In this wrap, you can check out alllll the fun things agents have been doing lately. And speaking of checking out, we’ll be at the pub across the road if you need anything else.

Personal Travel Manager’s Cancer Fundraiser a family effort

Holiday packages, gift hampers and jewellery were all up for grabs at the Beanies for Brain Cancer fundraising event, which was held in Victoria Point, Queensland, in June. The event, supported by Elysium Restaurant and Bar (who provided the venue) and TravelManagers, was organised by personal travel manager (PTM) Erin Ross and her children, Maia and Ryley, with the support of other PTMs, both locally and around Australia who either assisted with the event or donated to the fund.

The Ross family found themselves involved raising funds for brain cancer research as a result of their own experience with the disease, losing their husband and dad, Matt, four years ago, just eighteen months after his diagnosis.

The family was inspired by the success of Carrie Bickmore’s and Mark Hughes’ Beanies 4 Brain Cancer initiatives and decided to create their own TravelManagers beanie to raise further funds for the cause, selling them to friends and family, the local community and throughout the TravelManagers network to other PTMs and clients.

Want to win tickets to Contiki Legends?

Desperate to score yourself a ticket to the number one launch party in the travel industry? Of course you are! That’s why Contiki is offering agents the chance to win two tickets – one for yourself and one for an agent mate to celebrate at the party of the year – Contiki LEGENDS! Celebrate Europe 2019 with Contiki and be the first to hear about big things to come.

So how do you score yourself these coveted tickets? Simply complete two new Contiki-U courses before 21st of August 2018 to go into the draw to win. Looking for a Contiki-U course to brush up on your skills? Luckily there’s a whole set of brand spanking new trips for you to learn all about – Contiki Africa!

From the stunning city scapes and beautiful beaches of Cape Town to spotting the Big Five in two of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, Contiki’s Africa trips will show off all the incredible experiences available in this breathtaking continent. With nine itineraries across six countries and one fantastic travel style, Contiki’s trips in Africa have a ton of exciting differences to learn all about.

Jump on to this e-learning module to get yourself up to speed on the Contiki difference from the accommodation and the transport to the No Regrets experiences and Free Time Add-Ons. Once you’ve learnt all about these amazing Contiki trip features, you’ll be able to sell Contiki Africa to anyone.

Sri Lanka Tourism to unveil new and unique destinations and experiences at the Travel Industry Exhibition

On Tuesday 21 August, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will officially open the Travel Industry Exhibition in a cultural celebration of traditional dance, music and authentic Sri Lankan food.

Launching the two-day exhibition, the media event will include a number of special guest speakers from both Sri Lanka and Australia who will highlight the hidden secrets of Sri Lanka and showcase the country’s unparalleled diversity -from its array of golden beaches to its rare unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Only 65,610 square kilometres, the island’s small size and diverse landscape has already made the destination an emerging travel hot spot for many Australians, with a projected increasein visitation by 33 per cent or 108,000 people in 2018 alone according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

As the major destination partner of the Travel Industry Exhibition, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will showcase 14 of the country’s best tour operators in line with its leading luxury hotels and resorts as part of its pavilion at the event.

Red letter day for MTA as pop-up post office agency gets stamp of approval

MTA-Mobile Travel Agents Member, Cei Creighton obviously thinks outside the envelope when she’s looking to achieve a first class result.

Cei is well known in her North Brisbane communty and particularly with many of the local shop owners, one being the local post office where staff would often engage her in convesation about her business.

An opportunity arose for Cei to establish a pop-up shop within the post office to help service her clients along with a further offer to set up a travel desk for prospective clients frequenting the bulding and she’s never looked back.

Cei is pictured (left) with MTA BDM Queensland, northern NSW and NT, Sally Gorringe at the North Brisbane post office pop-up agency.

Treasures of the South Pacific returns to Maroochydore & Brisbane for 2018

Travel agent training events, Treasures of the South Pacific, have returned to Queensland in 2018, commencing with events in Maroochydore on Tuesday 21August, 2018 and Bribsane, Wednesday 22 August, 2018 proudly sponsored by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and Pacific Trade Invest, Australia.

Representatives from the tourism offices of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Norfolk Island and some hidden treasures of the area will come together to showcase each of these beautiful and diverse South Pacific holiday destinations.

Travel agents will have the chance to improve their product knowledge by attending informative seminars and networking with tourism office representatives to gain insights into the type of traveller that best suits each destination.

The events are a great opportunity for agents to learn more about Australia’s closest neighbours, providing them with the tools to generate more interest and bookings for the South Pacific.

TTC Weekly Deals

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Latin Rendezvous

Save up to $1200* per couple when you book Adventure World Travel’s 10 day Latin Rendezvous travel itinerary before the 31st of August 2018. Visit two of the most celebrated cities in South America – elegant Buenos Aires and the energetic city of Rio De Janeiro. Beginning in Buenos Aires you will spend 3 days exploring this unique city before flying to Iguazu Falls for a 2-night stay where you can wander through the rainforest, marvelling at the huge variety of ferns, orchids, begonias, wildlife, birds and butterflies. A short flight takes you to Rio de Janeiro where you can immerse yourself in Brazilian culture for the next four days. Starting from $2,425* per person including nine nights hotel accommodation based on 4-star hotels, sightseeing with an English speaking local guide, internal one-way flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and from Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of August for select departures between the 2nd of January 2019 and the 30th of June 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

TRAFALGAR – Coastal California with Yosemite National Park AND Air

Special offer: Explore The Real America and fly with Trafalgar for $799* on USA & Canada trips. Redeem this offer for your clients on the 10-Day Coastal California with Yosemite National Park with Air travel itinerary in order for them to embark on an epic road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. They will trace lush green vineyards and olive groves, the giant sequoias and the romantic Riviera of North America as they journey through Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Monterey, Yosemite, Mariposa and The Napa & Sonoma Valleys with Trafalgar. Starting from $5,694* per person PLUS fly for $799 to the USA. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of August 2018 for departure on the 10th of May and the 13th of September 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

LUXURY GOLD – Trans-Canadian Grandeur

Special offer: Book early and enjoy a saving of 10% with Luxury Gold’s Early Payment Discount available on select 2019 journeys when you book & pay in full by 31 January 2019. Redeem this offer on the 16 Day Trans-Canadian Grandeur and your clients can discover Canada’s iconic landscapes as they embark on one of the most celebrated journeys by road and rail in the world with Luxury Gold. From the vibrant city of Vancouver to the majestic Rocky Mountains through Victoria, Whistler and Okanagan Valley guests will find abundant wildlife and mountainous views from a luxurious blend of transport modes – road, rail, sea and river. The final chapter of this guided holiday consists of a timeless rail journey on The Canadian through the western prairies and along the lakes of northern Ontario to cosmopolitan Toronto. Starting from $9,293* per person, twin share. This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019 for departure on the 12th of May 2019 unless sold out prior. Other departure dates are available however trip pricing may vary. For more information or to book call 1800 621 387 or visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

UNIWORLD – Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong

SAVE your clients 20% on select 2018 and 2019 itineraries in India, Egypt, Vietnam & Cambodia. Redeem this offer on Uniworld’s 15 Day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong travel itinerary to allow your clients to explore Asia with Uniworld and fully experience two of the most beautiful, historic and friendly places in all of Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia. This itinerary is both land and cruised based; guests will start in Hanoi before flying to Siem Reap to be transported back in time at the awe-inspiring, ancient Angkor temple complex. Kampong Cham is next, and this is where guests will embark on the cruise portion of their journey on the beautiful Mekong Navigator for the next 7 nights through Siam Reap, Wat Hanchey, Phnom Penh, Evergreen Island, Gieng Island and Vinh Long before disembarking in My Tho with transfers to Ho Chi Minh City providing for another 2 days of exploration. Starting from $5,759* per person (including 20% discount and specified domestic flights and transfers). This offer is on sale now until the 30th of September 2018 for departure on the 28th of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

AAT KINGS – East Coast Islands & Rainforest

AAT Kings’ Last Minute Deals save up to $1550* per couple on the 13-day East Coast Islands & Rainforest travel itinerary. They will explore the epic coastline of Eastern Australia on a journey that takes them from cosmopolitan Sydney to tropical Cairns through the Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Arlie beach, Hamilton Island and the Atherton Tablelands. Starting from $4,850* per person (including airport transfers, an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, luxury coach and accommodation). This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed for travel on select departure dates. Other departure dates are available at an alternate price. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

CONTIKI – Cape, Safari and Falls

There’s adventure and then there’s AFRICA! This is a continent that will change your client forever. This is adventure, unfiltered. Save 10% off select Contiki’s brand NEW Africa trips when you book your clients on an African Adventure before the 31st of January 2019. Lock in Contiki’s 11 Day Cape, Safari and Falls trip for your clients and they will get to experience the best of the best. See the beautiful city and beaches of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, have the chance to spot the Big 5 in two of Africa’s top wildlife destinations – Kruger & Chobe National Parks and experience the adrenaline-filled activities of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls. Starting from $2,932* per person. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of January 2019 with price reflective of select departure between the 7th of July and 29th of September 2019. Other departures available for an alternate price between 7 April 2019 – 5 Jan 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUSABOUT – Alpine Festive Trek

Save $150 on Busabout’s 12 Day Alpine Festive Trek – WAS from $1899, NOW from $1749! Starting in Paris your client will travel to Lauterbrunnen and enjoy some alpine skiing, then move on to Grunau and enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve feast in Austria with Busabout host Gerhard. From Grunau they will continue to Salzburg, Munich, Chesky Krumlov, Prague, Dresden and finally to Berlin, aka THE party capital of Europe, for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve! Starting from $1,749* per person. This offer is on sale now until the 7th of September for departure on the 21st of December 2018. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.