Visit Europe + Britain Roadshow informs, entertains and provides for Aussie agents

Around 100 travel advisors attended the inaugural Visit Europe + Britain Roadshow in Melbourne and Sydney last week, where they connected with and heard from the Rail Europe team.
Alongside the team were nine tourism representatives from Atout France, the Italian National Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, Tourism Ireland, the Austrian National Tourist Office, Visit Monaco, Spain Tourism Board, Visit Portugal and VisitBritain.

L-R: Peta Evans (VisitBritain), Sandra Babey (Switzerland Tourism), James Hooper (Rail Europe), Gill Gaspar (Visit Portugal), Emanuele Attanasio (Italian National Tourist Board), Sofia Hansson (Tourism Ireland), Cleclie Collas (Atout France), Alison Roberts-Brown (Visit Monaco), Sonia Holt (Switzerland Tourism), Kathrina Denk (Austrian National Tourist Board), Rachel Jones (Spain Tourism Board).
Advisors learnt first-hand some new happenings and experiences in Europe and Britain in 2024 and improved their knowledge on European train services and connections across the continent. Before the nights were over 10 advisors from each city took home the following prizes for acing the quiz:
- Teniesha Gill (Travel Associates Geelong) and Ganesa Suppiah (GSA Hospitality) – 1st class 15 day Eurail Global Pass & $100 Endota Spa voucher from Rail Europe,
- Nickie Collings (Global Int’l Travel Services) and Caitline Hoey (Libertas) – Binchy Tea Hamper from Tourism Ireland,
- Jacinta Anderson (TravelManagers MEL) and Cathy Moir (Travel Managers– A bottle of Pernod Ricard & a French beret (MEL); a bottle of Perrier Jouet (SYD) from Atout France,
- Anna Huang (FCTG Collins St) and Bret Bellchambers (Atour Travel Services) – Swarovski carafe from the Austrian National Tourist Office,
- Diane Rawlings (Where2Travel MEL) and Emma Mogensen (FCTG Balgwolah) – $100 Spanish restaurant vouchers from the Spain Tourism Board,
- Ivana DeColle (FCTG Ivanhoe) and Jade Jackson (Flight Sale) – Victorinox backpack from Switzerland Tourism,
- Maddie Wood (FCTG Collins St) and Irena Bryant (TravelManagers) – Limited edition cheese board from Italian National Tourist Board,
- Michelle Banoura (Travellers Lounge) and Kate Turner (FCTG Bridgepoint) – Gin from the Distillerie de Monaco from Visit Monaco,
- Maurits Klunder (FCTG Brighton) and Lani Symons Vaughn (MTA) – Portuguese wines from Visit Portugal,
- Catherine Whelan (Hawthorn Travel) and Emma Hanger (FCTG George St) – British Hamper featuring English sparkling wine from VisitBritain.
The Roadshow was a partnership between Rail Europe, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and VisitBritain.
(Featured Image: Winners in Sydney – Supplied)
Latest News

Cathay Pacific adds two weekly flights between Brisbane and Hong Kong
They might be needed to get people to IBTM (See below!)

Market Check: Which cruise line’s stock price soared and which dropped?
Impressed by our really good photoshopping skills? Perhaps a digital design class or two wouldn't hurt us.

Visit Anaheim becomes a certified autism centre jumpstarting city-wide accessibility initiative
The more destinations and attractions that adopt this, the better.

Lufthansa Group tests Green Fares from Asia Pacific to Europe
There's been growing demand for Green Fares with 500,000+ guests having already booked.

United launches its direct service to Los Angeles from Brisbane
It's the largest expansion to the region in U.S. aviation history.

HKTB Wins Inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025
The race to be the MICE capital of Asia is heating up.

1000MTG launches new leisure travel division in North America
1000 Mile Travel Group is going the extra mile with the countries that still uses miles (minus Canada).

Three Victorian tourism operators enter the state’s Hall of Fame
It sounds like a big night was had in Victoria!

Breaking down barriers: Tourism Western Australia on sponsoring the Women In Travel Awards
Breaking down barriers is particularly necessary for WA considering how long that COVID barrier was up.

Viking celebrates the float-out of its latest ship, Viking Vela
Viking team "cuts the cord" on its latest arrival.

Air New Zealand releases special Christmas video
While it's not a new safety video, there are a few lessons in this story for all of us.

Viking to welcome more than 1000 agents for cruise inspections this summer
Don't be shocked if you bump into another agent on a Viking ship this summer. Just remember to apologise after.

Carnival & Cunard cancel Melbourne port stops over tax hike
Sorry cruisers, you'll have to settle for Sydney coffee instead (which we think is actually better than Melbourne's).

Wendy Wu Tours launches new educational scholarship scheme in Cambodia
The initiative is Wendy Wu Tours' first major charitable contribution since the pandemic.

Journey Beyond announces 2025 offerings with iconic train journeys and the best of West Oz!
The best of 'West Oz' here refers to Western Australia, not the part of Oz that has the Wicked Witch of the West.

PHOTOS: Travel Associates stylishly celebrates 25th anniversary at its flagship store
It's safe hands at Travel Associates, as seen by the steady pouring on this gorgeous champagne fountain!

Metropolis of cool: The ultimate guide to Hong Kong’s nightlife
If your clients were bedazzled by the gorgeous cinematography of the Rush Hour films, a HK venture would be perfect!

Norwegian Viva christened by ‘Despacito’ singer at huge Miami ceremony
That's right, the guy who sang 'Despacito' christened the ship! If you know any of his other songs we'll be impressed.

Ahoy Cairns: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady enters the home straight of her repositioning voyage
Judging by their Instagram, the crew members have been having an awesome time Down Under.

Fiji Airways launches inaugural flight to New Caledonia
Fiji’s National Airline is connecting Aussies to more of the Pacific.

The snacksperts have spoken – Air New Zealand reveals its newest onboard snacks
Not a serving of fush and chups in sight!

Hong Kong is serving up world-class cuisine experiences for lovers of food and drink
You're guaranteed good food and drink anywhere in Hong Kong! Just look at that cocktail for goodness sake!

INCENTIVE: TTC Tour Brands announces 2024 top achiever agent famil to undisclosed location
Not sure which of the five TTC brands is for you? You best read our Europe feature in today's newsletter!

WATCH: Southwest passenger climbs onto plane’s wing via emergency door, gets arrested on tarmac
This guy got off the plane before it'd even gotten wheels up! Clearly, the front or back seemed to obvious of an exit.

Travelex launches more than 75 new bureaux, kiosks and ATMs worldwide
Travelex is making sure you can get cash in more airports. An overpriced airport sandwich has never been easier to buy!

FAMIL: Club Med and Jetstar take 43 Aussie agents on a mega trip to Phuket
Nothing like a famil to acquaint yourself with your industry colleagues. The free booze, food and travel is nice too.

What were Aussie travellers booking in 2023? Flight Centre tells all in new report
This article has so many lists that you'll mistake us for Buzzfeed! Don't expect us to start doing cooking videos too.

Cathay Pacific becomes the first carrier in APAC to offer Disney+ in flight entertainment
Can you think of a client with really annoying kids? Do them a favour and book them on Cathay for their next holiday.

Jet across the Pacific on the cheap with Qantas’ North America sale
Hopefully the Flying Kangaroo doesn't drop roo poo on Fiji along the way to North America.

Why nib is walking the walk when it comes to advocating for women in the travel industry
Just like Aerosmith, nib is going to 'walk this way'! 'This way' being towards gender equality, in this instance.

The best ways to explore Europe in 2024
Miss out on Europe this year? Join the list... Here's to hoping we all make it over in 2024!

Viking ventures to Antarctica for third expedition, announces 87-day itinerary
How's 87 days with Viking sound? Certainly a lot better than 87 days at sea with actual Vikings.

Tourism Research Australia data shows international travel’s boom has hindered domestic growth
It's hard to believe, but Australians are keener on international rather than domestic after COVID's border closures.

China to see seventh Four Seasons hotel open in 2024 with new Hangzhou Centre offering
A partnership between Greentown China Holdings Limited, China Resources Land Limited and Hangzhou Metro Development Company Limited and the Four Seasons will see the opening of China’s second Four Seasons hotel next year. At the heart of the city’s newest mixed-use development project, Hangzhou Centre Towers, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will offer […]

ONE WEEK AWAY! The Women In Travel Awards is nearly here!
One week to go! Oh my gosh, now's the time to get your frock/suit/elaborately stylish onesie ready!

Travel Weekly TV: Ari Foo, area director (sales, marketing), Skye Suites
Recognise Skye Suites from Married at First Sight? We don't, but only because we save ourselves from the show.