Big Fat Agent Wrap
East Coast USA Mission inspired agents
The East Coast USA Mission saw the largest East Coast contingent to-date visit Australia and New Zealand, with 26 destination and product partners in attendance. Those represented included suppliers from New York City, New York State, New England, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
The aim was to inspire and educate the trade on the depth and breadth of experiences on offer, and to promote the ease of connectivity within the East Coast region.
Agents in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane were brought up to speed on new developments, hotels, events and attractions within the region. The East Coast USA delegation highlighted the region’s pristine natural beauty, including icons like Niagara Falls, stunning coastline, culinary delights, and big city experiences all found in this diverse pocket of America.
Ten lucky agents from Australia and New Zealand also won a place on an East Coast USA familiarisation, October 23-29, flying American Airlines. The winners are Shernaz Engineer (Flight Centre NZ), Thaddeus D’Souza (Flight Centre NZ), Erica Slutzkin (FBI Intelligent Travel), Di Decker (Escape Travel), Kate Turner (Flight Centre), Samantha Neill (Flight Centre), Karlee Sinderman (Helloworld Circular Quay), Louise McCarthy (Travel Managers), Cheryl Perkins (Redcliffe Cruise and Travel) and Larry Sayer (Cruise About).
Travel Oregon says “cheers” to agents for an Australia and New Zealand trade mission
If there’s one thing Aussies and Kiwis can relate to its beer. So when Travel Oregon announced the focus of their trade mission for 2016 was to bring craft beer producers Downunder, travel agent attendance interest spiked.
Bridgeport Brewing and Hopworks, two breweries and their Brewmasters from Portland, Oregon will join Travel Oregon, Travel Portland, Jupiter Hotel, Mt. Hood Territory, Tualatin Valley, the Oregon Coast, Brewvana and Ninkasi on an August trade mission that will showcase Oregon beer and food pairings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The mission is a way for these Oregon partners to say “cheers” to the agents for all the business.
Agents will be able to hear about the tour offerings from Brewvana along with helpful information from other Oregon partners attending the trade mission. Dates for mission events are: Brisbane (Aug 1st, 6pm at Brisbane Brewing Company), Melbourne (Aug 2nd, 6pm at Crafty Squire), Sydney (Aug 4th, 6:30pm at Waterfront Restaurant The Rocks) and Auckland (Aug 9th, 6pm at Ponsonby Central).
Experience the Greek Islands on your Private Yacht
Join MedSea Yachts on a remarkable sailing journey. Experience the Greek Dodecanese Islands with its crystal clear waters, quaint villages and amazing history. This FAM will sail on our Turkish gulet (yacht) MedSea ES Canada which is 30 meter wooden gulet with 8 cabins and the ability to host up to 16 guests.
Our fully crewed yachts provide exceptional service and access to stunning locations that the larger ships can’t access. Our on-board chef will create three delicious meals for you each day using fresh local ingredients. We will start this journey in Rhodes, Greece and visit the islands of Symi, Nisyros, Tilos, Chalki, Alimia then return to Rhodes.
Dates: October 1 – 8, 2016
Price: $430 AUD or $300 Euro per person based on double occupancy.
Contact info@medseayachts.com or call 1(587)436-4075 for more information or to reserve your cabin.
Personal Travel Managers enjoy a taste of Thailand
The TravelManagers’ national conference will be held in Bangkok between 19-22 August and as a pre-causer, personal travel managers experienced an interactive training session courtesy of Thai Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The 16 Sydney based personal travel managers along with New South Wales Business Partnership Managers David McCarthy and Julie Anderson enjoyed an airfare update from Thai Airways sales executives’ Angela Tanis and Jane Allwright with product training from Sherly Handjojo, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s’ Marketing Manager for Australia.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about the Thai Airways special fares and their free stopover offer. I came away from the training learning something that I didn’t know before and that’s what makes a good training session,” says Maria Furnari, representative for Panania.
The personal travel managers indulged in a delicious Thai lunch following the exclusive masterclass training session.
MSC winning agent
Smiling with delight Maria Di Pietro from Jump on Board Travel celebrated last Friday her prize win of return flights with Etihad and a 7 night MSC Arabian Peninsula cruise aboard MSC Fantasia after attending their Melbourne function.
The event offered an update on Etihad’s growing network and MSC Cruises 2017 brochure. As a rose between two handsome gentlemen, Maria celebrated with Angelo Stoitsis, MSC Cruises Business Development Executive and Amir Klicic Corporate Sales Manager, Etihad Airways.
MTA announces key social media specialist appointment
Mobile Travel Agents has boosted its overall social media delivery with the appointment of specialist Karla Briski.
Announcing the appointment, MTA CEO, Don Beattie said Karla would be working closely with MTA Marketing & Communications Manager, Michelle Graham in further establishing and building on the company’s social media presence.
Her role will also include providing much needed support and advice to all MTA Members to ensure continuity in keeping with MTA’s social media-related brand guidelines.
Karla holds a BA in business, majoring in marketing and management with experience in photography and design. Prior to joining MTA, she was employed as Digital Channel Manager – Social Media at Village Roadshow Theme Parks.
“Having Karla on board represents a major win for MTA given her vast experience in this ever-important and ever-growing sector of our overall business model,” Mr Beattie said.
“The skill set she brings to us will have a major impact on what we want to achieve in this area moving forward.”
Do you have some photos and stories to share with us about your recent travels, acheivements or even news in your company or office? Send it through to journalist@travelweekly.com.au
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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