Travel Weekly’s editor recently enjoyed a cycle and a chat with TripADeal’s chief operating officer … until the back tyre on his bike went flat.

It’s understood the Byron-Bay-based OTA celebrated the appointment with a few cases of Stone & Wood and an incense burning ceremony.

It failed to nab Virgin, but secured a takeover deal with Village Roadshow. Now, the private equity firm has befriended an OTA.

This Agent Wrap is just long enough for you to while away an hour or so of looking busy as you count down the minutes to the last knock-off drinks of the year (unless you’re working through the summer, of course).

Travellers Choice has gone to the dark side and gotten cosy with an OTA. Although that sounds far more dramatic than it actually is.