Despite popular belief, Travel Weekly’s road and rail wrap does, on the off-hand, share updates on the road sector (when Thomas & Friends aren’t holding us to ransom).

Ola and Velocity Frequent Flyer announces new partnership

Ola and Velocity Frequent Flyer have announced a new partnership which they claim will offer more point-earning opportunities than any other airline loyalty program and rideshare tie-up in Australia.

To launch the new relationship, Ola will be gifting free rides, up to $30, to the airport tomorrow.

The partnership enables Velocity members to earn Velocity Points on every Ola ride and double Velocity Points on trips to and from eligible airports. Together, Ola and Velocity are delivering a door-to-door travel experience and a new way for Velocity members and travellers to turn their everyday spending into Velocity Points.

Riders can download the Ola app from Google Play and the App Store, register for an Ola account and begin booking rides. To earn Velocity Points, members must link their Velocity membership in the Ola app.

Velocity members can now earn one Velocity Point for every $1 spent on everyday Ola rides, and two Velocity Points for every $1 spent on rides both to and from eligible airports. The Velocity Points will be credited to members’ accounts in real time and Velocity members will also earn 1,000 bonus Velocity Points when they take their first Ola ride.

This offer is only available for the first 1,000 eligible passengers.

Rail Europe to empower agents to take control

Rail Europe has announced that as of 2 August 2019, agents will be able to instantly book, purchase and generate point-to-point tickets through its online B2B tool.

As part of the company’s ongoing evolution to improve and simplify booking processes, Rail Europe’s expanding suite of B2B tools is specifically designed to empower agents to take charge of their bookings in order to assist their clients more swiftly and efficiently.

Already with full access to all of Rail Europe’s inventory, the ability to instantly purchase tickets and seat reservations will allow agents to immediately secure train tickets or seat reservations themselves at the best available times and prices, and even have those tickets handed to clients on the spot without delay.

Agents requiring training on the B2B tools can speak to their Rail Europe sales representative and/or tune in to the webinar sessions.

Great Train Journeys adds new and exclusive Canadian and Spanish itineraries

Great Train Journeys has released two brand new Canadian packages and a third Al Andalus itinerary in Spain to cater to the increase in demands for mid-length tours.

The first package is a seven-day and six-night itinerary to Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria. Highlights include a sightseeing tour of Vancouver and Whistler; admissions to Vancouver Lookout and Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre’ a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola; a scenic Floatplane flight between Whistler & Victoria and Victoria & Vancouver; a whale watching tour; a Butchart Gardens Tour and all hotel transfers.

With prices starting from $2,294, this package also includes a free night pre or post the tour.

The second Canadian package, Peaks & Grapes Adventure, is an 11-day and 10-night itinerary that revolves around the award-winning wellness destination of Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon. It includes 10 nights accommodation in Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Vernon; transfers; the Rocky Mountaineer train journey between Vancouver and Jasper; culinary tours; admission to hot springs; an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier; the Banff Gondola; and a stay at Sparkling Hill Resort.

Agents should note that this adventure package ex Vancouver incorporates a self-drive from Jasper to Banff to Vernon and back to Vancouver, which can be arranged with Great Train Journeys. Prices start from $3,668.

Then over in Spain, the newly designed Heart of Spain nine-day itinerary from Santiago de Compostella to Seville on board the Al Andalus will take travellers meandering through Ourense, Leon, Avila, Toledo and Cordoba before ending in Seville.

Starting at $5,180, the itinerary includes airport transfers, three hotel nights, five nights on board the train, all city and boat excursions and featured activities. Currently on offer is also a free night pre-tour at the five-star Parador Hotel in Santiago.

All three itineraries are exclusive to Great Train Journeys.

Railbookers unveils new South African itineraries

Railbookers has announced its new collection of luxurious train vacations in South Africa visiting Kruger National Park, the Garden Route and Stellenbosch Valley.

For two weeks only, travellers can save $400 per couple on any South Africa itinerary: Grand South African Highlights and the Blue Train, The Blue Train & Garden Route, or Deluxe South Africa with the Blue Train.

The South Africa special offer is valid 22 July through 5 August 2019.

Railbookers also recently celebrated National Pyjama Day on 19 July by wearing their PJs to work.

This came amid preparations by staff to embark on overnight rail journeys during their annual familiarisation trips.