We’re so jealous of all the famils and events agents have been attending this week that we’re giving ourselves a 2pm early mark. Don’t tell our boss.

Future planning for the Walshe Group

The Walshe Group brought team members from New Zealand and Australia together to talk future planning and strategy.

Managing Director, Jacqui Walshe described the day as, “Very exciting, with lots of new developments taking place within the business.  We have an amazing team of talented and uniquely skilled people and when we come together as a collective it’s possible to see how that diversity of ideas and skill sets is driving the business both creatively and strategically.  It’s quite inspiring”.

Receive a $100 Gift Card for any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises USA Booking Made in March

Creative Cruising, Australia’s leading independent cruise wholesaler, launched an exclusive Travel Agent $100* gift card reward for USA bookings made in March for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. This offer is applicable to any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises USA sailing, booked and deposited between 1 March and 31 March 2019.

To assist with the incentive offer, Creative Cruising has tailor-made some spectacular packages with incredible savings for their Travel Agency partners.

March is the month where travel advisors can book their clients next USA cruise with Creative Cruising and reward themselves. This uncapped gift card incentive will reward agents with a $100* gift card on any USA sailing booked with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre partners with 37th Greek Festival of Sydney

The official launch of the 37th Greek Festival of Sydney kicked off last night with Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC) recognised for their involvement in this year’s event.

Together with Celestyal Cruises, GMTC is sponsoring the second major prize for the festival being a holiday for two to Greece including accommodation, a seven-night cruise and transfers.

The Greek Festival of Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and longest established annual cultural events, and is also the most attended Greek-Australian community event in NSW, expected to attract 50,000 visitors this year.

Tumbalong Park in Sydney’s Darling Harbour will be transformed into a mini Greece for the two-day event this Saturday 2nd March (3pm-10pm) and Sunday 3rd March (10am-10pm).

Funded by The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the aim of the festival is to meet its members’ cultural and artistic aspirations, as well as showcase the very best of Greek and Greek-Australian culture to a broader audience.

Canberra Agent Training Event hosted by Los Angeles Tourism, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and Universal Studios Hollywood

To further cement Aussie travellers’ love for the City of Angels, Los Angeles Tourism, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and Universal Studios Hollywood will be hosting an Agent Training Event in Canberra on the evening of Wednesday 13 March.

Australia is L.A.’s second largest overseas market, with 426,000 visiting the city in 2018, and agents will receive an update on what’s new and happening in the city, as well as how they could win a trip for two to L.A.

To register for the event, agents should visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZG3XJT

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday 13 March
• Time: 6 – 8pm
• Location: Psychedeli Canberra – 60 Marcus Clarke St
• To register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZG3XJT

Food and drinks will be provided

Magellan corporate members together for annual forum

Magellan Travel’s Corporate members have come together at the stunning Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for another successful Magellan Corporate Forum. In its third year, the Corporate Forum focuses on bringing Corporate Members and preferred partners together with the key objective being to share expertise, experience and to stimulate fresh ideas.

The forum got off to a spectacular start on Tuesday evening with the welcome event hosted by our key event partner, United Airlines. The evening saw representatives from United, Magellan members and Magellan staff relax and network with the stunning Darling Harbour our backdrop. Wednesday’s agenda was full of presentations from key partners United Airlines, Serko, Uniglobe, Qantas Airways, Avis, Air New Zealand, Resource-Hub, Qatar Airways and Accor Hotels.

New to the agenda this year were member-led workshops which allowed for in-depth discussion and collaboration on key industry topics that specifically impact the corporate sector. The workshops drew on the ideas and experiences of a number of different Agency Owners and Management and reflected the diversity of Magellan’s Corporate members.

Magellan Travel General Manager, Andrew Macfarlane expressed that this was “without a doubt, our best Corporate Forum yet”. He went on to say that “the content and collaboration shared among partners and Corporate members throughout the day will unquestionably have a significant and positive impact on our Corporate members and their businesses moving forward.”

Regent Seven Seas Cruises gives top travel partners chance to win 24 hours of luxury 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is giving Australian and New Zealand retail trade partners an opportunity to win an exclusive luxury experience hosted by Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific at NCLH, and Lisa Pile, Vice President Sales Australia and New Zealand at RSSC.

To be in the running for this incredible incentive, agents need to book 2019 sailings from now until 29 April 2019, with the top five sellers in terms of bookings and revenue in Australia and New Zealand winning the below once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience*:

• Return flights to Sydney
• Return limousine transfers from Sydney Airport/Home
• Scenic seaplane flight over Sydney and landing in the Northern Beaches
• Private cruise around the Northern Beaches complemented by a Seafood & Champagne lunch
• 3-course a la carte dinner with wine pairing at Jonah’s Restaurant
• Overnight accommodation in an Ocean Retreat Suite
• A la carte breakfast at Jonah’s Restaurant
• Exclusive gift from Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Travel Industry Hub to open coworking spaces in Sydney and Wellington

Six months ago, three travel and tourism entrepreneurs came up with an idea to create the region’s first industry-specific coworking spaces, dedicated to the travel and tourism industries.

The Travel Industry Hub (TTIH) is the brainchild of former Equity Travel Group COO Richard Taylor; Global MD of The Visa Machine, Luke Crawford; and former Brand Leader for Flight Centre, Natasha Faithfull.

The trio are now set to bring industry coworking to every corner of Australia and New Zealand, and today are pleased to announce TTIH will launch its first locations in Sydney in May, located at Level 3, 104 Mount Street, North Sydney, and in Wellington, New Zealand at Level 1, 90-92 Dixon Street, set to open its doors next month.

TTIH Sydney will occupy 380sqm of floor space, and feature ‘hot’ and permanent desks, private offices, meeting rooms, event and training spaces, along with a business address and mail service for companies needing a base in the city.

Viking set to host free info sessions throughout early 2019

Viking is set to host a series of free information sessions around Australia this year, starting in Adelaide on March 22.

Designed to educate both potential guests and travel agents about the company’s extensive range of river and ocean cruise itineraries, Viking’s information sessions will include details about their culturally enriching shore excursions, which have earned them the title of ‘the thinking person’s cruise’.

The sessions will also offer in-depth information about the cruise line’s award-winning river and ocean ships, such as what guests can expect to find onboard — from dining venues to spa facilities.

A team of Viking experts will be on hand at each session to answer questions, and exclusive offers will be available on the day for those who attend. Some light refreshments will be served.

Viking’s upcoming information sessions run from March 22 until May 2 with multiple session times available:

• ADELAIDE: Friday, March 22 — Adelaide Convention Centre
• PERTH: Wednesday, March 27 — Crown Perth, Burswood
• MELBOURNE: Tuesday, April 2 — Grand Hyatt Melbourne
• BRISBANE: Thursday, April 4 — Hilton Brisbane
• SYDNEY: Tuesday, April 9 — Pullman Hyde Park
• NEWCASTLE: Thursday, April 11 — Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre
• CANBERRA: Tuesday, April 30 — Hyatt Hotel Canberra
• HOBART: Thursday, May 2 — The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Those wishing to attend can register their interest here.

C&M Announces Exclusive Career Workshop for Travel Consultants

Specialist Travel recruitment agency, C&M Travel, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in March. As part of the month-long celebrations, the Sydney-based agency is hosting an exclusive workshop for experienced Travel Consultants to learn more about the exciting career paths within the industry.

The free workshop will explore the world of corporate travel, delve into wholesale travel and reveal what is really involved in working for a supplier. Attendees will get the opportunity to speak to experienced Travel recruitment professionals and take part in a Q&A session.

Full details can be found on the event page:

C&M Career Workshop: Where to go Next as a Travel Consultant

Contact

For photos and other information, please contact:

Name: Melissa Schembri

Phone: 02 8221 8840

Email: melissa@candmrecruitment.com.au

ATAC Top Achievers indulged in South Africa

ATAC Top Achieving members, Cruise Express, Croydon Cruise & Travel, Flower Travel, Meridian Travel, National Warrnambool Travel, Pellegrino Travel, Ramsgate Travel Service, The Travel Store, The Travel Studio and Two’s A Crowd were recently rewarded by the Group with an amazing 10-day trip to South Africa, hosted by Swagman Tours.

They made their travels from one side of the country to the other on the luxurious Blue Train to Cape Town, flew by Cessna to see the best of African wildlife at the Madikwe Game Lodge and were totally indulged in the best sightseeing, food, wine and accommodation that South Africa has to offer.

MTA Advisors get the blues on US deep south program

Pictured visiting the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum in Memphis, the group of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents who recently had the opportunity to experience the US deep south as part of an exclusive ‘Blues Trail’ study tour visiting Tennessee and Mississippi.

Hosted by Delta Airlines, Memphis Tourism, Visit Mississippi and New Orleans & Company, the group’s itinerary also included Gracelands, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, the Grammy Museum in Cleveland and the BB King Museum in Indianola, both in Mississippi and the French Quarter in New Orleans.

TTC Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS

Best of Spain and Portugal

Guests can fly from $899* return, when they book a 2019 European journey with Insight Vacations before 31 March 2019. They can enjoy this air offer in conjunction with Insight’s 15 day Best of Spain and Portugal itinerary. On this trip that guests will discover the fiery flamenco, tasty tapas & medieval history as they travel on a round trip from Madrid to Avila, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Cost Del Sol, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona. Starting from $6,149* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2019 and valid for select departures only; 30 March- 16 August, 28 September, 5 and 12 October 2019. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com *Conditions Apply.

TRAFALGAR

European Traveller

Fly to Europe for $999 with Trafalgar! Redeem this amazing offer in conjunction with the 8 day European Traveller trip. On this trip guests will enjoy radiant Paris and the romance of Florence, dramatic Alpine landscapes and the Eternal City of Rome  as you travel from London to Rome through Dover, Calais, Paris, Lucerne, Venice and Florence with Trafalgar and it’s expert travel team. Starting from $4024* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2019 for select departures between 21 April and 18 October 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com *Conditions Apply.

AAT KINGS

Tastes of Southern Australia

Save up to $1110* per couple with AAT Kings Last Minute Deals on select trips including the 11 day Tastes of South Australia travel itinerary. Explore Australia from Sydney to the spectacular coast of Southern Australia on this well-paced journey through Canberra, Beechworth, Melbourne, Warrnambool, Naracoorte, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. Starting from $3975* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed for select travel dates between 16 April and 4 October 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.

BUSABOUT

St Pat’s Party

Travellers can save $147 on Busabout’s 4 day St Pat’s Party departing Dublin when they use the STPATS25 promocode at checkout. Traditional live Irish music at the Shamrocker St Pat’s party, an orientation walking tour of Dublin’s Fair City and a lesson on how the ‘black stuff’ is made at the Guiness Storehouse and of course the St Patrick’s Day parade awaits travellers on this trip. Don’t forget your green get up! Starting from $442 per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 7 March 2019 and valid for 2019 departures leaving Dublin only. For more information or to book contact https://www.shamrockeradventures.com/essential-info/special-offers or call 1300 287 226. *Conditions apply.

UNIWORLD

Gems of Northern Italy

Give your clients choice – with either 30% savings with Our Best Offer or free economy air on select 2019 cruises with an option to upgrade to business class air from just $4,299 per person. Guests can enjoy this offer in conjunction with the 10 day Gems of Northern Italy trip where they will uncover the extraordinary hidden treasures of Venice and Northern Italy as they travel the Po River and Venice lagoon with Uniworld, exploring Verona, Vaipolicella, Tocello, Burano, Massorbo, Chioggia, Poiesella, Ferrara and Bolgna. Starting from $5,999* per person, twin share (save 30% on this price or fly free in economy). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2019 for the following departures 26 Jul, 09 Aug and 04, 11, 25 Oct. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com *Conditions apply.

CONTIKI

European Impressions

Save 10% off select Discoverer and Iconic Essential trips with Contiki’s Europe Summer Sale. What about the 19 day European Impressions trip where travellers will explore Europe on a round trip from London through Amsterdam, Rhineland, Swiss Alps, Munich, Venice, Florence, French Riviera, Barcelona, Madrid, Pamplona, Bordeaux and Paris. Starting from $4,325* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2019 for select departures between 20 May and 23 September 2019. Other departure dates are available, but prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com *Conditions Apply.