It’s Friday, which means it’s agent wrap day! It also means we’ll be heading to the pub in about five minutes. It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?

MTA 2018 ‘Experience Shines’ National Conference kicks off

More than 350 MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Members, head office staff and suppliers have arrived on Queensland’s Gold Coast to participate in the company’s 2018 ‘Experience Shines’ National Conference.

Presenters this year include high profile TV presenter Allison Langdon and Saroo Brierley.

Langdon, known nationally as a regular ’60 Minutes’ presenter, will deliver the keynote address at the event taking place at the Marriot Resort & Spa.

Free days on Eurail

International Rail is helping travel agents with clients bound for Europe save money on train travel.

The rail specialist is offering free rail travel days on a selection of convenient Eurail passes purchased between March 1 and March 28 with the offer allowing holidaymakers to cover more ground at no extra cost.

Trade partners also benefit as International Rail’s Mega Eurail incentive will present travel agents making an online order over $2000 with a $50 Visa gift card. To give an example how the March offer works the popular Eurail Global Flexi Pass – available for 10 or 15 days of train journeys over two months – will enjoy two extra days of travel during the sale.

During the month-long deal a Eurail Global Saver Pass, offering 10 days travel in first class with two bonus days added, is priced from $973 per person or just $81 per day.

Pearls Aplenty at Déjeuner Tahitien

Members of the travel industry gathered at the new Sofitel Darling Harbour on Friday for a taste of Tahiti in Sydney.

Over a French Polynesian-inspired lunch of poisson cru (raw fish salad) and poulet fafa (chicken with taro), guests were dazzled by colourful Tahitian dancing and a hypnotic display of Robert Wan pearls while receiving updates on the destination, South Pacific Management’s collection of Polynesian hotels and the international carrier with Air Tahiti Nui revealing its new Dreamliner fleet would feature a three-class cabin configuration including premium economy.

Air Tahiti Nui regional manager Alan Roman, Tahiti Tourism director Robert Thompson, SPM business development manager Alain Campaign and About France director Patrick Benhamou hosted the event, along with representatives from Robert Wan.

All guests who attended the ‘Déjeuner Tahitien’ received a piece of Tahiti to take away with them – a gift from Robert Wan and a bottle of Monoi -– while Booking.com’s Guillaume Wolf won the lucky door prize, a trip to Tahiti.

March into these great 2-for-1 Deals with On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours, an award-winning tour operator specialising in locally led group tours and tailor-made holidays, are marching into March with their popular ‘2-for-1’ deals on selected Vietnam, Egypt, China, India and Africa tours, on sale between 1 – 16 March 2018.

Make this an amazing “20-greateen” and pick up a bargain with these popular destinations. True adventure awaits from cycling the backstreets of Hanoi, trekking across Africa or taking in wonderful sights such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China.

Solo travellers will receive 30 per cent off these select range of tours during the same sale date (excluding the Africa tours). On The Go Tours offer the best options for solo travellers from handling all the travel arrangements and offering ‘no single supplements’ on most group tours. The group tour environment is great for first time or less confident travellers, those wanting to kick start their travels and to meet like-minded people.

Anzac Day Express three-day tour

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours are excited to offer a three-day tour to attend the 100 year anniversary Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux. It visits major Australian battlefield sites including Pozieres, Bullecourt and Mont St Quentin. The highlight will be the moving Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux. The Anzac Day Express is led by an expert WW1 Historian who will bring the stories of courage and sacrifice on the battlefields to life

Departing from Paris, the tour travels to the Somme battlefields, where Australian troops performed magnificently in both 1916 and 1918, visiting the battlefields of Mont St Quentin and Bullecourt before checking into the hotel in Saint Quentin and enjoying a welcome dinner. An early start the next morning for the drive to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, the tour group will gather here with thousands of other Australians to pay respects to the 45,000 countrymen who were killed during fighting on the Western Front.

After the moving ceremony a visit to Lochnager Mine Crater which was detonated beneath the German lines on the first day of the Battle of the Somme followed by the village of Pozieres, scene of the most costly battle in Australia’s history. On the final day the tour will visit the Thiepval Memorial and the preserved trenches at the Newfoundland Memorial Park, then back to Villers-Bretonneux to visit the Adelaide Cemetery, and the Victoria School where a sign in the playground entreats that the students ‘Do Not Forget Australia’. The tour then farewells the Somme area and returns to Paris where the tour ends.

Win a $20,000 grand cash prize! Plus $100 weekly for six weeks!

The Chinese New Year brings fabulous fortune to travel agents selling Wendy Wu Tour’s with Australian
consultants in the running to a $1000 Universal Visa card every week for six weeks, and the top seller
awarded a whopping $20,000 Universal Visa card!

The second winner has just been drawn at random, and the winner is….Karin Eger from italktravel Mount
Waverley. Eger’s winning booking was a $25K booking to Central Asia, made on the 27th of February.

There are four more weeks of $1000 prizes to be won, and a major prize of $20,000, for bookings made before
31st March 2018. Some terms and conditions apply, for full details visit wendywutours.com.au/agents, or
see your Business Development Manager.

Helloworld Travel host prize winners at the Super 6 Perth golf!

The World Super 6 Perth recently played host to Helloworld Travel’s Play with the Pro’s competition winner, Robin Farrell and his partner Kerry. Travelling all the way from Warwick QLD, they enjoyed VIP treatment across the event, including accommodation at the Pan Pacific Hotel Perth, daily transfers with Subaru Australia and the chance for Farrell to play in the official Pro-Am alongside professional golfer and fellow Aussie – Jason Scrivener.

Continuing their exclusive experience at the tournament, day two saw the lucky duo take in all the action of the from the Super Suite hospitality facility overlooking the 18th green, and provided the opportunity to meet the 2017 Champion – Brett Rumford (pictured at top). An exclusive VIP tour of the Fox Sports production facilities followed, taking in all of the behind the scenes production activity with a guided tour.

Commenting on their time at the tournament, Farrell was very impressed with their experience and was
thrilled to play on the exclusive Lake Karrinyup Course.

Scenic extends Earlybird Offers to Australia Until 30 April 2018

To secure the best offers on a 2018 Scenic Australia tour for their clients, agents now have until 30 April 2018 to book and receive:

• Included return flights for 23 Day Treasures of the West Coast (includes taxes up to $190 per person) – a saving of up to $1,350* per couple
• Partner fly free for bookings on the 12 Day Top End and Kimberley Spectacular, 17 Day South Western Tapestry or 21 Day Territory Explorer and The Kimberley (includes taxes of up to $250 per person) – a saving of up to $900* per couple
• Earlybird savings of up to $600* per couple for bookings on the 9 Day Territory Explorer, 13 Day Ultimate Tasmania, 11 Day Taste of South Australia or 8 Day Historic Norfolk Island.

For more information call Scenic on 138 128 or visit scenic.com.au

Agents off to Abu Dhabi in new TravelCube incentive

TravelCube is giving travel agents a chance to experience one of the world’s most exciting and fastest-evolving tourism destinations in a new sales incentive created in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The new incentive will reward eight consultants with return Etihad Airways flights to the UAE capital in May, along with four nights’ luxury accommodation and an itinerary that highlights the destination’s rapidly expanding leisure, entertainment and cultural attractions.

Abu Dhabi is being transformed into one of the world’s most intense tourism attractions. As well as historic Arabian souks and beautiful mosques, the destination is luring visitors with major sporting events, dazzling art galleries (including the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi) and unique theme parks, among them the first ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park, which opens this year.

Spots on the TravelCube famil will be awarded to the eight travel agencies across Australia and New Zealand that create the highest amount of booked room nights in Abu Dhabi between 15 February and 28 March 2018.

Final countdown to guarantee a spot on Busabout’s All Stars Greece Famil

Busabout, the expert in flexible travel, is excited to announce that this year top selling agents from across the world will be whisked away to the sunny Greek Islands as part of the 2018 All Stars Famil.

Agents have until 31 March 2018 to sell a minimum of five Hop-on Hop-off Passes and 20 Busabout trips overall to qualify towards a spot on this trip of a lifetime.

With nine epic days ahead of them, travelling from May 26 – June 3, the winning agents will get to party with the international top selling agents and hang out with the incredible Busabout crew. They’ll hit up Athens exploring old world and new, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine in Meteora and soak up the Grecian sun. They’ll live the island life with its scenic white buildings and turquoise seas by day, and then experience the famous party scene at night.

New Tours and Exclusive Small Ship Expeditions in China & Japan with APT

Today, leading cruises and tour operator APT launched their 2019 China & Japan brochure with a range of early-bird Superdeals including Fly Free on selected tours.

Guests will be immersed in incredible cultures and rich history with APT’s exclusive and unique Signature Experiences throughout China and Japan.

New for APT in 2019, guests can journey aboard a Small Ship Expedition Cruise for a, one-off 17-day Japan and Russian Far East tour. Setting sail from Otaru in Japan, the luxury small ship Le Soleal voyages to the remote reaches of Russia.

Guests can see Kamchatka Peninsula’s famous brown bears at close quarters on a Zodiac excursion. Explore the Kuril Islands, a volcanic archipelago that stretches from Hokkaido, Japan, to Kamchatka, Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the north Pacific Ocean. The unique set of islands offers extensive hiking trails and mesmerising Zodiac coastal cruising. They will come across pristine forests, hulking volcanoes and steaming lakes untouched by human hands. This one-off unforgettable trip starts at $19,495 per person, twin share, with an early-bird Superdeal saving of $1,000 per couple.

Corporate Traveller marks 25 years with a new look and game changing tech

Corporate Traveller has celebrated its 25th anniversary by unveiling new look branding and revolutionary technology tools set to transform the business travel experience.

The company has retooled its technology suite for increased customisation and also launched CT GO, a self-service online booking tool that enables customers to register and start booking with Corporate Traveller in 30 minutes.

Ongoing demand for customisable technology led Corporate Traveller to reshape its offering to two platforms, GO and ULTIMATE. GO offers simpler plug and play solutions for businesses that have low complexity travel. ULTIMATE options offer greater customisation and increased efficiency to more intricate business travel programs.

Corporate Traveller originally launched as Flight Centre Travel Group’s first venture outside the leisure sector and is now the preferred travel partner of more than 6,500 companies in Australia.

Two for one deals to South America with Travelmarvel in 2019

Book a premium escorted holiday from Travelmarvel’s South America 2019 brochure and get two international airfares for the price of one.

The special deal flying LATAM airlines from Australia is available for a limited time on a range of South American tours to celebrate the launch of the 2019 brochure

Starting at $9,995 per person, the 20 Day Highlights of South America tour visits all the must see destinations including the fascinating cities of Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima, as well as discovering the splendour of Iguazú Falls, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Extensions to the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon and a cruise of Patagonia can be seamlessly added to create a tailor-made holiday.

The 12 Day Iconic Wonders of Peru tour takes in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca and has exciting options to extend with a Galápagos Islands cruise or a lodge stay in heart of the Amazon.

Exploring Ancient Greece to a backdrop of wildflowers

European tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has announced a series of tours of Greece for the Northern Hemisphere spring this year, featuring unforgettable wooden gulet cruises and land-based expeditions among the most nation’s most remarkable islands and ancient sites.

Set to a backdrop of wildflowers, three upcoming tours are led by personal guides Heinrich Hall and Dr Maria Girtzi, both local residents and acclaimed archaeologists.

Each tour combines the remarkable history of ancient Greece with visits to breath-taking islands and picturesque villages, as well as a chance to sample the superb local food and wine. Catering to small groups of up to 18 guests, they travel at a gentle pace avoiding the crowded tourist haunts.

The itineraries of Greece include:

• Exploring Crete: Archaeology, Nature and Food
• Exploring the Peloponnese
• Cruising to the Cyclades

TravelManagers joins Adventure World Famil to Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, a group of volcanic islands roughly 1000 kilometres from the coast of mainland Ecuador, are renowned for their unique and diverse wildlife and their spectacular landscapes. When TravelManagers’ personal travel manager (PTM) Zoe Hemming was invited to join a famil hosted by Lindblad Expeditions and travelling on board MS National Geographic Endeavour II to the islands, she leapt at the opportunity.

Hemming representative for North Rocks in Sydney, is no stranger to exotic destinations and even more exotic wildlife, having previously visited destinations as diverse as Zanzibar, Turkey, Borneo Cape Tribulation and expedition cruising of Papua New Guinea. However, she says the eight-night itinerary provided her with a truly unforgettable experience that exceeded all of her expectations.

For Hemming, one of the main highlights of her trip was the chance to get close to some of the islands’ more intriguing residents, especially the tortoises.

Hemming says the tortoises were great subject matter for a keen amateur photographer like her, as was the sea lion she came across while paddle boarding one morning.

TTC Weekly Deals

Fly to Ireland

Offer now extended, your clients can fly for $999 return to Europe and Britain when booking a 2018 Insight Vacations itinerary before 12 March 2018. Travellers can experience the Country Roads of Ireland over 12-days exploring the Emerald Isle from Dublin across the mountains of Killarney, through the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, the Giant’s Causeway, ending in Belfast. Along the way they’ll encounter ruined castles, quiet lakes, natural wonders and legendary characters. Priced from $4,849 per person twin share (including return flights to Europe). Price reflective of departure date 1 October 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). All departures dates are now definite! Terms and conditions apply, for further information visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.

To market to market

Festive travellers can follow the spicy scents of Glühwein and toasty gingerbread hearts to the famous Christmas Markets in Europe. There’s only one 2018 departure available to book on Trafalgar’s 15-day European White Christmas guide, book early to avoid missing out. From Paris to Rome, guests will spend a magical 15 days of festive lights on snow-dusted cobblestones and enjoy Christmas Day in St. Moritz relaxing by an open fire, a traditional Gondola ride in Venice and a New Year’s Eve Highlight Dinner in Florence at a house where Niccolo Machiavelli once lived. Priced from $6,250 per person, twin share, departing 20 December 2018 only. 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).

Handpicked Peru

Couples can save up to $500 on the 13-day Handpicked Peru trip with Adventure World when they book and deposit before 30 March 2018. This is a comprehensive journey through the highlights of Peru, the cultural heart of South America. Travellers will visit the White City of colonial Arequipa, the vast Colca Canyon to witness the unforgettable sight of the flight of the condor, colonial Lima, the markets and ruins of Cuzco, Puno and the Lost City of the Incas, mystical Machu Picchu. Including highlights of a cooking lesson in Arequipa and gaining access to a folkloric show in Cuzco. Priced from $4,589 per person, twin share (discount included), 12 nights’ accommodation, meals as per itinerary, sightseeing as per itinerary with a local English speaking guide and domestic flight as per itinerary. Available for until 30 May 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com or call 1300 295 049.

Adventure and chill

Contiki travellers can now save $150 off any 2018-19 Asia trip when they book before 31 March 2018. Over 14 days they’ll explore everything from the slick cities of Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, to remote lush jungles on the Bangkok to Singapore trip, ideal for those looking to strike that perfect balance between action, adventure and chill. Priced from $2,725*per person (including discount), 13 nights of accommodation with Unique Special Stays, 16 meals, No Regrets Inclusions and more. Available for travel 18 March 2018 (other departures available for alternate price) For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845.

Airffordable Airfares

Your clients can now discover more of their own backyard and take advantage of AAT Kings Airffordable flight and trip packages when they book select 2018 Guided Holidays throughout Australia and New Zealand before 31 August 2019 (subject to availability). Guests can fly to Darwin from $400 per person when they book AAT Kings 11-day Untamed Kimberley guided holiday from Darwin to Broome. They’ll 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 $5,675per person (including airfare – departing from Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth). Available on select departures between 8 May 2018- 20 August 2019 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com.

Here for a good time

Design your very own trip with Busabout. Choose your route around our European Hop-on Hop-off network and stop where you want. Travellers can save 10% off the 6 stop Hop-on Hop-off pass when they book before 30 April 2018. Busabout’s Hop-on Hop-off network gives you access to 47 destinations across Europe. The 6-stop pass is suitable for shorter trips between 2-4 weeks, when you’re there for a good time, not a long time – perfect for backpackers and budget independent travellers. WAS $819 NOW $737 with access to the entire Hop-on Hop-off network between May and October 2018. For more information and a range of other European and Asian trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226.

Unbeatable Upgrade

You won’t want to miss this. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has returned their Best Offer Ever. Save up to 40% off select 2018 voyages when you book before 31 March 2018. Travellers can combine this unbeatable offer with the 8-day Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux river cruise and SAVE 30% per person. Or upgrade to a category 1 cabin from only an additional $1,400 per person. From Bordeaux through Cadillac, Blaye and Libourne, guests will wine and dine as the French do along the Garonne River and Dordogne River. The locals call it the douceur de vivre (sweet life), sampling sweet local wine while overlooking a sprawling vineyard – which will make perfect sense after their first sip. Including 6-days of captivating escorted excursions, a 7-night river cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the River Royale, all meals and beverages unlimited onboard and more! Priced from $2,799 pp twin-share (including discount), departing 8 April 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231or visit uniworld.com.

Rolling on the river

Book before 31 March 2018 with U by Uniworld and save 10% off selected cruises, including the delightfully quirky Rolling on the Rhine itinerary. Cruising along the Rhine river, guests will have three days to spend in this laid-back and forward-thinking Dutch hotspot, along with stops in Haarlem, Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Frankfurt. Priced from $2,249 for the 14th April 2018 departure, other departures available at alternate prices. For more information visit ubyuniworld.com or call 1300 780 231.