We’re over the moon about bringing you this wholesaler wrap. And it has nothing to do with us running out the door to lunch as soon as it’s up.

Topdeck launches brand new limited edition trips

Youth travel expert, Topdeck Travel, has turned up the dial and set sail, announcing a huge line up of limited edition trips for the2019/20 European season. Following strong customer and agent feedback around experience-led trips, the new sailing and festival trips are expected to be popular favourites.

For those wishing to tick off some popular bucket list experiences, the new 17-Day Sail to the Stein strip combines the perfect mix of sailing and festivals. The trip takes Topdeckers on a seven-day sailing journey around Croatia’s idyllic coastline, then six days travelling through Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, finishing up with three unforgettable nights at Oktoberfest in Germany.

The new 16-Day Sail to Sziget also combines the best of land and sea, as festival goers start in Dubrovnik and finish at one of Europe’s most iconic music spectacles, Szieget Festival. Additional Oktoberfest trips include Braumeister, Festmeisterand Prostmeister, available in all trip styles catering to everyone, from campsites to hostels.

Due to the popular nature of hostels selling out in previous years, the new Schickmeister has also been introduced this year as a Hotel package, designed for those looking for a more premium accommodation option.

Intrepid launches Wildlife Rangers Expedition in Kenya to mark World Rhino Day

It’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and arguably the most crucial in the conservation of the world’s remaining rhino populations. Intrepid Travel is marking World Rhino Day tomorrow with the launch of a trip that offers travellers a rare insight into the work of a Ranger.

The eight-day expedition invites wildlife lovers to gain an insight into the work – and risks – of those that protect wildlife in wild places. In partnership with the Thin Green Line Foundation, a non-profit organisation which looks after those on the frontline, the trip will take travellers behind the scenes on game drives and foot patrols with the Rangers working in the area between Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro national parks.

The eye-opening expedition includes a visit to the rhino sector at Chyulu Hills, where just eight wild black rhinos reside. These rhinos represent one of the last wild populations in Kenya, with most of the country’s 600 black rhinos being kept in fenced sanctuaries to ensure their survival. It is Rangers who do the critical work in conducting the research and monitoring required to help these endangered rhinos to thrive.

Travellers will also spend time at the Ranger training academy to learn what it takes to become a Ranger and hear the true stories of what it takes to protect wildlife in Kenya.

APT launches adventurous new expedition to Papua New Guinea

Recently, APT, the leaders in Luxury River Cruising and touring, announced their new one-off, Papua New Guinea expedition cruise in 2019. With white sand beaches, lush landscapes, traditional villages and rich history, the fascinating adventure from Cairns to Port Moresby is ideal for the adventurous traveller.

Papua New Guinea might not be the first place that springs to mind when travellers are looking for an intrepid expedition cruise, but it’s one of the few remaining places where your guests can truly get off the beaten track. They’ll discover ancient cultures unchanged, pristine coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and the largest rainforest in the Asia-Pacific region while enjoying the backing of an Australian, family-owned company with 90 years’ experience.

APT’s exciting new 13-day Papua New Guinea by Small Ship cruise starts at $13,995 pp, twin share (NZ$15,795) and includes a private charter flight from Cairns to Rabaul. The journey is made possible thanks to APT’s very own boutique expedition ship, MS Caledonian Sky, which was recently awarded a ‘Star Performer – Top Ten’ rating in the 2018 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide. When it sets sail in October 2019, MS Caledonian Sky will take just 95 APT guests between small ports, isolated islands and seldom explored regions of Papua New Guinea in the spectacular style for which APT is renowned.

All-inclusive dining and beverages, a high crew-to-passenger ratio, included Wi-Fi and fantastic excursions with an Expedition Team, means your guests can relax knowing that everything has been taken care of. Plus, special guest and naval expert, Rear Admiral Peter Briggs AO CSC RAN (Rtd) will join the journey to illuminate the rich Australian war history throughout the region.

Globus family of brands unveils seven NEW “Undiscovered Britain” tours for 2019

Expanding their catalogue of authentic experiences and guided offerings, Globus family of brands has announced seven new Undiscovered Britain tours for 2019 from Globus, Cosmos and the newly introduced Cosmos Lite collection.

With a total of nine Undiscovered Britain tours now available, there has never been a better time for travellers to experience another side of Britain – beyond London Bridge – and visit the undiscovered places that tell the stories of Great Britain’s green hills, seaside villages and the places in between.

Globus family of brands Australasia managing director Gai Tyrrell said that it’s becoming more and more clear travellers are looking beyond iconic destinations and famous landmarks for an unforgettable travel experience.

Globus offer: PLANE AND SIMPLE DEAL ALERT – Book early & SAVE! Savings up to AUD $1,000 per person towards flights when booked and deposit paid by 27 November, 2018. This deal includes complete flexibility – any airline, any airport, anytime, anywhere – no restrictions, Agents can even ticket the air themselves!

Sun Island Tours’ 2019 Greece, Turkey & Cyprus Brochure out now!

Australia’s leading Mediterranean and Middle Eastern travel experts, Sun Island Tours, has released their 2019 Greece, Turkey & Cyprus brochure featuring 16 additional pages, a series of new tours and up to 10 per cent discount on selected tours when booked by early 2019.

With this edition, agents can look forward to introducing their clients to a series of new day tours including culinary and wine programs on the Greek Islands and also from Thessaloniki (noting that Qatar Airways now flies directly to this port city from Doha); as well as two new nine-day packages in Cyprus available from three to five stars.

Agents will also note that all coach tours in Turkey will continue as usual with small group departures, which are once again guaranteed with a minimum of two pax. Finally, the operator is pleased to report that Yachting – Share a Sail, where passengers charter a cabin as opposed to the entire vessel, remains one of their most popular Greek Island products. Prices start at $1,946 pp for the eight-day itinerary.

Specialists in this region, agents are reminded that Sun Island Tours offers a wide selection of tour packages that suit all sorts of budgets and interests.

Bench Africa – 2019/20 Brochure out now

Bench Africa is proud to announce their 2019/20 brochure in their 50th year of organising safaris for thousands of Australians to Africa.

Experience the highlights of East Africa on this all-encompassing small group East Africa safari to Kenya and Tanzania by road. On the Highlights of East Africa tour you will visit the spectacular Serengeti National Park with its incredible game viewing opportunities, the world famous Masai Mara and its seasonal annual migration, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park standing in the shadow of Africa’s highest mountain – Mt Kilimanjaro.

Searching for an exotic and luxurious holiday at an affordable price? You can expect luxurious accommodation throughout the Luxury Signature Safari Special trip, complete with personal touches, without breaking the bank. This itinerary has been expertly designed by the Bench Africa team as an introduction to Africa, specifically for the first time safari-goer. Journey through the most scenic areas in South Africa: Cape Town – consistently voted most beautiful city in the world, Franschhoek – arguably one of the best winelands on earth and the world famous Greater Kruger.

The Connoisseur Signature Safari Special itinerary has also been handcrafted by the experts at Bench Africa with the discerning, safari connoisseur in mind, showcasing the fascinating cultures and iconic wilds of Kenya. The dramatic landscape of Samburu and the sheer abundance of wildlife in the Masai Mara are a perfect combination.

Sonoma County Tourism launches new brand

Sonoma County Tourism today launched its new brand platform under the tagline “Sonoma County: Life Opens Up.”

The brand brings to life the essence of the Sonoma County experience as a place for freedom of thought and expression and includes an updated visual identity and logo. This will mark the most comprehensive branding effort for the destination in its history.

Sonoma County Tourism conducted research among more than 1,000 consumers through its branding agency, MMGY Global, and what resulted is an understanding that Sonoma County is perceived to offer a different brand of luxury to both potential visitors and residents – one that is intimate, organic and engaging.

The foundation of Sonoma County Tourism’s new campaign is built around the brand promise of connecting people to unpretentious, down-to-earth experiences. Its voice will be reflective of the destination itself: casual, confident, approachable, passionate and grateful.

Fiji takes centre stage in new Channel TEN series

The Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour regions of Fiji became a culinary playground for Channel TEN’s new travel and food series “Foodie Adventures with Ash Pollard”.

Hosted by the effervescent Ash Pollard, who quickly became a household favourite after starring in My Kitchen Rules, Dancing with the Stars and I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of here!, the visual feast sees Ash collaborate with some of the world’s greatest chefs before returning to Melbourne to showcase her newly found skills, hosting dinner parties with celebrity guests including Kris Smith, Joel Creasey and Dane Swan, to name a few.

Supported by Tourism Fiji and Nanuku Auberge Resort, the Fiji episode, which airs Saturday 22 September, will follow Ash as she explores the stunning coastline of Fiji uncovering produce rich areas such as the iconic Sigatoka Markets (aka “Fiji’s salad bowl”). Working with Nanuku’s own Executive Chef, Oliver Scarf, the pair craft dishes together using local, sustainable and seasonally-sourced Fijian ingredients.

The episode also sees Ash enjoy several emblematic Nanuku activities including enjoying her stunning villa, jet-skiing, learning about Nanuku’s conservation efforts with high-profile Marine Scientist, Kelly-Dawn Bentley and watching mud-crab fishing and traditional ‘lovo’ cooking (an earth oven) with Nanuku’s Josua Cakautini.