Agent wrap: Club Med breaks famil record, name Travelmarvel’s new ship + more!
If the thought of going back to regular-sized working weeks makes you as petrified as it makes us, take solace in these pictures of agents having a kick-ass time overseas.
Third italktravel & cruise store opens in three months
Express Travel Group has today announced the opening of yet another italktravel & Cruise store, the third in as many months.
Italktravel & Cruise Bendigo Central opened its doors last week in a prime location in the heart of Bendigo in regional Victoria. Previously Bendigo Travel & Cruise Centre, who have operated in the region for over 25 years under the guise of Owner/Manager John Fitzpatrick.
Agents experience a Fun Size Cruise on Carnival Spirit
Carnival Cruise Line recently took 40 cruise-loving travel agents on a Fun Size 4-day cruise from Sydney to sunny Moreton Island onboard Carnival Spirit on 7 April 2019.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Business Development Managers Lance Dye and Sarah Miller enjoyed all the FUN to be had on their mini-breakaway with the agents while showing off the 45+ daily activities and 16 bars and lounges on offer on a Carnival cruise.
Onboard, the travel agents sampled a range of showstopping entertainment from Playlist Productions, Harry Potter Trivia and laughing out loud in the Punchliner Comedy Club to dressing up and rocking their best 80s moves at the Rock n Glow deck party.
Travel agents also had the chance to experience a backstage Galley tour and a special interactive cooking activity to show how to make the ever so popular Carnival dessert, The Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.
Before the Fun Size cruise returned to Sydney, many travel agents experienced a fine-dining experience at the much loved Nouveau Steakhouse, trying out the new mouth-watering menu.
Three cities of Shanghai Triangle delight personal travel managers
The city of Shanghai is China’s largest by population: an enticing mix of ultra-modern and traditional, and a showcase of what happens when the worlds of East and West combine.
China Travel Service recently arranged a five-day famil of Shanghai and the neighbouring cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou exclusively for TravelManagers, with nine personal travel managers (PTMs) taking part.
After assembling in Shanghai, the group were taken to the nearby city of Suzhou, where they had time to explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful in China.
From Suzhou, the group continued further south, making a stop at a silk factory at which they were able to observe the fibre’s process from caterpillar to fabric, and learn about the history and culture of silk in China.
In Hangzhou, the famil group were treated to an unforgettable boat ride on the serene waters of the modestly-named, West Lake. Known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ and often described as China’s most beautiful lake, the group relished their time here before continuing further south to Hangzhou.
Record-breaking famil month for Club Med travel agents
65 travel agents were welcomed across 8 resorts, totalling 6 famil trips with 3 airline partners in only 31 days – March 2019 was all about focus, famils, and a whole lot of fun for the all-inclusive resort provider, Club Med, setting new records for their already robust famil program.
From the paradise beaches of the Maldives to the high peaks of French Alps, Club Med Travel Agents enjoyed stunning locations, experienced the ease of the premium all-inclusive package, and experienced first-hand what the spirit of Club Med is all about.
VIPS TREATED TO MALDIVIAN PARADISE
At the beginning of March, the Club Med sales team hosted VIP top selling agents in the beautiful islands of the Maldives. The four day VIP event saw lucky agents enjoying the turquoise playground, lapping up the vibrant Club Med Kani one day, and indulging in the opulent exclusivity of Club Med Finolhu Villas the next.
Jean Summers from Globenet Travel, QLD said her favourite aspect was “having down time to enjoy the resort, so I had a good impression of what guests would experience!” Marcelo Buccella from Travel Extra (SA) echoed this, saying “My least favorite aspect was saying goodbye and leaving the resort!”
FLIGHT CENTRE WINNERS DISCOVER CLUB MED TOMAMU IN JAPAN
Tony Soden, Club Med National Sales Manager hosted the lucky winners of an Australia-wide Flight Centre ski sales incentive. Many of the participating agents experienced skiing or snowboarding for the first time and were astounded by the concept of waking up to 20cm of powder snow, even toward the end of the ski season, and feeling like they were the only ones on the slopes.
“The G.O’s really made the trip fun; it was great hanging out with people from all over the world and getting to know them. Having two lessons per day was also really good and the quality of the lessons was fantastic” says Chloe Park from Flight Centre Garden City, WA.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND NEW SOUTH WALES AGENTS SHRED HOKKAIDO
Two other famil groups also enjoyed the winter delights of Japan. In conjunction with Cathay Pacific, Erin Smith, Business Development Manager for Western Australia treated her Air + Land incentive winning agents to a powdery multi-resort educational in Japan, Hokkaido. The agents loved the snow and spent so much time playing in it – building snowmen, snowball fights and the snow trekking through the forest was breathtaking. The agents also participated in Soba noodle making classes with a local Soba Noodle making Master, an unforgettable experience.
Flight Centre New South Wales’s top selling and most improved sellers were the other group of now snow obsessed travel agents experiencing Hokkaido with All Nippon Airways and Club Med. Ally Solomou, Business Development Executive for New South Wales, hosted the nine agents who highlighted restoring their tired legs in the outdoor Canadian hot tubs, the newly renovated traditional style rooms with tatami mats at Club Med Sahoro and the unreal selection of local and international cuisine in both resorts restaurants as their favourite aspects.
“All-inclusive was very convenient [with] drinks, food, ski and lessons. I noticed especially being in ski resorts how great it is that lessons are already included and this makes it very easy to join a lesson or make a decision on the day [with] flexible and great opportunities” says Jessica Pearce from Flight Centre Castle Hill, NSW.
MAURITIUS DELIGHTS EXPRESS TRAVEL AGENTS
Seven Express Travel Group agents were invited on a special famil to experience Mauritius with Club Med and Air Mauritius. Hosted by Kass Scarlett, Club Med Sales & Trade Marketing Specialist, the week-long famil saw the agent’s wowed by the Mauritius hospitality and food, flying high on the trapeze at Club Med La Plantation d’Albion and hearts racing walking with lions and on a quad bike safari at Casella Wildlife Park. There was still plenty of time to chill out by the new zen pool and snorkel off the pristine beaches of the recently renovated Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers.
“I loved getting to see and stay at both Club Med resorts throughout Mauritius. This gave me more of an idea of the differences with the properties and a feel of the Club Med product. It was also great to inspect different room types which will allow me to recommend to clients with their individual needs & requests. It was great to dine at all restaurants, as well as try out some of the activities Club Med has to offer. Overall, a fantastic Famil!” highlights Meg Blakey from Jetsetter Travel, QLD
VICTORIA & SOUTH AUSTRALIA AGENTS REACHED THE PEAK IN THE FRENCH ALPS
Club Med Grand Massif Samoens and Club Med Les Arcs Panorama are the summit of the signature Club Med ski ‘made easy’ concept. Adam Ferraro, Business Development Manager for Victoria & South Australia specially selected his states’ travel agents to experience the thrill of high altitude skiing and premium mountain experiences in the French Alps.
The travel agents were stunned by the beauty of the brand new Les Arcs Panorama resort in Paradiski, enjoying the wide, groomed and challenging runs as well as the DJ entertainment on the balcony and easy access to other mountain towns and villages including Arc 1950, Peisey Vallandry and La Plagne 2100.
“Thank you Club Med for the most incredible experience skiing the French Alps. You have thought of absolutely everything to ensure your guests have a stress free, relaxing holiday and don’t need to think about a thing, OR take out their wallets! ‘Easy arrival’ means your ski equipment is already waiting for you in your locker when you arrive, so you can head straight out on to the snow, or just go directly to the bar – your choice!” Nicole Blackwood, 1000 Mile Travel Group, VIC
Get Creative and Win with Travelmarvel
Travelmarvel has announced a nationwide competition to name their three new, state-of-the-art, European River Ships.
The creative winner will receive a cabin for two on the first of the brand new ships, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest on Travelmarvel’s European Gems itinerary in 2020.
The first of the brand-new Contemporary Class vessels will set sail on her maiden voyage in April 2020, followed by her two sister ships in April 2021.
All ship names will be prefixed with ‘Travelmarvel…’, entrants are asked to come up with a series of three names they feel would suit the new Contemporary Class ships, that were specifically designed with Travelmarvel guest’s desires in mind, that each feature a rooftop bar, heated whirlpool and casual & formal dining options.
The new ships will be joining the Classic Class vessels, Travelmarvel Diamond and Jewel on Europe’s waterways in 2020, both of which underwent a soft refurbishment of the cabins, Vista Lounge, restaurant and reception in 2018.
All entries should be submitted via www.travelmarvel.com.au/shipname by Friday, 10 May 2019.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
agent wrap carnival club med italktravel travel agents travelmanagers travelmarvelLatest 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.