Agent wrap: Globus kicks off SuperTour, Viking’s incentive winner revealed, MTA’s Swiss update + more
This week’s agent wrap is short and sweet, just like our editor’s new puppy – except when he takes a dump on the office couch.
Globus’ annual SuperTour kicks off in the Windy City
Globus family of brands’ annual SuperTour is in full swing, with Australia’s 20 top-selling travel agents for Avalon Waterways, Globus, Cosmos and Monograms touching down in Chicago.
The group were treated to a champagne breakfast before striking a pose at local landmarks like the famous Bean at Millennium Park, exploring The Michigan Mile and savouring their way through some of Chicago’s most iconic fare, including hot wings and deep-pan pizza.
The agents then headed deeper into the south to St. Louis, Missouri for a true taste of the ‘Gateway to the West’.
First up, the group set off to explore the mighty Mississippi River and the city’s famous Gateway Arch, with its unique tram lifting 630 feet up – the tallest man-made monument in the US.
The afternoon was spent strolling through the arch’s new museum, home to several interactive exhibits spanning over 200 years, and covering everything from Lewis & Clark explorers to the French fur traders.
Next stop, Nashville Tennessee.
Agents tempted by tales of the SuperTour can earn their place on the 2020 trip by selling as many Globus family of brands’ products including Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways or Monograms.
Winner revealed for Viking Cruises’ agent incentive
One lucky agent is planning her ultimate French river cruise itinerary, after winning Viking Cruises’ travel agent incentive to mark the launch of the line’s 2020 River Cruise brochure.
Kerri O’Sullivan from Jayes Travel in Newcastle, NSW, has won the incredible eight-day Provence and Lyon river cruise after achieving the highest-grossing river sales between 21 January and 30 April 2019.
Erin Kramer, trade marketing manager at Viking, thanked said it was a pleasure to award the prize to O’Sullivan, and thanked her for her support.
“A huge thank you as well to all the agents who took part in this incentive and continue to support our brand,” Kramer said.
“We couldn’t do what we do without you – and that’s deliver incredible cruises for discerning Australian travellers.”
O’Sullivan’s prize will see her and a guest sail through the south of France’s idyllic countryside on the Rhone River between Avignon and Lyon, with calls to Arles, Viviers, Vienne and Tournon.
During her cruise, O’Sullivan will experience Viking’s signature inclusions, such as a complimentary shore excursion in every port, free WiFi and gratuities, as well as wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
MTA advisors updated on all things Swiss
Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) advisors were given a great opportunity to update on all things Swiss when they recently attended a Switzerland Tourism networking event and product update at Brisbane’s Next Hotel.
The Swiss delegation included regional tourism offices, hoteliers, transport representatives and inbound tour operators.
TravelManagers advisor’s fabulous Fiji famil
When you touch down in Nadi, you don’t have to travel far from the airport to find yourself immersed in holiday happiness, lounging in and around various pools, sampling a new cocktail every afternoon and soaking up the famous Fijian ‘bula’ spirit.
However, TravelManagers’ Julie Lunn recently discovered that it’s well worth venturing beyond the mainland, where even more memorable Fiji moments can be found, just a short boat ride away, in the stunning Mamanuca Islands.
As TravelManagers’ representative for Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Lunn was one of ten Australia-based travel advisors who, having achieved accreditation in Tourism Fiji’s Matai Specialist program, was selected for a spot on their Mamanuca Islands famil.
“We visited and inspected 11 island resorts,” Lunn said, “which enabled me to get a real first-hand look and feel of the properties.
“I now have a wealth of fabulous knowledge that I’m looking forward to sharing with my clients, as I know it will assist me in matching the right Fiji resort to each client’s needs and expectations.”
Despite having visited Fiji numerous times previously, it had been more than five years since her last visit.
Lunn said the seven-night itinerary provided her with fresh inspiration, including for those clients seeking for a little more glamour from their holiday.
“The Cloud 9 floating pontoon – where the uber-cool hang, listening to hypnotic tunes, drinking expensive cocktails and feasting on wood-fired pizzas, as well as swimming in the surrounding crystal-clear water – is as fun and fabulous as it sounds,” she said.
The group also had the opportunity to experience some excellent day trip options for clients that are staying in the Denarau region but want to experience Fiji’s outer islands.
“The Seaspray day cruise to Modriki and Yanuya Islands would be a great option for families, with beautiful swimming and snorkelling, a delicious BBQ lunch on board the boat and a visit to a local village on an island to experience a traditional Kava ceremony, visit the school and interact with the beautiful kids,” Lunn said.
As well as enjoying numerous island day trips, the famil group were also given access to some of the most popular resorts within the Mamanuca Islands, from family-friendly resorts such as Treasure Island and Plantation Island, to boutique, adults-only havens including Lomani Island Resort and Likuliku Island Resort.
“My time in the Mamanucas reminded me of what an amazing, stress-free, beach holiday Fiji can provide,” Lunn said.
“As well as the natural allure of the destination, the Fijian people are just beautiful. ’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with my clients, and hopefully making a return visit myself very soon.”
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