Big Fat Road & Rail Wrap
![Big Fat Road & Rail Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Welcome to the second ever rail and road wrap! This is the most exciting thing we’ve done since the first rail and road wrap – but this one’s even better.
The Deccan Odyssey announces a free tour for Companion
For those wanting to explore Maharashtra, its hinterland and the cities, in the most opulent setting now have a reason to rejoice. Asia’s leading luxury train, the Deccan Odyssey has announced its ‘Companion Free’ scheme for bookings made before 30th April for the upcoming season of 2018-19. For the early birds, this would mean booking a Deluxe Double Occupancy cabin at an impressive discount of 50 per cent. The luxurious deluxe cabin can be booked for eight days and seven nights at the cost of
USD 4,375* instead of the original price of USD 8,750*.
Known for its extravagant design and impeccable hospitality, the Deccan Odyssey has been a top choice for the discerning travellers around the world. The journey of Maharashtra Splendor takes its guests on an exploration of the diversity, exotic locales and discovery of the western states of India – Maharashtra and Goa. While the train will traverse through the spectacular side of Maharashtra, Deccan and the Konkan regions, the itinerary lets one unravel the beauty of the states in the most authentic way.
Encounter diverse terrains; savour the delicious wine in Nashik, marvel at the astounding architecture of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, step back in time with the historical city of Kolhapur, visit the party state of Goa and finally explore the holy city of Sindhudurg!
The companion offer is open to all nationalities and bookings made for the period of October 2018 – May 2019. Travellers are ought to pay 20 per cent of the amount before 30th April to confirm their booking while the 80 per cent of the amount has to be paid 45 days prior to the departure date.
Rail Plus launches Rail Expert 2018
Rail Plus has launched their new 2018 edition of ‘Rail Expert’. A training program aimed to better equip agents will the necessary information on train travel, agents will see that the brand new format of Rail Expert has combined Europe and Great Train Journeys on the one platform, with bite-sized modules that will be rolled out gradually throughout the year. Also new is the reward system, which is now based on scores, modules completed, the time frame in which they are completed and sales performance.
Module 1 is now available for completion and modules 2 to 11 will be available in the coming weeks. Starting with an introduction to, and the benefits of, train travel, agents will move on to learning about some of the major European rail services and networks. These include the Eurail system, Eurostar, TGV, TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Travel System, France-Spain High Speed, Trenitalia and the British services.
Agents are encouraged to complete the modules without delay in order to give themselves the opportunity to win some prizes. Up for grabs for agents who complete three modules with a minimum score of 80 per cent is a delicious barista made coffee. The completion of six modules with a minimum score of 80 per cent will see participants in the running to win a bottle of premium wine.
DriveAway’s European Summer Mid-Year SALE!
If you have clients travelling to Europe this summer offer them freedom, flexibility and the luxury experience of driving around in a brand NEW Peugeot.
Drive a Peugeot 208 with FREE days from just $57 per day for 28 days. Choose from a variety of vehicles to suit any type of traveller planning an extended trip this European summer.
You’ve heard it right here… 7 FREE days on selected models, 50 per cent off delivery and return fees – that’s savings for your clients of up to $1,004. PLUS if you have clients who have previously leased a Peugeot that’s an extra 3 FREE days for them. These deals are only available until 31 May, so be quick and book.
Rocky Mountaineer introduces four new destinations to discover in 2019
Rocky Mountaineer has announced the addition of four new destinations to its 2019 holiday packages. Adding to the excitement of a rail journey through Western Canada, guests can explore the new destinations by rental car, helicopter, or on foot to experience more of the Canadian Rockies than ever before.
In celebration of the new packages, Rocky Mountaineer is offering its largest promotion of the year. With the Early Booking Bonus offer, travellers can receive up to 1,000 AUD in added value, per couple, and be among the first to experience these new vacation packages in 2019.
The Early Booking Bonus promotion is available on qualifying 2019 packages of eight days or more. Guests can apply the added value offer to additional hotel nights, sightseeing tours, Alaska cruises and more. The Early Booking Bonus offer is available until August 31, 2018.
Great fat rail coup for Blue Mountains tourism
Rail riders can experience a great fat look at the Blue Mountains when the Indian Pacific pulls into Mt Victoria each week.The optional off-train excursion for passengers travelling from Perth is the result of a new partnership between Fantastic Aussie Tours (FAT), Great Southern Rail which owns the iconic Indian Pacific touring train, Scenic World, Blue Mountains Guides and the Trippas White Group which owns The Lookout Restaurant at Echo Point.
FAT managing director Jason Cronshaw said the Blue Mountains excursion would be an option each Wednesday, with passengers alighting the train at Mt Victoria after breakfast. A FAT bus would then transport them to Scenic World to experience the range of thrilling rides or a trek through awe-inspiring landscapes along Prince Henry Walk with Blue Mountains Guides.
All passengers would then assemble for lunch at The Lookout Restaurant near the Three Sisters rock formation overlooking the Jamison Valley before being returned to the Indian Pacific in a FAT bus and continuing their rail journey to Sydney.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Driveaway Great Southern Rail rail plus rocky mountaineer The Deccan OdysseyLatest 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?