Big Fat Agent Wrap
We’re far too hungover to come up with anything witty today, so please enjoy this article we prepared earlier.
Queensland visitor experiences on show in Japan
A wide range of Queensland tourism experiences have been showcased in Japan this week as part of a Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) trade mission involving 22 businesses from across the state.
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said the Queensland on Tour Japan mission was an opportunity to meet with 270 Japanese tourism trade representatives in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.
TMS Talent purchases New Frontiers
TMS Talent has purchased high profile UK travel and hospitality recruitment specialist New Frontiers Recruitment Ltd, continuing their rapid expansion across the globe, this week.
TMS Talent is headed up by MD John Terry who has driven the phenomenal expansion of TMS Talent over the past 3 years, with outstanding growth in Sydney and the opening of high performing offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Bangkok in the past 12 months. TMS Talent is backed by Bangkok-based investor Steven Hamblin.
AAT Kings launches stylish new Australia 18/19 brochure
Featuring over 40 exciting itineraries across three different trip styles, AAT Kings’ new stylish Australia 2018/2019 brochure, provides agents with everything they need to bring the magic of this amazing destination to life. Whether clients wish to get under the skin of the destination, are travelling in a small group or simply seek a value escape, AAT Kings’ travel styles all reveal the must-see sights, sounds and flavours of Australia.
The Guided Holidays portfolio features itineraries highlighting the far corners of Australia with the bestselling destinations still being the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia. With a choice between First Choice and Best Buy holidays, there’s an option for everyone.
Up to $500 travel credits from Beyond Travel
Destination specialist Beyond Travel has just released the largest selection of premium escorted tours available in 2018 Croatia, Turkey, The Balkans, Eastern & Central Europe and Russia with a choice of more than thirty tours with bonus Discover More Travel Vouchers when you book by December 29 this year.
The 20-day ‘Moscow to Vienna’ premium escorted tour has $500 Travel Vouchers per couple available. Priced from $5200 per person twin share, it travels through Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic and Austria.
For those with less time this tour can be shortened to end in Warsaw, making it a 14-day tour from $4080 per person twin share or slightly longer to continue to Prague over 18-days from $4980 per person twin share. Both these shorter versions of the tour include a Discover More Travel Voucher of $400 per couple.
Tempo escort agents to India
Tempo Holidays recently escorted a super-agent famil to India to experience the diversity and cultural intricacies of the fascinating destination.
Starting in Delhi, agents were immersed in India’s capital and bustling metropolis that effortlessly combines ancient traditions with modern life.
Next, was of course a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal – with a sightseeing tour of Agra. This included a sunrise visit in which agents learnt all about the monument which was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete.
On the famil agents also visited Jaipur, the ‘pink city’ including an excursion to Amber Fort and Jodhpur, once the capital of former princely state of Marwar.
Globus and Cosmos explore regional Italy with new tours announced
Mouth-watering pizza, world-class wines and charming country scenery will take centre-stage on Globus family of brands’ five new Italy tours, which were announced today as part of the 2018 European brochure release for the Globus, Cosmos and Monograms brands.
The five new Italy tours join an exciting list of 18 new tours throughout Europe across all three brands, and include a special homage to Globus in celebration of its 90th birthday with its Top of Switzerland tour priced from $1,928 – 1928 being the year Globus founder started transporting guests across Lake Lugano in Switzerland.
The variety of new European offerings are designed to suit travellers whether they are looking for a carefully crafted travel experience with Globus; a fuss-free Cosmos experience offering freedom and flexibility; or an independent, VIP experience with Monograms.
Highlights of the new Italy tours include sampling a local pasticcioto and almond coffee in Lecce, taking a boat cruise in the ancient city of Motya or spending a night in the picturesque Cellino San Marco.
SHE launches new Sri Lanka retreats – and this time men are invited
Expanding on its women-only surfing retreats to Bali, SHE surfs has teamed up with Westside Yoga for ‘Earth to Ocean’ – a marriage of fitness, adventure and spiritualism in Sri Lanka.
The first Earth to Ocean experience will launch late November and promises to take
participants “to their edge”, teaching skills for life that they can take home and utilise daily. And for the first time, men will also be able to enjoy a SHE surfs experience.
The timing is especially convenient for travellers from Melbourne as SriLankan Airlines is launching direct flights to Colombo from 29 October, while those from other locations are recommended to fly to Singapore and connect to Colombo.
SHE has selected the seaside area of Kabalana for its pristine beaches, intriguing history, and its untapped attractions that should impress even seasoned travellers.
Agents could win a stay in Monaco!
In conjunction with the Monaco Government Tourist Office, French Travel Connection are offering two agents the chance to win a 2-night stay in glamourous Monaco. The lucky winners will also get to go on a sensational helicopter ride from Monaco to Nice, receive special attention at the stylish Columbus Monte-Carlo hotel and a book of entrance tickets to museums and attractions.
How to win? Book any ‘Passport to Monte-Carlo’ between 19 September and 31 December.
Explore the Vast Australian Outback with APT
Explore the remote and boundless vistas of the Australian Outback, as award winning travel operator APT celebrates the release of their 2018 Outback Wilderness Adventures brochure by offering a range of Superdeals for early bird bookings.
The 12-day Cooktown and Cape York tour takes in the tropical, coastal and rugged scenery of northern Queensland in small groups of only 20 guests. Prices start at $8,995, per person, twin share, with additional Superdeal, an air credit of $1,200 per couple, available if booking before 15 December.
TravelManagers and DriveAway Holidays Celebrate Ten Year Partnership
Milestones are worthy of recognition and for DriveAway Holidays, their ten-year partnership with TravelManagers is something to celebrate.
DriveAway recently awarded TravelManagers a Partnership Award to commemorate a decade partnership and recognising the significant sales contribution of well above average year on year growth made by TravelManagers, over the past ten years.
Nathan Baber, DriveAway’s National Industry Sales Manager reflects on the TravelManagers relationship as being a true partnership developed over the years.
Contiki makes travelling to Europe more accessible
Leading youth travel experts, Contiki, continues to celebrate the launch of its new 2018/19 European Summer program by announcing new ways for millennials to save this season.
Whether they choose to wander across the Iberian Peninsula or find themselves charmed by fairy-tale castles in Rhine Valley – young travellers can save up to $700 off their airfare, making selling these summer departures even easier for agents.
Contiki is now offering millennials three buckets worth of airfare savings, where they can save either $300, $500 or $700 off their airfare, depending on which European adventure they choose to embark on.
If that’s not enough to get your clients packing, they can ALSO combine this bonus airfare saving with the current 10% Early Payment Discount when they book select European summer itineraries, available across a wide range of bestselling trips.
Ormina Tours launches a new Level of Luxury Travel with its Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains Tour
With the release of their new 2018 program, Ormina Tours has embraced a new level of premium travel with the introduction of its Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains Small Group Journey.
The tour is a scenic, nature-inspired journey delivering the best of Italy and Switzerland’s stunning lakes, intimate lakeside villages and beautiful mountains over 9 leisurely days, including 8 nights in exquisite 5 star hotels offering the best views, service and facilities that the area has to offer.
Broome, Kimberley and Beyond & VA recent Famil to the NT
Broome, Kimberley and Beyond and Virgin Australia, recently hosted six lucky agents to the top end where they spent a few nights in Darwin.
The group experienced Litchfield National Park with AAT Kings, Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin Sunset Harbour Cruise, and spent 2 nights at Bamurru Plains Wilderness Lodge where they went on safari, air-boating and quad biking to name a few of the highlights.
First Picture: Ben Lawrence from Albury Travel, Julie Taylor from VA, , Michelle Miller from RAC Carousel, Saibra Twigg from Australind Travel, Leah Cox from Italk Travel Rutherford, Carmen Reinstein from Carmen Meander Travel, Kim Douglas from Broome, Kimberley and Beyond, and Glenn Box from Mudgee Travel & Cruise.
Second Picture: From left to right, Kim Douglas from Broome, Kimberley and Beyond, Glenn Box from Mudgee Travel & Cruise, Leah Cox from Italk Travel Rutherford, and Carmen Reinstein from Carmen Meander Travel, Michelle Miller from RAC Carousel, Ben Lawrence from Albury Travel, Julie Taylor from VA, Saibra Twigg from Australind Travel.
Forty day giveaway for travel agents
Allianz Global Assistance has today announced the launch of a national 40 day giveaway to celebrate the 40th birthday of one of their longstanding and industry-leading travel partners, Travellers Choice.
Allianz Global Assistance, who have partnered with Travellers Choice for over 4 years, will offer Travellers Choice agents the chance to pocket $100 every weekday until 16 November, with an additional major jackpot prize of $1,000 being drawn during the Travellers Choice Annual Shareholders Conference that will take place from 17 – 19 of November.
Parq Vancouver set to debut 29 September 2017
Downtown Vancouver’s ever-changing skyline will evolve once again when the city’s newest entertainment destination, Parq Vancouver, opens its doors on Friday, September 29, 2017. A celebratory roll of the dice on the casino floor will mark the occasion.
Built to meet LEED Gold environmental standards, Parq Vancouver is the largest private development in British Columbia, delivering everything in one stunning space; including two world-class luxury hotels, a coveted culinary line-up, a new standard in convention hospitality, state-of-the-art gaming, and a transformative outdoor experience that is unique to Vancouver and uniquely Vancouver.
Virgin Trains customers can now bid for last minute First Class upgrades in global first
Virgin Trains brings innovative Seatfrog technology to its east coast customers enabling them to bid for seat upgrades. Virgin Trains customers can now bid on last minute upgrades for First Class tickets on east coast services via innovative upgrade app Seatfrog. The partnership is a world first for rail passengers and will enable more people than ever to enjoy the perks of First Class.
Wendy Wu continues digital expansion in USA
Wendy Wu Tours are delighted to announce the third phase of their digital transformation strategy in the USA, due for completion in the first quarter of 2018.
Commenting on the next phase of Wendy Wu Tours’ digital business transformation, Joe Karbo, Global Group Chief Executive said, “Following our successful UK trade portal online launch in June this year and Australia in August, I am pleased to advise that our new technology will soon be available to Wendy Wu Tours USA partners and agents in early 2018 allowing, them online access to the Wendy Wu Tours travel portfolio.
“As well as offering a diverse range of travel products, the new booking journey will be faster and more streamlined, proving a tremendous advantage to our US partners who will benefit immensely from our online improvements.”
Insider Journeys will no longer offer Small Group Journeys or FIT Product Range for Thailand
Insider Journeys has decided to move away from offering its Small Group Journeys (SGJ) and FIT product range in Thailand with effect from end December 2017. All SGJ and FIT bookings currently held and deposited for travel post that date will be honoured.
Insider Journeys Managing Director, Tony Mayell explained the rationale for this decision. “Thailand has been a very strong performing destination for Insider Journeys, however in recent years we have seen it become more of a mainstream destination so we are consolidating with our Helloworld Travel linked wholesale businesses, Qantas Holidays and Viva Holidays with their exceptional product range available through their Thailand programme.
“Insider Journeys will continue to focus on destinations that lend themselves to Small Group Journeys and tailor made FIT packages that we do better than anyone else.”
TTC Weekly Deals
North to South
Guests of AAT Kings can receive a free return airfare to New Zealand when they book the 18-day Best of New Zealand guided holiday, travelling from the blue waters and sandy white beaches of the North Island, to the snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines of the South Island, they’ll explore every nook of New Zealand. Guests will explore native rainforests and pristine lakes, and also get the taste of Maori culture with a heart-pounding haka welcoming them to Rotorua.
This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $6,650 with free return airfare* departing Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide twin share and available on select departures between 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com. Conditions Apply *
Rolling Chianti Hills
Secure a Trafalgar guided holiday for you clients along with a fully transparent air deal where guests can Fly for $699 return to Europe and Britain, when they book any of the 95 summer Europe and Britain Trafalgar trips on offer, before 2 November 2017 (subject to availability). Guests can be the first to book the new 11-day Wonders of Italy guided holiday along with an airfare to Rome and see the city of one hundred churches, the imposing towers of picturesque San Gimignano and the seas of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that cling dramatically to the Cinque Terre’s Ligurian cliffs.
Priced from $3,475 per person, twin share PLUS Fly for $699, reflective of departure dates available between 29 July – 19 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
The Douro
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection continues to offer The Ultimate 2018 Air Offer for guests to Fly Free return to Europe economy class or upgrade to Business Class from $4,599 when they book a 2018 European voyage before 30th September. Travellers can combine this air offer with the 13- day Jewels of Spain, Portugal and the Douro river cruise & tour from Madrid to Lisbon. This journey is for those who seek to experience the best of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, culture, art, history and the dramatic landscape that surrounds these intriguing countries.
Including 11-days of captivating escorted excursions, 3 nights in Madrid at the Westin Palace (or similar), a 7-night river cruise in a Riverview stateroom onboard the majestic Queen Isabel, 2-nights in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Hotel, all meals and beverages unlimited onboard and more! Priced from $9,199 pp twin-share (including economy class airfare) or from $13,799 pp with a Business Class airfare, departing 28 June & 26 July 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com .
Bucket load of savings
Contiki is now offering millennials three buckets worth of airfare savings, where they can save either $700, $500 or $300 off their European airfare, depending on which summer 2018/19 adventure they choose to embark on. These savings are combinable with the current 10% Early Payment Discount, valid until 14 December 2017. Travellers can save from $293 off the 20-day European Experience and will save an additional $700 off their flights.
This trip is the perfect midpoint for those feeling unsure about how much time they have and what their budget is. Starting in London, passing through the French Riviera, Italy, Austrian Tyrol, the Swiss Alps, Rhine Valley ending in Amsterdam, travellers will find themselves sipping vino at Contiki’s Château & boating through the canals of Venice. Priced from $3,142*per person (including discount) and available for travel between 2 April 2018 – 19 September 2018. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply
Prestigious Locales
In case you haven’t heard, Insight Vacations has announced the most incredible air deal – fly for just $299* return to Europe when you book one of the twelve 2018 European Discoveries on offer with Insight before 2 November 2017. Guests can combine this air offer with the NEW 16-day Mediterranean Journey from London through Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Barcelona, Tuscany, Rome and more. On this journey travellers will meet a local foodie for a behind the scenes look into Parisian life. Try some local delicacies in a patisserie, boulangerie, fromagerie and chocolatier on a gourmet walking tour off the beaten track.
Priced from $6,174 per person twin share (including return flights to Europe) price reflective of departures available 21 July – 18 August 2018 (other departures available for alternate price, subject to availability). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.
Fire and Flare – Iberian Adventure
Travellers can save up to 15% off Busabout ‘s European Hop-on Hop-off passes, Adventures, Sailing and Festivals, as well as their Scotland, Ireland and winter offerings when they book before 21 December 2017. Feel the vibrant energy of Spain and Portugal, book your clients on Busabout’s new and improved 7-day Iberian Adventure from Madrid, through Seville, Lagos, Granada and Toledo where they can save up to 12% off! On this adventure, they’ll be aroused by the flare and fire of flamenco dancing and visit the trendiest bars in Lagos.
Priced from $791 per person twin share (including discount) including a Busabout guide and driver, 6 nights’ hotel accommodation (twin and triple share), 6 breakfasts, guided tour with a local through Seville, entry into Alhambra, Busabout pub crawl in Lagos and more! Available on 2018 departures. To book quote promocode EB1. For more information and a range of other Europe and Asia trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226
Latest News
Collette goes off the beaten track with Canyon Country tour
To be clear TW is not advocating actually walking off the beaten track. Avoid the coyotes. Stay on the beaten track.
Intrepid & Korean Tourism Organisation team up to give agents a cooking masterclass
These guys learnt that Korean cooking is more than just putting kimchi on 2-minute noodles (as we once thought).
Winner, winner! Intrepid reveals the 9 lucky agents that won $2k
Who won the incentive? Which Intrepid trip will they spend it on? What day of the week is it again? Where am I? Huh?
Corporate Traveller reports 42% increase in Easter traffic this year
Business travellers just love Easter! Expect plenty of chocolate stained documents returning to the office on Tuesday.
Turbulent year wiped $384m off Qantas brand value: Report
Meanwhile, eating tuna at your desk can damage your own personal office brand value by several thousand dollars.
FAMIL: Room-Res & Singapore Tourism Board shows agents the Lion City’s roar
Click this article to see a man very impressed by a 20-layer chocolate cake. We're not kidding, he loved it!
Oceania Cruises offers sailors free pre-cruise hotel stay
Looking for ways to make your holidays as long as possible? Look no further.
Bonza launches new website to compliment app, agent portal
Does news about an airline's website fill you with ecstasy, glee and joy? Get your hit of the good stuff here.
MTA agents attends ‘Lunch ‘n’ Learn’ with AMA Waterways
When organising the event, Lunch 'n' Learn beat out Dinner 'n' Divulge and Breakfast 'n' Banter. Understandably so.
Travelmarvel reveals 2025 South America tours
If you spot any typos in the newsletter today it is because TW became distracted Googling images of Machu Picchu.
Tourists from 5 countries could be BANNED from visiting Australia
Anthony Albanese's immigration laws could impact tourism from certain countries.
Just how many passengers will Qantas & Jetstar hop around this Easter?
Airline workers are ready for gleeful Easter travellers! Also prepared for sticky children with chocolate on their face.
Air New Zealand gets ready for bumper Easter weekend
Air NZ gears up for travelling passengers this Easter, while TW looks to beat our egg eating record. 117 here we come!
Four Seasons Yachts reveals first itineraries to the Caribbean & Mediterranean
These trips look so good we wish there were five seasons! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
FAMIL: Travellers Choice treats top agents to the wonders of Rotorua
This one's got plenty of famil pics and no one looks shockingly hungover in them! Clearly no TW staffers were there.
European Waterways celebrates 50th anniversary with week-long founders cruise
Plan on celebrating your 50th anniversary with a bottle of Moët and fairy bread? European Waterways has better ideas.
100th route! Jetstar celebrates the launch of Brisbane-Avalon with 12 hour sale
Jetstar knocks a ton and celebrates with a sale while TW once scored a ton and celebrated with about 17 beers.
Record-breaking year for NSW as visitor expenditure soars past $50 billion
Enjoy running round the Opera House? Be prepared to elbow even more tourists out the way.
Norwegian Cruise Line makes play for solo travellers
NCL ensuring you don't have to go trawling Tinder to find a cruise partner. Thank goodness, we were sick of catfishing.
Entire Travel Group’s Canada and Europe 2024/25 brochures are out now
Entire's new brochure is bittersweet; it both informs your clients and makes you envious of the holiday they'll take.
Malaysia Airlines adds 3 new destinations & A330neo seats
More seats means cheaper airfares and more money to spend on overpriced airport sandwiches. Woohoo!
Two divine days onboard Crystal Serenity
It's only pure serenity onboard this ship. Anxiety, agitation and anguish have been rejected by the bouncer.
How the Globus Family of Brands elevates coach touring: Travel Weekly TV with Chris Fundell
Chris' here so you don't think coaches mean peeling your thighs off a sticky leather seat every time you stand up!
The Flight Centre Foundation gears up for massive 2024 with 3 new board members
The foundation looks to invest $200k this year, spurring the TW journos to figure out how to qualify as a charity.
Barking Owl Communications to head up Anantara & Avani in ANZ
Fellow PR competitors had been barking up the wrong tree even thinking of bidding for this job!
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
1000MTG’s second global conference reminds agents to ‘strive and thrive’
Alongside messages to 'strive' and 'thrive' were those to 'survive', 'drive', 'arrive' and 'jive' (when appropriate).
Qantas A330 makes “loud bang”, pilots forced to shut down one engine
Qantas refusing to let Boeing have all the headlines in aviation world today!
GX Community Tourism Summit 2024 location revealed!
The new location has arrived and it'll blow your socks off! Time for another trip to Target for more socks then.
Visiting the destination my Mum didn’t want me to
Yet again, this journo has been a stress to his mother. Discover how this trip spurred his mother's anxiety here.
Agents come out of their shells at P&O’s turtle hatchery event
For some, it's a few glasses of bubbles to lure them out of their shell. For these agents, it was a bit more literal.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Virgin looks to swap MAX 10 order for MAX 8s amid Boeing delays: Reports
Virgin has changed its order for something smaller. Much like we have to at Maccas following a worrying doctor's visit.
Club Med unveils newest luxury yacht for 2024/25 early bird sale
This yacht is preserved for the early birds! Night Owls may also get onboard depending how late they stay up.
Abercrombie & Kent 2024 Asia Portfolio is here
Round up the family and get planning an Asia jaunt. Or, if they're hard to handle, brush them all and go it alone!
Elevate your earnings: Final days to secure double commission with Inspiring Vacations’ March offer
What could inspire you to sell more Inspiring Vacations? Double commission of course! That's all the inspiration needed.