Agents have been suspiciously quiet this week. Has everyone been laying a bit low since Melbourne Cup? We think so.

Huma Charity Challenge hits $4 million in fundraising

Just under four years since it was formed, Huma Charity Challenge, the fundraising arm of World Expeditions, has announced it has raised AU$4 million for dozens of charities, worldwide.

As one of the original pioneers of the charity challenge concept in Australia, World Expeditions first began operating charity challenges when the concept of fundraising through travel was first conceived in the late 1990’s with the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Huma Charity Challenge was launched by the adventure travel company in December 2013 to provide travellers with the opportunity to take on a challenge in some of the world’s most incredible destinations while fundraising for their favourite charity.

Agents at Spring Racing Celebrations 

Qantas Holidays, GO Holidays and associated brands held an Afternoon Tea to celebrate the Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival at Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. Guests in attendance were greeted with champagne on arrival and a delicious array of delicacies before hearing from Emma and Richard Freeman who spoke on their long involvement and insight around the Spring Racing Carnival.

L to R: Michelle Ryan – My Travel Group, Chris Moloughney – Emerald Travel (behind), Michelle Riel – My Travel Group, Emma Freedman (behind), Mandy Finlayson – WOW! Travel (behind), Lisa Myers – WOW! Travel, Annette Schaub – Helloworld Travel Toorak (behind), Rachelle Evans – Eastern Hill Travel.

MTA crosses fingers for Avis Scholarship finalist Amber Halleday

The entire MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ head office team and 375 MTA Members across the country will be collectively holding their breath and crossing fingers for fellow MTA Member Amber Halleday on Monday night (13 November) when the winner of 2017 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship is announced.

Congratulating Amber on her achievement in reaching the finals, MTA CEO, Don Beattie said everyone in the company was delighted for her.

“We would like to congratulate all of the finalists as we are well aware of the calibre of people who are selected for this prestigious and work life changing award,” Mr Beattie said.

Amber, one of four travel consultants nominated for the scholarship this year, joins an exalted list of five MTA Members who have either won or made the finals for this prestigious award over  the last five years.

New airfare website to result in 3-5% extra commission for agents

Eastern Eurotours has launched www.agentflights.com.au, to provide travel agents with more competitive airfares and greater commission, and to enable them to better compete with the online travel agents (OTAs).

The site collates content from more than 50 airlines to permit fare and availability comparisons. Managing Director Chip Popescu explains the launch of Agent Flights.

“Eastern Eurotours has become a trusted supplier to our travel agent partners over the past 25 years,” says Popescu, “and we’d like to repay that loyalty. We’ve recognised that it is increasingly difficult for agents to maintain yield and still compete with the multitude of online options and larger players, so we wanted to do what we could to help.”

“We’ve used our experience and buying power to help our travel agent partners find airfares to complement the land product they’re arranging through Eastern Eurotours. It empowers them to be more competitive, as well resulting in an average of 3-5% extra commission on their air bookings.”

EVA Air and MW Tours famil

EVA AIR and MW TOURS hosted famil in October to Taiwan. They got to experience Luxury accommodation and visit Kaohsiung, Tainan, Sun Moon Lake, Hualien and Taipei. Highlight of the trip for everyone was the beautiful Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge.

This trip was to showcase what Taiwan has to offer and giving the agents the opportunity to physically see and experience the product for themselves.

Avis names four finalists for 2017 travel agent scholarship

In 2017 the Avis Scholarship adopted a fresh focus on innovation, with judges looking for travel agents who are finding new or novel ways to deliver exceptional customer service. At the same time the celebrated award program was expanded to include New Zealand.

Kaye Ceille, Managing Director Pacific Region, Avis Budget Group, says the response has been outstanding.

“We knew that travel agents on both sides of the Tasman were constantly looking for new ways to engage and serve their customers, but the creativity and level of innovation we encountered has exceeded our expectations,” says Ceille.

“Whether conceiving and implementing a new approach, or re-imagining an established practice, each of our finalists has shown how their efforts have strengthened their connection with customers and generated tangible financial rewards for their businesses.”

Helloworld Travel staff team up for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge

Helloworld Travel staff were out in force last week, taking part in the annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, with donated funds going to the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.

Taking place in Sydney’s Centennial Park, over 8,000 runners and walkers from over 390 companies took part in the 5.6km race, with the Helloworld Travel team finishing off the race strongly in both the men’s and women’s team divisions.

Positive feedback from agents on international transfer launch

Dedicated rail specialist International Rail has been greatly encouraged by the response of agency partners and the industry generally to its recently launched ‘International Transfer’ booking platform on October 17.

Managing director Jonathan Hume contributes early success to providing agents with a simple and easy system to meet clients’ transfer requirements.

In just three weeks, the company has received more than 250 registrations from agencies around the country, giving access to over 800 individual consultants.

He said, “Bookings are starting to pour in as agents become familiar with the simple booking process and excellent prices.

He added, “The response from the launch has been overwhelming. Feedback from agents indicates they are impressed with the concept of booking all transfers in one place with access to exceptional software providing a stress free user experience.

Up up and away!  Complimentary bottle of “bubbles” when Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka with Tour Blue

Tour Blue and their long standing partner Sun Rise Ballooning (known as Sri Lanka Ballooning) are offering their guests from Australia, not only the best rates, but also a bottle of sparkling wine (in addition to “The Captain’s Toast”) to celebrate their spectacular voyage over the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka.

While flying over the jungle,  guests are likely to see elephants roaming freely, a variety of birds (including peacocks), water buffaloes standing in the paddy fields, monkeys swinging from the trees and a wide array of wild life.

After an exhilarating flight over the jungle, guests will be welcomed on landing by friendly villagers and the pilot will toast the flight with a glass of champagne on landing.

New online visa for Brazil makes the process easier for Australians

The Brazilian Government will make it simpler for Australians to visit Brazil. Australian citizens planning to visit Brazil will be able to apply for their visa online and receive a response within 72 hours. The Minister for Tourism of Brazil Marx Beltrão will be in Sydney on Friday 17th of November to announce the launch of the new electronic visa.

As a tourism destination, Brazil delivers on two of the biggest drawcards for Australian travellers: adventure and eco-tourism. According to the Competitiveness Study of the World Economic Forum, Brazil is ranked number one for natural attractions and the eighth for cultural resources, with the Amazon River, World Heritage listed Iguazu Falls and Christ the Redeemer monument among its greatest treasures.

Many tourists, including Australians, who have visited Brazil, have been impressed by the warmth of the Brazilian people – a characteristic which Minister of Tourism of Brazil Marx Beltrão notes was showcased to the world during their hosting of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

TTC Weekly Specials:

Floating Hotel

You won’t want to miss this. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has returned their Best Offer Ever. Save up to 40% off select 2018 voyages when you book before 31 December 2017. Travellers can combine this unbeatable offer with the 8-day Castles along the Rhine river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam and SAVE from $2,240 per person. Four countries, one river to take you to all of them. Guests will make their way through Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands home to dozens of half-timbered houses and grand castles hovering high above the village, right out of a fairy-tale. Including 6-days of captivating escorted excursions, a 7-night river cruise in a Riverview stateroom onboard the S.S Antoinette, all meals and beverages unlimited onboard and more! Priced from $3,059 pp twin-share (including discount), departing 25 March & 1 April 2018 (other 2018 departures available, price may vary). For more information call 1300 780 231 or visit uniworld.com .

Emerald Isle

Trafalgar has extended the fully transparent Fly for $699 return air deal where guests can Fly to Europe and Britain return, when they book select 2018 Europe and Britain departures before 14 December 2017. Guests can combine this hot deal with any of the 95 trips available, including the 7-day Irish Highlights guided holiday. Travellers will share a pint and some Irish ‘craic’ with new friends as they get a taste of the Emerald Isle. From cathedrals and castles to exquisite Waterford crystal, stately city squares and scenic coastal drives, there’s a lot to say sláinte about. They’ll enjoy a Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist served up at Glenealy Farmhouse near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story. Priced from $2,050 per person, twin share PLUS Fly for $699, reflective of select departure dates available between 8 April- 27 May 2018 and 1 July – 7 October 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

Winter Wonderland

Winter lovers can save up to 10% off select 2017/2018 trips when they book with Contiki before 30 November 2017. Travellers can save FROM $355 when they book Contiki’s 21-day European Vista (WINTER) trip. Christmas markets, hot mulled wine, open fires & overcoats – unlike many places, Europe comes alive & fills with magic during the months of Winter, there’s still time to be a part of it all. Explore the enchanting Swiss Alps and Rhine Valley colliding with the hotspots of Amsterdam, Prague, Rome and Paris. Priced from $3,200 *per person (discount included) and available for travel 22 January 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). For more information visit www.contiki.com or phone 1300 266 845.

East Coast

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 $1,124 off per couple on AAT Kings East Coast Islands and Rainforest. They’ll explore the epic coastline of Eastern Australia on a journey that takes them from buzzy cosmopolitan Sydney to tranquil Port Macquarie and the glitzy Gold Coast.  They’ll cruise to the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island and exquisite Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, and head to tropical Cairns to discover the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. This package includes an experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide, quality accommodation, travel in luxury coach, airport transfers, and more! Priced from $5,063 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 *

Majesty of the Rockies

Save 7.5% on Luxury Gold 2018 USA, Canada & South America journeys when you book and pay in full by 28 February 2018. Guests travelling on the 22-day Majesty of the Rockies with Alaska Cruise & Rocky Mountaineer trip can save up to $585 per person as they discover Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper and more! This supreme journey through Western Canada and Alaska travelling by road, rail and sea includes the chance to combine a journey on one of the world’s most romantic trains, the Rocky Mountaineer, as well as a classic cruise on the glacial waters of Alaska. Priced from $13,531 per person twin share (including early payment discount). Price reflective of departure date 25 August 2018 (other departures available for alternate price). For full terms and conditions visit luxurygoldvacations.com or call 1300 727 767.

Spicy and Strange

Travellers who book and pay in full before 21 December 2017 can take advantage of Busabout’s Asia 2018 Early Bird Deals and receive 12% off ALL 2018/19 Asia Adventure trips. Save and book the 16-day Vietnam & Halong Bay Adventure from Hanoi through Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Hue, Hoi An, Dalat to Ho Chi Minh. Your clients will spend marvellous moments sailing through the karst scenery of Ha Long Bay, challenging their taste buds by savouring the spicy, strange, and fresh flavours of Hanoi’s street markets, and slip and sliding their way into deep, scintillating caves. Although it may feel like the fastest vacation of their life, the memories will certainly last a lifetime. Priced from $1,521 per person twin share (including discount) including their Busabout guide and driver, 13 nights’ hotel accommodation, 1 night homestay (multi share), 1 night overnight train (quad share), 21 meals, Hanoi Street tour, entrance to Linh Phuoc Temple, entrance to Vunh Moc Tunnels where an entire village lived under ground, select transfers and more! Available on 2018 departures. To book quote promocode EBASIA.  For more information on a range of other Europe and Asia trips on sale visit http://www.busabout.com/ or call 1300 287 226

Spirit of Australasia

Book with Creative Cruising before 4 December 2017 and your clients will receive $100 Onboard credit per stateroom and a lobster dinner for two* when they book the 21-night Australia & Asia cruise package. Travelling from Sydney through to Darwin, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, this package includes a 19 –night cruise on-board Carnival Spirit from Sydney to Singapore, main meals and entertainment onboard, 2-night post cruise accommodation in Singapore, private transfers, a one-way Economy Class airfare from Singapore flying Qatar Airways, and more! Priced from $3,199*pp discount included, returning to Perth*(other return cities available) cruise departs 03 May 2018. *Conditions apply (domestic flight to Sydney pre-cruise is not included). Please visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599 for more information.