We thought it was Friday when we cracked open the wine last night, so have put this wrap together through blurry eyes and bacon rolls.

Mobile Travel Agent visits Bora Bora for Island Destination study tour

Arriving in style at Tahiti’s renowned Bora Bora, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Julie Evans who was lucky enough to participate in a recent Island Destinations 2017 French Polynesia Study Tour.

Visiting Taha’a, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete during the 10-day program, Julie’s itinerary included the opportunity to stay at and inspect several of the world’s most opulent resorts including the Four Seasons Bora Bora, Papeete’s Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa and the Sofitel/

A highlight of the program, a private plane flight and stay The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island hot on the heels of former US President, Barack Obama who recently departed after a short 24-day break.

Constellation Journeys gain AFTA Accreditation, and appoints new reps for NSW and QLD

Constellation Journeys has gained AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) approval joining the peak industry body as the company prepares to launch an all-inclusive global adventures taking guests by privately chartered Qantas 747.

The new website and journey brochure has launched, with the company’s first tour departing Sydney in 2018 visiting Hanoi, India, The Serengeti, Marrakech, New York, Havana and Tahiti.

They have also launched an incentive, offering travel agents the chance to win seats on the company’s inaugural global tour. Entry is opening for bookings made before 5pm on 25 August 2017. Entry is open to Australian travel agents who make a booking and whose clients make final payments for Constellation Journeys Around the World Tour departing 22 April 2018. After making a booking, the travel agent entrant will be invited to describe in25 words or less why they also wish to on the tour. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality.

Constellation Journeys have also appointed David Reeves as senior sales representation in New South Wales. David is a specialist with more than thirty five years experience in travel product sales and marketing. Larry Burrows, a specialist with extensive experience representing tour operators and wholesalers, will market Constellation Journeys in Queensland and Northern Territory.

Airtrain launches new travel agent website

Airtrain has launched a travel agency website that enables all agents to make reservations, manage bookings, and view Airtrain products and timetables using an instantaneous booking process that sends e-tickets directly to customers; rather than distributing paper tickets or stocking pre-paid tickets.

“The website gives travel agents more certainty and fewer obstacles when booking Airtrain tickets for their customers to ease travelling to and from their hotel accommodation and the Brisbane Airport,” Airtrain’s CEO, Chris Basche said.
Airtrain also offers all Brisbane City hotels the option to install an Airtrain screen to display train departure times for guests.

In addition to the train travel, Gold Coast passengers also have access to hotel transfers with Airtrain’s chauffeur service, Airtrain Connect – a premium door-to-door service including an express train ride to Gold Coast stations plus a chauffeured private vehicle transfer to accommodation or private address.

New travel directory to make Planning road trips easy

Travel show, The Great Australian Doorstep (GADs) has made planning road trips easy with the creation of an online travel directory jam-packed with everything needed to explore and enjoy our vast and varied continent.

Located on the long-running TV and radio show’s website, the My Road Trip Travel Directory gives GADs viewers access to more than 40,000 travel-related operators that they’ll find useful when they hit the road. The directory is brimming with detailed information on accommodation, attractions, restaurants, tours, events, activities, hire and essential information in every Australian state and territory.

It is the go-to guide for road travellers to help them make the most of any destination they choose for their next self-drive, camping, caravanning, 4WD or RV motorhome adventure.

Offering everything from funky beach houses and VIP wildlife tours to wilderness camping and tall ship reef cruises, the travel directory contains detailed descriptions, photos and all the relevant contacts.

To access the My Road Trip Travel Directory, visit greataustraliandoorstep.com/travel-directory.

Excite Holidays takes agents on an Arabian adventure!

Excite Holidays in partnership with Dubai Tourism, recently held two exclusive agent events in both Brisbane and Sydney.

Held at Byblos Bar & Restaurant at Portside Wharf in Brisbane, and Embers Mezze Bar in Sydney, the events were a chance for agents to learn more about Dubai and to see all that this incredible Arabian destination has to offer – now and in the future.

During the exclusive dinner events, the agents treated their tastebuds to tantalizing Arabian dishes and desserts that were filled with the authentic flavours of Dubai. It was during this time that they heard from Sheree Pekovich – Regional Sales Manager, Dubai Tourism. Sheree was the presenter at both events, and showcased to agents the reasons why Dubai is the perfect extended stopover or standalone destination for all travellers. She gave travel tips and insights that will help agents sell Dubai, and tailor their client’s holiday to suit their wants and needs.

On The Go Tours celebrates international Tiger Day

On The Go Tours are celebrating International Tiger Day (29th July) by offering travellers a 20% discount on their bestselling Shere Khan group tour in India.

International Tiger Day is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation, an initiative On The Go Tours has supported for years through their work with TOFTigers. This charity works to provide responsible safari tourism in India, protect its biodiversity, and ultimately its tigers. On The Go Tours contributes to TOFTigers much needed funds, which are put towards safeguarding and growing tiger populations, by making a contribution for every passenger that travels on their Shere Khan tour.

The 20% discount is valid for bookings made between 28th July to 11th August 2017 on Shere Khan tours departing on selected dates in 2017/2018. The Shere Khan experience is priced from $1,356 per person (discounted from $1,695), and includes three game drives in Ranthambore National Park, touring of Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Karauli, and Jaipur and the Amber Fort, nine nights’ accommodation in 3-4*hotels and a jungle lodge, nine breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners. This group tour includes all relevant transportation including airport arrival and departure transfers.

New Borneo tour with Wendy Wu

The brand new 15-day Best of Borneo tour introduces travellers to two brand new areas, never before visited by Wendy Wu Tours – Bako National Park and the Gomantong Caves.

Bako National Park, located in Sarawak, covers the northern tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula, and covers an area of over 27 sq km. Like a microcosm of Borneo, Bako offers travellers almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo, as well as a replete and rich variety of wildlife – including long-tailed macaques, silver leaf monkeys, wild boar and a host of birdlife. The 15-day tour commences in Kuching, taking in Sarawak, before heading to Bako National Park.

Wendy Wu Tours’ Best of Borneo 15-day tour departs in April and September 2018, and is priced from $5,950 per person twin share. Now open for booking, the tour includes flights ex-SYD/MEL/ADL, accommodation, transport, all meals, all touring and entrance fees and expert English-speaking guides.

New Zealand agents surf wave of demand to attend Cruise360

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia is experiencing unprecedented demand from New Zealand travel agents to attend the Cruise360 conference being held in Sydney next month. Already four times as many New Zealand agents have signed up to attend Cruise360 this year as attended the last event and will make up around 10 per cent of all conference delegates.

CLIA’s recently released 2016 Source Market Report revealed that more than 90,000 New Zealanders – or around 2 per cent of the population – enjoyed cruise holidays in 2016. That figure was up 36 per cent on 2015 – making the country one of the world’s top performing markets.

Given that level of consumer demand the opportunity to attend Cruise360 and secure fresh insights and understanding is attracting agents from all over New Zealand.

Acknowledged as the southern hemisphere’s biggest cruise conference, Cruise360, docks in Sydney on Friday 25th August and features global industry leaders, interactive panel discussions, and specialist breakout sessions, in tandem with a dynamic trade show bringing together the best of the best in global cruising.

The event provides a one-stop opportunity to secure deep and valuable insights about trends and opportunities in cruising that will help agents delight their customers and grow sales.

Back-Roads Touring have launched their 2018 brochure with 10% off Early Bird special

Back-Roads Touring has unveiled their brochure featuring 50 of its summer 2018 tours. Travellers will be offered 11 new itineraries to choose from, including destinations like Iceland, Naples, Malta and Madeira, as well as a Dubai stopover.

The new itineraries have been added to the already extensive Back-Roads Touring offering. Back-Roads Touring Country Manager (Australia and New Zealand), Dennis Basham said now is the time to take advantage and book one of the 50 tours on offer, with the Early Bird saving available from 18 July 2017 through to 31 August 2017.

In addition to the new tours and expansion into new countries and regions, the brand has also introduced sailing trips through the idyllic waters of Italy & Croatia and canal cruising in France.

The itineraries of the 50 tours will be released in the Back-Roads Touring 2018 brochure, which will be available online Tuesday 18 July, 2017. Details of the tours included in the Early-Bird Deal can be found on their website.

Personal Travel Managers Treated to Food, Wine and Scenery of NorCal

Five personal travel managers (PTMs) who participated in an exclusive TravelManagers’ famil of Northern California discovered that, whilst an eight-day guided tour was long enough to whet their appetites, they would happily savour a much longer stay in this scenic part of the world.

The group was hosted by Trafalgar Tours and Qantas Airways, and according to Sarena Taylor, representative for Robina in Queensland, the opportunity to experience a long-haul journey with Qantas was a great start to the famil.

One of the main highlights for all five PTMs was the opportunity to spend time in Yosemite National Park, which Julie Jenkinson, representative for Doonan in Queensland, describes as “jaw-dropping.”

As well as the outstanding natural beauty encountered throughout the famil, great food and wine was another popular feature for the group.

Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold Launch $599 air offer to USA and Canada

Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, have made it even more accessible for clients to travel to  the USA and Canada with the launch of its new “hard to resist” air-offer.  Guest can fly return for only $599 per person return (including taxes) when booking a 2018 USA or Canada trip.

Not only is this a market leadingair offer at $599 return, the choice of destination is broad. With over 24 crafted itineraries to choose from guests can discover the Best of Eastern Canada and USA for a cosmopolitan escape, experience an incredible journey coast-to-coast on America the Beautiful or explore America’s Magnificent National Parks.

 With Luxury Gold, why not witness the work of Mother Nature on the 22-day Majesty of the Rockies itinerary or explore the states of the south  with an unforgettable journey on the Southern Grace itinerary.

This offer is for a limited time only from 25 July 2017 to 28 August 2017, departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.

Universal Studios Hollywood now wholesaling Halloween Horror Nights Day/Night Combo Ticket

For the first time in Australia & New Zealand, Universal Studios Hollywood has released commissionable tickets for sale by the trade for its upcoming Halloween Horror Nights festivities.

With a Day/Night Combo ticket, your clients can visit Universal Studios by day and enjoy access to all daytime attractions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM, the world-famous Studios Tour featuring Fast & Furious – Supercharged, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and more.

Then on a select event night, prepare for the scariest, most intense Halloween event in Southern California featuring 8 terrifying mazes based on the most frightening films and television shows ever (including American Horror Story, The Shining, Ash vs. Evil Dead and The Walking Dead), a new Terror Tram experience, an all-new Jabbawockeez live show and mega scare zones awaiting around every dark corner.

While the day portion of the ticket is valid for any day between September 8 to November 12, the HHN ticket (night portion) is only valid on select nights and these can be checked through your preferred wholesaler (Infinity, Helloworld, Si or House of Travel) at the time of booking.

The first winner announced to join Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Mega-Fam 

Today, Disney Destinations is pleased to announce the lucky winner of the first random spot on the popular ‘Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Mega-Fam’.  Kylie Sweetman from italktravel Highfields in Queensland is the first of 10 agents from Australia and New Zealand who will travel to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for a once in a lifetime familiarisation this October.    

The 10 agents will celebrate Halloween with none other than Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park and will be amongst the first Australian and New Zealand Travel Agents to explore the all-new ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which opened to the public for the first time in May 2017.

The winners will be selected based on top selling retail and wholesale agents throughout the incentive period.  Plus, this year, three randomly drawn spots are on offer– meaning every booking made counts.  

To be part of the action, agents must make a valid profile on wheredreamscometrue.com.au and register any eligible Disney Destinations, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines bookings that fit the competitions criteria listed on the site.  The incentive is run in conjunction with airline sponsors Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines. The incentive period runs until 24 September 2017.

Scenic World Gives back with new Philanthropic Program

Scenic World has launched a new philanthropic program as part of the attraction’s ongoing effort to support the Blue Mountains and create a lasting impact that improves lives locally.

Working alongside partners who are committed to the sustainable growth of the community, Scenic World Shared builds the capacity of the Blue Mountains, supports future generations, and preserves the World Heritage-listed environment.

Developed with the input of visitors, staff and locals, the program harnesses the strengths of four major partners to deliver better outcomes for the Blue Mountains across three key pillars – community, education and environment.

Building on decades of local philanthropy, Scenic World will invest three percent of its profits to support diverse partnerships that assist the community and environment, including  the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), Western Sydney University, schools Plus & Katoomba High School and Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI).

The Travel Corporation’s latest travel deals

Invincible swords

For a limited time secure your clients 2018 Europe and Britain departures at 2017 prices  with Trafalgar before 12 September 2017 and they will also save an additional 10% off with an Early Payment Discount. They can SAVE $355 per person on the 16-day Spain, Morocco and Portugal guided holiday where ornate architectural wonders, the scent of spice markets and warm Mediterranean sun are theirs to explore. Guests will travel from Madrid through Granada, Fez, Marrakesh, Seville, Lisbon and more, with a cultural insight into the art of forging the highest quality steel crafting the invincible swords of Toledo.

Priced from $3,195 per person twin-share (including discount), reflective of departure dates available on 30 June 2018 – 25 August 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). For more information or a further selection of Trafalgar’s authentic, fun and effortless guided holidays visit www.trafalgar.com or call Trafalgar on 1800 002 006(toll-free).*conditions apply.

Holiday Spirit

Start your countdown to Christmas and spread the holiday spirit! Ensure your clients enjoy a saving of 25% off when they book a last minute European or Holiday Season 2017 voyage with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection before 31 August 2017. Guest of Uniworld can save $1,075 per person when they book the 8-day Rhine Holiday Markets river cruise from Cologne to Basel, where they will discover the roots to many Christmas traditions.

They’ll explore some of Europe’s most charming towns, Switzerland, France and Germany that provide the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseur’s Christmas market cruise. Including 6- days of captivating escorted excursions, a 7-night river cruise in a Riverview stateroom onboard the exquisite S.S. Antoinette, all meals and beverages unlimited and more!

Priced from A$3,225 per person (including saving) departing  12^th December 2017 (other departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231.

Eastern Festive Trek

The clock is ticking, with just 4 days left of Busabout’s winter deal! Secure your clients a SAVING of up to 10% OFF Winter with Busabout’s winter is so hot right now sale when they book before 31^st of July 2017. Travellers can save $162 off per person on the 11-day Eastern Festive Trek and start their Eastern European festive experience at the traditional Christmas Markets of Prague, spend Christmas in Vienna, soak in the thermal pools of Budapest and spend New Year’s in Krakow!

Priced from $1,457 (including discount), including their Busabout crew, 8 nights’ hostel multi share accommodation, 10 breakfasts, a local Christmas eve dinner and walking tour of Krakow. Offer valid for any trip departing between 22 December 2017 – 1 January 2018. To book quote promocode CHILLOUT.  For more information and a range of other winter Europe trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Europe’s Best Bits

For those Millennials feeling massive FOMO right now, craving another European adventure, now’s their chance to lock in a 2018 summer in Europe with Contiki. They can now book a 2018 European Summer departure at 2017 prices with Contiki before 5^th September 2017, AND receive an additional 10% off their trip! Your clients can save from $276*off Contiki’s 12-day European Discovery trip, a long-time travellers favourite.

From a traditional German beer hall to a breathtaking Austrian mountain range, and a gelateria in Rome, travellers will get a taste for all the best bits, ticking off 8 countries in one trip.Priced at $2,489 *per person (including discount) and available for travel between 29 Mar 2018 -4 Oct 2018. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply)

Quirky Tasmania

Your clients can receive a FREE return airfare to Tasmania (departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide) when they book the 12-day AAT Kings Perfect Tasmania guided holiday. Guests will explore Hobart’s Salamanca, witness the stunning natural beauty of Russell Falls, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, visit the quirky and controversial MONA museum by ferry and tantalise their taste buds with Tasmanian Salmon, local cheese and other delicious treats.

This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $4,995 with free return airfare, twin share and available on select departures 1 September 2017 – 31 August 2018 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com *Conditions Apply.