Wholesaler Wrap: Inspiring Journeys bushfire support trip, A&K’s new India and Orient journeys + MORE!
Get a load of all the latest wholesaler news, deals and incentives in this whopper of a wrap from your mates at Travel Weekly.
Inspiring Journeys new trip to Barossa supports bushfire recovery with #emptyesky initiative
Australia’s leading small group immersive operator, Inspiring Journeys, partnered with Ultimate Winery Experiences to launch the brand new 5-day Flavours of South Australia to showcase the best of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale wine regions – since its initial launch earlier this year, the itinerary has now been updated to offer guests the opportunity to support bushfire recovery in some of Australia’s most beloved townships, by visiting local producers renowned for their unique flavours.
In collaboration with the #EmptyEsky and ‘buy from the bush’ movement, guests can fill their esky or reusable bag at the decadent Melbas Chocolate factory, or perhaps make time to visit nearby Woodside Cheese Wrights and Chesterfield Whisky Firm.
Next, head to Barristers Block Winery to sample delicious wines or pick up a takeaway tasty charcuterie board that includes cured meats or salmon pate for a picnic that evening. The family-run winery lost 100 per cent of its vineyards in the recent bushfires. Fortunately, their cellar was saved, and guests are invited to support their recovery by filling up with treats – all freight to your home will be covered by Inspiring Journeys as a show of support.
The last Bushfire Recovery stop in the region is the Lobethal Bierhaus, where travellers can take advantage of tastings, or take home their favourites brews.
Abercrombie & Kent releases India & Orient 2020
Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has released its new collection of journeys to India and the Orient.
Sixteen countries are covered with a range of travel styles and focuses. In India, highlights include opulent palaces and desert forts, temples contrasting with colourful markets and rural villages, plus unique wildlife and flavoursome cuisine.
The Orient portfolio includes China and its myriad attractions, the captivating countries of Southeast Asia plus Japan, Mongolia and Central Asia. Journeys are tailored for both individual travellers and those who prefer small groups, with the quintessential luxury expected from A&K standard across the portfolio.
Adventure World Travel launches inaugural Scandinavia brochure
Adventure World Travel has launched its largest brochure dedicated to Scandinavia in the Australian market.
Being true to the Adventure World Travel ethos and brand pillars, the brand-new collection has a focus on wildlife, cultural and active experiences, enabling travellers to fully immerse themselves in the region.
AAT Kings launch new fly free and air credit deals
AAT Kings is offering travellers a seamless and stress-free travel experience with the launch of their newest Air Deals. Guests can either Fly Free or receive up to $800 per couple on selected bestselling First Choice and Best Buys holidays to Tasmania and New Zealand.
Flying with Qantas, Virgin and Air New Zealand, these offers are available to book from now until 30 April 2020 for departures up until 31 March 2021. All bookings made before 31 May will also go into the running to win one of 13 places on the Wilderness Achievers Escape incentive.
The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka supports Vedda community
The team at The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka have released a three-night package enabling Australian travellers to connect with the tribespeople and remote villages of Sri Lanka.
Today, the Vedda have restricted access to their motherland. In creating National Parks, laws implemented against hunting of wildlife have adversely affected the tribes and despite having an allocated area, there are hunting constraints in place, and it is a struggle for the tribe to sustain a living in the limited area.
Opening up to tourism has been of support to the community and has reinvigorated the ancient culture.
TTC work closely with a local partner who is joined by a translator-guide, with the tour being conducted in a very respectful and ethical manner.
The three-day Tribal Experience is $445 per person (based on twin-share) and includes:
- Tribal experience: meeting tribal leader, hunting demonstration, art of collecting wild bees’ honey & fire lighting
- Sumptuous local breakfast being rowed on lake
- Jungle trek
- Village experience with king coconut, herbal tea & freshly made roti
- Rathna waterfall trek
- Sri Lankan picnic lunch on nelum leaf
- Three nights on Full Board at 4* property with infinity pool
Explore’s anti-Valentine’s escapes
If you are travelling alone this Valentine’s, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room and make the most of Explore’s no single supplement offer on trips booked before 27 February 2020.
Explore’s offer runs from now until 27 February 2020, where guests can save up to $2,000 with a free single supplement on selected departures of more than 90 trips. All of Explore’s small group tours are ideal for solo travellers. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or embarking on your first solo adventure, now’s the perfect time to book and get your own room at no extra cost. And you’ll be in great company – over half of all travellers on Explore trips are travelling solo.
Insight Vacations launch Europe & Beyond 2021 re-release
Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, the award-winning global leaders in premium and luxury escorted journeys, have released their 2021 Europe & Beyond Pre-release Collection earlier than ever before due to client demand.
Insight Vacations’ Pre-Release destinations include Europe, Britain, Ancient Civilisations and USA & Canada. Luxury Gold’s Preview includes Europe and Britain.
Clients can take advantage and save with the Pre-release Price Guarantee by booking and paying in full by 1 September 2020. They can also save 10 per cent with the Early Payment Discount on select itineraries. In addition, past guests can save an extra 5 per cent across certain trips and departures.
INTRO Travel launches new Eco initiative to plant 10 trees for every booking
This month INTRO Travel has launched a new eco initiative to plant 10 trees for every booking taken, at no additional charge to their travellers.
Partnering with Eden Reforestation Projects, donations from INTRO Travel will see trees planted in Nepal, Haiti, Indonesia and several other countries to aid in the offset of the carbon footprint left by travel.
AU deals from Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is currently having a sale of up to 20 per cent off all Australia trips. Examples of savings include:
Save 20 per cent on Intrepid Travel’s three day Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Melbourne departing 26 February 2020
Now $368 per person multi-share – was $460 per person multi-share.
Save 20 per cent on Intrepid Travel’s three day Uluru Adventure departing 27 February 2020
Now $672 per person twin-share – was $840 per person twin-share.
Save 20 per cent on Intrepid Travel’s six day Taste of Tasmania departing 29 February 2020
Now $716 per person multi-share – was $895 per person multi-share.
Save 20 per cent on Intrepid Travel’s 10 day 4WD Darwin to Broome Overland departing 11 April 2020
Now $1,876 per person multi-share- was $2,345 per person multi-share.
TTC’s weekly deals
AAT KINGS
Sensational South
Fly Free with AAT Kings on select trips such as the 11 day Sensational South journey. Starting from $5,425 per person, twin share (Return economy flights included). This offer is on sale now until 30 April 2020 for select departures between 24 October 2020 and 6 March 2021.
CONTIKI
European Whirl
Up to 20 per cent off worldwide trips with Contiki! Starting from $3,512 per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 27 February 2020 for departures between 5 – 28 April 2020. Other departure dates are available however prices may vary.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Best of Spain & Portugal
Travel in style in 2021 with 2020 prices and save 10 per cent with Insight Vacations’ Early Payment Discount. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 15 day Best of Spain & Portugal trip. This enchanting journey showcases the architectural masterpieces, regal history and delicious cuisine of Spain and Portugal. Starting from $4,748 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 1 September 2020 or sold out for select departures from 26 June to 15 August 2021. Other departure dates are available however prices may vary.
TRAFALGAR
Northern Spain
Fly return to Europe for $799 with Trafalgar for 2020 trips such as the 11 day Northern Spain. This trip showcases the ultra-modern urban treats of Bilbao and the culinary capital of San Sebastián. Starting from $3,425 per person, twin share (Return economy flights to Europe an additional $799). This offer is on sale now until 27 February 2020 for departures between April and October 2020.
ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL
Handpicked Nepal
Enjoy one free Everest Scenic Flight valued at $430 when booking any of Adventure World Travel’s Tailor-made Nepal trips of 6 days or more such as the 12-day Handpicked Nepal trip. Starting from $ 2,675 per person, twin share (one free Everest Scenic Flight included per booking). This offer is on sale now until 31 March 2020 for departures until 31 December 2020.
BUSABOUT
Ultimate Turkey Adventure
Out of Office – Save up to $150 on select Busabout trips such as the 15-day Ultimate Turkey Adventure. Starting from $2,249 per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 16 March 2020 for departures until March 2021.
UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES
Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy
Save up to 30 per cent during Uniworld’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Event. Uniworld’s Parent company, The Travel Corporation, turns 100 in 2020 and are celebrating with up to 30 per cent off selected 2020 cruises such as the 8 day Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy cruise. Starting from $4,409 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 29 February 2020 for departure on 26 July & 9 August 2020. Other departure dates are available however prices may vary.
U RIVER CRUISES
Dashing Through the Danube
2020 Celebration Event! Save up to 20 per cent
on select 2020 cruises with U River Cruises such as the 8 day Dashing Through the Danube cruise. Starting from $3,199 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 29 February 2020 for departure on 13 December 2020. Other departure dates are available however prices may vary.
Latest News
Holland America 2026-27 ANZ and Asia cruises now open for booking
Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 Australia, New Zealand and Asia cruises are now open for booking with itineraries including four Legendary Voyages showcasing the premium cruise line’s expertise in longer, destination-rich cruises. Ranging from 13 to 35 days, the carefully crafted routes enable guests to authentically experience some of the globe’s most sought after destinations. From […]
Virgin Australia launches network-wide sale with fares from $49
If your New Year resolution is to travel more, then now here is your chance.
‘A seafood mecca’ – New York Times lists Sydney as the 10th best place to visit in 2025
To clarify, the mecca in this title refers not to the Islamic holy city nor the Australian beauty store.
Disney doubles down with new class and addition of a fourth Wish ship
Disney will hit a lucky 13 ships by 2031 and some can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, maybe from all those fries.
Qatar Airways celebrates Australian Open hosting Dinner with Novak Djokovic
We are sure that the meals were delicious, and there was nothing Novak thought suspicious.
Work hard, play harder! Flight Centre reveals Queensland’s bleisure boom
Poolside bar in Cairns? We look forward to heading up to Travel Daze again this May.
Princess Cruises’ two ships meet in Sydney Harbour in historic first
We hope these siblings didn't fight over who got to dock at OPT first.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor welcomes Channy Chhoeun for a new exhibition
Chhoeun turned from hunter to game painter, a transition that benefits all involved.
LA Fires Update: 2028 Summer Olympics threatened, LAX unimpacted
Horrendous headlines continuing to come out of LA. Thoughts with those impacted.
Seabourn ‘Sail of the Year’ offers up to 15 per cent savings, plus cruise credits
A month away from the everyday chores, plus a few must-see Asian destinations has us hooked already.
Crystal celebrates 35 years at sea with cruise highlights
With the Nobu brand onboard for these special cruises, it's just another reason to buy a pair of elastic-waisted pants.
TV cook Poh Ling Yeow unveiled as NT’s newest ambassador
While she ate her way around the NT, we feel the KFC stop was probably one tucker too far.
APT reveals rebrand for Luxury Travel arm with new look and new monogram
APT Travel Group, Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, has unveiled a transformative rebrand for APT Luxury Travel, introducing a new era with a fresh, contemporary new look. At the heart of the rebrand is a newly designed luxury monogram, replacing the company’s old logo. APT said the elegant, bespoke symbol represents the legacy […]
Brand USA Trade Expo returns to Auckland and Wellington
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US, has announced the return of its New Zealand Trade Expos in partnership with Air New Zealand and United Airlines. Registrations are now open and are free for travel agents. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so agents are encouraged to register early to secure their place […]
Just 5 days left to enter Brand USA’s Sports Odyssey Road Trip Incentive
It appears that journalists can't enter this one and we are very sad about that because this looks great!
Skyscanner says Australian’s are turning to travel to boost morale
Forget affirmations, travel is the new way to boost morale!
Webjet: Demand for last-minute domestic getaways is booming, but where is everyone going?
Basically, people came back to work and then decided they were happier being away. What's new?
Outcry as Spirit of Tasmania IV is scheduled to remain in Scotland for another month
Oh dear...This situation will make you feel a lot less bad about any work errors you have made.
22-year-old dies after tragic elephant bathing accident in Thailand
Tragic and shocking circumstances for all involved.
Tauck celebrates 100th birthday with $2000 agent bonus scheme
Some people expect to receive presents for their 100th birthday, but Tauck is bucking the trend by giving them away.
WATCH: SeaLink unveils virtual fly through tour of two brand new Kangaroo Island ferries
If they have a quiet day, maybe they can send these ferries over to Tassie to help them out.
ANZCRO kicks off 2025 with agent-focused website revamp
Website revamps: great for the customer, often very painful for those actually doing the updates.
Happy moo year! VisitScotland brings in Julie the cow for winter campaign
Rumour has it, Julie was scouted by the same modelling agency who discovered Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid.
YHA Australia completes $9.7 million East Coast refurb with focus on community
This community sounds better than the time we stayed in a Byron Bay hostel and had to drink box wine with 20-year-olds.
Like beer? Don’t let summer pass you by before walking the Inner West Ale Trail
Cracking fun rain, hail or shine. That means this weekend is still on the cards.
Emirates set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline
Good news to start off the year. We wonder if more airlines will follow.
Melbourne conferences to hit new culinary heights as MCEC unveils brand new 2025 menu
After seeing pasta in a cheese wheel go viral, we knew we needed to try it... Looks like we need to get to the MCEC.
Unforgettable Croatia agent famil prize you simply cannot miss
This sure looks a little different to our Croatia sailing experience at 19. There's not a carafe of Margherita in site.
One for the surfers! Hawaiian Airlines to accept sports equipment as standard baggage
Great news for wax-heads, now they just have to worry about the huge Hawaiian waves...
Travel Beyond Group hires Michelle Sargant and Mary Reale
We are only 4 days into the year, and the people moves are coming thick and fast.
Fiji Airways celebrates arrival of new ATR planes to boost regional and South Pacific networks
Fiji Airways is on its way to domination in the Pacific... We're going to need another NRL team!
Learn the Indigenous history of the Byron Bay Lighthouse with Delta Kay’s new walking tour
A press release says guests require, 'moderate fitness and a sense of adventure'. They clearly don't want stragglers.
How much does it cost to spend 188 days at sea? Azamara Cruises launches 2027 world cruise
With rent in Sydney on the up, this might actually be the cheaper option.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives launches a new fine dining menu 6 metres below the surface
Yum. Now you can wave to your Bass before you eat it.
AirAsia returns to the Northern Territory for the first time since 2018
This looks like a gamechanger for people in the NT after an Asian getaway!
CLIA to showcase this year’s hot new ships at online agent event
Keen to see what the latest updates in cruising are? You won't want to miss this.