ships fall under the World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL) consortium, of which Princess Cruises and NCL are both members.
Travellers Choice agents immerse themselves in Cook Islands culture
White sandy beaches and deep blue lagoons aren’t all the Cook Islands has to offer, as eight Travellers Choice agents recently discovered when they embarked on an exclusive tour of the island nation’s fascinating history and culture.
The educational trip was hosted by All About Travel and Air New Zealand, which flew the Travellers Choice agents on its direct Boeing 777 service between Sydney and Rarotonga.
The itinerary covered all of the Cook Islands’ most popular activities, such as snorkelling in Aitutaki’s pristine lagoon and cruising to marine reserve areas to swim with tropical fish. But Norfolk Select Marketing’s Dave Bantoft also ensured the agents ventured beyond the tourist hot-spots.
Agents were also treated to a 4WD safari tour of Rarotonga, which took them into rural parts of the island, where they learned about the Cook Islands’ colourful history and took in some breath-taking mountain vistas.
Don’t miss out on the Dragoman 20 per cent off Global Sale.
Dragoman Overland Travel is currently offering 20% off on most of its trips Worldwide.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to get your clients out on the road with Dragoman in 2019.
Choose from a huge amount of tours* through Asia, Africa and The Americas. Book by 25th January 2019 and depart by 31st December 2019.
Don’t forget Dragoman now have their expert own reservation team, based in Melbourne, who can be contacted directly on agents@dragoman.com.au OR +61 (0) 3 8594 3108 / +61 (0) 411 730 845.
Aussie agents experience the best of Carnival Horizon
Carnival Cruise Line recently took its top Aussie and Kiwi travel agents on a 6 day cruise on Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon. The perfect wrap-up to end a busy 2018, the famil saw lucky travel agents cruise from Miami to the palm-lined beaches of the Western Caribbean including Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the Jamaican port town of Ocho Rios.
Onboard, the agents experienced the best the newest ship in the Carnival fleet had to offer, including peddling the SkyRide high above the blue seas, IMAX, Dr Seuss WaterWorks and the Carnival SkyCourse – a ropes challenge sky-high above the ship. Agents also got to experience VIP dining at speciality restaurants including Cucina del Capitano, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen and Fahrenheit 555.
During shore excursions, they soaked up the sun in Rum Point Beach, sailed through the blue waters in Grand Cayman and enjoyed the pre-festivities in Cozumel and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.
Carnival invited agents on this famil as an incentive for achieving exceptional results promoting the brand’s international product in 2018. What a way to end 2018!
Club Med Travel Agent Survey Winners Announced
Club Med would like to congratulate the five lucky Travel Agents, each winning a $100 voucher for completing Club Med’s annual ‘Tell us what you really think’ Travel Agent Survey.
A total of 1190 Australian and New Zealand Travel Agents completed the survey within the month long survey period, a whopping increase of 253 per cent increase in respondents versus the same time last year.
The 2018 Club Med Travel Agent Survey winners are:
Joanne Haseler from Flight Centre Warringah Mall (NSW)
Cherie Horley from Phil Hoffmann Travel (SA)
Belle Grono from italktravel & cruise Rutherford (NSW)
Christine Balch from Hawthorntravel (VIC)
Paul O’Neill from Helloworld Travel Geelong West (VIC)
From the survey, Club Med are proud to say that 95 per cent think that all-inclusive is the best feature of Club Med Resorts, 72 per cent that activities is the best feature and 70 per cent the Kids club.
Bali, Maldives & Bintan Island are the first resorts that travel agents think of when they think of when they think of Club Med and Interest in ski holidays is up +20 per cent versus last year and more agents are aware that Club Med offer ski holidays.
Also interestingly, 76 per cent of Travel Agent respondents consider sustainability has a strong importance in their clients holiday decision-making process and 82 per cent agree that Club Med’s involvement in sustainable initiatives is very good.
Club Med value the contribution of Travel Agents to their overall business and continue to work hard to deliver travel agents with the tools they need to sell Club Med holidays.
TTC Weekly deals
TRAFALGAR
Fly to Northern California for $799
For a limited time only, you can fly from $799 return to West Coast USA, when you book in conjunction with Trafalgar’s 2019 West Coast USA trips. Clients can take advantage of this offer on Trafalgar’s 16-day Best of Eastern Canada and USA. Priced from $4674.00 per person INCLUDING FLIGHTS. Valid for bookings created from 07 Jan – 15 Feb 2019, for travel on selected 2019 departures on Trafalgar West Coast USA trips. For travel between 01 Apr – 04 Apr 2019, 19 Apr – 27 Jun 2019, 03 Jul – 19 Sep 2019 and 03 Oct – 15 Nov 2019 inclusive. For full details, please visit www.trafalgar.com/americas-air. For more information or to book call 1800 002 007 or visit www.trafalgar.com *Conditions Apply.
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL
Blue Train
Clients can get a 25% discount for you and your partner when travelling on the Blue Train on the Pretoria to Cape Town route or vice versa (one way journey) when booking with Adventure World Travel.Take a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance where spectacular scenery combines with pleasurable comfort. The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 27-hour journey of 1600 kilometres, through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. Starting from $1,342* per person, twin share (including discount) for 3 days. This offer is on sale now for travel between 1 May and 31 July 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 295 049 or visit www.adventureworld.com *Conditions Apply.
UNIWORLD
Castles Along the Rhine
Clients can save up to 30% on select 2019 sailings with Uniworld’s Our Best Offer promotion, such as the 8-day Castles Along the Rhine luxury river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam through Strasbourg, Mannheim, Koblenz and Cologne. Starting from $3,989 (including discount) per person, 8 days of an all-inclusive cruise in a Classic stateroom, including captivating escorted excursions, services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager and more! This offer is now extended until 31 March 2019 for departures on 19 July, 2, 9 or 30 August. Other departure dates available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com *Conditions apply.
AAT KINGS
Outback Adventure
Save 10% on AAT King’s Guided Holidays in Australia when your clients book and pay in full by 15 March 2019. They will discover the legendary Australian outback on AAT Kings 15 day Outback Adventure; a fascinating northbound journey from Adelaide, through the Red Centre and onto tropical Darwin in the Top End. On this trip guests will travel through Flinders Range, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine Gorge and Jabiru. Starting from $5825* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 15 March 2019 for select departures before 31 December 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.
CONTIKI
USA & CANADA SALE
Special offer: USA and Canada is on sale now! Clients can save 10% off select trips when they book and pay by 5 March 2019.
Trips Included:
- Grand Southern ex LA
- Canada and the Rockies
- Eastern Discovery ex New Orleans
- Northern Adventure
- Western Highlights
- California Highlights
- Hawaii Unplugged / The Big Kahuna
Travel dates: This offer is on sale now until 5 March 2019 for 2019 departures.
Website: www.contiki.com
Contact: For more information or to book call 1300 706 950 or visit www.contiki.com *Conditions Apply.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Best of Eastern Canada and USA
For a limited time only, clients can fly for $799 return to Canada & North America, when booked in conjunction with Insight Vacations’ 2019 USA and Canada trips. Take advantage of this air off with Insight Vacations 16-Day Best of Eastern Canada and USA itinerary. Uncover the best of Eastern Canada and USA as travellers explore these diverse countries in a style and manner that suits them. Starting from $8,174* per person AIR INCLUSIVE. This offer is on sale now until 15 February 2019, unless sold out prior. Valid on select departures only, 5 May and 12 May 2019. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com *Conditions Apply.
U BY UNIWORLD
Northern France at a Glance
Save your clients 20% on select U by Uniworld 2019 cruises with Our Best Offer promotion! Travellers can enjoy these savings on the 8 day Northern France at a Glance river cruise itinerary. It will be a week of historic sites, including the Palace of Versailles, the beaches of Normandy, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysées as your clients travel with U by Uniworld on this round trip from Paris through Vernon, Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. Starting from $2,399* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now and is now extended until 31 March 2019 for departure on 19 & 26 May, 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 June, 7, 14, 21 & 28 July and 4, 11, 18 & 25 August 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.ubyuniworld.com *Conditions apply.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
carnival carnival horizon Dragoman personal travel managers travellers choiceLatest News
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.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!