This week’s Agent Wrap is so full of famil opportunities and incentives that Travel Weekly staff are considering retraining as travel agents to get in on the action.

CHUR-RAY! Win a place on Wendy Wu Tours’ mega South America famil

Wendy Wu Tours has launched its South America incentive titled ‘Wu’s Who’s Who Mega Famil’ which will run until 30 April giving agents plenty of time to get bookings under their travel belts.

The top 10 selling agents who book a Wendy Wu Tour for their customers will win a place on the 10-day South America mega famil departing 1 June 2020. An additional 15 agents will be drawn at random, every Wendy Wu Tour booking made will equate to one entry into the draw.

Flying LATAM Airlines, the 10-day South America famil will begin in Buenos Aires via Santiago and will include a tango show, an Argentinean culinary extravaganza, a visit to Iguazu National Park from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, exploring Sugar Loaf Mountain, an insight into Rio’s Carnival Spirit plus much more.

Until 6 March 2020, tours to South America are on sale with Wendy Wu Tours offering customers savings of $1,000pp and includes the 14-day Chile Top to Toe tour.

Now priced from $8,280 per person twin share, this Flexible Tour includes return international economy airfares, accommodation, some meals, touring with guides and entrance fees, all transportation and transfers.

Valid for tours departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide for travel in 2020.

AAT Kings hosts ‘Bushfire relief giveback’ trips in Shoalhaven 

To celebrate the brand’s new #EmptyEsky Bushfire Relief Giveback trips, AAT Kings hosted a mini famil to the Shoalhaven region.

The day’s festivities were developed respectfully and in conjunction with local communities, and while onboard, visiting markets, cafes and stores, in Kangaroo Valley and Nowra with free time to wander through the town, spend with the local shopkeepers and fill your esky or reusable bag with locally made products. Participants also got to meet some of the locals and firefighters who told them stories of recovery and shared firsthand how best to help these destinations.

Local loot brought back by Travel Weekly’s roving journalist.

Most of the Bushfire Recovery Giveback trips, which take place across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, have been designed in collaboration with the locals, working in a respectful way, to develop self-empowerment through an injection of funds in the community.

These purpose-built trips are 100 per cent non-for-profit for AAT Kings. In other cases, they have redesigned selected trips, to introduce #EmptyEsky elements into already established itineraries – so travellers can still feel great about giving back while on holiday.

Some trips have set departure dates online. However, if there is a group of friends, family (open to children) or workmates interested, punters can contact AAT Kings to set up a trip that departs on the desired date. Simply use the enquiry form on the specific tour page.

Flight Centre signs on to help deaf community

Flight Centre South Australia has signed on to help remove barriers for the Deaf and hard of hearing community through the sponsorship of a deaf-friendly venue for this year’s Adelaide Fringe.

Flight Centre has teamed with Deaf Can:Do  to make the Duke of Brunswick Hotel an official Deaf-friendly venue for the Adelaide Fringe by providing Auslan interpreters for various Fringe performances.

MTA’s Karen and Roy Merricks celebrate ‘official’ 20^th anniversary with head office team

Just days away from the official start of the MTA – Mobile Travel Agents ‘People, Purpose Passion’ 20th-anniversary national conference (starts Friday, 28 February), MTA founders and co-managing directors, Karen and Roy Merricks (pictured standing centre) last week joined their 50-strong head office team to celebrate the company’s ‘official ‘ 18 February 2000 anniversary.

A total of 520 MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Advisors, support staff and industry suppliers are now confirmed to attend the three-day conference taking place at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove making this event by far the biggest in the company’s double-decade long history.

March to the APT Travel Showcase

APT is hosting luxury Travel Showcase this March. Travel agents in Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney are encouraged to attend these events that will showcase insider tips and offer exclusive deals on a great range of exciting destinations. They are also welcome to register their clients to attend under their agency.

These events have been designed to provide inspiration for your customer’s next holiday experience, or for some expert advice on APT’s vast range of destinations. Exclusive deals will be available when booking on the day and a variety of brochures will be available to take home.

Space is limited so agents are urged to register clients as soon as possible listing their agency as the preferred travel agency. Find specific marketing items to send to your clients on ATG Connect.

These events are free of charge to attend.

EVENT DETAILS                                                                                      

Melbourne – 3 March 2020, Grand Hyatt- www.aptouring.com.au/infoMELBOURNE

Perth – 12 March 2020, Stanford Winery- www.aptouring.com.au/infoPERTH

Gold Coast  – 16 March 2020, Southport Sharks Event Centre- www.aptouring.com.au/infoGOLDCOAST

Brisbane – 17 March 2020, The Rydges South Bank- www.aptouring.com.au/infoBRISBANE

Sydney – 23 March 2020, The Fullerton Hotel- www.aptouring.com.au/infoSYDNEY

A flying start for TravelManagers’ 600^th Personal Travel Manager

When Emma Lucas signed on as TravelManagers newest personal travel manager (PTM) earlier this year, she became the company’s 600^th mobile travel advisor. Having completed an extensive induction process with the National Partnership Office (NPO), she says she is excited to get started on the next phase in her career.

“Travel is not just my job – it’s my passion. Designing special holiday experiences for my customers is something I truly love doing.”

Perth, Hobart, Newcastle and Canberra Viking information sessions

Viking has announced four additional destinations for its 2020 Information Sessions, coming to Perth, Hobart, Newcastle and Canberra in May.

Designed for new-to-Viking guests, seasoned cruisers and their agents, Viking’s complementary showcases will be taking place at multiple locations around Australia, with separate sessions for river, ocean and expedition running throughout the day and evening.

There will be bonus booking offers available on the day, plus agents who bring their clients will receive a special bonus Viking custom-marketing package, including a one-on-one session to help them grow their Viking business.

Tickets are complimentary however RSVP is essential – please register here.

Locations include:

• Adelaide – Tuesday 3 March 2020, National Wine Centre
• Brisbane – Tuesday 17 March 2020, Howard Smith Wharves Rivershed
• Sydney – Tuesday 24 March 2020, Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park
• Melbourne – Thursday 26 March 2020, The Hotel Windsor
• Perth – Wednesday 6 May 2020, Beaumonde on the Point, East Perth
• Hobart – Thursday 14 May 2020, The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart
• Newcastle – Wednesday 20 May 2020, NEX, Newcastle West
• Canberra – Tuesday 26 May 2020, Hotel Realm

Aurora Expeditions agent incentive

Aurora Expeditions have launched an exciting incentive giving agents the chance to win an Aurora Expeditions trip for two valued at $44,800 onboard its Iceland, Greenland and East Coast Canada voyage!

To go into the running to win, agents must book two or more passengers aboard either the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle and applies to bookings made and deposited between 29^th January 2020 and 31^st May 2020. The winner will be chosen based on the highest value of sales made within the competition period.