This week’s agent wrap is brought to you by six cups of tea and the pile of blankets we’re hiding under on this cold winter’s day.

MTA’s Sarah Browning visits Shakespeare’s childhood home, while advisors enjoy underwater dining experience 

To be or not to be in Stratford-Upon-Avon – that was the question for MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Sarah Browning who recently visited the UK as part of a Backroads Touring and Royal Brunei Airlines ‘Heart of England’ study tour.

Sarah is pictured standing outside the Shakespeare Centre where the great playwright was born and spent his childhood.

Her history-focused itinerary ex-London also included Oxford, the Cotswolds, Lacock, Bath, Longleat and Avebury.

Meanwhile, let’s hope, for the sake of the fish looking on, seafood wasn’t on the menu when MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Belinda Manning (left) and Debra Johnston were invited to dinner at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawhali in the Maldives.

The two Advisors’ dinner treat was part of an Island Destinations  study tour.

Program highlights included product updates and stays at Hurawahli Maldives, the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Joali Maldives.

Helloworld Business travel agent crosses Australian outback in support of charity!

The 30th annual Outback Car Trek recently tackled some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), with Helloworld Business Travel member Digby Warren, Director of The Journeymasters taking on the challenge for an incredible 10th time.

Discover the Scenic difference at the Scenic Getaway Travel Showcase

Scenic is showcasing its diverse range of luxurious river and ocean cruises, plus hand crafted escorted journeys with a program of informative consumer Getaway Travel Showcase sessions.

To be held around Australia in key metro and regional centres between July and October, the Getaway Travel Showcase will provide insights into Scenic’s extensive range of products, itineraries, enriching experiences and all-inclusive offerings across its entire portfolio. This will include luxury river cruising in Europe, France, Portugal, Russia and South East Asia. Learn more about the 6-star luxury Scenic Eclipse ocean itineraries and escorted journeys in Canada, Africa, Egypt and Jordan – all featured for the discerning traveller. More info here.

1000 Mile Travel Group hosts first exclusive famil with Qantas

Five top-selling travel experts have recently returned from 1000 Mile Travel Group’s (1000MTG) first exclusive international famil in California.

The famil, which was sponsored by Qantas, saw Emily Davidson and Amy Taylor from VIC, Vicki Thomason and Renee Trent from NSW and Kurt Hufer from QLD join 1000MTG’s Managing Director Ben Ross on the seven-day educational across the Golden State.

After upgrades all round on their journey with Qantas to San Francisco, the group spent the day exploring Fisherman’s Warf and the Golden Gate bridge. Highlights from their trip included Yosemite Falls, tastings at local wineries in the Napa Valley, touring Alcatraz and inspecting some of the best hotels San Francisco has to offer including the Westin Union Square and Senza Resort.

Journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Winners to also attend D23 Expo – the biggest Disney fan event on the planet!

Today, Disney Destinations, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines are pleased to announce the 3^rd lucky winner of the Journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Mega-Fam! Michelle Pelley from Travel Managers has taken out the coveted 3^rd place and will be jetting off to Disneyland Resort in California on Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines this August!

As a reminder, there are still an additional 12 spots up for grabs as part of the Journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Mega-Fam incentive, and agents are encouraged to visit www.journeytogalaxysedge.com.au to register and learn more about how they could win a spot on the most sought after Famil in the Galaxy!

AAT Kings winter rewards gift card giveaway

AAT Kings, the guided holiday expert, have announced a new incentive just for agents.

Book selected Tasmania and New Zealand Guided Holidays by 31 July and receive a $100 gift card per booking.

This exciting incentive can be claimed on selected Guided Holidays itineraries departing October – December 2019: Tasmania tours of 10 days or more, and New Zealand tours that visit both North and South Islands (in one itinerary).

Australian travel agents to visit Sri Lanka on familiarisation tour

A twenty-member delegation comprising of travel agents and media personals (including Travel Weekly’s own Ali Coulton) will undertake a familiarisation tour to Sri Lanka from 06 – 15 July 2019 organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Board (SLTPB) in coordination with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney.

The purpose of the tour is to enable the members of the delegation to experience the country firsthand and portray its beautiful atmosphere, natural beauty and Sri Lanka’s tourism attractions among the Australian travellers. Most of the participants are first-time visitors to the country.

A comprehensive programme has been arranged by the SLTPB covering major tourist attractions such as a visit to Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa etc.  A business networking with the visiting Australian tour operators has also been arranged for the Sri Lankan counterparts on the last day of the programme.

Australia has now eased travel restrictions imposed on Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday incidents enabling Australian travellers to visit Sri Lanka.  Australia is one of the fastest growing markets for Sri Lanka’s tourism and it registered a 36 per cent growth in 2018.

Personal Travel Managers experience river cruising on the Rhine

From the stunning medieval old town of Bamberg to the seven million tulips of the Keukenhof Gardens, seven personal travel managers (PTMS) spent twelve days soaking up the sights between Nuremberg and Amsterdam on an APT river cruise famil which was exclusive to TravelManagers.

The group flew from Australia to Munich and took the train from there to Nuremberg where they joined their river boat. From there, they travelled to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, a Bavarian town that was one of the few to have escaped damage during World War Two. The town is also renowned for its location within the heart of a region that boasts nearly 300 breweries – in fact, sampling local varieties of beer and wine was another highlight for many of the famil participants.

The ship’s voyage ended in Amsterdam, but cruise guests enjoyed an additional day of sightseeing at their ultimate destination: for many, this was a chance to visit the famed Keunkenhof Gardens, just a short distance beyond the city.

TTC weekly deals

BUSABOUT

Hop-on Hop-off Europe

Lock in your client’s 2020 Unlimited Europe Hop-on Hop-off Pass at 10 per cent off 2019 Prices. The Europe Hop-on Hop-off network gives your client the freedom to create their perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network across 38 destinations in 14 countries. They’ll travel with fun, like-minded people and meet our amazing drivers and guides. Clients can change their plan as often as they like, free of charge. It’s their choice, their way. From popular cities to unknown gems, the network has it all. Starting from $1,439* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 August 2019 for travel in 2020.

UNIWORLD 

Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden

Extended due to popular demand: Let’s Fly Away – Free air with 2020 Europe river cruises with the option to upgrade to business air from just $3,999 per person. Guests can use these savings on Uniworld’s newest 2020 itinerary, 12 day –  Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden journey. Don’t let your clients miss out on this chance to cruise on the gorgeous River Queen along the Moselle and Rhine rivers to this beautiful spa town in Germany, established over 2,000 years ago. Starting from $7,599* per person, twin share (return economy airfare included). This offer is on sale now until 31 August 2019 for departures on 21, 28 April, 18 & 25 October 2020.

CONTIKI

Europe Preview – 2020 trips at 2019 prices PLUS an extra 10 per cent off

Book now with Contiki to get 2020 trip at 2019 prices, PLUS an extra 10 per cent off. Travellers can use these savings on the 13 day Greek Island Hopping journey. This journey will give travellers the ultimate Greek Island experience exploring Mykonos, Santorini and Ios, exploring charming fishing villages, shops, volcanoes & spotless beaches, getting deep beyond the ouzo and the olives and the ancient statues. Starting from $2,750* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 for departure on 29 April, 2, 5 & 8 May 2019.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL

Discover Patagonia on M/V Stella or Venus

Save up to $765 per person on select departures with Adventure World Travel & Australis. Guests can use these savings on the 5 day Discover Patagonia on M/V Stella or Venus journey where they will cruise through the Beagle Channel and the mythical Straits of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world – southern Patagonia. Starting from $1,780* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 July 2019 for departures between 21 September and 31 December 2019.

INSIGHT VACATIONS

Country Roads of Croatia

Insight Vacation’s Preview brochure has launched for 2020 Europe and Britain journeys. Book now to secure your 2020 travel at 2019 pricing. Plus, book and pay in full before 18 December 2019 to save 10 per cent* per person.  Use these savings on one of Insight’s most popular journeys, the 14 day Country Roads of Croatia. Discover the pristine landscapes, idyllic islands and sun-dappled seas of Croatia, where fortified towns of cobblestone and terracotta echo a time when Venice ruled the waves. Starting from $4,185* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 August 2019 or sold out for departures between 5 – 31 October 2020. Departure dates are subject to change. Other departure dates are available, but prices may vary.

TRAFALGAR

Vietnam & Cambodia Uncovered

Book and pay by 18 December to save 10 per cent* on selected Trafalgar trips. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 18 day Vietnam & Cambodia Uncovered itinerary where they will journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angor Thom and on to the bustling Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh, the ‘Pearl of Asia. Starting from $5,969* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December for select departures between 11 January 2020 and 19 December 2020.

AAT KINGS

Tassie’s East Coast Highlights – Solo Traveller

No travel companion? No worries! AAT Kings now offers No Single Supplement on selected departures and we are delighted to invite solo travellers to explore the iconic landscapes of Tasmania and the enchanting scenery of New Zealand, at no extra cost. These Solo Traveller savings can be used on the 5 day Tassie’s East Coast Highlights itinerary. This journey along Tasmania’s acclaimed East Coast offers sandy beaches, blue horizons, fascinating convict history and premium produce. Guests can immerse themselves in the unique culture, heritage and breathtaking beauty of each destination as they travel by luxury coach in the company of our expert Travel Directors. Starting from $1,575* per solo traveller, no single supplement, save $385. This offer is on sale now until 30 September 2019 for departures on 4 November and 5 December 2019.