The Big Fat Agent Wrap
There’s a lot happening in agent land this week, here’s a quick snap of what’s in store.
Malaysia Airlines hosts Flighties
Malaysia Airlines hosted 14 Flight Centre NSW product managers, area leaders and consultants over the weekend to a team bonding morning at RAW Challenge Doyalson. The agents got down and dirty as they navigated their way through a 4km military inspired obstacle course compromising of over 40 obstacles. From hurling over fences to running through mud pits and carefully navigating balancing beams. The agents took all the obstacles with great endeavour and together navigated through the course. After 3 gruelling hours, agents relaxed with a sausage sizzle and drinks.
Inaugural Magellan Corporate forum kicks off
Magellan Travel Group’s inaugural corporate forum got off to a good start with a warm welcome event hosted by Qantas Airways.
The forum includes presentations from Magellan corporate preferred partners such as Serko, Uniglobe, Qantas, Amadeus and others.
L-R: Kathleen Nicholson (TTFN Travel), Danny Cahalan (Solve Travel), Marnie Turner (Rheom Travel), Kathy Gambell (Encore Journeys), Emmily Strong (CPE Travel), Alison Lee (Complete Travel Services), Simone Kaye (Worldwide Travel), Scott Darlow (Magellan Travel Group), Greg McCarthy (Platinum Travel Corporation)
Win a trip to Europe by completing new-look Rail Expert program
Travel agents have the chance to win a spot on an exclusive European famil as part of a revamped Rail Expert training program that for the first time is supported by all of Rail Europe’s Australian distribution partners – Rail Plus, Infinity Rail and Rail Tickets.
Consultants now have until 28 April 2017 (six weeks) to complete the new European Rail Expert program, which offers 10 modules, the majority of which are themed around major rail networks such as TGV France, Swiss Travel System and Eurail.
The program is open to all qualified travel agents, who must achieve a 60% pass rate to receive a certificate and an ‘I’m a Rail Expert’ banner for their email signature.
The top two graduates from each of four regions across Australia – VIC/TAS, NSW/ACT, QLD/NT, SA/WA – will also win a spot on a European famil.
In addition, Rail Plus is incentivising the 10 individual training modules with a top scorer for each instalment receiving a $100 VISA gift card.
Cirque du Soleil Resident Shows Division, Launches Australian and New Zealand Retail Agent’s Incentive
The retail agent’s incentive gives participating agents the opportunity to earn fabulous Cirque prizes including the grand prize of a trip to Las Vegas to see Cirque du Soleil live.
The incentive sales period will run from 13 March – 15 May 2017. Travel agents will need to book your Cirque du Soleil tickets for Las Vegas bound travelers through one of these participating preferred wholesale partners:
House of Travel (NZ), Hoot Holidays (AU), GO Holidays (NZ), Qantas Holidays (AU), Viva Holidays (AU) or Infinity Holidays (NZ & AU). Each ticket booked will provide an individual agent with one point in the incentive program.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority have released inaugural edition of Explore Abu Dhabi magazine.
The 35-page magazine covers everything you need to know for planning a holiday to Abu Dhabi, and is available in hard or digital copies and include articles such as Fun for the Family, Luxury Within Reach and Captivating Culture.
Explore Abu Dhabi provides information on the top ten things to do in Abu Dhabi, where you can go to ride a wave over 3 metres, and exactly what the best spa treatments in the world involve.
To get a copy or copies of Explore Abu Dhabi, contact Juliette Herault on +612 9286 8967 or JHerault@tcaabudhabi.ae
Personal Travel Managers Have a Blast in Houston
Houston may be famous for being home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, but as TravelManagers’ personal travel managers (PTMs) recently discovered there is so much more to the city of Houston, than just Mission Control.
Victoria based PTMs Mark Devers representative for Gembrook, Joanne Haines representative for Berwick, John Lengacher representative for Windsor, Darren Christensen representative for Narre Warren South; Queensland based PTMs Maree Evans representative for Hope Island, Lillie Smith representative for Toowong and New South Wales based PTMs, Annette McHugh representative for Kiama, Tanya Tyler representative for Riverview were hosted a seven-night famil by Travelcube’s sales executive Teena Hollwey and Karen Dowling TravelManagers’ business partnership manager – Queensland.
Latest News
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!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.