Big Fat Agent Wrap

Big Fat Agent Wrap

Thank God it’s Agent Wrap Day! Can I get a hallelujah? No? I can’t? Ok, well give this wrap a read anyway.

Emerging African Destination: White Pearl launches first bush and beach experience in Southern Mozambique

Cape Willougby Lighthouse, Kangaroo Island (low res)

Tourism development in Mozambique is waking up: White Pearl Resorts(www.whitepearlresorts.com), a leading luxury beach resort located on the pristine Lagoon Coast in Southern Mozambique, has just launched game drives into the adjacent Maputo Special Reserve, one of the most scenic conservation areas in Africa. For the first time, travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury African eco-experience can combine a Mozambican tropical beach and diving holiday with an exciting bush safari all in the same place and make the most out of their precious holiday time.

With the recent availability of 30-day tourist visas on entry and improved infrastructure, the Maputo Special Reserve and its contiguous coastline, Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, are set to become major tourist destinations in Southeast Africa. The imminent opening of a major new tarred road will cut travel time from the capital, Maputo, to the coast to just 45 minutes – making White Pearl Resort the most accessible luxury beach resort in Mozambique and an ideal choice for time-pressed travelers.

Located just 100km south of Maputo, Maputo Special Reserve is one of 36 biodiversity hotspots identified worldwide. Covering a total area of 1 040 km squared, it has numerous freshwater inland lakes, coastal dunes, closed canopy forests and large open plains. As part of ongoing efforts to develop the area for tourism, more than 8,000 animals have been translocated to the reserve since 2010 in a multi-year endeavour supported by the governments of Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa and various organisations.

Personal Travel Managers ‘Battle of the Brains’ Trivia Nights 

winning table

TravelManagers’ personal travel managers (PTMs), national partnership office (NPO) staff and a handful of partner suppliers joined forces across the country recently, as they tested their general knowledge regionally, in a series of ‘battle of the brains’ style trivia nights.

Hosted by the local state-based business partnership managers, the five regional events held in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne were attended by over 100 personal travel managers, up to nine NPO staff and a mix of industry partner suppliers with Allianz Global Assistance attending every event.

Karen Dowling, Business Partnership Manager for Brisbane says the focus of the events were to foster better relationships with PTMs and local industry suppliers.

With the overwhelming success of the regional trivia nights, Dowling is quick to confirm there is discussion of making these events an annual occurrence.

Heli Tours Queenstown gaining its mark on sustainable tourism practice

Heli Tours owner Paul Mitchell and Base Manager Jaime Flemming celebrate their Qualmark Silver award

Queenstown commercial scenic flight provider Heli Tours Queenstown is celebrating after being recognized as one of the highest-quality, safe and sustainable tourism businesses in the country. 

Heli Tours Queenstown is the only private and locally-owned helicopter company flying from the resort town, owned and operated by proud South Islanders Paul and Katherine Mitchell.

This month the company has been thrilled to receive a Qualmark Silver award on its first application for a Qualmark accreditation, following a process Paul Mitchell said had been “extremely beneficial” in putting the business under the magnifying glass. 

Businesses are assessed on four key sectors — healthy and safety, sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, social hospitality and the economic operations of the company. 

Following the intense evaluation, businesses can be awarded bronze, silver or gold.

Peregrine Adventures launches its latest European brochure

Peregrine Adventures has released its latest European brochure with the introduction of brand new destinations and new small ship cruising charters among the highlights of the 2018 program.

The new brochure offers unique European itineraries from the Moors to Transylvania and Central Europe to the Canary Islands, and incorporates iconic cultural events in Scotland and Morocco.

The Australian-owned travel company has earmarked Romania as the next European hot spot with a brand new itinerary taking in Bran Castle in Brasov, the pristine forests outside Viscri and offering the chance to stay in an 18th-century guesthouse owned by a real-life Count.

Priced from $3,415*, the 11-day Secrets of Romania tour has a number of departures in June and September 2018 and includes a visit to Transfagarasan Road, dubbed ‘the greatest road in the world’ by Top Gear.

Insider Journeys treat agents to a taste of India!

Group Photo - Taj Selfie

Nine lucky agents from across Australia were enchanted by the delights India has to offer thanks to Insider Journeys, attending a 10-day Taste of India educational in September.

Flying Thai Airways via Bangkok to Delhi, agents and hosts experienced the unique Insider Journeys tour taking in many of India’s best sites and experiences.

Highlights of the tour included a private rickshaw ride of Old Delhi through the chaotic streets and local market shops, a visit to the world heritage site of Humayun’s tomb with informative history provided by local guides, a majestic visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise where the group selfie was taken and then travelled to charming Fort Nahargarh where they stayed prior to experiencing a Safari in Ranthambore. The group were all amazed at the view of the Bengal tigers striding by their jeeps!

The lucky agents then travelled to Samode for an overnight stay in the superb Samode Palace, a must for all and finally travelled to the chaotic bazaars of Jaipur and the Amber fort before returning to Delhi to finish off the tour.

Best every leases of Citroens in Europe 

SELF-DRIVE travellers to Europe will welcome globalCARS’ best-ever Earlybird rate of $28 a day  for leases of brand new Citroen vehicles  in Europe during 2018 if bookings are confirmed by December 22.

The well-known Sydney-based world-wide vehicle operator has released a package which includes up to 17 free days on bookings  for any of Citroen’s 32 car models (all with GPS) which range from the compact C3 to the 8-seater Space Tourer.

globalCARS is also offering a five per cent discount on the total lease  if it is paid in full within seven days of booking.

All leases come with unlimited kilometres, zero excess full insurance for vehicles which can be collected from 15 locations in France and 13 in other parts of Europe.

Citroen vehicles can be driven  throughout the UK and Europe, in Baltic countries and several eastern European regions.

Trafalgar’s $699 Air offer to Europe and Britain Selling Fast

170807_Trafalgar_0427_SPAIN medium

Award-winning guided holiday specialist, Trafalgar’s exclusive $699 air offer across all of its 97 trips through Europe and Britain for 2017/2018 is selling quickly so now is the time to take advantage of this stand-out fare which includes return flights and taxes from all major capital cities with full-service airline partners, including Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Spaces on this limited-time offer are selling fast and clients wanting to secure their holiday at hot destinations such as Spain, Ireland, Scandinavia or France at unbeatable value, need to book in early to guarantee them a slice of the good life throughout the entirety of their holiday – from flight to finish.

With a choice of either the exclusive air deal for just $699 return including taxes on all 97 Europe and Britain trips for travel from now to 30 November 2018. Or clients can choose the 10% Early Payment Discount if paid in full before 14 December 2017.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Welcomes CT Partners to their Fourteenth Consecutive Annual Conference in Bangkok 

Kerri Pottharst Portrait

CT Partners’ 2017 annual conference with its theme of ‘Setting goals to change’ kicks off in Bangkok on 31 October with an extensive three-day agenda. CT Partners’ General Manager Ian Edwards anticipates the company’s fourteenth consecutive conference in Bangkok and eleventh consecutive year at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which was recognised as the number one hotel in the world at the prestigious 2017 Conde Nast Awards, will be one of its most successful yet.

CT Partners prides itself on having innovative and motivational speakers at its annual conferences. This year is no exception with Kerri Pottharst, one of Australia’s most popular sporting personalities, winner of two Olympic Medals (Gold and Bronze) and the only Australian woman to have played professionally in the world’s most prestigious A1 Italian Indoor Volleyball league, talking about building a mindset for success in today’s busy world while demonstrating how the desire to succeed as a professional athlete and the drive and determination needed to be successful in business draws on similar reserves of courage and skills. It is Pottharst’s success story that Edwards knows will resonate perfectly with CT Partners’ business owners and managers.

Travellers Choice members discover TripADeal is just the ‘golden ticket’

Travellers Choice_TAD golden ticket

Travellers Choice channelled Willy Wonka this month when it celebrated the launch of its exclusive new arrangement with online agency TripADeal by rewarding lucky members with a couple of coveted ‘golden tickets’.

To promote the ground-breaking agreement Travellers Choice sent every one of its members a TripADeal box containing some branded merchandise, sweets treats and background information. A couple of fortunate agencies also found a Golden Ticket inside the package giving them $500 towards their own TripADeal booking.

The new partnership gives Travellers Choice members exclusive access to bespoke TripADeal packages to bucket-list destinations. It also gives TripADeal customers the option of booking their holiday in any Travellers Choice store, with the group’s agents receiving commission.

Aman introduces seasonal, sociable Italian dining concept, Arva

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Continuing its gastronomic evolution and following the successful launch of Nama, a culinary concept based on the Japanese tradition of Washoku earlier this year, Aman is taking strides forward with the launch of Arva.

Celebrating the bold flavours and simple ingredients of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, Arva has been conceived by Stefano Artosin, Regional Executive Chef of Amanpuri (Thailand), Amansara (Cambodia) and Amantaka (Laos), and Andrea Torre, recently appointed Executive Chef of Amanyangyun, Aman’s forthcoming property in China. Based on inventive cooking techniques and utilising just a few simple ingredients which take centre stage, Arva launched befittingly at Aman Venice on 1 October, and will be introduced to select Aman destinations over the coming months. Each Arva will offer a warm, convivial and welcoming environment with dishes served family style, paying respect to the roots of Italian culinary traditions.

Recently launched at Aman Venice on 1 October, followed by Amanpuri in Phuket, Amanyangyun in Shanghai, Aman Tokyo, and Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro 2018, the approach at each Arva will stay true to its Italian heritage, however each menu will incorporate the finest local ingredients, in keeping with the Aman philosophy of seamless integration with the destination – extracting the best of the surroundings into an unparalleled dining experience, with each restaurant offering their own take on the concept.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) visits Sydney for #VegasStrong event

lasvegas_event-0989

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), together with ten suppliers from Las Vegas, hosted 175 agents at a special event on Sydney Harbour on Wednesday evening, to thank the industry for their continued support of the destination. 

The event, themed #VegasStrong, gave agents the opportunity to talk to suppliers from Las Vegas and to test their knowledge through an interactive Q&A session. It also highlighted why Las Vegas now needs the support of the Australian travel industry more than ever to ensure it remains a favourite destination for Aussies.

Three lucky agents walked away with a trip to Las Vegas including the major prize winner who also received flights from airline sponsor, United Airlines.

Official travel agents appointed for San Francisco RWC Sevens 2018

World Rugby and Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH) have announced the appointment of local and global official travel agents (OTAs) who will deliver travel packages for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco. 

The domestic travel programme will be operated by USA Eagles Tours, which is serving as North America’s official tour operator. STH will operate the global travel programme through the appointment of 10 leading agents from 10 nations and territories following a comprehensive selection process.

Travelling fans planning to attend what will be the biggest sevens tournament of the year in San Francisco’s iconic AT&T Park will have the opportunity to purchase official tour packages including tickets, travel and accommodation from OTAs at www.rwcsevens.com/supportertours.

TTC’s Weekly Deals:

Grand Southern - Contiki

Southern Culture 

Book before 31 December 2017 and your clients can save up to $650 per person when they book Adventure World’s 9-day Jewels of the Lower Mississippi adventure from Memphis to New Orleans. They’ll visit the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis before they board the American Queen riverboat on an unforgettable journey down America’s largest and most historical river, the Mississippi. Here they will visit beautiful restored mansions such as Rosalie and Magnolia Hall, and discover the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta as they cruise towards New Orleans.Priced from $2,325 per person (including saving) which includes 7 night’s cruise and one night hotel accommodation, meals as indicated, select shore excursions and entertainment on board and more. Available on select departures between 4 March 2018 –23 December 2018. For more information and full terms and conditions visit Adventure World at www.adventureworld.com call 1300 363 055 *Conditions and blackout dates apply 

ARE U READY 

Book early, get rewarded with U by Uniworld. Your millennial clients can receive $125 onboard credit when they book any U by Uniworld river cruise before 31 October 2017. Travellers can combine this offer with the new 8-day Rolling on the Rhine river cruise & tour from Amsterdam to Frankfurt gliding down the Rhine. Amsterdam is just the beginning. On this cruise they’ll have three days to spend in the laid-back and forward-thinking Dutch hotspot, along with stops in Haarlem, Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Frankfurt. They’ll spend several nights out on the town—Cologne’s Gothic Evening adventure is a prime example. Whatever their travel personality, this cruise is sure to please. Travellers will enjoy a 7-night cruise on The A ship, with 14 meals onboard, 2 dedicated U hosts, 13 included excursions, a local celebrity DJ party onboard, 12 U time optional excursions, and more! Priced from $2,499 pp twin-share (including $125 onboard credit), departing 14 & 28 April 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 730 010 or visit ubyuniworld.com .

Authentic America

Contiki continues to offer a range of last-minute savings, including a 10% saving off any USA & Canada 2017/18 trip that runs for 7 days or more, valid until 3 November 2017. Travellers can save from $563 off the 26-day Grand Southern (Start Los Angeles) jam packed trip that covers 22 states, taking guests everywhere from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the sunny feels of South Beach. They’ll cover California, Arizona, Texas, Florida – with plenty to see before they reach NYC! This trip is perfect for those craving the authentic America, they’ll drive through the Rocky Mountains, eat local dishes & visit Elvis’ home of Graceland. Priced from $5,072*per person (including discount) and available for travel on select dates between 16 November 2017- 15 February 2018. For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845. *Conditions Apply

Ancient Outback 

Your clients can now discover more of their own backyard and take advantage of AAT Kings 10% Early Bird Offer when they book any 2018 Australian guided holiday or Inspiring Journey before 27 November 2017 (subject to availability). Guests can save $1,258 off per couple on AAT Kings 15-day Outback Adventure. They’ll discover the legendary Australian Outback on a fascinating northbound journey from Adelaide, through the Red Centre and onto tropical Darwin in the Top End. Travellers can rise early and experience a majestic Red Centre sunrise and learn the significance of the ancient Aboriginal rock paintings encountered with their Travel Director, also learning about the culture of the traditional owners of the land, the indigenous Anangu people. This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $5,396 per person (including early payment discount) and available on select departures between 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019 (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit aatkings.com. Conditions Apply *

Natural American Wonders

There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of Insight Vacations 2018 USA and Canada 10% Early Payment Discount, valid for those who pay in full for select departures before 26 October 2017. Guests travelling on the 15-day America’s Magnificent National Parks trip can save up to $789 per person as they journey through the mighty Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Yellowstone National Park. They’ll experience the highlight of spending a morning horseback riding through stunning surroundings at Clearmont UCross ranch. Priced from $7,106 per person twin share (including10% early payment discount). Price reflective of departure dates 21 & 25 August 2018 and 1 September 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). For full terms and conditions visit insightvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.

Heart of Spain

Don’t miss out, guaranteed best deal with Trafalgar, a fully transparent air deal where guests can Fly for $699 return to Europe and Britain, when they book select 2018 Europe and Britain departures before 2 November 2017 (now including their Autumn, Winter and Spring offerings). Guests can combine this air deal with any of the 97 trips available, including the 9-day Spanish Wonder. Travellers will dance through the heart of Spain from Madrid to Andalusia, famed for its Sierra Nevada, Moorish-influenced architecture and the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa del Sol.  Guests will enjoy a traditional Andalusian dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family, learning how to produce olive oil, after a welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard. Priced from $2,425 per person, twin share PLUS Fly for $699, reflective of departure dates available between 28 July – 25 August 2018 (Other departures available for alternate price, airfare not included in from price). For more information or a further selection of Trafalgar’s authentic, fun and effortless guided holidays visit www.trafalgar.com or call Trafalgar on 1800 002 006(toll-free).*conditions apply

Hipster Tour

Travellers can save up to 15% off Busabout‘s European Hop-on Hop-off passes, Adventures, Sailing and Festivals, as well as their Scotland, Ireland and winter offerings when they book before 21 December 2017. They can save 12% off the 15-day Ultimate Scandi-Baltic Adventure exploring Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and more! From open sandwiches to beaver stew, they’ll indulge in a smorgasbord of Instagrammable foods that nobody has ever heard of, go partying in disused meat-packing factories and bars built of ice. Priced from $1,997 per person twin share (including discount) including your Busabout guide and driver, 14 nights’ hotel accommodation (hostel multi-share), 14 breakfasts, orientation walks, Stockholm Viking Walking Tour, transfers and more! Available on 2018 departures. To book quotepromocode EB1.  For more information on a range of other Europe and Asia trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Seasons Greetings South Pacific

Christmas is just around the corner – Book with Creative Cruising before 14 November 2017 and your clients will SAVE $2000* per person on their cruise fare when they book the 18-night Christmas & New Year in the South Pacific cruise package. Travelling from Auckland, New Zealand to the Fiji Islands and New Caledonia. This package includes a return Business class airfare to Auckland flying Qantas Airways, 1 night pre and post-cruise accommodation in Auckland, a 16 –night cruise on-board Seabourn Encore from Auckland return, open bars throughout the ship, private airport transfers, and more! Priced from $8,859*pp discount included, departing Melbourne (other departure cities available) cruise departs 20 December 2017. *Conditions apply. Please visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.

 

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