We’re so excited that it’s Friday we’ve popped the stale Champagne in the fridge. Here’s hoping it doesn’t give us alcohol poisoning.

TravelManagers’ Business Model Allows More Client & Family Time

Bayside Brisbane personal travel managers catching up. From left to right Cassandra Zayonce, Erin Ross, Georgina Grandi, Annette Fyfe & Amanda Brady.

Queensland TravelManagers’ personal travel managers (PTMs) Cassandra Zayonce, Erin Ross, Georgina Grandi, Annette Fyfe and Amanda Brady enjoy more than a neighbourly cup of tea. Whilst some may consider the ten to twenty kilometer distance apart from each other as being competitive territory, it is completely the opposite philosophy for these PTMs who are representative of how TravelManagers’ PTMs across Australia interact.

“I love the flexibility home-based provides me and I enjoy working independently, but every once in a while I need to have face to face human contact. The internet forums and our PTM facebook page are fantastic yet I still find the need to get out of the office and connect with others who are in a similar position to me,” says Zayonce.

For Zayonce, who initiated the face-to-face meeting for her local based colleagues, it was the opportunity to network, support each other and work together to collectively grow their individual businesses that provided her motivation.

Brady agrees wholeheartedly, adding, “We all love to catch up, although we don’t do it enough!

“We often organise a topic to discuss, like Google forms, or best ways to manage emails then we have a round table conference, put all our ideas together and come up with great ways to manage our businesses. Other times we just work on our own client files and then bounce ideas across the table. We have a lot of fun, laughter and of course a sneaky lunch!”

Brady advises the support of the national partnership office and fellow PTMs is invaluable.

“With TravelManagers, you know you are never alone. The encouragement and support we receive from the national partnership office allows us to confidently focus solely on our love of selling travel and to provide expertise and exemplary customer service. Working against each other creates stress, anxiety and negativity. We choose to work together and create positivity, happiness and prosperity, you can’t ask for more than that.”

Discover Dubai with Excite Holidays

Excite Holidays, in conjunction with Visit Dubai, are excited to announce the launch of their brand new Dubai campaign and rewards point incentive. For the next two weeks, they will showcase to agents all the incredible opportunities, activities and experiences on offer in this exciting city.

A jewel in the Arabian Desert, Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world. The perfect mix of culture, adventure, fun and affordable luxury, it is perfect for an extended stopover or standalone destination.

From the largest shopping mall in the world to the world’s tallest skyscraper, traditional souks, culinary delights and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, Dubai is the perfect destination for families, shoppers, adventurers, foodies and those with a love of luxury or culture.

The curated destination guide focuses on the different types of travellers and has been designed especially for agents, to give them the tools to create a memorable Dubai adventure for their clients. The guide can be found at www.exciteholidays.com/engage/dubai.

Excite Holidays are also offering agents the opportunity to earn 500 bonus rewards points for every night booked in Dubai, between Monday 12 June and Sunday 25 June.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Responsible Business report shows accelerated success

Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management group, has further strengthened its leadership in responsible business and is revealing significant progress in its June 2017 report. Through demonstrating continuous and substantial evolution and engagement in responsible business, CWT achieved the EcoVadis Gold rating in 2017, making it to the top 1% of all companies worldwide for responsible business practices.

“Being a responsible business is fundamental to the way we work – we live and breathe it every day, in everything we do,” said Kurt Ekert, president and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

“Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) governance model is underpinned by public, long-term commitments, so people know that when they do business with us, they are partnering with a company and people wholly committed to all aspects of responsible business.”

CWT continued to improve in all seven of its CSR domains in 2016; Responsible Business Governance, Ethics & Business Behavior, Human Resources, Human Rights, Environment, Responsible Products and Services and Community Involvement.

Key achievements include:

• 94 per cent of all 2020 Responsible Business objectives have been initiated.
• Over 99 per cent of employees are trained in the Ethics and Compliance Program code
• 22 countries representing 80 per cent of CWT’s total revenue reported environmental data.
• 75 community involvement initiatives in 2016 bringing the total to more than 300 since 2014.
• The Global Responsible Business Network expanded to 80 members across 32 countries and cover all functions of the business.

Exclusive Xian Opening Ceremony Tour

Wendy Wu Tours is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new itinerary, in celebration of the China-Australia Year of Tourism. The headlining event on this new itinerary? An exclusive Tang Dynasty Welcoming Ceremony at the Ancient City Wall in Xian, China, usually reserved only for visiting dignitaries.

To mark this event, join us for an exclusive grand opening ceremony at the ancient city wall in Xian. On September 14, 1,000 lucky Australian tourists visiting Xi’an will be invited to experience a statelevel Chang’an Impression Tang Dynasty Welcoming Ceremony, courtesy of the China National Tourism Administration.

This prestigious ceremony has been held only on very limited occasions to welcome official dignitaries in previous years, including former President Bill Clinton. Limited seats are available, and Wendy Wu Tours is one of the few exclusive tour operators to be invited to attend this priceless event.

For those who would like to experience this exclusive ceremony, Wendy Wu Tours has created a bespoke, and one-off tour, taking in both the event and some of China’s most beloved highlights.

This 11-day journey through China’s historic past, and buzzing present starts in Xian, gateway to the unforgettable Terracotta Warriors. Next, take in China’s breathtaking scenery of the Yangtze River, via a 3 day river cruise, taking in the spectacular Three Gorges. Finally, journey to the striking 3,000 pillars of Zhangjiajie, inspiration for the blockbuster movie ‘Avatar’.

Inclusions: return economy airfares and taxes (with Hainan Airlines), all meals, accommodation, domestic transport, sightseeing with guides, visa fees for Australian passport holders and tips. Limited positions are available on this one-in-a-lifetime tour, with only 1000 guests total able to attend. Book today to secure your position.

Magellan goes Beyond Slovenia

Stephanie Savage is the owner of Beyond Slovenia, the only certified specialist for Slovenia and Croatia in the Australian market. Stephanie is also the owner and MD of The Impulse Travel Group, a member of the Magellan Travel Group.

Recently Stephanie personally escorted a group of senior Magellan owners and consultants on a wonderful famil to Slovenia and Croatia flying in luxury with Emirates Airways.

After arriving in Venice the group enjoyed a fabulous itinerary that included the scenic spots of Piran, Postojna Caves, Lake Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb and finished with a 4 night cruise from Dubrovnik to Split calling in on the beautiful Dalmatian Coast islands of Korcula, Hvar, Mljet and Bol.

Stephanie commented that “it was a great group that laughed and enjoyed each other’s company from start to finish while they experienced the beauty spots on Europe’s exquisite face, Slovenia & Croatia.”

Image: From Left to Right Nanette Lulham (Happy Holidays), Darryl Laing (The Travel Agent Caloundra), Simone Kaye (World Wide Travel), Anna Whatford (Lidstrum & Clyne), Glenda Halliwell (The Travel Centre Coffs Harbour), Noel Bradey (Spencer Travel Surry Hills), Cathy Schroder (Southlands Travel & Cruise), Renata Angyalosi (Beyond Slovenia), Stephanie Savage (Impulse Travel & Beyond Slovenia).

How to get your client ready to trek for Everest, Kilimanjaro or Machu Picchu

Lachlan Gillespie and Gabe Gillespie have created the Altitude brand of gyms now operating at Brookvale and Gosford. They have just begun working with travel agents who want to help prepare their clients for the trekking trip of a lifetime and  tick off another challenge on their bucket list.

Altitude have created two packs for trekkers called The Alpine Pack for $$835 which includes six weeks of altitude training with 1 x personal fitness evaluation, 6 x personal training sessions at altitude and a take home program.  The second package, the Summit Pack is  $1,675 and is for a 12 week program. Altitude are looking to work with travel agents to develop similar packages for their clients.

Altitude is a state-of-the-art Simulated Altitude Training facility located in Brookvale who bring elite sports and pre-acclimatisation training technology to the benefit of everyday aspiring Australians. Clients (past and present) of Altitude include: Accomplished Climber / Adventurer Annie Doyle, plus athletes such as Jana Pittman, Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne (Waratahs and Wallaby Player) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles),  Kendrick Louis – NutriGrain Ironman, Andrew Tuckey – Ultrarunner – highest ever placed Australian at the UTMB (Ultra Trail Mont Blanc), 160km of running up and down mountains, and Matty Abel – Ultrarunner.

Pre- Acclimatisation training can ensure success for trekkers to high altitude locations. A large number of Altitude’s clients have successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro, trekked to Everest Base Camp and trekked in Peru. Barring injuries, they have a 100% success rate of helping trekkers reach their chosen summits.

Lower oxygen at higher altitude and lack of acclimatisation can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and compromise a skiing, trekking or climbing holiday. While AMS affects people in different ways, Altitude training can help reduce or buffer against the symptoms of AMS and reduce the time needed to spend acclimatising on location.

Clients will also arrive fitter, stronger and better equipped to deal with the rigours of activity at altitude and enjoy the trip a whole lot more.

MTA Members experience exclusive Mia Resort Vietnam study tour

Four MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Members have jumped at the opportunity to take part in an exclusive study tour of Vietnam to see for themselves just why the destination is attracting so many of their clients in 2017.

The four Members – Fiona Snell, Jennifer McCullough, Jo Gonzalez and Dianne Russo  – visited Vietnam as guests of Mia Resorts Vietnam, staying at the company’s sister properties in Binh Thuan and Na Trang.

These included the multi-award winning Mia Resort Mui Ne and Mia Resort Nha Trang.

A busy program at both resorts included an in-depth opportunity to sample first-hand the many attractions both regions offer visitors.

Experiences included a host of Mia Resort signature activities ranging from yoga and spa sessions to Vietnamese language lessons and going kitchen-side to learn how to cook the local cuisine.

Image of the four MTA Members – pictured (from left to right) Fiona Snell, Jennifer McCullough, Jo Gonzalez and Dianne Russo

TravelCube offers agents chance to win Whitsundays escape

TravelCube and Whitsundays Tourism are giving agents the chance to escape the winter chill and enjoy a four-night sojourn in the warm Whitsundays as part of its efforts to help the region recover from Cyclone Debbie.

To be in the running to win, agents need to book and pay for Whitsunday hotels and services before 30 June.

The agency that records the highest dollar value of Whitsunday bookings between 1 and 30 June will receive the tropical escape*, which includes return flights, four nights’ accommodation (two at Coral Sea Resort) and an action-packed itinerary incorporating a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and an exhilarating journey around the Whitsundays with Red Cat Adventures.

John Stucci, TravelCube Vice President Sales and Marketing, Pacific, says the incentive is designed to remind agents that the Whitsundays remains “open for business”.

“The Whitsunday region has made a remarkable recovery from Cyclone Debbie, with the majority of hotels and resorts, along with attractions and tour operators, all now operating as normal,” says Stucci.

“It’s important that the travel industry does all it can to support the region by getting the message out that visitors are welcome.”

Si Holidays launches new website

Si Holidays, Australia’s largest independent wholesale travel company, has today announced the launch of its new website, siholidays.com.au.

Designed to make the booking experience easier than ever, travel agents can now gain access to a full suite of marketing collateral, including customisable flyers with the latest tactical offers which are updated weekly, and social assets, including Facebook tiles and Instagram posts.

“We’ve listened to our customers’ feedback and based the design and functions of the new Si Holidays website on industry demand, ultimately creating a comprehensive tool for travel agents to make their booking experience as easy, yet informative as possible,” said Tui Eruera, Managing Director, Si Holidays.

“The second phase of the website will also offer educational pieces to keep our customers well-informed on the destinations and products we’re offering, creating it a one-stop shop for all information and collateral they may need.”

The new website has been designed to serve two purposes; providing agents with greater resources and also acting as a point of engagement for new potential suppliers looking to partner with Si Holidays, with continuous updates showcasing rolling statistics on the company’s performance and its global reach.

Magellan recognition at Uniglobe Global Rendezvous

Last month the Magellan Travel Group, along with some of its corporate members, attended the Uniglobe Global Rendezvous held in the German city of Berlin. Over the two days Magellan further cemented their exclusive pact with Uniglobe, a partnership which is mutually viewed as “a perfect fit”.

Magellan National Manager Corporate and Business Development, Scott Darlow commented that “Uniglobe offers our members representation, collaboration and partnerships in over 60 countries. It allows us to leverage savings in multiple areas as we access the combined global power of over US $5 billion per annum”.

Darlow went on to say that “this partnership with Uniglobe further emphasises Magellan’s commitment to our corporate member offering and highlights a key component of our impressive suite of value propositions”.

This year’s event, held at the impressive Grand Hyatt also honoured achievers from around the globe in various categories. Both the Magellan Travel Group and Magellan Member, Platinum Travel Corporation received high honours at the gala dinner finale for their services to the Uniglobe Global community.

Image: Pictured at the Gala Dinner are (left to right) Chris Goddard (Managing Director Maxims Travel), Martin Charlwood (President & Chief Operating Officer Uniglobe International), Scott Darlow (Magellan Travel Group), Tina Killeen (General Manager Spencer Travel Group) and Carl Buerckner (Executive Chairman Platinum Travel Corporation)

Get a real insight of Korea with new Korean Cultural Experience Programs

No matter where you may be travelling often the best way to get a true insight to the country is to join a cultural experience program.  Korea is nowadays offering many great cultural experience programs where visitors can immerse themselves in a fun and educational experience and some are also free.

A Korean food experience is a very popular way to have fun by joining one of the many cooking classes available from learning how to make kimchi to joining a new specialty Hallyu (Korean wave) cooking class which teaches Hallyu fans how to cook their favourite dishes as seen in the famous dramas.

The Hallyu Cooking Class experience program allows pre-registered international tourists to participate in making various Korean foods.  The cooking class opens on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, between 11am – 1pm at Baekseol Cooking Studio in CJ CheilJedang headquarters in Seoul.

The first part of the program consists of a demonstration by a certified Korean chef.  Then participants can join in and make two different dishes and later enjoy their culinary results together in a separate dining room.  The Hallyu Cooking Class offers a good learning opportunity to make such Korean treats as bulgogi, bibimbap, gimbap and pajeon (Korean pancake).

Cost to join the experience is 20,000 won (approx. A$26), so a relatively cheap way to enjoy a fun lunch with your fellow participants and learn how to cook Korean cuisine at the same time.  Inquiries can be made to the Hallyu Experience Program email: hallyuseoul@gmail.com.

Another great hands-on cultural experience of Korea’s traditional culture for visitors is to join the free Taekwondo classes at the Namsangol Hanok Village.  A special taekwondo experience program exclusively for foreign visitors started mid May and runs to 26 October, 2017 (except July 7-31 August).

The class includes the basic forms of taekwondo, a martial art that represents Korea around the world.  The classes are run in English and are totally free of charge.  Classes run on Wednesdays and Thursdays for one hour from 10.30am.

Registration for classes is accepted online up to three days prior with a maximum of 20 students per class. Further information:   https://goo.gl/forms/25xWOzi3crRISL3v1

Other experience programs to be enjoyed at Namsangol Hanok Village range from a traditional tea ceremony to a straw craft demonstration to making folk craft as well as a hanbok (Korean dress) experience, a great way to get special photos for your family and friends back home.  Some programs are free and others are minimal cost from 3,000-10,000 won (approx. A$4-$13).

Nanuku team hits Sydney

Bringing some South Pacific sunshine to a very damp Sydney this week, Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji GM, Sascha Hemmann (second from right) and his marketing team.

Part of a whistle stop tour meeting the resort’s industry partners in the Harbour City, this was Mr Hemmann’s first visit to Sydney since his appointment to the role in early May 2017.

Pictured, from left to right, Retail Sales Executive, Joanne Karaboikis; Director of Sales & Marketing, Shashita Nand; General Manager, Sascha Hemmann, and PR consultant, Mike Parker-Brown.

Rocky Mountaineer rewards travellers with Early Booking Bonus

It’s first in, first served for travellers wanting to make the most of their next rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer’s Early Booking Bonus. For a limited time, travellers booking eligible 2018 Rocky Mountaineer packages of eight days or more can receive added value credit of up to $1000 AUD per couple to enhance their Western Canada and Pacific Northwest adventure.

This additional credit can be applied to extra hotel nights, sightseeing, gourmet dining or even an Alaska cruise as part of Rocky Mountaineer’s Rail & Cruise packages.

One eligible Rocky Mountaineer package is the 8 Days / 9 Nights Canadian Rockies Getaway Circle package, an exciting journey that takes in the extreme and diverse landscapes of the Northern Rockies. From temperate rainforests to desert canyons, guests can experience all that Western Canada has to offer with four days onboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer.

There are many more Early Bookings Bonus packages available to select from on the Rocky Mountaineer website. This package starts from $6205 AUD per person in Gold Leaf service.

The Early Booking Bonus is in effect from 3 June to 25 August 2017 on eligible new 2018 bookings. The offer is applicable for select travel dates and must be requested at the time of booking. This offer has no cash value and other restrictions apply. For more information about this offer and terms & conditions, please visit www.rockymountaineer.com or call 1-800-821-531 toll-free.

Mid Year Sale with Gate 1 Travel

Germany’s new film “Germany by Night”

“Germany by Night”, the new film from the German National Tourist Board has just been released and is available to view in Australia. The production process took seven months and the film takes viewers on a remarkable adventure showcasing 70 different locations in Germany from exceptional perspectives.

It was launched at the opening ceremony of the Germany Travel Mart in Nuremberg, Bavaria, with great success. Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Office of the board of directors of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) states that online films play a huge role with over 80 per cent of Germany holidays being planned and booked online.

The film can be accessed on the GNTB website and will be shown at future roadshows, press conferences, expos and other events.

Take advantage of Antarctic End of Season and Early Bird Offers

Take advantage of our Antarctic End of Season and Early Bird savings and lock in your Antarctic Adventure.

So many opportunities to explore the vast wilderness and be  witness to a range of polar mammals and bird-life. Navigating through beautiful bays, visiting historical sites and research stations surrounded by majestic mountains rising out the fjords.

These journeys offer an abundance of photographic opportunities as well as a range of zodiac excursions to provide you with a truly unique experience and memories to last a lifetime.

End of Season Sale – Book on selected 2017/2018 Antarctica expeditions and  SAVE UP TO US$1,500 per person in ANY cabin category.

Antarctic Expeditions Early Bird Savings– Book any 2018/2019 Antarctica expedition and  SAVE UP TO 15% per person in ANY cabin category.

Antarctic Early Bird Offers – Select from a wide range of 2018/2019 Antarctic Cruise Offers. Be quick and secure and early bird cruising rate.

End of Season and Early Bird rates  are  available for a limited time only.

Reminder: Travelling with Children to South Africa

As we approach the next peak travel period a gentle reminder on the South Africa Department of Home Affairs implemented new travel requirements for minors (children under 18) travelling to/ from South Africa as of 01 June 2015. Parent/s travelling with children will be asked to produce the required documentations at check-in for each flight or their journey would be interrupted.

Regrettably from time to time we still get families travelling without being aware of the requirements or with no sufficient documentations. Please note of the following to minimise the impacts when you book families with children:

• Children travelling with both parents, passport and full/ unabridged birth certificate with the details of both parents will be required
• Children travelling with only one parent or unaccompanied will require to produce a legal document signed by any non-travelling parents, giving approval for the child’s travel. Otherwise, where applicable, they must produce a death certificate of a parent registered on the birth certificate of the child, or a court order granting sole custody. This legal document can be a Statutory Declaration or an Affidavit and must contain full names and passport details of both parents registered on the birth certificate and child(ren), with contact details for any non-travelling parent. The document should also specify the travel destinations of the parent and child(ren). These legal documents or certified copies of these documents cannot be more than 3 months old. If there is only one parent registered on the birth certificate, that person has sole responsibility.

The requirements apply for travel to/from South Africa only and doesn’t apply for the transit passengers travelling beyond South Africa.

Please find below the useful link to DHA website which with a few clicks you can check all the requirements. Also you can  find our previous trade advice:
Online assessment through DHA website
Download SAA trade advice on Child Immigration and Q&A