Happy Friday, agents! Here’s some sweet deals for you to sink your teeth into. Almost as sweet as skipping out of work this afternoon into the weekend.

itravel Uncovers The Rocks with Collette Tours

A masterclass with a difference! itravel agents spent a day on a walking tour of The Rocks with Collette Tours.

Showcasing small authentic tour experiences, the outdoor masterclass provided agents with an insider knowledge of the history of the Rocks – one of the first European settlements in Australia.

Agents explored the often-walked alleyways and learnt the unknown histories of the area. The successful masterclass ended with a luncheon at The Taphouse.

Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays – Alaska Cruise Sale Month

Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays have launched a massive Alaska cruise sale where clients can save up to $3,000 per couple when booking one of the qualifying packages. Bookings are valid from 5th of March to 31st of March. An exciting range of products from ocean cruise lines to expedition-style small ship cruising is available.

Each cruise package works perfectly with overland itineraries. Contact one of the Canada & Alaska specialists on 1300 794 959 and sales@canada-alaska.com.au.

Bunnik Tours host Express Travel Croatia & Slovenia famil

Small group touring specialists, Bunnik Tours, along with Emirates, are currently hosting an eight-day Slovenia and Croatia famil. The top seven sales consultants from Express Travel, the group are currently travelling through snowy Croatia. Here they visited beautiful Zagreb, seeing St Mark’s Cathedral and Old Town, before making their way to Rastoke.

Braving the chilly conditions, the agents have taken in amazing scenery such as the magnificent Plitvice Lakes, which are currently surrounded by magical white snow. Travelling along the Dalmatian coast, their next stop will be Split. Stay tuned for more updates or to see what the group are up to for yourself, head to Bunnik Tour’s Facebook and Instagram profiles.

Cox & Kings celebrates 260th Anniversary with several exciting offers

The who’s who of India’s travel and hospitality fraternity, diplomats and several business leaders gathered at a glitzy evening gala hosted by Cox & Kings at the Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi, to mark the 260th anniversary of Cox and Kings, also the world’s oldest travel company. The evening was graced by Shri K. J. Alphons, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, who lauded the company for its continuous service to the tourism industry.

With a legacy that dates back to 1758, when Cox & Kings was appointed as general agents to the regiment of Foot Guard in India, the company has established itself as a premium brand in all travel-related services globally and has been at the forefront of thought leadership and innovation within the industry. In these two-and-a-half centuries since inception, the company has not only introduced up some of the most exciting destinations and products to customers but has also seen the world evolve from languorous days of sea voyages to the era of jet planes and space travel.

Announcing the ‘260th Grand Celebration Offer’ wherein customers can book any Duniya Dekho/ Gaurav Yatra/ Aamhi Travelkar/ Instant Holidays tours and enter exciting contests and win 260 Free Holidays to Dubai, Thailand, Oman, Optional tours, 260 Gift Vouchers of Rs.26,000/- each and Rs.5,000/- each among other exciting offers.

Howzat! MTA’s Kyara Newport bowls over Kevin Pietersen

Pictured MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Member, Kyara Newport and a slightly-stumped looking international cricket superstar, Kevin Pietersen.

The MTA member met the former England captain at a function the cricketer organised recently at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sydney to raise awareness for his other passion in life, helping to save South Africa’s threatened Rhino population.

Ormina Tours leads the market in Sicily Touring

Ormina Tours has decided to put the knowledge back in the hands of the experts through launching their new Agent Sell Guides. Starting with a Sicily Tour comparison, this new tool enables agents to have a quick reference point to compare some of the leading Sicilian tours on the market.

The guide offers a variety of tools for agents to aid them in selling a particular region or tour, including information on the must do sites and areas to visit in the region, as well as why the region is a great place to visit.

A line by line comparison of Ormina Tours Sicily Bella, with other similar tours on the market, shows a clear-cut contrast of various factors including; price, group size, duration of stays, hotels, tour inclusions, and overall value for money.

Using traveller profiles, Ormina Tours has taken the sell guide a step further by introducing the types of travellers that would be best suited to the region. In identifying their common interests and style of travel, these profiles enable agents to make sure they are selling the right tours to the right people.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises highlights benefits of onboard booking with trade awareness campaign

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the most inclusive luxury experience, has launched a trade awareness campaign highlighting the incredible earning potential for travel partners when their clients book their next cruise whilst sailing. The campaign features high-profile executives from cruise travel trade, with the line also giving away an all-inclusive luxury cruise to a travel agent and their guest.

If your clients book another cruise whilst they are onboard, you will automatically be credited the booking and receive full commission for the new cruise. The guests will receive a best price guarantee, bonus savings, reduced deposit plus US$100 shipboard credit to enjoy on their current cruise.

To highlight the benefits of booking onboard, Regent is running a competition for travel agents to go in the draw to an all-inclusive luxury cruise onboard Seven Seas Voyager. The winner will sail from Monte Carlo, Monaco to Barcelona, Spain on a seven-night voyage which will also stop at Antibes, France; Livorno, Italy; Ajaccio, Corsica; Mahon, Menorca; and Ibiza, Spain.

Included in the prize are return economy flights, unlimited shore excursions, speciality dining, premium drinks, Wifi, transfers and gratuities. The prize is a special “Spotlight on Wine” sailing where the winners will have the option to be treated to special hosted dinners, wine tastings and meet-and-greets with a renowned wine expert from Castello Banfi.

Entire Travel Group 2018 Trade Soirees

This week Entire Travel Group (ETG) hosted agents from across Sydney and Melbourne at Luna Park, Sydney and Alto, Melbourne, for an update on the company and its destinations. Attendees were treated to fine food, wines, and entertainment reflecting the incredible destinations represented by the group’s ‘Travel Connection’ stable of brands; French, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Barge, and Spain & Portugal.

The events showcased the five specialist brands, with information and updates delivered throughout the programme, including the announcement of two trade incentives. Tahiti Travel Connection and French Travel Connection will be sending top selling agents on wonderful experiences through Tahiti and Monaco, respectively. Full details can be found on ETG’s agent portal.

Several key partners were present to deliver talks and give away prizes, including Tahiti Tourisme, Air Tahiti Nui, New Caledonia Tourism, Air Calin, Atout France, Monaco Tourism, DriveAway Holidays and International Rail among others. Prizes included champagne, perfume, and International Rail passes, with two very lucky agents also going home having won trips to gorgeous New Caledonia!

Week three winner: Michael Lewis from Lewis & Turner Travel Associates, Adelaide

The Chinese New Year brings fabulous fortune to travel agents selling Wendy Wu Tours 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 third winner has just been drawn at random, and the winner is….Michael Lewis from Lewis & Turner Travel Associated in North Adelaide. Michaels winning booking was a $14K booking to Southeast Asia, on the Grand Tour of Indochina, booked on the 2nd of March!

There are three 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.

My Travel Group ‘Stay Connected’ with successful conference in Byron Bay

Record numbers of My Travel Group (MTG) agents were in attendance in Byron Bay last weekend for the annual ‘Stay Connected’ conference. MTG members from around the country converged at Elements of Byron for this years’ event.

An insightful weekend of learning and networking was highlighted by briefings delivered by industry representatives from Anzcro, The Intrepid Group, APT, Qantas Holidays, Cover-More Insurance, TravelCube, HR Central, Qantas Airways and Air Tickets.

Head of Corporate, Associate and Affiliate Networks at Helloworld Travel David Padman opened the conference, outlining the outstanding progress and growth of MTG since it formed in April 2016, with 800 independent agents and over 100 preferred partners now supporting the network.

Switzerland Agent Incentive

As Switzerland’s popularity grows with a new record in visitor numbers, Tempo Holidays and Switzerland Tourism are rewarding agents when they sell this mountainous country full of breath-taking scenery and stunning lakes.

All agents need to do is book a Grand Train Tour or Grand Tour of Switzerland package before 30 April 2018 and you will receive $100 per booking!

With prices starting from A$2655, Tempo’s Grand Train Tour, takes the best of the panoramic rail routes – Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass Line and Gotthard Panorama Express – traversing the country from one jaw-dropping vista to the next.

This package includes 10 nights’ accommodation in standard hotels, 10 breakfasts, reserved seats on all rail travel, and St Moritz, Lucerne, Montreux and Interlaken travel passes.

TTC’s Weekly Deals

Red Valley

Book before 28 March 2018 and take advantage of Trafalgar’s FLY $999 air offer, where guests can Fly to Europe, Britain, the USA and Canada return, when they book select 2018 departures. Guests will discover The Best of the Canyonlands with Trafalgar, descending from the Mile High City, into the foothills of the Rockies and through the badlands, canyons and natural arches that give way to ancient clifftop villages and mesas rising up from the red valley floor. Guests will start their journey in Denver and pass through Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, and end in Las Vegas. Priced from $2,695 per person, twin share PLUS Fly for $999, reflective of select departure available between 5 July – 30 August 2018 (Other departures available for alternate price, airfare not included in from 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.

Latin Energy

Couples can save up to $1,250 on the 10-day Latin Rendezvous trip with Adventure World when they book and deposit before 30 March 2018. Guests will visit two of the most celebrated cities in South America – elegant and sophisticated Buenos Aires and the energetic city of Rio De Janeiro. Add to this the magnificent Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world and a sight to behold. As a highlight they will take in the spectacular views over the city and beyond from Mount Sugarloaf and Corcovado and feel the pulse of the local people know as Cariocas on the beaches and in the nightlife of Copacabana. Priced from $2,325 per person, twin share (discount included), flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, flight from Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro, 9 nights hotel accommodation (4* hotels), meals as indicated, sightseeing as per itinerary with a local English speaking guide. Available for travel between 2 May 2018 – 30 September 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com or call 1300 295 049.

Fly to Scotland

Get in quick! 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 Scotland over 9-days from the great capital of Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Skye, they’ll travel through 8,000 years of history and become immersed in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. Priced from $4,349 per person twin share (including return flights to Europe). Price reflective of departure date 1 & 6 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.

Long White Cloud

Uncover the land of the long white cloud, take advantage of AAT King’s 10% Early Bird Offer and book your clients dream holiday to New Zealand at unbeatable value before 27 April 2018. Guests of AAT Kings can save up to $1,488 per couple on the 18-day Best of New Zealand journey from the pristine white beaches of the North Island to the snow-capped peaks of the South, they’ll explore every nook of New Zealand on this magnificent journey. A heart-pounding haka will welcome them to Rotorua for a taste of Māori culture. From $6,696 per person twin share (including saving). This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Select departures available from 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019 (all dates are definite departures). For more information or to book call 1300 228 546 or visit aatkings.com.

Independent Travellers

Create your own adventure with Busabout. Travellers can choose their route around Busabout’s European Hop-on Hop-off network and stop where they want. They can save 10% off the 9-stop Hop-on Hop-off pass when they book before 30 April 2018. Busabout’s Hop-on Hop-off network gives travellers access to 47 destinations across Europe. The 9-stop pass is suitable for a trans-continental flexible adventure of Europe, for those who have a clear idea of what cities they want to experience- perfect for backpackers and budget independent travellers. WAS $1029 NOW $926 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.

La Dolce Vita

Life’s too short, have a Cannoli. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection continues their Best Offer Ever, where guests can save up to 40% off select 2018 voyages when they book before 31 March 2018. Travellers can combine this unbeatable offer with the 15-day Splendours of Italy 2018 river cruise and SAVE 30% per person. They will embrace la dolce vita on a culturally rich journey through beautiful Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome – with the choice of a full-day excursion to Bologna where they can participate in an exclusive pasta-making workshop and lunch. Including 13- days of captivating escorted excursions, a 7-night river cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the River Countess with all the comforts of a floating 5-star hotel, 2 nights in Milan at the Starhotel Rosa Grand (or similar), 2 nights in Florence at the Ville Sull’Arno (or similar), 3 nights in Rome at the Parco dei Principi (or similar) all with breakfast and more! Priced from $6,929 pp twin-share (including discount), departing 2 November 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231or visit uniworld.com.

The A team

Book early, get rewarded with U by Uniworld. Your clients can save 10% when they book select U by Uniworld summer river cruises before 31 March 2018. Travellers can combine this offer with the NEW 8-day The Danube Flow river cruise & tour from Regensburg to Budapest. Germany, Austria or Hungary? They don’t have to choose. They’ll get to explore all three. Your clients will wander through the highest density of pubs and bars in Germany, discover Austria’s Wachau Valley, the most famous library in Europe and explore the lively capital of Hungary… and that’s just the beginning. Travellers will enjoy a 7-night cruise on The A ship, with 14 meals onboard, 2 dedicated U hosts, 12 included excursions, a local celebrity DJ party onboard, 17 U time optional excursions, and more! Priced from $2,699 pp twin-share (including discount), departing 12 & 26 May 2018 (Regensburg to Budapest) and 19 May, 2 June 2018 (Budapest to Regensburg) – other 2018 departures available, price may vary. For more information call 1300 730 010 or visit ubyuniworld.com.

Asian Adventure

Contiki travellers can now save $150 off any 2018-19 Asia trip when they book before 31 March 2018. It’s time to sharpen the chopstick skills and clear 16-days off the calendar for an Asian Adventure across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Travellers will explore French mansions, ancient ruins and limestone caves, chase waterfalls in Thailand and see the sun rise over Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.. no biggie. Priced from $2,845 *per person (including discount), 15 nights of accommodation including Unique Special Stays with one night in a floating hotel and one night in a Guesthouse, 20 meals, No Regrets Inclusions, flights from Vientiane to Cambodia and more. Available for travel until 30 April 2019. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845.