Road & Rail Wrap: DriveAway’s new call centre, Amtrak Vacations sale + MORE!
Yes, it’s our weekly dose of news covering all things on the railway tracks and on the road. We’ve even gone off-road for this wrap!
DriveAway opens second call centre
Self-drive specialist DriveAway recently opened an additional office to adhere to business growth and to better service its travel agent partners.
Led by reservations manager Deborah Stark, the new Gold Coast office has been in operation since October 2019 and serves as an enquiries hub, currently with 11 reservations sales agents, and is soon to acquire a team of approximately 20 to 25 staff members by the end of June 2020.
Amtrak Vacations launches ‘Upgrade and Save Sale’
Amtrak Vacations, Amtrak’s national tour operator and the leading supplier of rail vacations in North America, has announced its Upgrade and Save Sale.
For a limited time, when couples upgrade to a private bedroom on the train, they will save $300, and when they upgrade to a private roomette accommodation, they will save $200.
This special offer is valid for booking through to Friday 28 February. For more information on the sale, visit the Amtrak Vacations website.
International Transfer bookings jump 81 per cent
International Rail has revealed that retail bookings for its global booking system, International Transfer, rose a massive 81 per cent in 2019, which was equivalent to over 8,500 bookings on its partner booking platform, Mozio.
International Transfer’s global successful pick-up rate for 2019 was 98.5 per cent, with the highest successful pick-up rates being for its business-class private vehicle category, and the lowest for economy-type vehicles such as mini cabs.
The international airports of Rome, London and Paris came in as the three most popular for airport transfers for the booking system, with the most successful pick-up rates for those transfers that included a meet-and-greet service.
Ola introduces new safety feature
Ridesharing platform Ola has unveiled a new safety feature, Start Code, to ensure users never get in the wrong car.
Once a user has booked their ride, a four-digit code will appear above their ride details. All they need to do is share this code with their driver to start their ride.
Grand American Adventures offers 25 per cent discount
North American small-group specialist Grand American Adventures (GAA) is offering 25 per cent off departures (excluding third-party trips) through to 30 September 2020.
Whether your clients are looking to explore the national parks of the western states, the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the big cities of the east or the incredible music in the south, GAA offers more than 50 itineraries across the US and Canada.
The offer is available until 3 March 2020. GAA brochures are available to order at TIFS, or agents can call its Melbourne-based team for more details on 1300 030 714.
World Expeditions offers savings of up to $400 per person
Adventure travel specialist World Expeditions is offering savings of up to $400 on a range of its international trekking adventures.
Book a 100 per cent carbon offset adventure before 14 March and help your clients take advantage of the Mountain Lovers’ Sale. Visit the World Expeditions website or call 1300 720 000 for more info.
Mary Moody to accompany UTracks’ food-lovers experience in France
UTracks has announced that Aussie author Mary Moody will be accompanying its ‘Food Lovers Way of St James’ guided walk in France, departing in May and September 2020.
Each departure is restricted in number to ensure an immersive experience. Interested travellers should act quickly, as the May 2020 departure is almost full. The 12-day guided walk is priced from $6,790 per person (twin share).
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!