Big fat wholesaler wrap
Happy Monday, readers! If today was a rude surprise (like it was for us) this wholesaler wrap should soothe you all the way to Tuesday – if you read it VERY slowly, that is.
Trafalgar celebrates 10 years of Be My Guest
Trafalgar has today launched a campaign to honour a monumental 10 years of innovation through their exclusive Be My Guest experiences, the original and most immersive local travel experiences that reshaped the travel industry in 2009. To celebrate, guests will receive $500* per couple off all 2019 Summer Italy trips per couple ($250 per person) for bookings made from today until the 28th February 2019.
Exclusively available to Trafalgar guests on every trip, Be My Guest has become synonymous with what it means to get truly local, born from the knowledge that at the heart of a unique travel experience is people and human connections. Delighting every sense, since 2009 Be My Guest has grown from one to more than 100+ one-of-a-kind included experiences that see passionate hosts opening up their homes and busiensses exclusively for Trafalgar’s guests to toast, dine, explore and learn about the places visited, straight from the source.
More info here.
On Sale now: 15% off Japan Cherry Blossom tours
On The Go Tours, the award-winning tour operator specialising in locally-led group tours, are offering 15% off on their 13-Day Cherry Blossom tour in Japan with prices starting from $7,646 per person. This limited time offer ends 28th February 2019 or until sold out.
Starting in Tokyo, take a cruise down the Sumida River to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, visit Matsumoto, home to one of the few original and complete castles in Japan, and explore the impressive gardens in Kanazawa.
Other experiences include seeing the famous Spring Geisha Dances, taking part in a tea ceremony in Kyoto and visiting Hakone National Park, which offers incredible views of the snow-capped Mt Fuji, before returning to Tokyo where the tour ends.
More info here.
Antarctica for just over $7000. Chimu make cruises to Antarctica affordable without compromising on quality and sustainability
Latin America and Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures, have made cruises to Antarctica more affordable at a price of just over AU$7000 so that the continent can be accessed by a wider demographic of travellers. This comes at a time where there is an increased demand for expeditions to this destination.
Their 11 day Discover Antarctica itinerary aboard the Ocean Endeavour, departing during the 2020/2021 season, starts from just AU$7090 per person for a berth in a triple cabin. This is one of the best value Antarctica voyages available currently, yet quality and sustainability have not been compromised.
Antarctica may previously have been viewed as a preserve for only wealthy travellers due to its extreme, isolated and remote location but Chimu want to break this paradigm. River cruises in Europe, a popular choice for travellers, are currently on the market at around the same price as Chimu’s cheapest Antarctica expedition.
Chimu feel that all demographics would benefit from seeing the fragility of Antarctica so that they can return as an ambassador for its future protection. This sentiment particularly applies to younger travellers who may have been priced out of the Antarctic market in the past.
More info here.
Save up to $16,000 on A&K’s epic polar expeditions
Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent announces mammoth savings on the few remaining cabins on some of its most epic polar voyages.
Whether exploring the navigable waters of the storied Northwest Passage or the icebound landscapes of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, a luxury polar expedition cruise with A&K is an immersion in the other-worldly and the unspoiled.
These are destinations that must be experienced in every great traveller’s lifetime.
And unlike other polar cruises, every A&K voyage promises a fresh and unscripted adventure, thanks to an expertly-crafted itinerary, A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team, on-board education and enrichment programmes, unforgettable shore excursions, and state-of-the-art luxury expedition vessels.
The Northwest Passage: From Greenland to the Bering Sea
26 August 2019 | 24 Days: Book now and save $16,000 per couple on stateroom categories 1 and 2.
Classic Antarctica
7 December 2019 |13 Days: Book now and save $12,000 per couple on stateroom categories 1, 2 and 3, and save $4,000 on all other stateroom categories.
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
17 December 2019 | 18 Days: Book now and save $10,700 per couple on stateroom categories 1, 2 and 3.
1 January 2020 | 18 Days: Book now and save $14,700 per couple on stateroom categories 1, 2 and 3, and save $4,000 per couple on all other stateroom categories.
All expeditions are fully inclusive of gratuities, unlimited house drinks, on board meals, all Zodiac rides and excursions, expedition gear, port charges, and — newest offerings — complimentary Wi-Fi and Traveller’s Valet laundry service.
Discover the Balkans for less with Beyond Travel
Celebrating 25 years as destination experts in the Australian market, Beyond Travel are offering $500 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers on its fully escorted “A Balkan Journey” tour when you book and pay by February 28.
Over 11 days, travellers will explore the Balkan countries of Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia. In a roundtrip from Croatia capital Zagreb, discover a mixture of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural and historical monuments, ancient towns and breathtaking natural scenery.
Priced from $2570 per person twin share, the fully escorted tour includes 10 nights’ accommodation in four and five star properties with daily breakfast, some lunches and most dinners- including wine tasting in Ilok Croatia, daily guided sightseeing with transportation and return transfers.
There are 14 guaranteed departures from May until October.
Discover More Travel Vouchers can be used on any additional Beyond Travel products including hotels, sightseeing, transfers, ferry tickets and much more.
More info here.
Escape to Asia with Club Med and Qantas’ Exclusive Air + Land Packages
Club Med have partnered with Qantas to provide a limited-time package to help agents book their client’s a blissful Asia escape. Seamless from start to finish, the exclusive Air + Land package includes special flight fares and free airport transfers from SYD, MEL, BNE, PER and ADL, coupled with Club Med’s infamous all-inclusive package, to Club Med Bali and Club Med Bintan Island in tropical Indonesia. Packages for 7 nights start from $1,985 per adult for holidays between 1 May to 30 November 2019 and must be booked by 5 March, 2019.
Your clients can escape to Asia aboard Australia’s most popular airline, and take advantage of Club Med’s premium all-inclusive package for the ultimate hassle-free escape while exploring the wonders of Asia. In addition to a comfortable room to rest their head, the all-inclusive package price includes gourmet meals and snacks with international delicacies and traditional local cuisine, premium open bar, wide selection of activities, entertainment and Kids Clubs, designed to take the hassle out of holidays allowing time for maximum relaxation.
From the shores of Nusa Dua in Bali, perfect for an effortless family holiday, to a holistic wellness experience near Singapore on Bintan Island’s private beach, Club Med and Qantas let your clients explore it all with ease.
More info here.
APT partner with Opera Australia
Today, APT, the Australian leaders in cruising and touring, announced their new partnership with Opera Australia as Production Partner for the National Tour of Madama Butterfly, which will see the world-class performing arts company visit towns spanning the country, from Cairns to Kalgoorlie.
Two of Australia’s finest opera singers will perform in this natural red rock amphitheatre within the Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage listed area of Western Australia.
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty in this truly unique location, APT guests on either the 15-day Kimberley Complete tour (departing 5,6 and 7 Sept) or the 9-day El Questro, Gorges and Purnululu itinerary (departing 8 September), will be treated to this once off special event.
Opera in the Kimberley is just one of the ways APT are redefining luxury travel. Along with their fresh new look and feel, the touring pioneers are making a bold statement, luxury is not just a five star hotel or extravagant pool, it is an all-encompassing experience where everything is taken care of.
More info here.
Peter Sommer Travels Adds Wales to its Line-up for 2019
Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has added Wales to its newly-released 2019 brochure, which presents a renewed focus on fascinating small-group itineraries of the United Kingdom.
Departing July 14, 2019, Exploring Wales: Millennia Under the Gaze of Mountains is Peter Sommer Travels’ first-ever Welsh tour. Telling the unique stories of south and west Wales over six thrilling days and nights, the tour explores some of the country’s finest historic sites and most soul-stirring landscapes.
Led by expert guide Paul Beston, guests discover remaining settlements of the Romans, Vikings, Normans – and the English. The tour visits Roman forts, medieval chapels and an array of fascinating castles, with highlights including Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Caerphilly Castle and the remains of Bishop de Gower’s remarkable palace.
More info here.
Save up to 10 per cent on Europe summer
Contiki, the global leader in youth travel, are offering up to 10% off select Europe Summer itineraries. Travellers can save 10% on most Discoverer and Iconic Essentials trips (see Terms and Conditions for exclusions) on bookings made between 1st February and 31st March 2019. This offer is valid on all departures in the Europe Summer 19/20 brochure.
We’ve pulled together a variety of eligible itineraries to spark some travel inspiration!
If you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve and really want to see it all, consider the 37-day European Adventurer. Covering a massive 18 countries, picture yourself crossing borders by ferry, picnicking in French vineyards, visiting rustic heritage towns in Croatia & getting amongst Amsterdam’s nightlife. Book now and save up to $1,111.
Tight on time? In just 9-days your clients can get a taste of Europe’s highlights on the European Magic trip. Ride a gondola through the canals of Venice, see Paris from the Eiffel Tower and explore picturesque Switzerland. Starting and ending in London, this one packs in all the sights even if you’re limited with leave. Book now and save up to $269.
If you’re somewhere in the middle, opt for the 20-day European Experience. You’ll tick off 11 countries and have the opportunity to create incredible memories while experiencing a French perfumery, seeing St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican City, taking part in an Aperol Spritz making class in Rome and wine tasting at Contiki’s very own French Chateau. Book now and save up to $365.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
a&k apt Beyond Travel chimu club med contiki on the go tours Peter Sommer trafalgar wholesalerLatest News
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
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.