Big Fat Agent Wrap
We’re so excited it’s Friday we’ve poured ourselves a glass of the semi-stale bubbles in the fridge. Here’s hoping it doesn’t give us alcohol poisoning.
MTA Advisors muse on Silverseas onboard inspection opportunity
Pictured the group of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents invited to inspect Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse when the cruise ship docked in Brisbane as part of its maiden voyage to Australia.
The visit gave the MTA Advisors the opportunity to inspect the cruise ship’s facilities and also experience a taste of the fine dining on offer while at sea with a lunch served in the aptly-named ‘Atlantide’ restaurant.
NSW and Tasmania-based MTA Advisors will also have the opportunity to experience the Silver Muse when she docks in Sydney and Byrnie in coming days.
Pictured from left to right: Ian Morton; Marion Picot; Michelle Connolly; Geoff Houston; MTA cruise & wholesale product manager, Rhona Rodgers; Wendy Gunther; Jonica Gilbert and Rachael Chartres.
New travel writing workshop in Melbourne
Love travelling? Love writing? Learn a specialised toolkit of writing and pitching techniques plus get detailed feedback on your writing. Join students who’ve been published in The Australian, Traveller, Escape, National Geographic Traveller, International Traveller and many more.
“Fantastic, inspiring, exciting, motivating. This kind of knowledge could take months, even years to establish on one’s own.” Annabelle S
When: Sun Feb 17, 2019 – 10am to 5pm
Where: Melbourne CBD
Cost: $399
How many: Only 12 places!!
For more details, visit www.robmcfarland.org or email rob@robmcfarland.org
Entire Travel Group Webinars
Entire Travel Group are inviting agents to join them on some informative webinars to learn more about their fabulous products and gain valuable knowledge and insights into their beautiful destinations.
France in small Escorted Tours, Thursday 24th Jan @ 10am
New Caledonia New Hot spot for Australians , Thursday 31st Jan @ 10am
Canada & Alaska – Deluxe Rockies and Alaska Cruise, Thursday 7th Feb @ 10am
Agents can register directly on our website. Click here.
Club Med Welcomes 2019 with New Brochure, Resorts, and Travel Agent Loyalty Program
Premium all-inclusive resort brand, Club Med, has kicked-off another year with the release of a new and improved brochure, exciting resort news, and a teaser of what’s to come for the Great Agent Loyalty Program (GALP) in 2019.
View and download the brochure online: http://online.flipbuilder.com/tradesales.australia/tylq/mobile/index.html#p=1
Order print brochures: https://web.tifs.com.au/pa.php
Personal Travel Managers Experience Fine China
TravelManagers’ personal travel managers are renowned for their extensive travel experience – with an average of twenty years’ industry experience and a healthy addiction to travelling themselves, for many there are few parts of the globe they are not familiar with. However, always happy to further extend their knowledge, twelve PTMs from around Australia eagerly signed up for a twelve-day famil to China, hosted by China Travel Service and flying with Air China.
Although the famil itinerary began in Beijing and ended in Shanghai and included quintessential Chinese experiences such as climbing a section of the Great Wall, visiting a silk-spinning mill and taking a night cruise in Shanghai, the focus was on leaving behind the larger cities and exploring China’s Shandong province.
After visiting key Beijing sites including the Great Wall, a jade-carving factory and the Olympic stadiums, the group headed southeast to the seaport city of Weihai, where they encountered the first of many unique highlights: visiting a Seagrass Tribe whose houses are constructed using seaweed for their roofs, and dining at a local restaurant in which they were the first group of westerners to have visited.
Travellers Choice agents deliver some life-saving Christmas cheer
Mudgee Travel & Cruise’s Glenn Box wrapped and dispatched two trucks full of Christmas ‘presents’ to struggling farmers in late December, all thanks to the generosity of his fellow Travellers Choice members and the retail group’s much valued industry partners.
Almost $12,000 was raised for Box’s charity 200BALES – set up last year to buy much-needed stock feed for drought-affected farmers in the NSW mid-west region – during the Travellers Choice Shareholders’ Conference in Cairns in early December. As well as member donations, suppliers such as The Africa Safari Co., U by Uniworld, Adventure World, Scenic and Swagman Tours all chipped in with cash and raffle prizes.
The hay bales purchased with the funds arrived in mid-December and three days before Christmas they were loaded onto two semi-trailers in Mudgee and delivered to local farmers. The whole process involved an army of volunteers – including Travellers Choice’s official mascot Trevor – who did everything from loading trucks to manning the BBQ.
Box says the rural families were hugely appreciative of the travel industry’s efforts, and the whole process perfectly demonstrated a key theme of Travellers Choice’s conference: ‘The Power of Connection’.
2018 Switzerland Travel Academy Winners Announced!
Switzerland Tourism has announced the remaining winners of the Switzerland Travel Academy for 2018.
They are Amanda McAllister from House of Travel St. Heliers Auckland, who took home a Victorinox INOX Watch; Krystal Rouge from Tempo Holidays Melbourne who won a Victorinox Carry-on suitcase; and Liz Light from Top Snow Travel Newport, who won a Westfield gift card. All of the prizes were valued at $500.
For more information, head to https://australia.switzerlandtravelacademy.ch.
TTC Weekly Deals
INSIGHT VACATIONS
America’s Magnificent National Parks
For a limited time only, you can fly for $799 return to Canada & North America, when you book in conjunction with Insight Vacations’ 2019 USA and Canada trips. Enjoy this offer on the 15-day America’s Magnificent National Parks itinerary. This sprightly trip will have travellers experience North America’s most popular parks, historic monuments and scenic grandeur. From gliding through the narrow sandstone turns of Antelope Canyon to witnessing the sprouting geysers of Yellowstone and releasing your inner cowboy at the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West, you’ll take in some of America’s most iconic sights in a manner and at a pace that suits you. Starting from $8,774* per person AIR INCLUSIVE. This offer is on sale now until 15 February 2019, unless sold out prior. Valid on select departures only: 4, 11 May and 1 June – 31 August 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.
TRAFALGAR
The Trailblazer
Clients can fly to the West Coast of the USA from $799 with Trafalgar’s latest Air Offer. Guests can enjoy this offer in conjunction with the 8 day The Trailblazer travel itinerary where they will see the golden, pink and yellow sunrise over the Grand Canyon, the red and lavender shades of the Painted Desert and Sedona’s red rock cliffs and buttes on this round trip from Las Vegas through the Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Monument Valley, Lake Powell and Zion National Park. Starting from $4,049* per person, twin share with flights starting from just $799 return! This offer is on sale now until 15 February 2019, for travel on selected 2019 departures for Trafalgar USA and Canada trips. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com *Conditions Apply.
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL
Jewels of the Mississippi
Save up to $730 per person on select 2019 departures including the 9 day Jewels of the Mississippi luxury river cruise itinerary. Guests will visit the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll – Memphis before boarding the American Queen riverboat on an unforgettable journey down America’s largest and most historical river, the Mississippi to New Orleans through Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge and Nottoway. Starting from $4,615 * per person, twin share (savings included). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2019 or when no valid cabins remain on select departures from May to December 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com *Conditions Apply.
AAT KINGS
Outback Adventure
Explore the best of Australia and New Zealand with AAT Kings Great Australian Sale. Your clients can save up to $1300 per couple on one of ten handpicked itineraries, including the 15 day Outback Adventure Guided Holiday. Guests will discover the legendary Australian Outback on this northbound journey from Adelaide through the Red Centre of Australia and onto the Top End. Venture through the iconic and varied landscapes of Outback Australia including the rugged Flinders Ranges, ancient Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the lush wetlands of Kakadu National Park.
Starting from $5,825* per person, twin share (savings 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.
UNIWORLD
Enchanting Danube
Uniworld’s Our Best Offer promotion has been extended! Clients can save up to 30% on select 2019 sailings when they book before 31 March 2019. Enjoy these savings on the 8 day Enchanting Danube luxury river cruise. Uniworld takes guests well beyond the “must-sees” of each region as they travel between Passau, Germany and Budapest, Hungary through Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna and Bratislava along the Danube river. Starting from $4,619* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until 31 March 2019 for departures on 21 and 28 July, 4, 11 and 18 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.
Latest News
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...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
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
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
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.