The Big Fat Agent Wrap

The Big Fat Agent Wrap

Another week has come and gone, and we bet you’re still a little behind on your emails.

Well, never fear – because we’ve done the legwork and found all the new agent goss you need to stay updated.

Wind down to the weekend with this cruisy update, and have a happy Friday!

Save a seat on the #TTCGreatEscape

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Not in the running to win the ultimate agent famil ever? Well that’s alright, because we’ve got an exclusive seat for one lucky TW reader – and it could be you!

Just post a photo of your own ‘Great Escape’ to social media and tell us why you want to be on The Travel Corporation’s Great Escape. Add the #TTCGreatEscape hashtag, and tag one of Travel Weekly’s social media’s and away you go!

Entries close on September 4 folks so get cracking!

Go inside with new brochure

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Insider Journeys has launched its comprehensive new India Sri Lanka Bhutan brochure with a range of new tours and packages, and a refreshed layout including features on some of the country’s most popular experiences such as ‘24 hours in Jaipur’, ‘Food in Delhi’, ‘Agra Monuments’ and ‘Planning your Safari’.

The brochure, which covers tailor made travel, Small Group Journeys and river cruises, highlights a range of new itineraries and packages, including a 12 day north India Golden Triangle Wildlife package complete with a stay at the charming Chambal Safari Lodge and river boat safaris to see the amazing Gharial (an endangered crocodile), as well as a range of new 6-18 day FIT itineraries.

 

Rail Plus’ great luxury

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Ireland’s first luxury rail voyage and a selection of romantic excursions into the heart of Persia are just some of the highlights of Rail Plus’ newly-released 2016 Great Train Journeys program.

Rail Plus’ team of experts have once again drawn on their unsurpassed knowledge and experience to curate a unique collection of train journeys exploring all corners of the world.

From 2016 the train will offer a range of itineraries – including two-, four- and six-day options – that traverse the Emerald Isle’s lush green landscapes and dramatic coasts.

 

Vegas says #sorrynotsorry

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With a title like ‘entertainment capital of the world’, Las Vegas is anything but boring, so to celebrate this, Las Vegas has teamed up with retail travel agency, iTravel to create the ultimate antidote.

This week the duo has launched a social media campaign based around the popular hashtag trend, #SorryNotSorry. Aussies are asked to share their most ‘un-Vegas’ like images, in line with the theme for that week, using the hashtag #VegasNotVegas.

The most creative entry each week will win one of three once-in-a-lifetime Las Vegas holidays for themselves and a friend, plus the priceless opportunity to escape the mundane aspects of everyday life.

 

Adventure World turns Japanese

Adventure World has announced the addition of Japan product to its Asia collection for the first time ever with the introduction of its 13-day Handpicked Japan.

The new itinerary, which can be tailor-made to suit individual needs and wants, provides a range of unique experiences that showcase the contrast between the region’s ancient and modern cultures, fascinating traditions and spectacular sights.

 

TravelManagers announces new conference speakers

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TravelManagers’ eighth Annual National Conference is now less than a fortnight away.  Due to be held in Adelaide over the weekend of 28-30 August, with a theme of “Focus” and an impressive line-up of inspirational speakers, anticipation is building among the attending personal travel managers (PTMs), who are looking to find new ways to achieve great things in their businesses.

Delegates can expect to gain much from the session presented by Teresa Boyce, a nutritionist who specialises in educating and motivating individuals and groups on managing stress and understanding the negative impact of ongoing stress.

 

New Arctic adventures launched

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have released its much anticipated 2016 Arctic program inviting adventure seekers to discover the many wonders of the Northwest Passage and North Pole.

From uncovering the Viking history of this polar region, hiking along the fascinating Scandinavian hamlets, to witnessing the extraordinary beauty and majesty of a polar bear in its natural environment, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic offers guests an unrivalled experience allowing guests to follow in the footsteps of famed explorers and scientists.

A new addition to the Lindblad product range, Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic is a 13 day expeditionthat explores Greenland’s rugged fjords, enormous glaciers, and includes hikes of the wild islands that trace Canada’s north shores. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic is giving guests greater choice by offering a selection of pre and/or post-voyage extensions to enhance their Arctic experience.

 

Unicycle for a good cause

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Travellers Choice today revealed that popular actor Samuel Johnson – the man who unicycled around Australia to raise funds for breast cancer research – as the keynote speaker at its 2015 Annual shareholders’ Conference.

Over the past 20 years Johnson has been one of the country’s hardest working actors, with acclaimed roles in television series and films, including The Secret Life of Us, Rush and award-winning comedy Crackerjack.

 

Special industry only rate!

To celebrate the opening of Mercure Newcastle Airport, the only hotel located in the airport precinct, the 4-star hotel is offering the travel industry a special member’s only industry rate.

For bookings made before 30 September 2015, travel industry associates can take advantage of $90 room rates for stays until 30 November 2015 by calling 02 4033 8900 or emailing h9000@accor.com and quoting ‘Opening Industry Rate’

 

Aussie wholesalers back Vanuatu

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Left to right: Alaine Dunn, Fusion Holidays; Claudia Van Uffelen, Ignite Travel; Kristie Hill, Omniche Holidays; Stephen Pirie, Unleashed Travel; Vanessa Heath, Virgin Australian Holidays; Frederick McLean, The Havannah; Bevis Yu, GTA; Glynn Pugh, Flight Centre; Nina Henderson, Hoot Holidays; Sarah Beeken, Millennium Travel; Daniel Vella, Creative Holidays; Victoria McLean, The Havannah; Sovanna Sunn, Island Escapes; Andy Collins, Booking.com; Michelle Hrip Tchakmadjian, helloworld; Michael Zhang, Webjet; Anne Morris, VTO Australia

A group of 16 key product managers, team leaders and marketing managers from Australian wholesalers and Online Travel Agents (OTA) experienced the beauty of Vanuatu first-hand last week, as the destination shows it is open for business after the destruction caused by Cyclone Pam earlier this year.

Taking place from 10 to 16 August, 2015, the itineraries were designed to showcase a large range of properties and activities available in Vanuatu by including the islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna.

 

Last chance to become a Japan expert!

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Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is sending out a reminder that this is your last chance to register to attend “Japan Endless Discovery Seminar” in Melbourne at Park Hyatt from 5-8pm on September 8.

Representatives from popular and up-and-coming tourist spots in Japan as well as an Australian travel blogger to present about her experience. Become a Japan travel expert in one night!

To register, email the Secretary of JAPAN ENDLESS DISCOVERY SEMINAR 2015 at visitjapan.mel@gmail.comby Friday September 4 2015. Please include your name, company name (wholesale, retail, airline, media, other), job title and email address.

 

Topdeck’s top deals

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Wander the plains with Africa’s big five in Maasai Mara National Park, slither the grounds at Meserani Snake Park and climb the World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater on Topdeck’s 13-day Kenya & Tanzania trip.

The trip is part of Topdeck’s Specials of the Week, where Topdeckers can score a 20% discount. The trip is priced from $2500 per person and includes nine nights in campsites with two-person dome tents and a sleeping mattress, three nights in hotels, 12 breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners.

The discount applies to trips departing August 23, September 6 and September 20, 2015.

Also on sale is Topdeck’s 25-day South West Safari trip, where Topdeckers can score another 20% discount. The trip starts in Johannesburg and travels to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Cape Town.

The 20% discount applies to trips departing August 27, September 10 and September 24 2015.

 

World Journeys explores Amazon in style

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World Journeys have released a “one off” special cruise with Canadian explorer John Hemming departing the 10th February 2016 on a 5 day/4 nights program.

Guests will be treated to special lectures from this world renowned expert on Amazon tribes and Incan civilization. John has published several best-selling books on related topics such as ‘Conquest of the Incas’, ‘Tribes of the Amazon’ and ‘The Search for El Dorado´.

Expand your knowledge as you cruise on the Delphin II along one of the world’s largest rivers as John will be giving special lectures and available for discussion.

 

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