Travel Weekly presents its buzzing Wholesaler Wrap, although the buzzing could just be that fifth cup of coffee.

Party on the Nile with the Bunniks! – Two weeks to go

The response from agents has been fantastic for Bunnik Tours’ ‘Party on the Nile’ 10-day Egypt mega famil with Marion, Sacha and Dennis Bunnik!

Feedback from our reps on the road suggests that it’s one of the most exciting famil opportunities that Bunnik has ever offered. “If agents haven’t been we are instantly hearing ‘I have always wanted to go there’ and if they have, they can’t speak highly enough of it as a destination,” says Zoe Francis, Development & Training Executive (SA/VIC/TAS).

Agents are also impressed with the low participation fee of just $250 per person, including flights, and think it’s a great opportunity to meet and spend time with the directors of a supplier.

Over the 10 days, 45 agents will stand in awe at the sight of Egypt’s most famous monuments and enjoy a series of money-can’t-buy experiences.

How can agents win a spot on this incredible educational?

1. Register online at www.bunniktours.com.au/Egypt-Mega-Famil
2. Book a Bunnik Tour – the more bookings you make, the more entries you’ll get in the draw
3. Watch our Middle East Webinar
4. Complete our Bunnik Tours and Middle East Online Training Modules

More than 450 agents have registered their interest in the famil, but there is still time for agents to qualify for the draw.

Chimu launches amazing Latin America and Antarctica Fly Free offers

Latin America and Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures is making dreams come true with the launch of a range of Fly Free offers across a variety of selected Latin America itineraries and Antarctica charters.

On sale from now until 21 August 2017, the offer is available on the following itineraries* with travellers receiving free return economy flights to South America ex Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane when booking with LATAM:

–        33-day South American Icons (from AU$11,200*) – one of Chimu’s most extensive Latin America itineraries, this trip of a lifetime explores the Iguazu Falls, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

–        20-day Collections of South America (from AU$13,430*) –a luxury itinerary on which guests can see the highlights of South America in absolute style, staying in luxury lodges as they explore South America, taking in the tango-loving streets of Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

–        18-day Shackleton’s Antarctica (from AU$ 20,245*, Superior Cabin) – an exclusive charter, unique to Chimu Adventures, taking in the Antarctica Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, trailing in the wake of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

–        11-day Frozen Frontier (from AU$ 17,715*, Premium Cabin) – also an exclusive Chimu charter, this 11-day voyage takes in all there is to love about the Antarctic Peninsula, its breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Special guest on this voyage will be Peter FitzSimons, author of the best seller “Mawson And the Ice Men of the Heroic Age: Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen”.

Clients booking the 11-day Ultimate Peru Experience are in for a treat too as they can enjoy airfares to Peru from as little as AU$ 500* return.

Bentours Northern Lights escorted tour 2018/19 dates released

The 2017 and early 2018 selling season for the spectacular Northern Lights are coming to an end, but with Bentours announced 2018/19 dates there’s no need to turn your clients away in despair. 

The Northern Lights are exceptionally popular and with good reason; multicoloured and mysterious, the Aurora Borealis is one of nature’s greatest displays.  

Bentours small group escorted tour, Follow The Lights, will include 28 new departure dates across Oct to Dec 2018 and Jan to Mar 2019, and will build upon both client and customer feedback from the previous season.   

For 15 incredible days travellers will begin their journey with a picturesque and relaxing six night voyage with Hurtigruten. While aboard the renowned ‘Worlds most beautiful Sea Voyage’, travellers will navigate through Ålesund, explore Trondheim, celebrate the crossing of the Arctic Circle and begin their hunt for the Northern Lights as they sail to the nearest port to the North Cape.  

After disembarking the voyage in Kirkenes, travellers will enjoy highlights such as a night in a unique heated glass igloo, a visit to a husky dog farm and a day trip to Tallinn, to name a few.   

Prices for this tour start from A$5995//NZ$6405 per person based on the departure 19, 30 Oct and 10 Nov 2018, and includes breakfast daily, six lunches, and 11 dinner, transport in first class coaches and the services of a Bentours escort throughout the journey. 

Bonuses on premium escorted tours in Europe

Beyond Travel has just released the largest selection of premium escorted tours available in 2018 Croatia, Turkey, The Balkans, Eastern & Central Europe and Russia with a choice of more than thirty tours with bonus Discover More Travel Vouchers when you book by December 29 this year.

The 20-day ‘Moscow to Vienna’ premium escorted tour has $500 Travel Vouchers per couple available. Priced from $5450 per person twin share, it travels through Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic and Austria.

Receive $400 per couple in vouchers on the popular “Zagreb to Venice” tour. For 14-days explore Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia and Italy. It is priced from $4110 per person twin share.

These flexible vouchers are valid for a year and can be used on any additional Beyond Travel product, such as pre or post hotel accommodation, small ship cruises, European stopovers and much more.

All premium escorted tours include first-class accommodation and daily breakfast, transportation by a high quality air conditioned coach, comprehensive sightseeing with an English speaking tour director and return transfers.

There are hundreds of guaranteed departures between April and September, 2018.

Travel agent industry rates released to the Cook Islands

Air New Zealand and accompanying hotels on the Cook Islands are incentivising agents to educate themselves on this little piece of paradise in the South Pacific, with all new industry rates released on flight and accommodation options, through participating travel clubs.

Flight industry rates to Rarotonga are available to agents who book with Air New Zealand prior to 8 September for $308 return, plus taxes.  The fare includes a seat, baggage to 23kgs, meals and entertainment.

Contact any of the participating travel clubs to redeem the discounts:  Breakaway, Industry Club, or Ezy Flights.  Rates may vary per travel club.  Travel periods and conditions apply.

TRAFALGAR LAUNCHES INCREDIBLE $699 AIR OFFER TO FLY ANYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA

In celebration of the new USA & Canada 2018 program, award-winning guided holiday specialist, Trafalgar has released an exclusive $699 air offer to the USA, Canada and Mexico with American Airlines, valid across 35 hand-crafted 2018 guided holidays, from major Australian capital city airports.

For the first time, Trafalgar has simplified its airfare offer to any trip on the North American continent.

After the success of Trafalgar’s air offers in 2017, this fully transparent air deal will be sure to launch a successful 2018 selling season for their agent partners. Available now until 28 August 2017 for agents to book via Trafalgar.com with the new easy air portal, an array of itineraries are combinable with this hot new offer.

Guests can choose to explore the city that never sleeps on an 8-day Great East Coast Cities guided holiday,  take in the raw beauty of snow-capped peaks across the USA and Canada on the new 10-day Geysers and Glaciers itinerary, or dine in the home of Mohammed Ali’s brother and hear the legends of the great boxer first hand on the new Heart of the South with the Great Smoky Mountains.

Trafalgar’s Mexico offering is also available, taking guests deep into the soul of the ancient Mayans on the Treasures of the Yucatán guided holiday.

Bunnik launches 2018 Europe Program

Small group touring specialists, Bunnik Tours, are excited to announce the launch of their new Europe program for 2018. To celebrate, they are launching an exciting new tiered early bird offer of $500 per person for all bookings made before September 29, 2017, and $250 per person for those made between then and December 22, 2017.

The 2018 program includes 6 brand-new tours, plus 18 returning favourites. The new program will span the entirety of Europe, with tours covering a complete range of destinations from Iceland in the northwest to Cyprus in the southeast.

New destinations for 2018 include the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Sardinia, offering rich histories to discover and amazing natural scenery to admire, as well as delightful villages and beautiful beaches for clients wanting to explore or relax. A big part of touring, the ‘Bunnik Way’.

Single country in-depth and discovery itineraries also feature significantly for 2018, with one of the most popular set to be the 24-day Italian Discovery tour. Clients will immerse themselves in ‘la dolce vita’ on an in-depth journey through Italy’s most treasured cities and regions. Starting in enchanting Venice, the tour travels through Verona to Milan, with excursions to Bellagio on Lake Como and Turin.

Clients will enjoy hunting in the woods for the Langhe region’s famous white truffle and indulge in local delicacies around the country’s north. After visiting the Cinque Terre, admiring Renaissance Florence and touring the rolling hills of Tuscany, the imperial history of Rome awaits.

They’ll complete their decadent discovery with 3 nights in beautiful Sorrento, visiting Pompeii, the Isle of Capri and the dreamy Amalfi Coast. Clients can also discover Spain, France and Morocco in-depth.

Best-selling Arctic Norway (Spitsbergen), Northern Italy, Slovenia & Croatia, Moscow to Prague and Greece in Depth tours are also expected to be popular again.

Pioneers of the small group touring concept, Bunnik has a maximum group size of just 20 passengers in Europe. For your clients, this means more time with tour guides, more space on the bus and better views, truly unique local experiences, less time spent waiting and a great opportunity to build lifelong friendships with their fellow travellers.

To take advantage of the early bird savings, remember to book your clients before December 22 2017.

Earlybird package for South America and Mexico tours

Australians in 2018 can join guided tours of either Mexico or South America and save $1000 per couple thanks to an early bird deal offered by Contours Travel, the longest-running Latin American tour operator in Australia. The offer is valid for bookings made by September 29, 2017.

Contours Travel’s 20-day ‘Treasures of Mexico’ group tour aims to showcase the country’s highlights. Boasting more World Heritage sights than any other country in the Americas, Mexico is a fascinating mix of ancient step pyramids,  colonial towns, deep canyons, world-renowned cuisine and stimulating cities.

The 20-day tour departs on February 24, May 26, September 1 and October 6, 2018. Including flights from Australia, prices are from $9100 per person, twin-share from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, $9400 from Adelaide or Hobart and $9600 from Perth. These prices include the $500 per person early bird special if booked before September 29, 2017.

Contours Travel is also offering the $500 per person discount on its 27-day ‘Treasures of South America’ tour. Perfect for first-time visitors to the continent, the all-inclusive itinerary takes travellers through Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina in comfort and style.

This 27-day tour departs on March 11, April 15, September 9 and October 28, 2018. Including flights from Australia, prices are from $14,799 per person, twin-share, departing from Sydney, $14,899 from Melbourne or Brisbane, $15,099 from Adelaide or Hobart and $15,299 from Perth.

These prices include the $500 per person early bird special if booked before September 29, 2017.

TRAFALGAR COMBINES PEACE OF MIND WITH ENLIGHTENING ENCOUNTERS IN 2018 ASIA PROGRAM

Trafalgar has launched its 2018 Asia program offering travellers 22 hand-crafted journeys that capture the contrasts of the diverse continent. The comprehensive new collection features five new itineraries with smaller group sizes taking a maximum of 26 guests.

After a sell-out season for Japan in 2017, three new itineraries have been added due to increased popularity, another added in India and the fifth taking in the new destinations of Singapore and Malaysia, each itinerary tapping into the themes of spirituality, nature and colonial discovery.

Spanning 12 countries – Japan, India, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong, Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia, the enhanced program combines Trafalgar’s 70+ year legacy with smaller group sizes, flavour-packed tastes and enchanting local encounters to deliver travellers the true spirit of Asia.

NEW trips featured in Trafalgar’s 2018 Asia program include:

•  Nine-day Spiritual Japan
• 12-day Spiritual Japan with Tokyo
•  Five-day Hokkaido Discovery
• Eight-day India’s Golden Triangle with Varanasi
• 12-day Colonial Singapore and Malaysia with Beach Stay

TOUR DEAL for International Tiger Day

On The Go Tours, an award-winning tour operator specialising in locally-led group tours and tailor-made holidays to worldwide destinations, are celebrating International Tiger Day (29^th July) by offering travellers a 20% discount on their bestselling Shere Khan group tour in India.

International Tiger Day is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation, an initiative On The Go Tours has supported for years through their work with TOFTigers. This charity works to provide responsible safari tourism in India, protect its biodiversity, and ultimately its tigers.

On The Go Tours contributes to TOFTigers much needed funds, which are put towards safeguarding and growing tiger populations, by making a contribution for every passenger that travels on their Shere Khan tour.

The 20% discount is valid for bookings made between 28^th July to 11^th August 2017 on Shere Khan tours departing on selected dates in 2017/2018. This itinerary visits the famous Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot wild tigers, after touring the classic sights of the Golden Triangle – the perfect blend of nature, wildlife, culture, cityscapes and countryside.

Travellers will also head out on three game drives for the chance to see the majestic Bengal tiger in the wild. As with all On The Go Tours, local English-speaking guides are on-hand to provide their unrivalled knowledge of the country.

On The Go Tours are offering the Shere Khan experience from $1,695 per person (discounted from $1,356). The price includes three game drives in Ranthambore National Park, touring of Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Karauli, and Jaipur and the Amber Fort, nine nights’ accommodation in 3-4*hotels and a jungle lodge, nine breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners. This group tour includes all relevant transportation including airport arrival and departure transfers.

Rail Plus offers free Vancouver tours with Rocky Mountaineer bookings

Rail Plus is offering a selection of free Vancouver day tours with new booking of a Rocky Mountaineer package of a least five-nights, so long as passengers are travelling on the legendary train journey during the 2017 season.

Passengers booking eligible packages in SilverLeaf can choose between an Attractions Trolley Tour, a Vancouver City & Lookout Tour or a tour of Granville Island Market, home of some of Canada’s best deli-style stalls and food artisans.

Those booking packages in GoldLeaf have the option of a Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Food Tour, a Sea Safari or an excursion to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs 70 metres above the spectacular Capilano River in Vancouver’s north.

The value-add deal is available on request for bookings made through Rail Plus’ Great Train Journeys consultants before 30 September 2017, with travel before 15th October 2017.

Tempo Spain Agent Special

There’s a reason ‘fiesta’ is one of the best-known words in the Spanish language. Agents are invited to take advantage of this incredible agent discount on Tempo’s Madrid, Andalucía & Costa del sol tour.

 This 7 day coach tour is an excellent introduction tour of Spain. Including travel by coach, 6 nights’ accommodation and local sightseeing tours in Madrid, Cordoba & Seville. There is a range of travel dates in January, February and March 2018.

Prices are A$1472//NZ$1572 for 1 travel agent and 1 non-travel industry companion travelling together.

Conditions apply. Contact res@tempoholidays.com or call 1300 362 844 for more information, New Zealand contact res@tempoholidays.co.nz or call 0800 836 764.

Disneyland Resort in California delivers the ultimate family holiday to celebrate Halloween & Christmas!

Guests can rediscover the magic at Disneyland Resort in California and experience it like never before! During Halloween and Christmas, a magic spell is cast across the resort’s two Theme Parks, Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure Park, offering the perfect holiday and even more fun and adventure.

For inspiration, take a look at Disneyland Resort’s spooky Halloween and jolly Christmas festivities.

Spectacular fun at Halloween

Guests can enjoy the exciting Halloween experiences on offer starting from 15^th September, up until 31^st October 2017.

Disneyland Park

Popular attractions, such as the Haunted Mansion Holiday (pictured above) and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, are returning to the Halloween festivities, complete with spooky décor, including a giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern, a Pumpkin Festival on Main Street and the annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house design, which will feature the creepy Oogie Boogie, gummy worms and bugs.

Disney California Adventure Park

This year, Halloween is expanding with more frightful fun!  Cars Land is getting a Haul-O-Ween makeover, as Radiator Springs becomes Radiator Screams. Favourite characters Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz, Red and DJ will dress in costumes ready to go ‘trunk or treating’.

However, it’s not just the characters getting into the spooky spirit, with the attractions transforming too!  Maters Junkyard Jamboree will turn ghostly and become the Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will undergo a revamp to Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.

Meanwhile, Mickey’s Halloween Party is back better than ever, as the exclusive event will take place in both Disneyland Park and for the first time ever Disney California Adventure Park as part of the pre-party mix-in.

 The party features special entertainment such as the Halloween Screams fireworks hosted by the master of Scare-monies Jack Skeleton and the Frightfully Fun Parade led by the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, before featuring many other ghoulish and villainous characters.  Guests wishing to attend this year’s popular party should pre-book tickets before travelling.

A Merry Good Time at Christmas

Starting in November, Disneyland Resort will begin spreading cheer and joy as Christmas gets closer.  In this merriest of seasons, once again both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be adorned with festive décor, winter finery, wreaths, garlands and twinkling lights.

It’s not just the Parks that get a festive makeover, with the three Disney Resort hotels set to showcase beautiful designs with the Christmas trees being the show stoppers.

Disneyland Park

Guests will join Santa Claus and Disney characters for a merry musical celebration heading down Main Street USA as part of the daily ‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’.  The parade features prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, Anna, Elsa and Olaf saying hello, Mickie and Minnie working with Chip ‘n Dale organising letters to Santa, Woody and Buzz waving to  guests and Disney princesses dancing and curtsying it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

At “it’s a small world” Holiday, guests will hear a medley of the iconic song along with traditional holiday tunes surrounded by thousands of shimmering lights.  Whilst, the Jingle Cruise provides guests with a merry voyage through uncharted waters with hilarious banter, fun and holiday surprises waiting around every river bend.

Once night falls upon the park, guests will witness the magical Believe… In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular culminating in a magical snowfall.

Disney California Adventure Park

The World of Color – Season of Light night-time spectacular show transforms water, light, story and song, to a festive score that will have guests singing along.  Guests will witness the story of friendship, love and light as beloved moments from Disney and Pixar films illuminate a towering wall of mist.  Delicious holiday treats and decadent desserts will be available at the Festive Foods Marketplace.

Indulge the senses with KI Odysseys new luxury Food & Wine Tours

Spend three days indulging every sense and sampling the best of Kangaroo Island fresh produce and wines with Kangaroo Island Odysseys (KIO) new luxury three-day ‘Kangaroo Island Food & Wine Tours’ starting on selected dates from September 2017.

All seasonal KIO Food & Wine tours are fully inclusive, including return flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and all Adelaide airport transfers.

Explore the island with a private tour guide in luxury, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles in small groups of up to 8 guests, with accommodation at the opulent Lifetime Private Retreats or Sea Dragon Lodge.

Specialising in hand crafted luxury accommodation, Life Time Private Retreats, on the North Coast, offers four spectacular holiday houses nestled into a stunning coastal location and surrounded by Kangaroo Islands’ natural beauty. Luxury houses include The Sky House, The Cliff House, The Settlers Homestead and Sheoaks.

Sea Dragon Lodge is set on a 250 seafront estate at the eastern end of the island, on the Dudley Peninsula, with a private beach to explore and wildlife at the doorstep. Sea Dragon Lodge features eco-friendly villas and a spacious three-bedroom lodge.

KIO Food & Wine tours have been developed to highlight the best food, wine and nature-based experiences available during each of the four seasons.  All seasonal tours are different with a choice of tours for Summer/Spring, Autumn and Winter.

Tours visit the islands most beautiful beaches like Emu Bay, Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay and an array of attractions.

Trafalgar Land and Sea Explorer Holidays with Creative Cruising

Trafalgar and Creative Cruising have joined forces and are pleased to present the program of the year! Introducing the greatly anticipated Land and Sea Explorer Holiday package appealing to both first time and returning travellers.

These exclusive and unique packages combine the most popular and carefully selected European guided holidays with Trafalgar and fantastic cruise itineraries with Creative Cruising’s partner cruise liners; Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, creating breath-taking holidays. 

There are 33 packages on offer, for example; combine Trafalgar’s Spanish Wonder with Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s brand new ship sailing the Mediterranean, or perhaps Real Britain with a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle onboard Norwegian Jade.

Creative Cruising is making these land and sea combinations seamless and easy for you to book. The hardest decision for your clients will be which Land and Sea Explorer to choose! Visit www.creativecruising.com.au or phone 1300 362 599for more information.