Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
Swiss Travel Pass Superstar Program Returns
Following its success in 2015, The Swiss Travel Pass SuperStar Program returns for its second year and will run from 6 June to 31 August this year.
A joint initiative between Rail Europe GSAs, Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System, the program aims to better equip agents when speaking to clients about travelling around Switzerland. The modules have been designed to educate and inform agents of the benefits of Swiss Travel Pass and its vast journeys around the country, while updating them on new and improved products.
Over the course of the three-month program, agents will need to sell as many passes as they can and answer a series of quiz questions in the six modules of the program. Agents must get at least eight out of 10 questions correct in order to be eligible to win prizes.
Certificates will be awarded to agents who successfully complete all modules and register a minimum of 48 points. Agents will also be awarded prizes in each module including a Victorinox suitcase and a Nespresso coffee machine, both valued at $300 as well as a Bucherer watch valued at $400. Finally, three best performing GSA consultants for each module will also receive a $100 gift voucher.
Natural Focus Safaris releases India brochure
South Melbourne-based Natural Focus Safaris (NFS) has published its 2016/17 India brochure. New this year are a collection of secret hideaways throughout the teardrop-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka, whose popularity as a holiday destination has exploded these past few years. From lavish former prime ministerial quarters in the heart of bustling Colombo to restored colonial mansions close to historic central Kandy, there’s a secluded boutique hotel wherever you plan to visit.
Australian wholesalers get a taste of New Caledonia
New Caledonia’s 2016 Rendezvous Workshop didn’t disappoint, with a record number of travel agents, tour operators and media attending the full-day destination event.
Taking place on 27 May at Noumea’s iconic Tjibaou Cultural Centre, over 30 delegates had the opportunity to engage in one-to-one meetings with a variety of suppliers, discovering new products and learning how they can best match the offerings of the destination’s diverse products with their clientele.
Beards and Passion Fire up in Bavaria in 2020
Collette Now Accepting Expressions of Interest for One of the World’s Most Remarkable Spectacles- Oberammergau.
History and culture buffs will be thrilled at the chance to experience one of Germany’s oldest cultural treasures, the Oberammergau Passion Play, featured as part of Collette’s 2020 tour program.
Tourists from all over the world clamour for tickets to see this historic event which takes place once every decade in the small Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau. Securing seats to the world’s most famous passion play is akin to booking for a World Cup. Capacity is strictly limited which is why Collette is accepting expressions of interest for this extraordinary performance.
Oberammergau’s devout villagers first performed this play in 1634 in the hope that they would be spared the devastating effects of the Black Death plague which was decimating Europe. Miraculously, the villagers survived the pandemic and as a token of their thanks to God, they have continued to perform their passion play ever since.
Belmond announces Belmond Andean Explorer
Belmond announces the launch of South America’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru. The new train, expected to launch May 2017, is set to travel along one of the highest rail routes on earth traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms on one and two night journeys.
Travelling through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, Belmond Andean Explorer is designed to connect guests with the abundant nature of the Peruvian Andes. Interior designs, by Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA, are inspired by the texture of Peru’s hand-woven fabrics and the soft tones of the Alpaca wool blended with Andean slate greys create a sense of calm enabling guests to unplug, relax and enjoy the journey.
Wendy Wu welcomes new CEO
Wendy Wu Tours, has today (June 6) announced the appointment of Joe Karbo as Group CEO to be based London.
In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading the global operations and offices in London, Sydney, New York, Shanghai and Auckland reporting to the Board of Directors.
Mr Karbo’s previous roles include General Manager at Excite Holidays and Innstant Group (AU), with earlier positions at Flight Centre, GIO Business and Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers.
He has been credited as one of the driving forces behind Excite Holidays’ rapid growth and success over the past few years, and recently completed his MBA in Australia and Europe.
Karbo commented, ‘‘I’m extremely excited and privileged to be part of this highly respected and well-known brand, and look forward to working closely with Wendy and the global team”
Globus Appoints Digital Marketing Manager
The Globus family of brands has announced the appointment of Louise Percy as Digital Marketing Manager, based in the group’s Sydney headquarters.
A digital specialist with experience in both Australia and the UK, Louise will oversee the implementation of digital marketing strategies across the Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms brands.
She was previously Online Marketing Manager for G Adventures based in Melbourne and has held other roles including Online Marketing Specialist at healthcare group Bupa Australia and Brand Marketing Specialist at Bupa UK.
Globus National Marketing Manager Chris Fundell said Louise brought valuable expertise from both the digital and travel spheres.
Featherdale Wildlife Park celebrates as Skippy Turns 50
At a “furry” special event, Featherdale Wildlife Park paid tribute to the overwhelmingly popular Australian TV Series, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo which aired its pilot episode, “Skippy, Man From Space” 50 years ago in 1966.
This pilot spawned the worldwide hit TV series, which went on to air in 128 countries and was translated into 25 languages. It also began an international love affair with the iconic kangaroo and with Australia which was linked to a rise in tourism and immigration even after the show finished in the early ‘70s.
“As home to the largest collection of native Australian animals in the world, including many species of kangaroo, Featherdale Wildlife Park is honoured to host this event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enduring TV series, “Skippy, the Bush Kangaroo” and also pay tribute to Bruce and Margaret Kubbere who founded the Park in 1972,” said Glenn Willis, CEO of Elanor Investors Group, owners of Featherdale Wildlife Park. “Through their work, millions of visitors from Australia and overseas have been able to learn about these amazing animals and better understand the important conservation work being carried out by the Featherdale team.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
belmond Featherdale Wildlife Park globus natural focus safaris new caledonia rail europe wendy wuLatest News
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