To celebrate that it’s not raining, we’ve pulled together the very best famil pics and agent incentives. So if it rains later we’ll look like real bozos, not least because we didn’t bring an umbrella today.

Macao welcomes Adelaide agents

A group of Adelaide travel agents took part in a four-day familiarisation of Macao which focused on the Asian centre’s mouth-watering cuisine as much as its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites and neon-lit contemporary attractions.

Co-hosted by Virgin Australia, Consolidated Travel and the Macao Government Tourism Office, the educational visit also included a couple of evening shows (Cabaret Francaise and the Monkey King), the group staying in the plush surrounds of the five-star Okura Hotel at the Galaxy.

It’s significant that food took top billing as Macao is celebrating 2018 as the Year of Gastronomy in recognition of being designated UNESCO Creative City status for its food.

The Portuguese-inspired Macanese cuisine, which dates back five centuries, is said to be one the world’s earliest forms of fusion food.

Latin Escapades May winner

The first month of SATO’s ‘Latin Escapades’ Agent incentive went off with a bang. This month’s first prize winner is Mia Caridi from Journeys by Design (VIC).

Jonathan Chaparro-Zarate – Victorian BDM for South America Tourism Office and Michelle Mohaupt from MOH Collection, dropped in to surprise Mia with the good news! She has won a four-day/three-night Galapagos Cruise as well as a four-day/three-night all inclusive package staying at the luxurious Alto Atacama in Chile.

The agent incentive will continue for the next two months, with more luxury getaways up for grabs including Patagonia and Chiloe packages, as well as other runner up prizes such as Go Pros and Google Home Assistants.

Simply book your clients onto any escorted tour, circuit or a tailor made itinerary of the value of $5000 per person*, and you could be the next lucky winner!

Travel the World exclusive Ponant agent incentive and client offer

To celebrate Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions’ 30th birthday in 2018, Travel the World and Ponant have announced an exclusive Agent Incentive and Client Offer.

Agents booking any Ponant 2018, 2019 and/or 2020 Antarctica cruises or any 2019 Kimberley Expeditions’ cruises by 31 July 2018 will receive an additional five per cent commission and a $550 Coles/Myer gift card per passenger booked.

Furthermore, agents booking any of the following Ponant cruises by 30 June 2018 will receive a $500 per person air credit for clients to use towards their flights:

• The Great Adventure – 16 days/15 nights
• Departing 3 November 2018 on Le Lyrial
• Emblematic Antarctica – 11 days/10 nights
• Departing 18 November 2018 on Le Lyrial
• Departing 20 November 2018 on Le Soleal
• Departing 14 February 2019 on Le Soleal
• Departing 17 February 2019 on L’Austral
• Departing 21 February 2019 on Le Lyrial
• Departing 22 February 2019 on Le Boreal
• From Antarctica to Africa – 22 days/21 nights
• Departing 3 March 2019 on Le Lyrial

Windstar Cruises EOFY Agent Incentive

Windstar Cruises has announced an End of Financial Year Agent Incentive running throughout June.

Agents book and depositing on any 2018 or 2019 Windstar cruise between 1 June and 30 June 2018 will receive a $50 Coles/Myer gift card per booking.

Windstar Cruises Australia will track all bookings and email totals made during this period to agents, together with the gift cards.

Wholesalers get down to business at Contract Hong Kong 2018

A group of 18 Australian wholesalers, retailers and special interest agents were recently hosted by The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for the 2018 Contract Hong Kong.

Held from 31 May to 4 June 2018, participants explored business opportunities with over 100 local Hong Kong trade partners including hotels, ground operators and attractions.

The four-day programme connected products with participants, to showcase Hong Kong’s vast tourism offerings firsthand.

Highlights included: testing traditional Chinese baking techniques during a cooking class at the famous Kee Wah Bakery; a walking tour of the authentic Hong Kong district of Sham Shui Po; cruising Victoria Harbour on a junk boat with Aqua Luna; and product updates from stalwart favourites Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Mega Friends with Benefits Incentive: win a private tour for you and three mates! Week eight winner: Anna Caldrmoski, from Helloworld Belconnen

Win the ultimate gift of mega happiness and experience one of our mega destinations for yourself. Sounds like it’s time to prep the squad, pack your bags and take off to Mega Asia! This is the final week that we’re drawing a winner for a $500 MEGA EXPERIENCE voucher, with the final major prize being drawn in mid-June.

This weeks lucky winner, grabbing a $500 experience voucher, is Anna Caldrmoski, from Helloworld Belconnen.

There is one more week to get your incentive bookings in for the grand prize of a private tour for you and 3 mates. Hurry, this incentive is open for bookings made before 15 June 2018. Some terms and conditions apply, for full details visit wendywutours.com.au/agents, or see your Business Development Manager.

Escape Winter to Italy, Peru, Tanzania or Costa Rica

A series of Intrepid Travel winter escapes to Italy, Peru, Tanzania and Costa Rica now have savings of up to $1400 on offer.

Save $770 on the 20th July 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s eight-day Italy Real Food Adventure uncovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Was AUD $3,080 per person now AUD $2,310 – a saving of $770 per person twin share.

Save $553 on the 1st July 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s eight-day Cycle Peru (Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley). Was AUD $2,215 per person now AUD $1,662 – a saving of $553 per person twin share.

Save $536 on July 4 2018 departure of Intrepid Travel’s 17-day Central American Journey. Was AUD $2,145 per person now AUD $1,609 – a saving of $536 per person twin share. Find more at Inrepidtravel.com.au.

MW Tours China Famil

MW tours, Jiangsu Tourism Bureau and China Eastern Airlines hosted a group of agents from NSW, QLD & VIC to China last week on a six day tour, highlights included: Morning Tea in Yangzhou, boat ride around Slender West Lake and a walk over Nanjing City Walls.

The agents then enjoyed a beautiful boat ride on the beautiful Qinhuai River, a visit to Dr Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum before exploring the Niushoushan Cultural Park, Nanshan Bamboo Sea with a cable car ride to the peak.

It was then on to the Tongli Ancient Water Town and a walk through the “Venice of China” then a visit to Lingering Garden, a visit to the Silk factory and finishing off enjoying the sights of Shanghai.

Tauck Australia launches June 2018 mid-year Agent Incentive and 2019 European River Cruising Exclusive Offer

Tauck Australia has announced Mid-Year Agent Incentive for bookings of Tauck river cruises, land journeys or small ship cruises made during June.

Agents making any 2018 Tauck bookings will receive $100 Coles/Myer gift card per booking and, for 2019 bookings, agents will receive a $50 Coles/Myer gift card per booking.

Agents will not be required to track their bookings as Tauck Australia will run a report at the end of June to determine which agents have made deposits on bookings and will arrange for the gift cards to be sent automatically.

The new Tauck 2019 European River Cruising brochures quoting Australian dollars for the all-inclusive cruise prices are now available to agents.

SLH France Trip

SLH brought a group of five top luxury agents on an incredible trip through Paris, Monaco and Antibes from 28 April to 4 May. They stayed for one night at Le Pavillon De La Reine, two nights at Grand Hotel du Palais Royal and two nights at Hotel Belles Rives.

Agents who attended were:

• Simone King – General Manager at World Corporate Travel
• Evelyn Cassar – Senior Travel Advisor at Mosman Travel
• Sharn Parker – Corporate Manager at The Travel Authority
• Christopher Goddard – Managing Director at Maxim’s Travel
• Magaret Poynter – Senior Travel Advisor at Spencer Travel

Gastronomy Tourism Agenda to be advanced in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific regions with record turnout for UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Conference in Thailand

Held for the first time in Asia, from 30 May to 1 June, 2018, the 4th UNWTO Forum on Gastronomy Tourism was organised by the UN World Tourism Organisation, the Basque Culinary Centre with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The 588 delegates from 52 countries heard from a diverse range of expert speakers from chefs, restaurateurs, consultants and professors to marketing and technological gurus.

They also enjoyed a wide variety of Thai cuisine at grassroots and fine-dining restaurants, local marketplaces and street vendors. Senior officials who attended the forum included UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Tourism Minister of Jamaica Edmund Bartlett, Joxe Mari Aizega, Director, Basque Culinary Center and PATA CEO Mario Hardy.

The conference is being attended by dozens of Thai restaurateurs, chefs, food and beverage executives and hoteliers who are getting a chance to update themselves on new techniques and technologies in preparing, marketing and managing the strong linkage between tourism and gastronomy

Haval Motors and Helloworld Travel – Hunter Travel Group Partnership

Helloworld Travel – Hunter Travel Group (HTG) has formed a unique partnership with Haval Motors Australia.

HTG’s Helloworld Business Travel will manage Haval Australia’s corporate travel and events program nationally with Haval providing their sporty mid-size H6 SUV wrapped in Helloworld Travel branding.

The H6 will travel nationally and be used across sponsorships, events and community activations.

Brett Dann from HTG said he was very excited to partner with Haval Motors Australia and showcase the branded vehicle across our network.

TTC Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS: Christmas Markets of Austria and Bavaria

Save 7.5% with Insight Vacations Autumn, Winter & Spring European Journey Savings. Journey through the Bavarian Alps with their snow-capped mountains, musical Salzburg, the magical castle in Neuschwanstein, and on to heart-warming Munich on Insight Vacations 8 day Christmas Markets of Austria and Bavaria travel itinerary. Starting from $2,081* (including discount) per person, twin share. This offer is on sale until the 23rd of August 2018 for departure dates on the 25th and 30th of November and the 2nd of December 2018 or until sold out. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1800 001 781 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

UNIWORLD: Highlights of China & The Yangtze

Uniworld’s Picture Perfect Deals save travellers up to $2800* per couple. Journey through a land of contrasts—skyscrapers and ancient temples, serene gardens and bustling city streets—on Uniworld’s 11 day Highlights of China & The Yangtze travel itinerary to discover the heart of this ever-changing country. From China’s staggering architectural monuments—the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Great Wall—to the natural beauty of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges, this itinerary introduces you to China’s. Starting from $6,099*pp (including $1,400pp discount), 11 day all-inclusive journey through China, including captivating escorted excursions, services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager and more! This offer is on sale now until the 30th of June 2018 for departure on the 22nd of October 2018. Additional departure dates available, prices may vary. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

TRAFALGAR: Scenic Parks Explorer

Save 10% on select 2019 Trafalgar departures. Trafalgar’s 15 day Scenic Parks Explorer allows travellers to experience the breathtaking scenic national parks of America including Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and The Grand Canyon as they journey with Trafalgar on a round trip from Las Vegas through Salt Lake City, Jackson, Moab, Mesa Verde and Monument Valley. Starting from $5625* (including $625 discount) per person. This offer is on sale until the 1st of November 2018 for departure between the 7 May – 09 May & 03 oct – 10 October 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 78 78 78 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL: Jewels of the Mississippi

Save $1,100* per person on select 2018 Departures. Visit the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis on Adventure World Travel’s 9 Day Jewels of the Mississippi travel itinerary before you board the American Queen riverboat on an unforgettable journey down America’s largest and most historical river, the Mississippi. Visit lovingly restored mansions such as Rosalie and Magnolia Hall, and discover the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta as you cruise towards New Orleans. From $3995* (including $1,100 saving) per person twin share. For itinerary’s departing on the 18th & 25th of November 2018 and the 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd of December 2018. This offer is valid only on selected cabin categories and expires on November 30th, 2018 or until sold out. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

AAT KINGS: Untamed Kimberly & West Coast

Travellers can Fly Free on a selection of AAT Kings bestselling guided holidays. The contrasting landscapes of the rugged Kimberley, from its spectacular coastline to its rich mineral fields on will amaze and delight clients on AAT Kings 21 Day Untamed Kimberly & West Coast northerly expedition. Travellers will cruise on rivers and gorges, hike to waterholes, tour working mines, relax on pristine beaches and stay in safari-style accommodation. Starting from $9,995* per person twin share. This offer is on sale now until the 31st of March 2019 for travel dates from now until the 31st of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

CONTIKI: Winter is here

Europe is cooler in winter – cheaper prices, smaller crowds, twinkling Christmas lights and powder perfect pistes – just a taste of what your customers can expect if they choose to visit Europe in Autumn, Winter or Spring. They can save up to $360* per person on a selection of amazing adventures with Contiki’s 7.5% Early Payment Discount, valid until 16 August 2018. The Swiss Alps, the French Riviera and Rhine Valley collide with hotspots like Amsterdam, Prague, Rome & Paris on Contiki’s 21 day European Vista, creating a perfectly balanced adventure of scenery & cities on this whirlwind trip through Europe. Starting from $3,326* per person twin share. Price reflective of departures between 14 Jan 2019 – 18 March 2019 – other departures available between 22 Oct 2018 – 30 Dec 2018 for alternate price – with savings of up to $316. For more information or to book call 1300 730 010 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUSABOUT: Oktoberfest!

Save $112 on Busabout’s 4 day [WAS%20$749%20NOW%20$637]Oktoberfest Hostel. WAS $749*, NOW $637*
Festivals can be pretentious. They’re about what you’re wearing, who you know, and where sells the vegan-friendly-artisan sushi. But then there’s Oktoberfest. Instead of trendy Raybans, there are giant glasses of beer. Hip bands are replaced by people shouting old drinking songs. And in place of the falafel stands, there are neon-lit festival rides and gigantic sausages. It’s 100% unadulterated fun! Join this trip and go to the festival where the enjoyable is more important than the fashionable. Starting from $637* per person. This offer is on sale until the 30th of June 2018 for departure on the 21st, 24th, 27th & 30th of September 2018 and the 3rd of October 2018. For more information or to book contact http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.