It’s Monday and that means it’s Wholesaler Wrap day. Feel more enlightened and efficient with these bite-sized news updates!

Wendy Wu Digital Update

Wendy Wu Tours is in the final stages of delivering a suite of exciting new tools to Australian travel agents. With a long history of trade support, Wendy Wu Tours continues this legacy through two soon-to-launch initiatives.

In the final stages of development, Wendy Wu Tours will imminently launch a brand new online booking facility for the Australian travel trade; delivering ease, speed and enabling agents to book anywhere, anytime.

A similar new trade facing website launched in the UK this week, with Founder and Chairwoman, Wendy Wu, present to make the announcement.

Concurrently, launching soon, will be a brand new overarching incentive programme, with a full spectrum of rewards for Australian travel agents.

Wendy Wu, Founder and Chairwoman, said, “Launching imminently in Australia, our new agents’ website will represent a significant milestone in our company’s history. Until now booking a niche destination like China or Japan has been a long and often time-consuming process for agents.

“We appreciate our agents are busy and know how important time and speed is to give a superior service to customers, that’s why our new agent website will be the fastest way to make a Wendy Wu Tours booking.”

BUSABOUT ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WORLD’S MOST CREATIVE TRAVEL SELFIE

On June 21, the entire globe celebrated World Selfie Day. Recognising that a passion for travel and selfies go hand in hand, flexible travel experts Busabout are on the hunt for the ultimate travel selfie with an epic GoPro prize pack up for grabs for one lucky winner!

Busabout is encouraging travellers from Australia and New Zealand to post their most creative travel-inspired selfie on their own Instagram accounts, tagging #BusaboutSelfie.

The competition will run until July 24 2017, allowing plenty of time for travellers to take their strategic selfies with the winner receiving… drum roll please… a GoPro HERO 5 BLACK and Micro SD.

Of course a 3-Way grip Arm Tripod attachment will be included to make sure the winner can perfect their ‘selfie stick’ skills – allowing them to find that perfect lighting and angle on their next adventure.

So how should any selfie enthusiasts get themselves involved? All they have to do is head over to Instagram and do the following:

1.   Follow @busabouteurope on Instagram
2.  Share an epic travel selfie on Instagram with the hashtag #BusaboutSelfie
3. Make sure their profile is set to public, so Busabout can check out their incredible entry!

Busabout is giving travellers even more to be excited about with the launch of their 2018 Europe Preview deal, offering select 2018 departures at 2017 prices. On top of that (you may want to sit down) Busabout are offering an additional 15% off the 2017 price! There’s never been a better time to book your 2018 trip.

Scenic launches first-ever Pre-Release for South East Asia river cruising

Scenic Spirit, Exterior

After an overwhelmingly successful 2017/2018 season, Scenic has launched its first ever Pre-release for South East Asia River cruising. Scenic has just opened new dates for departures in late 2018 and early 2019 for both the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia and the Irrawaddy in Myanmar.

In the Pre-Release Scenic has introduced a brand new Cruise and Tour, the 11 Day Luxury Mekong and Temples Discovery. This fascinating itinerary includes 7 nights cruising the Mekong on board the luxurious Scenic Spirit, the most luxurious and spacious vessel on the Mekong, with every suite on board featuring a separate bedroom and living area and an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

Guests will also spend 3 nights in Siem Reap, the jumping off point to visit Angkor Wat, the magnificent 12^th Century World-Heritage listed temple complex and also the location of an extraordinary Scenic Enrich event, a magical themed gala dinner at Kravan Temple, with an extraordinary show featuring Apsara dancers. You can view the video for this amazing dinner here.

Price for this new 11 Day Luxury Mekong and Temples Discovery start from $5,975 per person twin share, including a saving of up to $500 per person.

Ultimate Peru Experience

Chimu Adventures have created a new luxury tour package designed to introduce discerning travellers to the highlights and icons of Peru whilst giving them the option to explore the paths less travelled in the most exclusive way.

The 11-day Ultimate Peru Experience (priced from AU$ 7,665*) takes in the seldom travelled Lares Region through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu staying in elegant mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities.

Up in the Amazon, guests are treated to immersive boutique luxury on the new Delfin III Amazon vessel on a 3-night itinerary that combines natural wonders, dramatic scenery and indigenous culture.

In Lima, guests get to spend a night in Chimu’s very own boutique, Casa Republica, located in the upcoming district of El Barranco.

Topdeck’s 2018 Europe Summer Pre-Release sale

Topdeck has responded to demand in the youth market, launching their 2018 Europe Summer pre-release sale today. Topdeck made a splash in the youth touring space back in 2013 after pioneering the Europe pre-release concept in this market which has continued to see enormous success since.

The Europe preview brochure hits stores starting from today, featuring 33 epic top selling trips for the 2018 season, all at 2017 prices PLUS a 15% pre-release discount. Customers can save up to $1319 on 2018 trips by getting in early.

The sale includes fan favourites such as the 10-day Greek Island Hopper, the 27-day Summer Fun and Sailing and the 8-day Croatian Riviera. As these popular trips sell out early, Topdeck are offering customers a chance to get in quick and secure their trip of a lifetime now. Additionally, by booking trips at the pre-release prices, customers can lock in their trip with 2017 prices to save even further.

The 2018 Europe Summer 15% pre-release sale is on until the 31 August 2017.

MW Tours & ATAC Explore Japan

MW Tours and ATAC hosted a group of agents on a recent trip to Japan with visits to Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. The tour featured highlights including Tokyo Sky Tree, Meiji Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, The Golden Pavillion and a Bullet Train ride from Hakone to Kyoto.

The group is pictured dressed in Kimonos for a traditional dinner experience – back row from left are Alana Hughes, Worldstrides; Karen Mansour, Avgo Travel;  Denise Prowd, The Travel Store; Tracy Thompson, Colac Travel Service; Fausta Pellegrino, Pellegrino Travel; Tracey Moore, Croydon Cruise & Travel; Amanda Board, MW Tours Vic & Tas; Joe Germano, Transair International. Front row: Aaron Eilers, Cruise Express; Jess Van Rooy, Holiday and Cruise Centre; Rhi Zanelli, Noosa Travel

Wintery Wonders featuring Northern Lights, Yellowstone National Park and more from Collette

There’s 5 hot new tours available from global tour operator Collette. Check them out here:

1. Northern Lights of Finland – new for 2018

Travellers wanting to get in early should start planning for Collette’s brand new Northern Lights of Finland tour, with departure dates beginning from October 2018.

This small group tour will offer the chance to catch a glimpse of the shimmering Aurora Borealis, one of nature’s most exquisite phenomena, or discover the rich Finnish culture and history on a tour of Helsinki with a local expert.

2. Winter in Yellowstone

For adventurers wanting to take a walk on the wild side, Collette’s Winter in Yellowstone tour is ideal. This snow-covered wonderland transports travellers as if through the magical Narnian wardrobe to a place where native elk, badgers, wolves, foxes and bears roam free.

More active travellers can hit the slopes for some cross-country skiing. Collette is currently offering guests the chance to experience the majesty of Yellowstone with discounts of $450 per person for all bookings made by 31/7/2017.

3. Spotlight on New York City Holiday

Collette’s Spotlight series offers guests an in-depth stay in some of the world’s most iconic destinations. For travellers who are short on time yet still want to see the very best of The Big Apple, Collette’s 5-day Spotlight on New York City Holiday tour is ideal.

From visiting the Rockefeller Centre to ice-skating in Central Park, to seeing an exciting live Broadway show in Times Square, guests on this tour will experience a true New York City white Christmas.

4. Canada’s Winter Wonderland

For nature lovers, Collette’s Canada’s Winter Wonderland tour allows visitors to immerse themselves into a scene clipped straight from a Christmas card in the splendid province of Alberta. Travellers will stay at two of its most spectacular, historic hotels – the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a Victorian style lodge, and the Fairmont Banff Springs, otherwise known as the “Castle in the Mountains”.

5. Antarctica featuring the Antarctic Circle

From winter wonderland to the “White Continent”, travellers can explore Antarctica in all its vastness and splendour with Collette’s Antarctica featuring the Antarctic Circle tour. Visitors will embark their voyage in exotic Buenos Aires, where they can turn up the heat and tango through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo, or take a more scenic route to Tigre y Delta.

From flamenco to flippers, Collette’s guests will set off from Ushuaia, Argentina, and be in awe of the majestic whales, seals, penguins and albatross frolicking amongst the incredible glaciers.

Wild Horizons announces a new partnership with Ynot Concepts

Wild Horizons, a Tours, Transfers & Accommodation service provider based in Victoria Falls and its surrounds, are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with YNOT Concepts who will be representing the Wild Horizons brand and expanding our reach in Australia and New Zealand.

YNOT Concepts is a cutting edge boutique agency based in Sydney, with extensive knowledge of tourism in Southern Africa, providing its clients with a network of professionals, and offering innovative sales, marketing and PR support.

The partnership was officially formed on 01 June 2017 with Rob Gurr, Managing Director of YNOT Concepts spending a considerable amount of time in Victoria Falls, with Shane White, Chief Sales & Marketing Director of Wild Horizons. They visited the Wild Horizons operated activities and lodges, including The Elephant Camp, The Elephant Camp West, Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, The Stanley & Livingstone Lodge and Ursula Camp.

TRAFALGAR’S JOURNEY INTO USA & CANADA CONTINUES

Trafalgar has added six new trips to its 2018 USA & Canada programme, including new local characters to its Be My Guest experience. The new brochure features 43 hand-crafted itineraries each showcasing authentic, effortless and fun holidays throughout North and Central America.

Connect to the real USA & Canada and meet local characters like Rahaman Ali. In Louisville, Kentucky – Mr. Ali, the younger brother of the infamous Muhammed Ali, becomes the star of the show and welcomes guests into his home to hear incredible tales of the boxing champion.

This is just one of Trafalgar’s new Be My Guest experiences for 2018. Guests can also choose to stroll through sun-drenched olive groves in Paso Robles, stargaze in the Sequoia National Park with a Local Specialist or tuck in to a Bootleggin’ BBQ at Louie Mueller’s in Texas. Letting guests experience more than just the normal sights, rather they will live and breathe within the local life.

With six trip styles to choose from, the itineraries have been carefully curated to reflect the very best of the North and Central American continent; from Canada to the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and brand new destination, Cuba.

New holidays include the 9-day From Cuban Cigars to American Cars; 10-day Geysers and Glaciers from Jackson to Calgary; 10-day Coastal California with Yosemite National Park from Los Angeles to San Francisco; D.C.; 8-day Family Experience Heart of the South with the Great Smoky Mountains from Atlanta to Louisville; 17-day Spirit of the South from Atlanta to New Orleans and 9-day Pilgrims and Patriots from Boston to Washington.

CRUISE CROATIA RECORD 400% GROWTH IN FOUR MONTHS

Cruise Croatia, a division of the Beyond Travel Group, have recorded huge growth of over 400 percent since officially launching the brand in April this year, due to the overwhelming support of trade agents around Australia says Peter Smith, GM business growth with Beyond Travel.

Smith said that the remarkable growth was the result of travel agents realising the potential of working with a destination specialist, such as Cruise Croatia, which allowed agents to deliver informative and expert advice to clients wishing to arrange a Croatian cruise.

“We have had a significant increase in agent enquiries, not only for client bookings but from agents looking to experience the destination first-hand and take advantage of the great value self-famil opportunities we offer.

“Many have booked an eight-day cruise as part of personal holidays in the region due to the outstanding reviews they receive from  clients returning to Australia, along with the agents thirst for greater knowledge of the product for future sales”.

The company has assisted around 50 Australian agents on small ship costal cruises in Croatia. This has come partially from the amount of product Cruise Croatia is able to offer, such as the 65 itineraries more than 500 departures on predominantly new or less than three year-old ships operating in the current 2017 season and the great value these holidays represent.