This agent wrap is one of the longest we’ve ever done! Long enough to procrastinate the rest of your day away, so you’re welcome.

TravelManagers’ exclusive Vietnam Famil

TravelManagers’ exclusive nine-day Vietnam famil to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An gave seven personal travel managers (PTMs) the opportunity to experience this fascinating country themselves.

Hosted by Ms Huyen Thanh and Australia-based sales rep, Anthony Triscari, both from Vietnam Travel & Cruise, the group’s itinerary had them arrive into the capital city, Hanoi, in the north of the country on the banks of the Red River. They were then free to spend the rest of the day exploring the sights and sounds of the city’s Old Quarter.

From Hanoi, the group boarded a tender for a transfer to their floating accommodation for an overnight cruise of stunning Ha Long Bay. Listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature, this is a wonderland of amazing limestone karst formations that soar above the sparkling waters of the Bay.

All seven PTMs who participated in the famil say they returned from their time in Vietnam with a greater appreciation for all that it has to offer, which they are looking forward to sharing with their clients.

WIN a spot on a luxury famil to the Maldives with Singapore Airlines & Club Med

Coinciding with the release of a limited Air + Land package to the Maldives, Bintan Island or Phuket with Club Med and Singapore Airlines, travel agents can WIN one of eight seats on a five-night luxury famil to Club Med Kani and for the first time, one night at Club Med Finolhu Villas, including return Economy flights with Singapore Airlines. Agents simply need to sell as many packages as they can between now and 30 September to earn their ticket to paradise!

THE PRIZE:

• Five nights at Club Med Kani
• one night at Club Med Finolhu Villas
• Return Economy flights with Singapore Airlines

Famil dates: 13 October – 20 October 2018. Eight seats available ($650 participation fee)

The package deal is as follows: Valid for travel from 14 January to 15 August 2019, discover a special seven-night all-inclusive Air + Land package to the Maldives, Bintan Island or Phuket with Club Med and Singapore Airlines.

Five reasons you need to be on the Hawaii Mega Famil

Guess what? You could win a spot on a massive Hawaii famil – and it’s super easy to enter!

Imagine flying over stunning scenery in a helicopter, sipping sunset cocktails, hiking hidden waterfalls or ziplining through valleys in Hawai‘i. These islands are some of the most diverse in the world, and we think it’s about time you experienced them for yourselves.

Well, Hawai‘i Tourism and Hawaiian Airlines do anyway, because they’re teaming up to give you a chance to experience the best Hawai’i has to offer on the ultimate famil. And we’ve got five reasons to get you excited about it!

Read more on this story here.

Los Cabos Virtuoso Famil recap

Last month, Los Cabos Tourism hosted nine lucky Virtuoso agents on a fam trip to the destination following the Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.

The agents were treated to a VIP experience staying in the Virtuoso properties One & Only Palmilla, Grand Velas, and The Cape, as well as visiting the other Virtuoso properties offered in the destination including Montage, Las Ventanas, The Resort at Pedregal, and Esperanza.

They experienced world-class cuisine at the most stunning restaurants in Los Cabos, and were pampered with spa treatments.

Agents were also able to see the famous Los Cabos arch while getting out onto the water on kayaks, as well as an enjoying a private sailing trip to Santa Maria beach to snorkel and soak up the sun.

Global STARS Top Achievers treated to luxury in India with Insider Journeys

Qantas Holidays and its associated brands recently hosted their 2018 Global Stars Top Achievers Trip on a luxury journey through India courtesy of Insider Journeys and flying Thai Airways.

The group visited Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Jodhpur and Udaipur as well as experiencing local life in more remote areas of Rajasthan. The achievers were treated to stays at some of India’s finest hotels including the Imperial Delhi, Raas Jodhopur and Rass Devigarh, a stunning fort turned hotel. The trip finished with an exclusive rooftop dinner at the luxurious Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur where the group dined under the stars to the backdrop of Udaipur’s City Palace.

Travel Agents join Carnival Cruise Line for a weekend of fun

This weekend, travel agents from around the country joined the Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘Fun Squad’ onboard Carnival Spirit for a weekend of free-spirited FUN.

The three-day roundtrip cruise from Sydney provided travel agents with a chance to sample all of the fun that Carnival has to offer.

If Travel Agents are interested in attending a Carnival Seminar@Sea in 2019 to experience all the onboard fun first hand, make sure you join Carnival’s Trade Facebook group ‘Carnival Fun Zone’. Updated schedules and details will be posted on here as they become available.

Celebrating success for MTA high achievers in WA

Pictured enjoying an epicurean treat at Perth’s landmark Balthazar restaurant last week, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents CEO, Don Beattie and several of the company’s management with a group of MTA’s Western Australia-based high achievers.

Company recognition to one side, the event gave the Members the opportunity to meet with Clare Kearns and Georgia Traill, the two MTA business development managers now responsible for the company’s Western Australia activity.

Pictured (from left to right): Debbie Andrews; Val Burman; Maria Lombardi; MTA training manager, Kirsty Tate; Deb Johnston, MTA BDM, Clare Kearns; Emma Poultney, Megan Walsh, MTA ticketing support, Prem Halama; MTA CEO, Don Beattie; Jodie Everett, Carine Griffiths and MTA BDM, Georgia Traill.

Princess Cruises’ Academy Program attracts 650 new agents

Princess Cruises has attracted 650 new agents to its Academy program during a month-long registration drive, which saw an 11% increase in registrations from last year’s registration drive.

The recent campaign offered any World’s Leading Cruise Lines’ registered agent from Australia or New Zealand, who registered with Princess Academy, an opportunity to win the major prize of a 13-night Spring Flowers & Golden Week Princess Cruise for two, roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama) Japan on Diamond Princess, sailing in a Balcony stateroom, plus AUD $3,600 EZair or one of 10 AUD $100 Visa gift cards as the runner-up prize.

Pictured with Princess Cruises Business Development Manager NZ Peter Tuki (right) is our lucky major prize winner Kirsty Marquis from House of Travel Merivale in NZ. Kirsty is looking forward to her cruise, which departs on the 19th April 2019.

Discover Darwin, if you D.A.R.E!

Presented with challenges, clues, puzzles and riddles, 50 of Australia’s and New Zealand’s top travel agents spent last Friday morning discovering the very best of Darwin city as a part of the Darwin Amazing Race Experience (D.A.R.E.), Tourism NT famil.

Five teams of 10 iconically named after famous Territory explorers competed against each other in a battle of points. This customised event experience was the ultimate showcase of Darwin’s rich history, adventurous attitude and authentic culture.

An initiative of Tourism NT, DARE was developed and implemented by local boutique events agency, AA&P Events, who have over ten years’ experience in delivering customised events and incentive experiences in the Northern Territory.

Just some of the experiences of the morning included getting up close and personal with Matilda the python at Crocosuarus Cove and the mystery box challenge, enjoying green ant mousse as a part of the blindfolded bush tucker tasting and cooling off at the Big Buoy Waterpark.

Book your World Expeditions Adventure in November and receive an eGift Card for The North Face 

Book your summer escape with World Expeditions before 30 September and receive an e-Gift Card to spend at The North Face online store, in the Summer’s Coolest Adventures offer.

Whether you’re keen to explore the Middle East, India or South East Asia while the temperatures are pleasant; trek the trails of Nepal and Bhutan while the skies are crisp and the rhododendrons are in bloom; escape the mainland heat for a temperate walk in Tasmania or New Zealand; or hike the wild beauty of Patagonia during its limited walking window, you’ll receive a $200 credit at The North Face online store when you book a World Expeditions adventure valued at more than $2500 and a $100 credit when you book a World Expeditions adventure valued at between $1500 and $2499.

The offer is valid on trips departing 1 November to 28 February 2019. Adventures must depart before summer’s end ie 28 February, 2019.

Hot Deals from Intrepid

Save $1,038 on Intrepid’s 10-day Las Vegas to Los Angeles trip departing 1 October 2018. Discover the beauty of the Grand Canyon and everything in between on a journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. On this trip, travellers will witness the fast pace and bright lights of Las Vegas, see the cactus gardens of the Joshua Tree National Park and head to the red cliffs of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. A highlight for travellers includes discovering Utah’s iconic Monument Valley by jeep, sharing stories and meals by the campfire with the Navajo, the largest tribe in the USA.

Save $252 on Intrepid’s seven-day Morocco Family Holiday with teenagers trip departing 13 October 2018. Take a thrilling family adventure and witness the best Morocco has to offer. Travellers on this journey will bike through the main sites of Marrakech, travel on horseback through the sandy beaches and forests of Morocco’s coastline, ride mountain bikes down the slopes of the Atlas Mountains and relax in the traditional Moroccan Hammam. A highlight for families on this trip includes visiting the fortune tellers, dancers and snake charmers at Jemaa el-Fna square and trekking through scenic Berber Villages where a night is spent at a traditional homestay.

Save $532 on Intrepid’s 12-day Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure trip departing 29 September 2018. Excite your taste buds on a food adventure from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik. On this trip, travellers will explore the major foodie regions of Istria and Dalmatia, introduce their taste palette to some of Europe’s most well-loved wine scenes and delve into the diverse world of food that lies beneath Slovenia. Highlights include indulging in food such as prsut ham, olive oil, truffles, sheep’s milk cheese, lamb and maraschino cherries and taste wines such as teran, refosk, grk, marastina and kurtelaška bijela.

Save $475 on Intrepid’s 15-day Unforgettable India trip departing 4 October 2018. Travellers on this trip will tick off items such as the Taj Mahal and Varanasi off their bucket list, venture where most don’t such as the Alipura, Orchha and Chanderi villages. They’ll witness religious ceremonies, temples and monuments while staying in heritage properties and exploring with local guides. Highlights of this trip include enjoying a cooking demonstration, home cooked meals and delighting the taste buds with local street food.

Flash Sales by ASIA DMC – Save 60 per cent cruising from Angkor to Saigon

Save on the 12-day Lan Diep Cruise from Seam Reap to Saigon, which departs on October 5, 2018.

Tour Price Includes

• Two nights shared Accommodation in twin/double room at hotel in Siem Reap
• Seven nights shared accommodation in twin/ double cabin on Lan Diep Cruise
• Two nights shared Accommodation in twin/double room at hotel in Siem Reap
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax)
• Local English speaking guides:
• Siem Reap: one guide
• On Lan Diep Cruise: cruise in-house guide
• Ho Chi Minh City: one guide
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food):
• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only

Inspire Clients at Travelmarvel’s free info sessions

Travelmarvel, the leaders in premium cruising and touring are hosting two free travel information sessions in September to help inspire your clients.

The free Sydney and Brisbane sessions are the perfect tool for agents who have clients that are looking for travel inspiration, additional information on destinations and anyone dreaming of their next travel adventure who are on the verge of booking.

Special offers will be available for those who decide to book on the day, with xxx been returned to agents and brochures can be taken home for later consideration. Travelmarvel staff will be on hand to answer questions and a team of dedicated staff will be there to assist with bookings on the day.

The event will run from 9am until 3pm and destination talks will be held at set times. These include talks covering Europe River Cruising, Canada and Alaska, Great Rail Journeys, the new Coastal Cruising program, Asia and more.

TTC Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS – Highlights of Spain

Discover the Insight Difference when travelling to Europe in 2019. Insight Vacations Europe & Britain 2019 brochure is OUT NOW. Travellers can book now and take advantage of our amazing early booking deals today with a 10%* Early Payment Discount. Enjoy these savings on Insight Vacations nine day Highlights of Spain travel itinerary. True to its name, Highlights of Spain will show your clients the best that Spain has to offer such as the Alhambra, the modernist architecture of Barcelona, Madrid’s Prado Museum, the Andalucian capital of Seville and Cordoba’s Mezquita, to name but a few as guests travel from Barcelona to Madrid through Valencia, Granada, Seville and Cordoba. Starting from $2,925* per person (including discount). On sale now until the 31st of January 2019 this price is reflective of select departure dates between the 29th of June and 31st of August 2019. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

TRAFALGAR – Icons of South America

Save 10% when your client pays in full by November 1st, 2018. Enjoy these savings on Trafalgar’s 21 day Icons of South America travel itinerary. Guest will bear witness to South America’s iconic cities and landscapes as they journey From Lima to Rio De Janeiro through Cusco, Sacred Valley, Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls. Guests will explore World Heritage Sites and unlock a diverse continent steeped in dynamic cultures and ancient Inca history. Starting from $9,651.80 per person (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until the 1st of November 2018. Price reflective of select travel dates between the 12th of January 2019 and the 30th of November 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

UNIWORLD – Enchanting Danube

The choice is yours, there’s more to explore with $1,000pp off your next experience with Uniworld or one of our luxury sister brands: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Insight Vacations or Luxury Gold. Enjoy this extraordinary offer in conjunction with the 8 Day Enchanting Danube luxury river cruise itinerary. Uniworld will take your client well beyond the “must-sees” of each region as they travel between Passau and Budapest through Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna and Bratislava along the Danube river. Guests on this itinerary will experience the sort of entertainment Empress Maria Theresa once enjoyed herself with an included private concert of classical music from the likes of Mozart and Strauss, performed by chamber musicians in an exquisite Viennese palace. Starting from $5,699* per person, plus receive $1,000pp towards your next experience with Uniworld of one of our luxury sister brands. This offer is on sale now until 31st October 2018 and reflective of departure on the 17th & 24th of March and the 3rd of November 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

AAT KINGS – Top End Highlights

Save 10% on AAT Kings Guided Holidays in Australia when you book your clients and they pay in full before the 31st of January 2019. Enjoy these savings on AAT Kings 6 day Top End Highlights travel itinerary. Starting in Darwin guests will experience vibrant Indigenous culture, friendly local characters and magnificent landscapes as they travel through Litchfield National Park, Pine Creek, Katherine, Edith Falls, Kakadu National Park and Jabiru. Cruising waterways teeming with wildlife and immersing themselves in the culture of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the lands they’re exploring. A myriad of deep gorges, plunging waterfalls and tranquil rock-pools will only add to the drama of their Top End experience. Starting from $2,066 per person (including discount). This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019 for select departure dates between the 1st of April 2019 until the 31st of March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

CONTIKI – European Trail

Why wait to see what 2019 brings, when your client can make sure it brings the goods? Travellers can Lock in a Europe Summer trip now and get 10% off! Sipping cocktails in the Amalfi, watching the sunset on a private boat in Croatia and watching the Eiffel Tower light up at night next year – your clients can enjoy these savings on Contiki’s 23 Day European Trail trip. Travellers will blaze their own trail and should stop at nothing to see everything. That is the motto of this European adventure that takes your client through 13 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands and Switzerland. Their bucket list won’t know what hit it after doing fondue in the Swiss Alps, downing pizza in Rome and playing cool at a jazz bar in Prague. Starting from $3,569* per person (early payment discount included). This offer is on sale from now until the 31st of January 2019. Price reflective of select departure dates between the 30th of March 2019 and 14th of March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUSABOUT – Europe Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off Pass

15% Early Bird Discount on Busabout’s Unlimited European Hop-on Hop-off! Hop-on Hop-off gives your client the freedom to create their perfect European itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network across 13 countries and 38 unique destinations. They’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet our amazing drivers and guides. Travellers can pre-plan their trip or wing it as they go. Changing their plan as often as they like is free of charge. It’s their choice, their way. Starting from $1,359 per person (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 16th of November 2018 for all 2019/2020 brochure listed departures. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.