Big Fat Road & Rail Wrap
![Big Fat Road & Rail Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
This is our longest, most brilliant road and rail wrap yet! We wish we could say that about the number of days in a row we’ve managed to not go to the pub at lunch, but that’s still on zero.
RAIL PLUS launches 2019 Great Train Journeys Brochure with counting contest
Rail Plus has released its brand spanking new 2019 Great Train Journeys, featuring the world’s most incredible and unmissable train experiences.
To celebrate the launch agents are invited to participate in the ‘Count the Beds’ contest to win some prizes including 2 x 1st Class 8 Day Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass; 1 x $500 gift card of the winner’s choosing; and 4 x $100 Coles/Myer or Countdown gift cards.
All agents need to do is order the 2019 brochure via TIFS/BrochureNet or download it here; then count the number of beds in the brochure, and submit their answer to competitions@railplus.com.au by Friday 28 September 2018.
Agents should also note that participating in this competition will earn them an extra 20 points in the Module 99 section of the Rail Expert program.
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail to commence operation on 23 September 2018
Hong Kong’s Transport and Housing Bureau has announced the official launch date of the highly anticipated High Speed Rail System connecting Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The rail system, which is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 60 per cent, will commence operation on 23 September 2018.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to Greater China, the 142km track will connect the city to 44 stations across Mainland China, including six short-haul and 38 long-haul stations.
With trains reaching speeds of up to 350km per hour, Wuhan, one of China’s popular cities, will be accessible from Hong Kong in five hours, whilst the journey time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong will be reduced from 100 minutes to about 50 minutes.
The Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail is approximately 26km and runs along a dedicated underground rail corridor from a new terminus at West Kowloon to the boundary near Lok Ma Chau, where it connects with the Mainland section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail.
Busabout launches new Small Group Adventures in Europe 2019/20 program
Packed with real past passenger photography and testimonials, Busabout’s new 2019/20 Europe brochure makes it easy for agents to sell the real Busabout experience.
The new brochure simplifies the Busabout concept by demonstrating how agents can help their clients create their own bespoke European adventure. Whether they are fiercely independent adventurers or prefer to explore like a local with a group of like-minded travellers – the Busabout travel network has something for everyone.
With the introduction of new Small Group Adventures, Busabout offers an even wider range of independent and guided travel styles, making Busabout a viable travel option for all types of clients.
Using Busabout’s private coach network which connects 38 of the best destinations across 14 European countries, the Hop-on Hop-off Travel Pass gives independent travellers the freedom to choose where they go and how long they stay, allowing clients to customise their trip from beginning to end. Once again in 2019, there are three, six, nine, 12 and 15 Stop Passes available, priced from $299 as well as an Unlimited Pass (priced at $1599) which gives clients the freedom to travel on the Hop-on Hop-off network as much as they like between May and October 2019.
Explore the other side of the tracks in India with APT
When considering a trip to India, it can be hard to look past the Taj Mahal, or Jaipur’s striking Palace of the Winds, but beyond the Golden Triangle lies a side to India that many travellers rarely get to experience.
Gujarat is one of the least visited but also one of the most rewarding states in India, and APT’s 23-day Contrasts of India gives travellers the chance to get to the heart of this truly captivating region, from the vast salt flats of Kutch to the ancient fortified city of Patan. Aboard the deluxe Deccan Odyssey train, travellers will explore the most authentic parts of Gujarat, providing a window into a side of India that is far from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Triangle.
APT’s 23-day Contrasts of India takes travellers to all of these fascinating destinations plus many more, with prices starting at $25,895 per person twin share.
Avis Australia wins 2018 Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards
Avis Car Rental Australia has been awarded ‘Australian Leading Car Rental Company of 2018’ at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony. Avis achieved the recognition ahead of competition from the likes of Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar Rent A Car.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledges, rewards and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The annual awards are renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry. The votes come from qualified executives in the travel and tourism industry and take place online as a year-long communications campaign encouraging global participation.
In addition to this national accolade, Avis also celebrated several wins in the Pacific region, including the ‘Leading Car Rental Company 2018’ category in Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Win a Ford Mustang with Hertz 100th Anniversary giveaway
Hertz is giving away a brand new 2018 Ford Mustang in celebration of the company’s centennial year. Furthermore, to mark Hertz’s 100-year anniversary this month, the rental car company will add 100 new Ford Mustangs to the Australian Adrenaline Collection, a range of high-performance vehicles for customers looking for an exhilarating drive.
Eligible customers who rent a qualifying vehicle with Hertz using the promotion code (PC) 204657 for a minimum of one day, before October 31, 2018, for travel before January 31, 2019, can enter a prize draw to win the American sports car, valued at $65,990. Customers who enter the competition will also receive 15 per cent off their rental.
The Mustangs will be available to rent from select Hertz locations across Australia, for drivers aged 25 years and older. Other terms and conditions apply. For more information on how to enter the competition and its full terms and conditions, customers can visit: www.hertz.com.au/100.
Rail Plus releases TGV-Lyria discounts of up to 78 per cent off!
Until 21 September, agents can pass on to their clients up to 78 per cent off the high-speed TGV Lyria train tickets from France to Switzerland.
With prices starting at AUD65, bookings must be made by 21 September 2018 and travel completed between 24 September and 30 November 2018. The full list of journeys can be found here.
Terms and conditions apply. See Rail Plus Specials for more detail information and updates. Agents requiring additional training on the TGV Lyria can do so with the Rail Expert Program.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
apt Avis Australia busabout Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail hertz rail plusLatest News
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Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
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SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
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Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
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Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
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Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
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Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
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Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
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Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
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Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
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Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
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UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
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Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
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Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
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Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
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In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
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Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
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MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
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Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
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Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
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Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
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‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
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‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
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‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
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Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
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‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
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Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
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Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
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HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
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Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
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Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
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Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
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Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
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InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
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Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
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Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
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Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?