The Big Fat Agent Wrap
Good morning agents, good morning Travel Weekly.
Ok, we’re a bit distracted. It is Friday after all.
So let’s make this quick, and speed on into that weekend bliss. Here’s your glorious Friday agent wrap!
Global achievers hit the NT
Some of Australia’s top travel consultants touched down in the Northern Territory on Tuesday to discover the outback ahead of Qantas Holidays’ Global Achievers celebration in Darwin this weekend.
Qantas Holidays has joined forces with Tourism NT to showcase the Northern Territory to 170 of Australia’s top travel agents for it’s preeminent annual Global Achievers reward and recognition event. This year’s Global Achievers have been offered a number of exciting famils before and after the 1940’s themed Gala Award Dinner on Saturday 17th October in Darwin.
The famils will take consultants on adventures in the outback visiting iconic destinations such as Australia’s largest national park Kakadu, swimming in the beautiful waterholes of Litchfield National Park, adventuring to where the outback meets the tropics in Katherine and even discovering the home of Australia’s iconic didjeridoo in Arhem Land.
Win a trip to Chile
Adventure World, LATAM Airlines Group and Tourism Chile have teamed up to offer travel agents the ultimate South American experience with a trip for two to Chile up for grabs.
To be in the running to win this extraordinary experience, agents simply need to book their clients on an Adventure World South American trip including LATAM airfares anytime from now until 27 November, 2015. Agents who book their clients on an itinerary that includes three nights or more in Chile will also qualify for a bonus entry.
Total prize pack includes two return economy airfares from Sydney to Santiago, two return economy domestic flights from Santiago to Calama, transportation and sightseeing with local English speaking guides, twin share accommodation in four-star hotels and many meals.
Adventure World will notify the lucky winner on 11 December, 2015. For more information on Adventure World visit www.adventureworld.com.
Lights, camera, ACTION!
The theme of TravelManagers’ recent Annual National Conference, which was this year held in Adelaide, was “Focus”. One personal travel manager (PTM) found an opportunity during her post-conference famil on Kangaroo Island to apply this theme quite literally, uncovering a hidden talent and entertaining her colleagues in the process.
Tanya Patterson, representative for Clyde North in Victoria, spent three days exploring the highlights of Kangaroo Island as part of a group of thirty PTMs and eight of their partners. While she was there, she hit upon the idea of filming some short, light-hearted video clips that mimicked the styles of different wildlife and travel shows.
“The video clips were uploaded to our ‘Closed PTM Facebook page’ as a tongue-in-cheek way to communicate to PTMs who had not been able to attend the conference or famils about what we were up to,” explains Patterson.
“I have had an amazing response from my fellow PTMs, saying how great the videos were and asking if I can make some more!” she says. “It turns out that the videos are actually a pretty great tool to give consultants an unbiased overview of the current state of a destination and how the hotels and attractions look.”
What’s new with U?
Do something different on your next holiday and choose one of UTracks’ new trips launching in 2016. Grab an early bird airfare (available now) and book your next adventure!
In its brand new brochure, the activity holiday specialist is expanding its portfolio with more than 40 fresh ideas, including a series of boat-based trips at some of Europe’s much-loved holiday hotspots (from the Greek Islands to the Black Forest and the Champagne region), breaks new ground in Macedonia, Slovakia and the Baltic countries and gets off the beaten track both on foot (The Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal; Carian Way, Turkey) and by bike (Prosecco Wine Cycle; Italy; Parenzana Trail, Slovenia).
For more information and bookings please visit www.UTracks.com or call 1300 303 368.
Cathay goes nuts for noodles
Cathay Pacific, the official airline partner of Good Food Month, has released special fares to Hong Kong, China and selected destinations in Asia to celebrate its partnership with Australia’s largest food festival.
The Good Food Month fares are on sale for a limited time only and start from just $632 to Beijing from Melbourne or $665 to Hong Kong from Sydney in Economy Class return. The special fares have to be booked before 15 November and are for travel between 11 January 2016 to 31 August 2016.
Cathay Pacific is delighted to announce that it will continue its partnership with Good Food Month in 2016, and will be present at even more Night Noodle Markets around Australia including The Night Noodle Markets in Perth and Adelaide.
Visitors to the Sydney (October) and Melbourne (November) Night Noodle Markets can make the light piece centred in the middle of the Cathay Pacific Pavilion light up, plus go into the draw to win two Premium Economy return flights to Hong Kong – one of the food capitals of the world – by simply posting a picture on Instagram using the #LifeWellTravelled hashtag.
To enter, entrants just have to:
- Follow @CathayPacific on Instagram
- Snap a photo of your Cathay Pacific experience at the Night Noodle Markets
- Upload the picture onto Instagram* and tag #LifeWellTravelled (which will light up the brush wing if they enter at the Night Noodle Markets^).
Backroads gets people talking
Small-group touring experts Back-Roads Touring Co. have got everyone talking… for the right reasons.
The company is riding a wave of consumer popularity after experiencing the second biggest month of sales since its inception, with double the amount of bookings in September 2015 compared to September 2014.
To meet this on-going demand Back-Roads Touring has today announced the addition of 45 new departures dates for its most popular tours in the 2016 season (June – October), equating to 705 new passenger seats. The brand will also add a suite of new reservations and on-road sales staff to its team to keep up with the increased enquiry.
South American early birds – a rare sight!
Small group touring specialists Bunnik Tours have just launched their 2016 South & Central program. Building on the success of their existing touring program, they’ve introduced three new itineraries and are offering a saving of $250 per person on Early Bird bookings.
The three tours are: South America In Style; Colombia, Ecuador & the Galapagos; Mexico, Guatemala & Costa Rica. For full details on Bunnik Tours South & Central America 2016 program visit www.bunniktours.com.au.
Lindblad invites you to experience more
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have released their new 2016 Galápagos brochure, with recently extended special offers and information on their 2016 Epic Photo Expedition.
See Galápagos as Darwin did—aboard an expedition ship equipped to give you the most engaging experience possible. Voyage from island to island to make fresh discoveries daily.
Hike, kayak, and Zodiac cruise to and around intriguing islands. For more information, please visit au.expeditions.com/brochures/.
Agent incentives galore
Insider Journeys is offering both agents and their clients incentives for bookings made and deposited between now and 15 December 2015 for all 2016 Small Group Journeys.
Agents will not only earn a $20 Coles Myer voucher for each valid booking for a 2016 departure, but it will also count towards their ‘6 for 1’ program tally. As part of the 2015 program, by simply having booked six Small Group Journey passengers between 01 Jan – 31 Dec 15, paid in full by 31 December 2015, agents can earn themselves a spot on a Small Group Journey to personally experience the Insider Journeys’ way.
Insider Journeys is also making it simpler to sell, with a $500 saving per couple. To celebrate the release of Insider Journeys’ new 2016-17 Small Group Journey brochure, Insider Journeys is offering travellers a $250 travel voucher towards all Small Group Journeys over 10 days or more across its 11 destinations.
Take a walk on the wild side
Travel agents with clients planning a trip to Canada can advise them to tune in to Better Homes and Gardens tomorrow night to find out more about one of the country’s biggest drawcards – its wildlife.
As part of its dedicated ongoing partnership with award winning luxury travel operator APT, Better Homes and Gardens takes viewers on a tour of some of the highlights of the Rockies this Friday with presenter Dr Harry.
The sixth installment in a series of episodes the team has been filming on location with APT, this latest edition focuses on the Vancouver region, and on locations in the provinces of British Colombia and Alberta. The episode will be broadcast on Channel 7 at 7pm on Friday 16 October.
Dr Harry showcases Canada’s stunning scenery in conjunction with its many exciting species of wildlife. Highlights include his Blue River Safari adventure aboard a custom-designed boat, skimming the waterways in his search for local resident brown and grizzly black bears, caribou, moose, eagles and the many other native creatures that live there.
Scenic extends solo special
Scenic has extended its solo traveller offer on all 2016 Bordeaux river cruise departures. Guests can now enjoy no single supplement on all cabin categories throughout the season. This offer is strictly limited and will run out on 31 October 2015.
Experience the famous wineries and Gothic architecture of beautiful Bordeaux. With no overnight sailing, the leisurely 11 day cruise docks in Cadillac, Libourne, Blaye, Pauillac and Bordeaux offering plenty of time to soak up the charm of these riverside hamlets. The 11 Day Beautiful Bordeaux, prices starting from $6,695 per person.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Collette goes off the beaten track with Canyon Country tour
To be clear TW is not advocating actually walking off the beaten track. Avoid the coyotes. Stay on the beaten track.
Intrepid & Korean Tourism Organisation team up to give agents a cooking masterclass
These guys learnt that Korean cooking is more than just putting kimchi on 2-minute noodles (as we once thought).
Winner, winner! Intrepid reveals the 9 lucky agents that won $2k
Who won the incentive? Which Intrepid trip will they spend it on? What day of the week is it again? Where am I? Huh?
Corporate Traveller reports 42% increase in Easter traffic this year
Business travellers just love Easter! Expect plenty of chocolate stained documents returning to the office on Tuesday.
Turbulent year wiped $384m off Qantas brand value: Report
Meanwhile, eating tuna at your desk can damage your own personal office brand value by several thousand dollars.
FAMIL: Room-Res & Singapore Tourism Board shows agents the Lion City’s roar
Click this article to see a man very impressed by a 20-layer chocolate cake. We're not kidding, he loved it!
Oceania Cruises offers sailors free pre-cruise hotel stay
Looking for ways to make your holidays as long as possible? Look no further.
Bonza launches new website to compliment app, agent portal
Does news about an airline's website fill you with ecstasy, glee and joy? Get your hit of the good stuff here.
MTA agents attends ‘Lunch ‘n’ Learn’ with AMA Waterways
When organising the event, Lunch 'n' Learn beat out Dinner 'n' Divulge and Breakfast 'n' Banter. Understandably so.
Travelmarvel reveals 2025 South America tours
If you spot any typos in the newsletter today it is because TW became distracted Googling images of Machu Picchu.
Tourists from 5 countries could be BANNED from visiting Australia
Anthony Albanese's immigration laws could impact tourism from certain countries.
Just how many passengers will Qantas & Jetstar hop around this Easter?
Airline workers are ready for gleeful Easter travellers! Also prepared for sticky children with chocolate on their face.
Air New Zealand gets ready for bumper Easter weekend
Air NZ gears up for travelling passengers this Easter, while TW looks to beat our egg eating record. 117 here we come!
Four Seasons Yachts reveals first itineraries to the Caribbean & Mediterranean
These trips look so good we wish there were five seasons! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
FAMIL: Travellers Choice treats top agents to the wonders of Rotorua
This one's got plenty of famil pics and no one looks shockingly hungover in them! Clearly no TW staffers were there.
European Waterways celebrates 50th anniversary with week-long founders cruise
Plan on celebrating your 50th anniversary with a bottle of Moët and fairy bread? European Waterways has better ideas.
100th route! Jetstar celebrates the launch of Brisbane-Avalon with 12 hour sale
Jetstar knocks a ton and celebrates with a sale while TW once scored a ton and celebrated with about 17 beers.
Record-breaking year for NSW as visitor expenditure soars past $50 billion
Enjoy running round the Opera House? Be prepared to elbow even more tourists out the way.
Norwegian Cruise Line makes play for solo travellers
NCL ensuring you don't have to go trawling Tinder to find a cruise partner. Thank goodness, we were sick of catfishing.
Entire Travel Group’s Canada and Europe 2024/25 brochures are out now
Entire's new brochure is bittersweet; it both informs your clients and makes you envious of the holiday they'll take.
Malaysia Airlines adds 3 new destinations & A330neo seats
More seats means cheaper airfares and more money to spend on overpriced airport sandwiches. Woohoo!
Two divine days onboard Crystal Serenity
It's only pure serenity onboard this ship. Anxiety, agitation and anguish have been rejected by the bouncer.
How the Globus Family of Brands elevates coach touring: Travel Weekly TV with Chris Fundell
Chris' here so you don't think coaches mean peeling your thighs off a sticky leather seat every time you stand up!
The Flight Centre Foundation gears up for massive 2024 with 3 new board members
The foundation looks to invest $200k this year, spurring the TW journos to figure out how to qualify as a charity.
Barking Owl Communications to head up Anantara & Avani in ANZ
Fellow PR competitors had been barking up the wrong tree even thinking of bidding for this job!
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
1000MTG’s second global conference reminds agents to ‘strive and thrive’
Alongside messages to 'strive' and 'thrive' were those to 'survive', 'drive', 'arrive' and 'jive' (when appropriate).
Qantas A330 makes “loud bang”, pilots forced to shut down one engine
Qantas refusing to let Boeing have all the headlines in aviation world today!
GX Community Tourism Summit 2024 location revealed!
The new location has arrived and it'll blow your socks off! Time for another trip to Target for more socks then.
Visiting the destination my Mum didn’t want me to
Yet again, this journo has been a stress to his mother. Discover how this trip spurred his mother's anxiety here.
Agents come out of their shells at P&O’s turtle hatchery event
For some, it's a few glasses of bubbles to lure them out of their shell. For these agents, it was a bit more literal.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Virgin looks to swap MAX 10 order for MAX 8s amid Boeing delays: Reports
Virgin has changed its order for something smaller. Much like we have to at Maccas following a worrying doctor's visit.
Club Med unveils newest luxury yacht for 2024/25 early bird sale
This yacht is preserved for the early birds! Night Owls may also get onboard depending how late they stay up.
Abercrombie & Kent 2024 Asia Portfolio is here
Round up the family and get planning an Asia jaunt. Or, if they're hard to handle, brush them all and go it alone!
Elevate your earnings: Final days to secure double commission with Inspiring Vacations’ March offer
What could inspire you to sell more Inspiring Vacations? Double commission of course! That's all the inspiration needed.