The Big Fat Agent Wrap
![The Big Fat Agent Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Back again to keep you fresh and current on all the latest news in the agent world!
From the famil snaps and cruising deals to hotel specials and incentives – this is the place to get all your industry tidbits in one place.
P&O set to rock Sydney
P&O Cruises has revealed details of its history-making five ship spectacular which is set to rock Sydney Harbour on November 25, including performers from Jessica Mauboy, The Veronicas, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew and Stan Walker, as well as 20 other live music acts and 10 DJs across all the ships.
More than 9000 passengers will be able to enjoy the special concerts, while all of Sydney will enjoy the spectacle of five ships on the harbour, beginning with a Salute to Sydney which will see the fleet form a V off the heads before they sail single file into the harbour.
The P&O parade will mark the arrival of the line’s two latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which will be officially named as they sail by Sydney’s Fort Denison together once they’ve sailed into the harbour.
Malaysia me crazy
![From left to right are: Stephen Ninis (Malaysia Airlines), Katie Mcdonald (Flight Centre Highpoint), Eleni Vailas (RACT Travel), Vanessa Iacono (Flight Centre Niddrie), Tara Sottile (Pakenham Travel), Joshua Murdoch (Escape Travel Bendigo), Sallyanne Jackson (Helloworld Ashburton), Jeanette Edwards (Flight Centre Croydon), Lena Froelich (Complete Travel Marketing representing Berjaya Hotels & Resorts).](http://www.travelweekly.com.au/app/uploads/2015/07/VICTAS-travel-agents-enjoying-Mount-Mat-Chincang-1024x768.jpg)
From left to right are: Stephen Ninis (Malaysia Airlines), Katie Mcdonald (Flight Centre Highpoint), Eleni Vailas (RACT Travel), Vanessa Iacono (Flight Centre Niddrie), Tara Sottile (Pakenham Travel), Joshua Murdoch (Escape Travel Bendigo), Sallyanne Jackson (Helloworld Ashburton), Jeanette Edwards (Flight Centre Croydon), Lena Froelich (Complete Travel Marketing representing Berjaya Hotels & Resorts).
Tourism Malaysia partnered with Malaysia Airlines and Berjaya Hotels & Resorts to treat seven lucky travel agents from Victoria and Tasmania to a seven-day famil to Malaysia.
First stop for the group was the tropical island of Langkawi, followed by accommodation at the iconic Berjaya Langkawi Resort in the ancient rainforest, and a stopover in Kuala Lumpur for the best of entertainment, shopping and culinary Malaysia’s capital has to offer.
The famil that ran from 23 to 28 July enabled agents to receive first-hand experience of Malaysia as a destination and its offering for Australian travellers.
Topdeck takes youth to US
Although the USA dollar is sinking, Topdeck has noticed that Aussie’s are still flocking to the USA, in particular young travellers.
So Topdeck’s new 2016 USA brochure, featuring 21 trips, has a new design where the articles and information are designed to speak in the same language as today’s youth passengers.
Travellers will be able to explore New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami to name a few, and additionally, the brochure includes new trips such as the 24-day Coast to Coast and 25-day West Coast Cruiser and new experiences such as entry to the One World Observatory and the 360 Chicago Observatory.
MTA ambassador visits Middle East refugees
Mobile Travel Agents’ long time brand ambassador, Jessica Watson OAM, has recently returned from a trip to the Middle East where she visited the Azraq refugee camp and the Save the Children Youth Centre in Jordan and the Qab Elias Refugee Informal Settlement in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
While in Beirut, Jessica was also given the opportunity to take a group of Lebanese and Syrian children sailing and share her passion for the ocean with them.
Mobile Travel Agents co-managing directors, Karen and Roy Merricks admit to being inordinately proud of Jessica, saying, “She was always our number one choice to be the face of MTA and is a perfect mirror of what we feel the MTA brand embodies.”
Dusit takes on eLan
![Dusit-Signs-Agreement-to-Expand-its-Reach-in-Africa-hi](http://www.travelweekly.com.au/app/uploads/2015/07/Dusit-Signs-Agreement-to-Expand-its-Reach-in-Africa-hi.jpg)
Left to right: Mark Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of eLan Property Group; General Chatchai Sarikalya, Thai Minister of Commerce; Mr. Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Dusit International
Dusit International has entered into an exclusive agreement with South Africa-based eLan Property Group to manage several hotels and resorts in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
According to the agreement, Dusit will initially manage five hotel and resort projects: two in South Africa, two in Mozambique and one in Mauritius; a total of around 1,400 rooms across nine hotels. Dusit will also work closely with the eLan Property Group on a regional hospitality education project.
Project details are currently being finalised and will be revealed in due course.
Globus goes loco for Latin America
Globus has captured the spirit and passion of Latin America in its first brochure of South American holidays, offering more than a dozen different adventures across the continent – from the ruins of Machu Picchu to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the remote wilderness of Patagonia.
To celebrate its new brochure, Globus is offering an early booking discount of 10% on all Globus 2016 South & Central America holidays booked by September 15, 2015.
Dozens of unforgettable experiences are available in destinations including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Easter Island, Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands, among others.
Abu Dhabi on the road
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is embarking on a four destination roadshow to Australia next week in a bid to increase awareness about the emirate’s growing business and tourism opportunities.
The 11-strong delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will be in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney from August 3-6, advising Australian retail travel agents and MICE consultants on current and new tourism experiences and offerings across Abu Dhabi.
Scenic on safari
Scenic has launched its 2016 Africa program which includes the launch of a new extended itinerary and a number of new Enrich experiences and Freechoice activities.
Guests can now join Scenic for twenty wonder-filled days exploring Southern and East Africa on a new itinerary travelling from Cape Town to Nairobi – 20 Day Great Game Parks of Africa.
Scenic is offering a number of Earlybird offers including partner fly free to Africa with savings of up to $2,000 per couple including taxes, and savings of up to $1,500 per couple, on bookings made before 31 December.
TFE deals of the week
This week’s hot deal release includes TFE Hotel’s Brisbane sale, which includes 25% off selected TFE Hotels in Brisbane including: Travelodge, Rendezvous or Adina Apartment Hotels.
Visit Travelodge Hotels or Rendezvous Hotels for three nights, or Adina Apartment Hotels for 4 nights, and save 25% off your stay.
Deal: Warm up this Winter with TFE Hotels
Book by: 11 October, 2015
Stay: Adina Apartment Hotels, Rendezvous Hotel or Travelodge Hotel in Brisbane
Price: Prices from $97AUD based on Travelodge Garden City – save 25%
Conditions: Not available with any other offer. Minimum 3 night stay applies at Rendezvous or Travelodge Hotels. Minimum 4 night stay applies at Adina Apartment Hotels. Offer is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Rate is prepaid at time of booking and is non-changeable and non-refundable. No cancellation, no changes and fully prepaid.
Inclusions: This offer is for Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square, Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane on George, Travelodge Garden City (winter escapes available nationwide)
Latest 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?