Agents to be among the first to experience Scenic Eclipse

Australian and New Zealand agents will be among the first in the world to experience Scenic Eclipse – the World’s First Discovery Yacht.

Scenic is offering 17 agents a coveted chance to cruise on board Scenic Eclipse on her seven night South America Coastline Cruise from Guayaquil in Ecuador to Valparaiso in Chile, departing 16 November 2018.

10 agents from Australia and New Zealand who make the highest deposited sales across all Scenic product between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 will secure their spot on the famil.

In addition, the top seven Scenic Eclipse sellers – one from NSW/ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA/NT, WA and NZ – will also be earn a coveted spot on this cruise.

Scenic will keep the industry informed on who is in the running for these exclusive spots, via monthly updates.

Experience the tastes of France on a new walk with Mary Moody

Australian author and food lover, Mary Moody, is combining her passion for fresh produce with her love of exploring, to lead a new walking tour in 2018 – a “Food Lover’s Way of St James” walk in France.

UTracks, the active Europe specialist, has announced Mary Moody will lead a 12-day guided walk along the French Way of St James in both May and September 2018.

Mary Moody’s love affair with the cuisine and landscapes of south west France, (which is well documented in her best-selling memoirs), has seen her make her second home directly on the Camino trail.

Her specially crafted Food Lovers’ itinerary combines the essence of the Way of St James pilgrimage with the region’s many culinary delights including delectable cheeses, wines and truffles.

All Aboard! Personal Travel Managers Experience the Indian Pacific 

A select group of personal travel managers (PTMs) recently experienced an exclusive TravelManagers famil on the Indian Pacific hosted by partner supplier Great Southern Rail.

The ten PTMs, Joshua Faddoul representative for Adelaide, Judy Gillings representative for Bateau Bay, Cathy Moir representative for Gymea Bay, Phil Kimberlee representative for Chelsea Heights, Heather Taylor representative for Mornington, Simone Fraser representative for Wandin East, Hillary Packer representative for Morphett Vale, Anne-Maree Selmo representative for Edithvale, Sarah Harington representative for Maroochydore and Maria Pandalai representative for Townsville were hosted by Bianca Sargent, Business Development Coordinator – Domestic, Great Southern Rail.

Linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the aptly named Indian Pacific offers an insight into the contrasts and endless vistas from the Blue Mountains to the barren expanse of the Nullabor. The entire journey covers 4,352 kilometers across Australia from Perth to Sydney over three nights and four days. The PTMs experienced the two-day Sydney to Adelaide itinerary via the historic Silver City of Broken Hill.

Royal Caribbean’s 10 year agent incentive: last chance to win $100,000

With just under one week left to enter, Royal Caribbean’s mega 10th Birthday agent incentive has seen hundreds of Aussie and Kiwi travel agents take home spectacular prizes, including two eight night South Pacific cruises – one on Ovation of the Seas and another on Celebrity Solstice – 100 $50 EFTPOS cards and 300 movie tickets, with plenty more prizes up for grabs.

Nine of the 10 invitations to play for the grand $100,000 prize have been won, leaving one invitation remaining for a lucky agent.

The 10 invitation winners will be flown to Sydney for the main event in December, where each agent will have a chance to play for the major prize of $100,000.

With just one week remaining, agents are encouraged to register their eligible Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises bookings before 31 October 2017 for their chance to win. Every new fully deposited booking represents a new entry when registered at www.clubroyal.com.au.

Just 80 days to go until the Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival

The countdown is on to one of the biggest parties the Whitsundays has ever seen, with just 80 days until the Clipper Race Fleet sails into town and the Clipper Race Carnival begins.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a unique event which sees seasoned skippers paired with novice crews on an epic 40,000 nautical mile adventure.

The Whitsundays stopover will be the final one in Australia for the Clipper 2017-18 Race, and will be a fortnight of showcasing the Whitsunday region and what it is renowned for – beautiful scenery, amazing sailing and warm, Queensland hospitality.

The Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival, from January 13 to 29, 2018, will be a whole-of-region event for visitors and locals and of course the Clipper crews, their families, friends and supporters.

MTA Members cruise into Sun Moon Lake

Pictured, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Members (from left to right) Rosemary Metcalf, Pauline Haldane, David Fraser, Jodi Dalton and Deb Duncan enjoying a cruise on Taiwan’s picturesque Sun Moon Lake.

The Members visited the lake, one of the country’s top tourist attractions, as part of a recent intensive study tour of the destination with Mandarin World Tours and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Based on a full south to north tour of the island, highlights of the Members’ itinerary included visits to Kaohsiung and the nearby world-famous Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery, culturally-rich Tainan, Hualien and Sun Moon Lake before ending the program with a full sightseeing tour of the capital Taipei.

Corporate Traveller draws first million Velocity Points winner

Queenslander Zoe Ellerman now has one million more reasons to take a holiday after being drawn as the first lucky winner in Corporate Traveller’s one Million Velocity Frequent Flyer Points competition.

The competition offers six prizes of one million Velocity Frequent Flyer Points for customers who book their Virgin Australia flights with Corporate Traveller.

The competition is open to all customers who book a Virgin Australia flight with Corporate Traveller between 3 October – 10 November 2017 for travel by 31 January 2018.

Viking’s trade incentive winners announced

Viking Cruises has announced the winners of its eight-day ocean and eight-day river cruise, as part of the cruise operator’s July to September trade incentive. To win, the travel agents had to book and deposit the most river cruises or the most ocean cruises between 1 July and 30 September 2017.

Juliet Stott of Global Journeys is the deserving winner of a 2017 eight-day Danube Waltz (Christmas Markets) river cruise. Juliet will take in the highlights of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery and visiting the famous European Christmas markets.

Phoebe King, Manager of Moment Travel, won an eight-day Turquoise Caribbean Seas ocean cruise. She will explore the magnificent Mayan treasures of the western Caribbean on this cruise from Miami to Miami in December.

More Prizes for Agents during CLIA’s Cruise Month

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has awarded another round of weekly prizes to travel agents who have been busy working with the cruise association to promote Plan a Cruise Month.

Each week during October, CLIA Australasia is rewarding top selling CLIA accredited agents with prizes including free cruises, Champagne and double passes to the 2018 CLIA Cruise Industry Awards.

Off the back of great cruise sales, Ross Quigly from 1300 Cruise received a bottle of Champagne courtesy of Ponant, while Theresa Christopher from iTravel earned two tickets to CLIA’s Cruise Industry Awards dinner.

The agency or agent who markets Plan a Cruise Month in the most creative way and shares their activity on social media incorporating #cruisemonth also goes in a weekly draw to win $1000 in co-op marketing funds. Agents just need to follow and tag CLIA Australasia on Twitter or Facebook and include #cruisemonth in their post.

Uluru most awarded region in Australian Traveller People’s Choice Awards 

Uluru was a big winner at the Australian Traveller People’s Choice Awards announced yesterday, 25^th October, at the Sofitel Darling Harbour. The destination was the most awarded region in Australia, scooping five awards: Outback Destination, Outback Adventure, Tour Experience and the coveted Dream Experience and most Recommended Experience.

Latest deals from TTC

Germanys Finest 

Book early, get rewarded with U by Uniworld. Your clients aged 21-45 can receive $125 onboard credit when they book any U by Uniworld river cruise before 31 October 2017. Travellers can combine this offer with the new 8-day Germany’s Finest river cruise & tour from Frankfurt to Regensburg. Cosmopolitan Frankfurt is a city of contrasts, home to bankers and hipsters, avant-garde skyscrapers and ancient abodes. After dark, guests will delve into its dynamic nightlife scene, visiting bars, clubs and under-the-radar hot spots with their U Host. Travellers will enjoy a 7-night cruise on The A ship, with 14 meals onboard, 2 dedicated U hosts, 11 included excursions, a local celebrity DJ party onboard, 11 U time optional excursions, and more! Priced from $2,499 pp twin-share (including $125 onboard credit), departing 5 May 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 730 010 or visit ubyuniworld.com.

Beyond the Postcard  

In celebration of Lindblad Expeditions’ new Explorations 2018/19 brochure your clients can receive $1,200 air credit when they book the 8-day South Pacific & French Polynesia Expedition, Beyond the Postcard before 31 December 201. Avid travellers will venture to the heart of Polynesian culture and wildness on this highly immersive French Polynesia vacation where options abound from Papeete through Bora Bora, Tuamotu, ending in Rangiroa. They can choose to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or take a bike ride for independent exploration, connecting with the Polynesian people and pacific islands on a personal level. Priced from $8,733 per person (including saving) which includes 7 night’s cruise accommodation onboard the National Geographic Orion, one way charter flight from Papeete to Rangiroa (or vice versa), meals as indicated, services of Lindblad Expeditions Leader, Naturalist staff, use of kayaks, excursions and more. Available on select departures between 13 April – 3 August 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.comcall 1300 363 055 *Conditions and blackout dates apply

Untamed Kimberley 

Your clients can now discover more of their own backyard and take advantage of AAT Kings 10% Early Bird Offer when they book any 2018 Australian guided holiday or Inspiring Journey before 27 November 2017 (subject to availability). Guests can save $1,054 off per couple on AAT Kings 11-day Untamed Kimberley guided holiday from Darwin to Broome.  Travellers will cruise ancient waterways through the Katherine Gorge, hike to magnificent waterholes, visit the world’s largest source of coloured diamonds and discover the rich Ord River Valley, where they will exclusively dine at the Kununurra’s fragrant sandalwood plantation to taste the regions gourmet produce. This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $4,748 per person (including early payment discount) and available on select departures between 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com. Conditions Apply *

Celtic Heritage

Magic is just around the corner.. Take advantage of Insight Vacations incredible air deal – fly for just $599* return to Europe when you book any 2018 Europe or Britain escorted journey before 14 December2017. Guests can combine this air offer with the 22-day Britain & Ireland Discovery from London through York, Edinburgh, Skye, Galway, Kilkenny, Bath and more. This epic adventure illuminates the far-flung corners of the British Isles, revealing the arc of Celtic heritage, culture and legends. Travellers will meet a professional Hurler in Kilkenny to gain an exciting insight into this unique Irish cultural sporting experience, through a demonstration of skill. Priced from $7,494 per person twin share (including return flights to Europe) price reflective of a range of departures from 25 April to 9 May 2018 (other departures available for alternate price, subject to availability). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.

Ultimate Vietnam 

Busabout have launched their Asia 2018 programme, which will see them tapping into this vibrant continent for the fourth year. Travellers who book and pay in full before 21 December 2017 can take advantage of Early Bird Deals and receive 12% off ALL 2018/19 departures. Save and book the 14-day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure and your clients will visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Mai Châu, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Huế, Hội An, Nha Trang, Dalat. They’ll experience the spicy nightlife that spills into the morning, the sweet scenes of green peaks and rice paddies bursting out of nowhere, and a thick and savoury stew of temples and traditions coating everything they see. Priced from $1,336 per person twin share (including discount) including your Busabout guide and driver, 11 nights’ hotel accommodation, 1 night homestay (multi share), 1 night overnight train (quad share), 12 breakfasts, village cycle trip in Mai Chau, entrance to Vinh Moc Tunnels where an entire village lived under ground and more! Available on 2018 departures. To book quote promocode EBASIA.  For more information on a range of other Europe and Asia trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Gardens by the Bay

Book with Creative Cruising before 30 November 2017 and your clients will SAVE UP TO 50% off their cruise fare* when they book the 7-night Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand cruise package. Travelling from Singapore to Port Klang, Penang and Phuket This package includes a return economy class airfare to Singapore flying Singapore Airlines, 2-night pre-cruise accommodation in Singapore, a 5 –night cruise on-board Genting Dream from Singapore return, admission into Gardens by the Bay, main meals and entertainment onboard, private transfers in Singapore, and more! Priced from $1,929 *pp discount included, departing Perth (other departure cities available) cruise departs 25 March 2018 (Other 2017 and 2018 departures available for alternate price). *Conditions apply. Please visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.

Final Days

There’s just one more week to take advantage of Contiki’s last-minute savings, including a 10% saving off any USA & Canada 2017/18 trip that runs for 7 days or more, valid until 3 November 2017. Travellers can save from $343 off the 14-day Eastern Discovery (Start New Orleans) taking them from Louisiana through Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Here on the east they’ll get to experience all things all American, exploring art deco architecture in Miami, going to the grave of J.F.K., swimming in world topping beaches & finally landing in the epicentre of the world, NEW YORK. Priced from $3,092*per person (including discount) and available for travel on select dates between 17 April – 25 December 2018. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply

Rugged Canada

Trafalgar continues to connect their guests to the heart of North America, announcing an early payment discount of 7.5% saving when they book any 2018 USA and Canada guided holiday before 28 February 2018 and pay in full. Travellers can combine this offer with the 15-dayContrasts of Canada guided holiday from Vancouver through Whistler, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff, Jasper National Park and more. On this trip, guests will journey west to east, across golden prairie fields and rugged lake landscapes, exploring the Olympic slopes of Whistler staying at an alpine retreat, all before boarding ‘The Canadian’ on an elegant transcontinental rail journey filled with delicious flavours. Priced $6,748 per person twin share (including $547 discount) reflective of departure date available on 16 April 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