It’s Monday morning and we’ve got a swag of Wholesaler updates to get your week going. Grab a coffee and catch up.

Albatross Tours Release 2017/18 Festive Tours Brochure

The 2017/18 European Christmas, New Year and Winter Wonderland Tours brochure has launched with tour prices even lower than in 2016!

With a massive 28 unique festive tours on offer, each and every tour has been designed to bring alive the nostalgia, joy and romance of the Festive Season. New for 2017/18 are 8 superb European festive tours including an innovative range of ‘Winter Wonderland’ tours.

For travel agents, Albatross are offering an amazing opportunity to WIN a magical Pre-Christmas Market tour for 2, with one entry per passenger booked before 31 July 2017. Full competition details are available at albatrosstours.com.au/agent-competition.

The Albatross Tours 2017 Festive Christmas, New Year & Winter Wonderland tours brochure is being delivered by TIFs over the next week. Or order your copy by calling 1300 135 015 or visiting www.albatrosstours.com.au.

Top 3 unique Irish unique retreats

Moriarty’s Farmhouse – for the discerning traveller
Experience a slice of rural Irish life at Moriarty’s Farmhouse B&B, located a short walk from Ventry Beach, and only eight kilometres from Dingle town. It is the perfect base for a few days’ exploration of the visually stunning Ring of Kerry, and local activities such as kayaking and horse-riding.

Take part in the authentic farmstay experience with collecting eggs or feeding the animals.  Accommodation can be incorporated into a tailor-made itinerary or included in the ready-made Irish Culinary Experience self-drive package.

Dromoland Castle – for the historians
Hop across to Ireland to experience Irish hospitality in an ancient castle formerly the home of Gaelic royalty. Be transported back in time under glistening antique chandeliers in Dromoland Castle, a five-star luxury escape in County Clare.

Immerse yourself in historic prestige with grand staircases, ornate fireplaces and sumptuous brocade or visit the restaurant that serves delectable food in a grand setting. Enjoy falconry, archery, boating, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, walking and mountain biking and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Located close to the Wild Atlantic Way and Cliffs of Moher, Tempo Holidays can incorporate accommodation here on the Wild Atlantic Way by Car itinerary or on your very own tailor-made itinerary exploring the South West of Ireland.

Ashford Castle – for the Glamorous
The gorgeous Ashford Castle is the epitome of grandeur, perfect for luxury relaxation with accommodating staff to wait on you hand and foot.

In April 2015, the Castle was reopened to guests after two years and $75 million-worth of renovations and was named the Number 1 Resort or Inn in Great Britain and Ireland in 2016. The Ashford Castle Spa, boasts a fairy-tale atmosphere,and is an award-winning spa, including state of the art facilities that will provide an array of different treatments available.

Bag a bargain in Dubai until the end of March

Until the end of March, Tempo Holidays are offering savings of up to 65% off a range of hotels in Dubai.

Stopovers are the perfect opportunity for a taster holiday of a city you’ve been keen to visit, and a great way to break up the long-haul flights.

Directly connected to the world-renowned Emirates Mall, make a booking on the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates in a classic room between 1 May to 30 Sep 2017 and clients will save up to 50%. Now from $128 per person per night, customers will save up to $150 per person per night.  

Or, clients can save 65% with the Hawthorn Suites in a deluxe room during the period 1 May to 30 Sep 2017. Located on Jumeirah Beach Residence, Hawthorn Suite occupies a prime location on the main strip with a variety of family entertainment activities and spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Prices were from $227 per person per night, and are now from $79 per person per night.

 Talk to the team at Tempo Holidays to find your great Dubai stopover deal. Call 1300 362 844 or visit www.tempoholidays.com/dubai-stopovers.

Escape Fares take off!

Escape Travel’s exclusive Escape Fares are reaching new heights for the travel provider with passenger numbers climbing 18% since July last year, with some key destinations growing more than 25%.

Escape Travel General Manager, Darren Lloyd,  said more than 9893 Escape Fares were sold last year alone, with the most popular destinations including Hawaii, Los Angeles and Phuket.

To access the discount fare, customers must secure accommodation, a tour or cruise at the time of booking. As long as the minimum duration is met, there are no restrictions on accommodation, tour or cruises. 

The Escape Fares are offered year round. 

Trafalgar launch E-learning Program for Agents to Learn, Earn and Travel more 

Trafalgar is calling on agents to join the journey to even greater success, with the launch of the Trafalgar Academy. The award-winning guided holiday operator has unveiled its inaugural e-learning programme, specially created to help agents increase their earnings and make selling more fun.

The Trafalgar Academy empowers industry partners with its interactive guidance on how to sell, as opposed to what to sell, and upon completion of each course they are further equipped to learn, earn and travel more.

The initial launch phase is available now and invites users to discover the Trafalgar difference and why it’s simply the best way to enjoy a stress-free holiday. Following in close succession in the coming months are ‘Converting Opportunities Into Success’ and ‘It’s Lifestyle Not Features That Matter’, with additional courses forthcoming as the programme gathers momentum. Agents registering for the Academy will uncover insights on increasing conversion and commission, as well as enjoying exclusive travel offers.

This on-demand e-learning initiative is a one of a kind programme that has been created to cover all needs. Upon successful completion of each module, agents can access downloadable certificates of accreditation.

Registration is available at www.trafalgar.com/agentacademy.

Blue Mountains Sculpture at Scenic World Exhibition Recognised as Flagship Tourism Event

Scenic World announces that its iconic art exhibition, Sculpture at Scenic World 2017, has been recognised as a regional flagship event after receiving a $20,000 grant from the NSW Government’s 2017 Flagship Event Fund.

“The Flagship Event Fund is a terrific NSW Government initiative and part of our renewed commitment to boost regional economies through tourism and major events,” Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall said.

Sculpture at Scenic World 2017 is the biggest show to date and will feature works from 35 artists along the 2.4-kilometre Scenic Walkway – Australia’s longest elevated boardwalk – from 7 April to 7 May. The ticket price includes access to the exhibition, unlimited rides on the Scenic Railway, the Scenic Skyway and the Scenic Cableway, plus entry to Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

To find out more go to www.sculptureatscenicworld.com.au.