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.