Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
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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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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?