Big Fat Agent Wrap
We’ve got a stellar agent wrap for you today. Mostly because of the ahhh-dorable photo of the agents in the frame, but still.
Travel Counsellors support the first day at school
It’s back to school time! For parents and children, it can be a time of angst or pure joy. Either way, there is something very special about a child’s first day at school. Travel Counsellors recognise what an important milestone it is and so in 2017, announced that any staff who have a child off to school for the first time, will be given a bonus day off!
Working as a Travel Counsellor affords an agent the freedom to set their own schedule, and with opportunities like this, head office staff can enjoy those special moments with loved ones too.
A food journey in the top end
In a testament to the popularity of the Northern Territory and the travelers desire for food and wine experiences, a three-day luxury Food and Wine package to Cicada Lodge in the Top End presented by renowned Indigenous Chef Mark Olive and Australia’s leading wine critic Jeremy Oliver has sold out in less than 48 hours.
Set against the backdrop of Nitmiluk National Park and the luxury of Cicada Lodge, the three-day event explores the food and wines from Australia’s most renowned wine regions and includes a five-course degustation menu created by Mark Olive and hosted by Jeremy Oliver, as well as a cooking masterclass incorporating produce and native flavours from across Australia.
With accommodation at the award-winning Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk Tours is also providing guests the opportunity to explore the destination and discover the magic of Nitmiluk with an exclusive cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge, and an exhilarating scenic helicopter flight over the first eight gorges of the river system.
North Star gets green light on water park development
It’s been a long, arduous and expensive journey for Ian Beadel from North Star Holiday Park at Hastings Point but approval from the Land & Environment Court has finally paved the way for an upgrade to the existing water park at the popular Tweed Coast Resort.
A decision on a Development Application submitted to the Tweed Shire Council to replace the current waterslide with a new, ultra-modern double waterslide was deferred at a Council meeting in July 2016 and subsequently refused by Council at their meeting in December 2016.
Beadel was left with no alternative than to approach the Land & Environment Court in the hope of having Council’s decision overturned. It was! Work will commence in May and the new slides are expected to be up and running by August this year.
For nearly four decades, Ian and wife Diana Beadel have continually updated and revitalised the Resort’s facilities and key attractions, keeping them fresh, new and appealing; a philosophy which has helped them achieve over 35 per cent repeat visitation annually.
Last Chance to Lock-in Year-Round Skiing at Perisher, Whistler, and 10 Additional World-Class Mountains in the U.S for only $49 Upfront
Monday 26, February will be the last day for Australian skiers and snowboarders to purchase the Epic Australia Pass at a price unmatched and to take advantage of only AU$49 upfront to lock in the best value ski pass. The Epic Australia Pass is the most flexible ski-pass for Australians, offering year-round skiing across 12 world-class resorts including the largest and most celebrated in Canada, the U.S. and Australia, at a price unmatched.
At just AU$819 for adults, AU$462 for students and AU$588 for seniors, the Epic Australia Pass pays for itself in under five days, with season-long skiing at Perisher and access to the Best of the U.S. and Whistler Blackcomb. Pass holders who pay only AU$49 upfront, ensure they enjoy the best available low price and won’t have to make full payment until May 1, 2018.
Australian skiers and snowboarders can enjoy unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada; and unlimited, unrestricted access to Perisher; in addition to 10 days at Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek and Stowe, combined (some holiday restrictions apply). This is the perfect pass for Australians planning a ski holiday to the U.S. or Canada, looking for a season of skiing and riding at Perisher, or both.
Bentours celebrate 40 years with No Single Supplements
As part of Bentours 40 years of travel celebrations, Bentours currently have huge savings with ‘No Single Supplement’ offer on almost 20 expedition cruises including Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland and Canada.
The biggest saving is on The Ultimate Expedition to Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia – now priced for a solo traveller from A$18,120//NZ$20,655 and departing in Dec 2018. This epic expedition takes you through the isolated Falkland Islands and stunning South Georgia before experiencing the great continent of Antarctica. Price includes onboard accommodation on a full board basis, return economy flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and landings with small boats and activities onboard and ashore.
The no single supplements offer ends 28 Feb 2018, so get in quick for an incredible deal.
Personal Experience results in Barge Cruise Booking for PTM
Six personal travel managers (PTMs) recently enjoyed a dedicated TravelManagers’ famil of the Bourgogne region in France where they experienced a six day Back-Roads Touring Barge Cruise aboard MS Jeanine on Le Canal De Bourgogne from Dijon to Besancon.
Hosted by Karen Nelson, Business Development Manager NSW & ACT, for Back-Roads Touring the New South Wales based PTMs attending the famil were Kristina Acevski representative for Merewether Heights, Jason Smith representative for Newtown, Peter Carmichael representative for Merewether, Michelle Michael-Pecora representative for Tennyson Point, Janice Lee representative for Surry Hills and Maria Miller representative for Parkes.
TravelManagers attribute the exceptional, strong and effective business relationships with key airline, cruise and wholesale suppliers with providing personal travel managers the ability to experience exclusive educationals on a variety of products and worldwide destinations.
Travel the lands of King’s and Castles
Albatross Tours ‘Black Forest, Bavaria & the Tyrol’ tour takes travellers on a holiday discovering the lands of King’s and castles. This magnificent tour features leisurely three and four night stays in medieval Triberg, the wonderful mountains of Bavaria, the stunning Austrian Tyrol and Mozart’s baroque city of Salzburg.
Embark on a journey to discover Heidelberg Castle, take a river cruise through Strasbourg, enjoy a wine tasting on the route Alsace du Vin and wander the botanical gardens of Mainau on Lake Constance. Be guided through Neuschwanstein Castle and Hitler’s Eagles Nest and admire the thundering Krimmler Waterfalls before a final three nights in Salzburg.
Escorted by an experienced tour manager the tour includes 14 nights’ hotel accommodation, 24 meals, all sightseeing, excursions and entrances as per the itinerary plus more!
Priced at only $6,399 per person twin share. The 15 day Black Forest, Bavaria & the Tyrol tour offers departures between May and September 2018.
Rail Plus’ Your World on Track Brochure is LIVE!
Rail Plus’ brand spanking new brochure for 2018 is now live and available to download, print and order!
‘Your World on Track’ not only features a complete redesign that aims to improve the brand’s positioning in Australia and New Zealand, but importantly, travel agents will find the thoughtfully created layout most user friendly, resourceful and current.
To celebrate the launch of the new brochure, and to encourage agents to stay informed with the latest news, itineraries, ideas and product updates for 2018, Rail Plus will be holding a webinar on Tuesday 13 Feb at 09:30hr AEDT. Spots are strictly limited and registration is necessary.
And finally, a ‘Count the Trains’ contest will run from now till 28 Feb, where agents who submit the correct number of trains in the brochure will stand a chance to win one of 16 prizes including four first class rail passes, two AU$75 gift vouchers and 10 goodie bags!
Beyond Travel bonuses in new brochure
Steady growth in inquiries for Sri Lanka and India has prompted Beyond Travel to double the number of itineraries on offer in the new 2018 brochure released this week.
The updated Sri Lanka, India and Beyond brochure includes an extra eight pages of product – now up to 44 pages – with a choice of private and escorted itineraries, river voyages, mountain retreats, and visits to coastal resorts catering to the holiday whims of all travellers looking to explore Sri Lanka and India.
Beyond Travel is offering discounts up to $400 per couple for bookings made by June 30 with the savings applicable to a wide choice of Sri Lanka adventures include six-day retreats to Tangalle and Trincomalee, the immersive 13-day expedition Sri Lanka Uncovered, and the 14-day outing Wild About Sri Lanka.
On top of the early-booking discounts Beyond Travel is offering room upgrades on many Indian tours, a free bottle of wine, 15 per cent discounts on meals and spa treatments in a selection of trips, and free wifi at many stops.
MTA Members cool off on British Columbia study tour
Pictured, blue with cold but putting on brave faces in Whistler’s famous Vodka Ice Bar, MTA Members Leisa Crotty and Mel Sherry who visited the iconic watering hole as part of a recent Whistler Tourism and Vancouver Tourism exclusive study tour.
Itinerary highlights included a plethora of further ‘cool’ activities including skiing, snowmobiling and snow shoeing, a float plane tour of Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, a visit to the popular Granville Markets, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a food tasting tour of Gastown and a Vancouver city tour.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
albatross tours bentours Beyond Travel mta Nitmiluk Tours North Star personal travel managers rail plus The Epic Australia Pass travel counsellorsLatest News
Qantas scam warning: ACCC alert over false claims to help get payments back
The ACCC says scammers are calling people, falsely claiming they will help them get payments back following publicity about a Federal Court ruling that ordered the carrier pay $100m in penalties and refund customers for misleading consumers. On 5 May 2024 Qantas gave an undertaking to the ACCC that it would pay about $20 million […]
WTTC Global Leaders’ Dialogue yields strategic insights for future of travel & tourism
Government officials and industry leaders discussed pivotal strategies to foster long-term sustainable growth in the global travel and tourism sector at the annual Global Leaders’ Dialogue on the first day of the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia today. Throughout the Global Leaders’ Dialogue (GLD), participants focused on enhancing resilience […]
Massive growth overcomes global tourism challenges: World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit
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Qantas 787 Dreamliners land in Sydney bringing Aussies home from Middle East
We wish the flight crew and passengers a safe journey on remaining flights.
Deadline extended! Entries to the 2024 Women In Travel Awards close 14 October
We know things have been busy lately, so if you missed the cut off date, you're in luck... Enter now!
GX Summit wraps in India, all eyes on Jordan for 2025 edition
TW's resident foodie (AKA. the editor) returned with glowing reviews of both the event and also the local cuisine!
Webjet and Tourism Tropical North Queensland offers discounts on flights to Cairns
We're getting closer and closer to summer, but that doesn't mean you can't jet off to Cairns for a weekend in the sun!
Royal Caribbean celebrates first floating of next mega cruiser: Star Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean's next super cruiser is nearly here, when will you be jumping on board?
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
ATIA unveils finalists for the 2024 National Travel Industry Awards People’s Choice Award
We don't like picking favourites, so we are glad that someone else has this difficult job.
William Inglis Hotel MGallery hosts star-studded ‘Pink October’ event for McGrath Foundation
It's a cause so close to many of our hearts... Amazing work from the team at William Inglis Hotel.
RACV & Neighbourhood Watch Victoria’s safety tips as Caravan theft hits 10 year high
And it's not like you can hide a caravan under a hoodie and disappear into the crowd.
TADA launches in Melbourne to celebrate travel agents’ vital role
We're wondering if they got all the experts in the room first then open the door, and unveil the gathering with 'Ta-da'.
Holland America Line celebrates the holiday season with festive food and beverage menus
Please ensure you don't get your spiked and non-alc eggnogs mixed up. It could get ugly.
Perth welcomes tourism experts to the opening of The World Travel & Tourism Council summit
Perth gets big brownie points for scoring this summit, and the city is shining at its very best at the moment.
Runaway Bay Motor Inn on the Gold Coast for sale after three decades of ownership
If you've been thinking about a change of career, perhaps owning a 40-room motel on the Gold Coast could be for you.
Italian National Tourist Board promotes ‘Roots Tourism’ in Melbourne
Is there anywhere better to announce a brand new tourism campaign... Other than Sydney, of course.
Safari Guru offers peace of mind when going on African Adventures
The Top Five around our office: office dogs Luna, Chompy, Mei mei, & Poppy, an Indian minor and a daddy long legs.
Seafood Excellence winners launch new sea-to-plate menu onboard Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
A day at sea with the best seafood WA has to offer, from the sea to your plate. What are you waiting for!
Qantas offers flights from Cyprus to help get Australians home from Lebanon
Free flights on Qantas Boeing 787 out of Cyprus will bring home up to 440 Australians.
35 per cent base salary increase part of Virgin Australia pilots new enterprise agreement
Virgin Australia pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement that delivers substantial improvements to their pay and working conditions, following 15 months of negotiations. The new agreement guarantees a 35 per cent base salary increase in the first year, followed by 3 per cent annual increases and includes industry-leading lifestyle and […]
Brisbane makes top 10 list of trending global destinations for 2025
Given this 'demand' is driven by Millennial and Gen Z travellers, this may change tomorrow - or today.
Emirates announces partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development
Emirates is going solar... Even its planes can’t say no to a bit of fun in the sun!
Australia’s best & worst international airline food rankings: Who’s on top?
Now matter how often you fly, the foil wrapper is always lifted with anticipation, sometimes followed by indigestion.
Insure&Go warns Aussies of costly travel insurance mistakes as international travel surges
We wonder what other countries need to be warned about alcohol overconsumption clauses... The Irish may get a start!
Shipshape start to the South Australian 2024-25 cruise season
The food of Kangaroo Island, the wine of Clare Valley and wrapping their lips around pronouncing Fleurieu Peninsula.
PROFILE: Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet founder and constant traveller
No doubt he's covered a few miles and has a few million frequent flyer points. Passports? He's probably had a few too.
Hotel, flight bookings spike as fans head to grand finals, aka Katy Perry and Kid Laroi concerts
Three-peat was pushing it, and four-peat would be just ridiculous. We are talking of the made-up word, not the stat.
Explora Journeys unveils marine photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan aboard EXPLORA II
We'd be setting up a 'cameras for sale' stand outside the gallery because we're certain guests are going to be inspired!
Wendy Wu Tours unveils new Namibia Adventure tour
Wendy Wu is spreading her wings to the wilds of Africa, so our animal instincts predict amazing itins.
Air Vanuatu set to fly again after court decides to allow restructure
The news gives us hope that perhaps one of our recently defunct carriers may get a second life, albeit unlikely.
Riviera Travel River Cruises launches early bird sale for 2026
We hope there is a not a set of scales on these cruises, or a weight limit on the ships for that matter.
Qatar Airways expands to Canada with launch of Toronto flights
Qatar's going from strength to strength at the moment. The same can't be said for our progress in the gym...
ATIA wins big with federal inquiry into tourism and international education
We're generally used to hearing about the negatives coming out of a Federal inquiry, so this is a nice change of tune.
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Auckland and Rotorua launch ‘2 Easy’ campaign to attract Aussies
As an Aussie, we do feel very seen by this campaign. Thank you New Zealand.