Wholesaler Wrap: AAT Kings bushfire relief trips, Intrepid declares climate emergency + MORE!
Here’s all the latest wholesaler news rounded up by your good friends at Travel Weekly…
Intrepid declares climate emergency
Intrepid has become the first Australian-owned company to declare a climate emergency. By doing so, Intrepid, which operates in more than 120 countries and all seven continents, acknowledges the science stating we have one decade to address the climate crisis.
Intrepid is a founding member of Tourism Declares, a new industry collective of travel businesses, organisations, and individuals who are committed to taking positive action on climate change. Members have committed to rethinking their businesses in the context of a climate emergency. This includes an ongoing commitment to carbon neutrality and transparent reporting on their progress.
AAT Kings invites industry to join new ‘bushfire relief giveback’ trips to support local tourism
In collaboration with the #EmptyEsky movement and regional tourism businesses, AAT Kings welcome the industry and wider community to join them on one of their newly launched not-for-profit Bushfire Relief Giveback Experiences – a selection of Day Tours and Short Breaks across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Designed to help provide immediate support directly to tourism communities that have been affected by this season’s devastating bushfires.
Experiences have been developed respectfully and in conjunction with local communities, and while onboard AAT Kings will transport you and your empty esky, to visit local markets, cafes and stores, where you’ll have free time to wander through the town, spend with the local shopkeepers and fill your Esky or reusable bag with locally made products. To enrich the experience, guests will also meet some of the locals who will tell stories of recovery and share firsthand how best to help these destinations.
Globus and Cosmos deals
Until the end of February, Globus family of brands (GFOB) will be offering fantastic deals on Cosmos and Globus tours for 2020 – including savings of up to $2,000 per couple with Globus and 10 per cent off with Cosmos.
Guests can explore the exquisite architecture in Florence; discover the winding roads and historical figures in Britain; marvel at the ‘big five’ on safari in South Africa or attend a music festival in Scandinavia under the midnight sun – plus, all tours are complemented with expert local guides and experienced tour directors.
Tours must be booked by 29 February 2020, for travel in 2020.
Celtic Compass operates learning tours in remote, less explored sites in Scotland and Wales
Get a greater sense of the remote and historically rich Celtic lands of Scotland and Wales through specialist, small group tours organised by Celtic Compass.
Along with learning tours, visitors can also explore the craftsmanship of the Hebrides by visiting a traditional weaving mill that only uses seaweed and natural dyes for its highly regarded knitwear. During the tour, visitors can bring their journey to life with an artistic record of their experience of the landscape, and through monoprinting create a wonderful memento of the trip.
Food and beverage tours include sampling award-winning, artisan gin and whisky; including exploring the drying rooms of the organic herbs used to make colour-changing gins!
Experience delicious chocolate tasting at an emminent chocolatier, or visit a Highland smokehouse set in stunning native woodland to see how Scotland’s famous smoked products are produced.
Celtic Compass create bespoke itineraries upon request and offer sign language experts to help those hard of hearing on short tours.
Book 10 passengers and earn a holiday with Small Group Touring Co. book 15 and take a friend
The Small Group Touring Co. is incentivising agents with the chance of earning their own small group tour and the option of taking a friend.
If agents sell 10 passengers on any Small Group Touring Co. tour, they can earn one small group tour for themselves. If they increase that to 15 passengers, they can take a friend with them.
The incentive is valid for bookings on any Small Group Touring Co. tour made throughout 2020 (from January 1st to December 31st).
Agents can choose their own holiday from a selected group of tours including the 10-day Treasures of Portugal, the 10-day Austria, Slovenia & Croatia Christmas Markets itinerary, the 10-day Egyptian Adventure, the nine-day South England Highlights and the eight-day Best of Jordan trip.
Tours do not include international airfares but do include all sightseeing and entrance fees, tipping, a host of local meal experiences, accommodation and a dedicated small group tour leader.
Explore commits to offsetting
Explore is the first UK based tour operator to offset all flights and ground operations using verifiable carbon credits, as part of its decarbonisation strategy.
From 1st January 2020, Explore is working to reduce carbon emissions from its operations, as well as working with ClimateCare to offset all remaining carbon emissions from flights and ground operations.
Explore has appointed Prue Stone as its head of sustainability to manage this project as part of the company’s long-standing Responsible Travel philosophy. In her new role, Prue will head up Explore’s carbon neutral strategy, as well as initiatives to reduce single-use plastics on its tours and maintaining its head office’s zero-waste-to-landfill status.
Final chance to offer earlybird prices on bookings to the Middle East and Africa
The ten-day countdown has begun with earlybird savings for Bunnik’s Middle East and Africa tours finishing on January 31, 2020. With a huge range of tours to choose from in these two destinations, clients will enjoy a little extra spending money if they book before the end of this month.
The “Big 10” Africa program for 2020 offers 10 diverse itineraries across 10 breathtaking countries, from Kenya and Tanzania to Botswana and Namibia.
Client bookings before 31 January 2020 save $500 on all Africa itineraries which offer breathtaking wildlife experiences as well as an immersion into a vast range of cultures, historic treasures and spectacular landscapes such as Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and Hwange National Park. A bonus – tour group sizes are no more than 12 travellers on any Africa departure.
If your clients prefer the Nile to the Zambezi and looking at pyramids as opposed to paw prints, then Bunnik’s Middle East itineraries offer a diverse range of options. There are three new tours in 2020 headlined by the Egypt, Israel and Jordan In-Style tour which explores the holy sites in Jordan and Israel before bringing to life the fascinating history of Egypt.
Beyond Travel Group join bushfire relief effort
Australian owned and operated destination specialist Beyond Travel would like to thank its international trade partners for joining the worldwide travel industry effort in supporting the Australian Fire Relief, with Dubrovnik-based operator Zantium donating up to EU$7,500 to the cause.
Beyond Travel Group owner and CEO Michael Lavilles said it was extremely encouraging to see partners on the other side of the world offering assistance to Australians in need.
Closer to home, the entire team in the Sydney office are also raising funds, which Lavilles has committed to matching dollar for dollar to help communities affected by these devastating fires. He has also joined his own local community in the Illawarra region and collected tens of thousands of dollars that will go directly to families trying to rebuild their lives.
Write in the heart of Italy – writers retreats
Silver Compass Tours has partnered with Hollywood scriptwriter and U.S. television development executive Katiedid Langrock of Write in the Wild to hold tailor-made storytelling retreats for writers in the “hidden” region of Ciociaria in central Italy.
The Write in the Wild Heart of Italy retreats will be hosted within a 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery in the ancient mountaintop village of Veroli and have been designed specifically to coach writers working on their novels or screenplays to swerve around writer’s block and to unleash their stories with potency. The inaugural retreat will be held 10-16 May 2020.
The inaugural Write in the Wild Heart of Italy storytelling writer’s retreat will be held 10-16 May 2020. Package is valued at US$3,497 per person, however an Earlybird Price of US$2,997 is available for reservations made before 30 November 2019. Places are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
Complimentary hot air ballooning for two in Sri Lanka
The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka has teamed up with a partner to offer exclusive complimentary hot air balloon experiences for guests from Australia travelling Feb-Apr 2020.
Simply book a full tour package for seven nights plus, and guests will have the opportunity to take the early morning adventure and see the wondrous sights from the air starting from Kandalama, Dambulla in the Cultural Triangle. Flying over the jungle they are likely to see elephants roaming freely, a variety of birds, water buffaloes standing in the paddy fields and monkeys swinging from the trees while having the famous Sigiriya Rock in view.
Offer is based on two adults travelling between Feb-Apr 2020 with the value of the Hot Air Balloon being USD 210pp and is non-transferable.
TTC weekly travel deals
TRAFALGAR
Best of Croatia & Slovenia
Fly Europe return for $799 with Trafalgar’s summer Europe & Britain trips including the 11 day – Best of Croatia & Slovenia.
Starting from $4,574 per person, twin share. This offer is on sale now until 27 February 2020 for departures between April – October 2020.
BUSABOUT
West to East Roadtrip
Save up to $200 Off West to East Roadtrip through USA. Guests will experience the sprawling National Parks, the smooth jazz undertones of New Orleans, and the soul food diners of the Deep South. This trip visits Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Williams, Grand Canyon, Durango, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Fort Worth, Austin, Lafayette, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Asheville, Washington DC, New York.
Starting from $$4,499 per person (discount included).
Book and pay in full by January 31, 2020. Offer valid for 1 January, 2020 – March 31st, 2021 departure dates but prices may vary and use Promo Code: OUTOFOFFICE.
COSTSAVER
Highlights of Bohemia
Uncover Germany’s heritage, Poland’s character and Hungary’s charm at the best price, before prices rise on 1st February 2020 on the 15 day – Highlights of Bohemia from $2,543 per person, twin share. The historic cultural hubs and colourful folklore of Bohemia take centre stage on this epic encounter with Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Book now to lock in the best possible price as prices will rise on the 1st February 2020. This offer is on sale now until 1 February, 2020 for departure on 9 May 2020, with other dates available at varying prices.
AAT KINGS
Top End Highlights
Save up to $315 per person on this Solo Traveller Deal on AAT Kings Top End Highlights. The vibrant Indigenous culture, friendly local characters and magnificent landscapes guests will encounter on this Top End journey will leave them spellbound.
Starting from $2540* per person, twin share (discount included). Selected departure dates between 10 May 2020 and 20 September 2020. This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aat kings Beyond Travel Group Celtic Compass cosmos explore globus intrepid Silver Compass Tours Small Group Touring Co. wholesale wrapLatest News
ATAC reveals major brand refresh to help drive quality membership
Wow, big news for the independent co-op with various logo colours coincidentally matching chair Taylor's blazer choices.
AFCM announces a record-breaking year with a direct economic benefit of $3.79 million
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music has announced a record-breaking year following its 10-day event with a direct economic benefit of $3.79 million. Independent research shows the event, which was held from 26 July to 4 August, generated a total spending in Queensland by all attendees of $19.98million, up 114 per cent from $9.32million in […]
Emergency landing and fire at Sydney Airport
Thankfully nobody was hurt, however, a scary incident for all involved.
Stop everything!! The 2024 Women in Travel finalist list is HERE!
Be prepared to spit out your tea/coffee/Coke, because the Women in Travel shortlist is here!
Helloworld partners with Wendy Wu and China Southern Airlines for China famil
This looks like a great famil. If they ever need someone to carry bags we are free between 14th November 2024 and 2030.
Huge queues at international airports as Australian Border Forces system fails
We experienced huge queues at Sydney airport once, and that was with everything working.
Schoolies warned to curb alcohol assumption or lose out on travel insurance cover
Young people, drinking? Hold the press. Looks like insurers have found another way to get out of claims.
TAG announces leadership expansion to support global growth
Meanwhile, the editing on this photo is very X-Files. We like it. Spooky.
Review: Thai Airways Business class – Sydney to Istanbul: Is it worth the splurge?
Experiencing Thai Airways in pure comfort, onboard the Airbus A350-900 Sydney to Istanbul via Bangkok. Is it worth the splurge? Pre-Flight and Check-In Flying TG 472 Sydney – Bangkok at 15:50, you certainly miss all the chaos at Sydney airport, meaning a faster and more efficient check in process. As a Business Class passenger, you’re […]
ATAC Future Focus Conference opens at The Langham, Gold Coast
We assure you it was very hard to leave our plush room at The Langham to head to the conference.
Complex Travel Group partners with Luxury Travel Collection to launch Onboard Luxury
The upside to working with LTC is the gold frame, the downside is you have to live in black & white.
Fiji Airways celebrates third consecutive APEX Five Star Major Airline Award
Consecutive wins are nice but it puts the pressure on each year, we imagine...
Celestyal names Ascend Travel Group as Australian industry representatives
We're not sure if our photo edit in this article is too '90s pop band'. No more Canva for us.
Rydges Port Macquarie offers coastal comfort following hotel refurbishment
It is amazing how what was once considered modern will one day become dated. The same truth applies to our own faces.
Raes on Wategos announces the opening of Raes Guesthouses
Our diary is open for 2025 should you need us to come and inspect the premises for ourselves.
Travelmarvel launches new ship with Europe 2026 Preview
It must be super fun to come up with ship names. Way more fun than coming up with baby names. Hard to call a baby Rigel.
Infinity Holidays hosts exclusive Visit California VIP lunch in Sydney
This food looks fantastic. My egg cress sandwich is looking extra depressing now.
REVIEW: Crown Towers Melbourne
Who else is grateful that their days of staying at backpacker hostels are way in the past?
Nexus DMC opens new global HQ in Melbourne, thanks to US$50m funding
Setting up a global corporate HQ in Melbourne means a lot of coffee-tasting trial and error.
Emirates partners with Spotify for inflight entertainment
Personally, here at TW, we already spend our flights binge-listening to all of our favourite podcasts.
Kerala Tourism wraps up successful Australian Roadshow
India as a destination is so hot right now, both temperature side and metaphorically speaking.
Day two of Club Med’s home-based agent conference talks future proofing and digital success
Talking of keys, we hope our man in Club Med Bali for this conference, remembers where he put his.
A certain je ne sais quoi! – Back-Roads grows French tours by 35%
Dreaming of a trip to France, you aren't the only one!
What round two of Trump means for travellers to the US
As they say on departure, buckle up tight and low, as the second Trump administration may be a bumpy ride.
LATAM sponsors Chile Sentido Exhibition
Meeting Darwin's frog would be of particular interest. The kids live in dad's mouth - seriously.
Rail Europe expands offer with new BENELUX, Eastern Europe, and Denmark routes
With European governments encouraging rails over flights, then we thing this move will track well.
Jetstar brings back Kids Fly and Stay FREE Sale
In the interests of responsible parenting we will mention that an adult does need to accompany the kids!
Celestyal signs official MOU with Visit Qatar
The irony is that lucky agents selling slow travel will be watching the fastest sport on earth.
INTERVIEW: San Diego’s Benjamin Eastman on why Aussies are loving ‘California’s beach city’
You may not be thinking of a trip to the USA right this second, but when you do San Diego looks like a good bet.
Minor Hotels names industry veteran Omar Romero in new role as chief development and luxury officer
A lot of people don't like being called a veteran but personally we like it.
CAPA announces 2024 Environmental Sustainability Award winners
No locals in this list of airlines doing the right thing, perhaps we need to lift our game.
Albury’s luxury boutique hotel, CIRCA 1928, is up for grabs
Luxury boutique hotel business CIRCA 1928, in the heart of the Albury’s CBD, is up for grabs. CRE Brokers has been appointed as the Exclusive Agency for the leasehold sale of the hotel in a major regional growth centre of NSW. Set in the tree-lined Dean Street, surrounded by the retail, food and entertainment offerings, […]
Grafton Travel passes the baton of ownership to Louise Thompson
After 17 years running the show, it's time to put your feet up, hopefully on a cruise ship floating somewhere.
Regent announces opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach
If you need someone to try out the swimming pool we volunteer as tribute!
CATO unites at World Travel Market London
This looks like a great event! Although a moment's thought for our jet-lagged friends.
ICC Sydney hosts Global Nature Positive Summit
The International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit from 8 to 10 October. Around 1,000 delegates including international Ministers, environmental policy experts across government and corporate sectors, Indigenous People, and investors attended the landmark event. At the Summit, leaders explored effective ways to realise global commitments […]