Big Fat Agent Wrap
What’s our favourite thing to do on Fridays? Put together this agent wrap! Well, that and leave early for happy hour.
Trafalgar calls for businesses to make a difference this Global Volunteer Day
Trafalgar, the industry leader in Guided Travel, is calling on businesses to join them on International Volunteer Day, (Wednesday, December 5), in empowering their employees to make a difference at an individual level.
Trafalgar’s long-standing and ongoing commitment to social responsibility is reinforced this International Volunteer Day (IVD), as CEO Gavin Tollman empowers his global workforce to use their collective 24,000 paid volunteer hours, to support causes close to their hearts.
Mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985 to encourage, support and recognise volunteer contributions, IVD 2018 celebrates volunteer efforts that strengthen local ownership and the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters, economic stresses and political shocks.
Trafalgar offers all of its employees two paid days off a year to participate in volunteer efforts, a decision that according to Tollman, aligns with the company’s JoinTrafalgar sustainability initiatives – to better the lives of locals and their communities, now and into the future.
TravelManagers Joins Highlights of Chile and Bolivia Famil
Bolivia and Chile are spoiled for superlatives: the highest-altitude capital city (La Paz), the highest navigable lake (Titicaca), the largest salt flat (Salar de Uyuni), and the driest and possibly oldest desert (Atacama). But as TravelManagers’ Camilla Manson discovered recently during a thirteen-day famil hosted by Chimu Adventures, there are plenty of other highlights to be enjoyed in these two fascinating and varied countries.
Manson, who is based in Kingscliff in northern New South Wales, says she went on the famil with no expectations or preconceived ideas of the destinations she would be visiting.
Although the main focus of the famil was on Bolivia and the Atacama Desert, the group, who were hosted by Chimu Adventures’ General Manager of Sales and Product, Sarah Baxter, began their journey in Chile’s capital, Santiago, with time to explore this vibrant city before heading west via the famed Casablanca Valley wine region to the Pacific Coast and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaiso.
From Valparaiso, they flew to Bolivia’s capital city, La Paz, which sits in a spectacular natural bowl, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Altiplano, where they spent the night before continuing to the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Hong Kong a hit with Sydney and Melbourne Trade
150 travel trade professionals were given the Hong Kong star treatment late last month when representatives from the destination rolled into the two cities to provide product updates.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific Airways and The Murray Hotel teamed up for the Sydney event which was held on 14 November at The Establishment. A Melbourne event then followed on 22 November, held at the Red Spice QV and in partnership with Cathay Pacific Airways.
Updates at both events included Cathay Pacific Airways’ new A350 aircraft deployment into Sydney as well as developments at one of Hong Kong’s newest five-star hotels, The Murray.
Congratulations to the prize winners – Chris Bellmon from Travel Associates Rose Bay won two Cathay Pacific Airways economy return tickets to Hong Kong and three nights’ accommodation at The Murray at the Sydney event, and Felicity Moss from Jigsaw Travel won two economy return airfares to Hong Kong at the Melbourne event.
MTA gastronomes cooking up a storm on Bintan Island
Pictured proudly sporting their toques blanches, the five lucky MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Advisors and their Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts host, director of sales and marketing, Victoria Hobbs (second left) relaxing after cooking up a ‘veri-table’ storm of Thai dishes at Saffron, the Banyan Tree Bintan Island’s fine dining signature restaurant.
The MTA Advisors visit was part of an exclusive study tour including two-night stays at both the Banyan Tree Bintan Island and the Mandarin Oriental Singapore.
TTC Beach Day Clean Up awareness x Taronga Foundation
According to the United Nations, there is more plastic in the ocean than stars in the galaxy! By 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
As part of Adventure World Travel’s exclusive travel partnership with the Taronga Foundation, senior leadership management at The Travel Corporation spent the morning volunteering to clean up its neighbouring beach – To learn that 90% of all sea birds and 50% of turtles have eaten plastic, it was heartbreaking to find out that in fact two turtles died last week at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital from ingesting tiny pieces of plastic.
In a small amount of time, the volume of plastic collected in what looked like a seemingly clean beach, was frightening – 542 cigarette butts, 505 plastic food wrappers, 82 straws and lollypop sticks, 72 small sharp objects, 9 balloons and balls, plus more! It’s the smaller pieces of plastic that are the most dangerous as marine life mistake it for food which leads to either death, or the gut producing a gas from the toxins which makes them float to the surface with the potential to get hit by a boat.
TTC has pledged to “Take 3 for the Sea” – i.e. pick up three pieces of rubbish when visiting a beach and contribute to #litterfreeoceans. What may seem like a small gesture, truly makes up the bigger picture for our planet – every bit helps.
The Goldman Group hosts biennial conference in Noosa
Celebrating 35 years in the travel industry this year, The Goldman Group held its Biennial conference on 23-25 November at Peppers Noosa Resort. Attended by 120 staff members and supplier partners, the conference is an opportunity for staff, preferred partners and suppliers to convene for company updates, networking and professional development sessions.
Held over three days, the conference announced the consolidation of its leisure brands, and the farewell of the Travel Phase brand, to make way for the rollout of Travelcall – with offices in Melbourne, Bondi Junction, Double Bay – and the plan to launch Travelcall in Brisbane. The Cruise Centre will follow suit in Sydney and Melbourne, alongside its Brisbane post.
The Goldman Group experienced a fruitful year in the travel industry, with many new wins under their belt including over $6 million of new corporate business, and taking home the Top Virtuoso Agency Production (Asia Pacific) award at the 30th annual Virtuoso Travel Week for the fourth year running. On the cruise front, business is booming with sales up 115 per cent across the group and the execution of 65 cruise marketing campaigns in 2018 alone.
Hot Deals from Peregrine
Save $753 on Peregrine Adventures 15 day Northern Thailand & Laos Experience departing 21 December 2018. Get up close and under the surface of two of South East Asia’s most exciting destinations, Thailand and Laos. On this trip, travellers will discover the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s city life, get up close and personal with the incredible species at the Elephant Nature Park, visit Bridge over the River Kwai to gain an insight into its dark history and venture off to the jungle town of Luang Prabang.
Save $401 on Peregrine Adventures 16 day Highlights of Morocco departing 15 December 2018. Venture to the heart of Morocco on this journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. On this trip, travellers will discover the towering Mosque of Hassan II, gain insight into one of the most prodigious ruins of the Roman Empire, explore the majestic city of Meknes, experience a night in an elegant rooftop terrace in the heart of Fes and ride a camel across the Sahara desert for sunrise over the dunes.
Save $1,179 on Peregrine Adventures 15 day Essence of Central America trip departing 29 December 2018. On this trip, travellers will venture off on a trail in Belize, witness an array of brightly painted houses in Flores at sunset, discover the jungles of Guatemala, explore the captivating city of Antigua and its Volcan de Agua and absorb the cultural and artistic vibe surrounding Lake Atitlan.
TTC Weekly Deals
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Trekking the Inca Trail
Guests receive a Free* Inca Trail Permit when they purchase the five-day Trekking the Inca Trail itinerary and a minimum 2 nights in Cusco with Adventure World Travel. On this trip, guests will spend four full days hiking the Incan trail in Peru in a small group with an experienced guide and porters covering approximately 40km starting at 2750m with two high passes to a maximum of 4200m. Starting from $1,365* per person, twin share. This offer is on sale now until 30 December 2018 for select departure dates between 1 March 2019 and 20 January 2020 except for 24-25 Dec 2019 and 31 Dec 19–01 Jan 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.
AAT KINGS – Perfect Tasmania
Save 10% on AAT King’s Guided Holidays in Australia when you book and pay in full by 31 January 2019. The island of Tasmania is renowned for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, gourmet food and wine, and friendly locals. Your clients will get to experience all this and more on AAT Kings 12 Day – Perfect Tasmania travel itinerary. On this wide-ranging journey, you’ll visit Hobart’s bustling Salamanca Markets, witness the stunning natural beauty of Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, and indulge your taste buds with local artisan cheeses and other delicious treats. Starting from $4,842* per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of January 2019 for travel dates from now until the 31st of March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.
INSIGHT VACATIONS – Sicily in Depth with 4 days Malta Option
For a limited time only, your client can fly from $899* return to Europe, when they book a 2019 European journey from Insight Vacations’ 2019 Europe Brochure. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 11-day Sicily in Depth with Malta Option itinerary as they uncover the legacy of the island of Sicily as they travel between Catalina, Syracuse, Ragusa, Palermo, Trapani, Cefalu and Taormina Riviera before continuing on to St Julians, Valetta, Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto of Malta. Starting from $5,524* per person, twin share (including return economy flights). This offer is on sale now until 15 December 2018 for departure on 1 November 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 – Enchanting Canadian Maritimes
Travellers can enjoy savings of 5% with Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount on the 11-day Enchanting Canadian Maritimes. They will also appreciate the taste of the salty Atlantic, fresh lobster and the best Canadian brews as they explore Halifax, Baddeck, Cape Breton, Charlottetown, Saint John, Digby and Lunenburg. Starting from $3700 * per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 28 Feb 2019 for select departures between 1 June and 21 September 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.
UNIWORLD – Imperial Waterways of Russia
Save up to 30% on select 2019 sailings with Uniworld’s Our Best Offer promotion. Clients can enjoy these savings on the 12-day Imperial Waterways of Russia luxury river cruise itinerary as they travel between St. Petersburg and Moscow through Mandrogi, Kizhi Island, Goritsy, Lake Rybinsk, Uglich along the Neva, Svir and Volga Rivers with Uniworld. Starting from $7,349* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until 31 December 2018 and reflective of departure on 3 July 2019. Other departure dates are available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.
BUSABOUT – Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure
Save 10% on Busabout’s Asia Trips including the 24 day Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure that takes guests through Siem Reap, Hanoi, Mai Châu, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Huế, Hội An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Samloem & Battambang. Travellers will also get the chance to visit the new, world-renowned Golden Hand Bridge in Danang with return gondola ride included. Starting from $2159 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 January 2019 valid for 2018/19/20 departure dates listed in the 2019 brochure. For more information or to book contact www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.
U BY UNIWORLD – Germany’s Finest
Save 20% on select 2019 cruises with U by Uniworld’s Our Best Offer promotion! Enjoy these savings on the 8-day Germany’s Finest cruise itinerary. Discover the best of Deutschland on one amazing holiday. Enjoy fairy-tale castles, a bike trip along the Main river, a getaway to the Franconian Brewery Museum and a Nuremberg culinary tour on this itinerary through Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Kelheim between Frankfurt and Regensburg. Starting from $2,159* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until 31 December 2018 for departure on all 2019 departure dates. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.uniworld.com.
CONTIKI – European Whirl
Save from $396* per person with Contiki’s Europe Flash Sale! Travellers can enjoy these savings on the 18-day European Whirl. Beginning in London this amazing adventure takes travellers through Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome, Florence, the Swiss Alp and Paris! All of which are currently on Europe’s ‘must see’ list. This trip is the perfect combination of culture, relaxation and of course, good times! Starting from $2,739* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until the 6th of January 2019 for select departures between 5 April and 21 September 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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