Trafalgar CEO Gavin Tollman: “Agents are vital to our growth and success”
Trafalgar has wowed us once again by further expanding their 2019 offering with the addition of domestic trips for the first time!
Having recently revealed they will be offering trips to the homeland of the company’s founders, South Africa plus a swathe of exciting trips encompassing all seven continents, the company’s CEO Gavin Tollman made the announcement to agents on Monday night.
“You know we already go to Europe & Britain, the USA & Canada, South America and Asia… But we’ve had such a successful year thanks to all of your support,” Tollman said.
“And this year have launched our first trip to incredible Antarctica.
“And something very close to my heart and where my family’s routes are firmly planted – our dedicated Africa program, which has been 72 years in the making.
“Something that I’m also excited to share with you all here first, is that Trafalgar will from 2019 be going to none other than the land you all call home: Australia and its sister New Zealand – We’ve listened to our guests and will now be able to give our proud 55 per cent repeat travellers another destination to experience the Trafalgar magic.”
We sat down with Tollman to find out more about Trafalgar’s 2019 offering, and get some exclusive tips for agents.
“When we announced it to agents last night there was a spontaneous round of applause,” he told Travel Weekly.
“That’s because sitting in that room are the key agents who have been vital to Trafalgar’s growth and our success.
“These are the agents who have listened and have taken action to promote these experiences and with that, some of them are enjoying some of the greatest success they have ever had.
“There was such excitement for the announcement because they can now feel pride in bringing Australia and New Zealand alive in a way that nobody else does.”
The new trips promise to take travellers to the Australian icons we all know and love but also connect them with locals who are proud to welcome them into their homes, share their cultures, and tell their tales.
From outback adventures to exploring Tasmania’s parks and nature, Queensland’s rainforests, Melbourne’s alleyways or eating your way through South Australia, Trafalgar’s domestic offering is sure to have something for every type of traveller.
“Not only are we agent first, but we also believe extremely robustly in listening to our guests,” Tollman told us.
“I jump on a few trips each year and as far as destinations are concerned, the two most requested places are without a doubt South Africa and Australia.
“Particularly because Australians see our coaches, but they’ve always been for Americans or people from the united kingdom.”
“They’ve never been designed for actual Australians, but now we’ve created a series just for them and I think we’re going to have unbelievable success.”
Tollman said he has two key trends he wants to share with agents.
“One is I’m unbelievably excited to see the energy and strength in demands for people to travel within Australia,” he said.
“Secondarily I’ve been excited to see the demand and desire for people in 2019. The ‘it’ destination certainly appears to be Europe again.
“For customers wanting to travel in season, we are not going to be able to increase capacity. So book early.
“Secondarily, we want agents to join Trafalgar and help us make a difference in ensuring your clients travel throughout the year, not just in peak season.
“We want to encourage agents not to just do things in a linear way, and to show their expertise,” he concluded.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
@australia 2019 gavin tollman new zealand south africa trafalgarLatest 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!