Still dusting yourself off after some long weekend frivolity? Take peace in knowing you’ll be up to date with all the latest wholesaler happenings with a little help from your mates at Travel Weekly.

Partner flies free to China and Japan to celebrate 2020 brochure collection

Wendy Wu Tours has released its 2020-2021 brochures covering tours that explore China, Central and Southeast Asia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, India, Sri Lanka, Russia and Japan.

The 2020 brochure collection features new tours to South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, as well as a new way to explore the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Cambodia on its new deluxe river cruise vessel the ‘Victoria Mekong’.

For the first time it will offer a fully inclusive combined Japan and China tour, a journey to Japan’s southern region, unique to Wendy Wu Tours and fully inclusive tours to Eurasia and the five ‘Stans’ of Central Asia – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

To celebrate the launch, Wendy Wu Tours has launched an amazing deal – Partner Flies Free to China or Japan.

• Partner flies free to China and Japan on selected tours
• Flying solo? Singles can save a massive 50 per cent off the single supplement
• Book before 16 December for travel in 2020
• Secure your spot with a $300pp deposit

The ‘Partner Flies Free’ special features over 20 tours and over 70 departures.

G Adventures launches leading-edge animal welfare policy

G Adventures has created its first animal welfare policy, developed in consultation with World Animal Protection, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the World Cetacean Alliance. This policy supersedes the industry-leading animal welfare guidelines introduced by G Adventures in 2015.

Having no physical contact with, or feeding non-domesticated animals in captivity or the wild, not visiting performances or shows involving wild animals, and not consuming endangered animals, are three ways travellers can ensure ‘wild life has a wild life’ that no other travel companies have taken a public stance on.

A video entitled ‘Wildlife has the right to a wild life’ has been launched alongside the new policy to educate people to interact with wildlife in a way that does not harm animals or put people, both locals and travellers, in danger. The video reminds us about basic animal welfare such as not taking pictures with wild animals that may have been sedated, or riding elephants which will have been harmed to carry humans. It also introduces the strengthened aspects of the policy, such as not feeding animals or having any physical contact with them, and addresses the consumption of endangered species by travellers.

Untouched Med: getaways that aren’t in guidebooks

In 2020, as part of its NEW “Undiscovered Mediterranean” series of tours, the Globus family of brands will invite travellers down sun-soaked streets to discover the places where cities, seas and cultures connect: Destinations along the Mediterranean Sea that travellers won’t find on other tours or cruises.

Back-Roads Touring launches Japan itineraries for 2020

Back-Roads Touring has unveiled its new Asia brochure for 2020 travel, offering guests the choice of seven unique itineraries across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, and for the first time, Japan.

Back-Roads’ latest brochure features two unique Japan itineraries departing for Japan’s spring and autumn seasons, alongside five exclusive tours through Southeast Asia, including traveller favourites Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery and Flavours of Vietnam.

The all-new Highlights of Japan and Gardens of Japan tours allow travellers to experience the country’s rich heritage and incredible spring blooms in the ultimate small-group setting, with Back-Roads’ Asia tours capped at 18 guests.

From exploring world renowned cultural heritage sites and embracing the views of the remote, mountainous region of the Iya Valley or the beautifully manicured Kenroku-en Gardens in Kanazawa, to discovering a local way of life, partaking in a Japanese tea ceremony or decorating a traditional souvenir with your own gold leaf design, Back-Roads’ new Japan tours offer travellers two unique trips of a lifetime.

The announcement of the two brand-new Japan itineraries is also paired with an exclusive 10 per cent off launch offer for bookings made between now and 27 November 2019.

Topdeck embarks on 40 new 2020 trips across Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia & New Zealand

Topdeck Travel has released their 2020 tours through Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia & New Zealand, introducing 40 refreshed routes and unlocking the subcontinent of India.

Marking the milestone release, the tour operator is offering travellers 10 per cent off the new range for all 2020 departures during 1 April 2020– 31 March 2021, when booked before 31 October 2019.

Reducing the group sizes to a maximum of 16 – 30, travellers are exposed to under the radar trails where they can uncover a range of lesser-known gems.

Three new legs into the colourful destination of India include a 10-day Namaste India, 11-day Temple Run, and 20-day Experience India tour. Each itinerary is uniquely their own, featuring experiences including a walking tour of Old Dehli, watching the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, a Chettinad cooking class, visits to Brihadishvara and Srirangam temples, and more.

New Middle Eastern trips include a 10-day Surf, Sand & Souks tour from Casablanca to Essaouira, visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Marrakech and Fes. For an incredible underwater experience, the 6-day Dahab Beach Break from Cairo includes a once in a lifetime snorkelling expedition of the paradise of Dahab.

Topdeck has also introduced three new trips into Africa starting from seven to 18 days. The South African Adventure from Johannesburg takes you on an 18-day adventure through two renowned national parks including Kruger and Addo Elephant. The 13-day Sun & Safari offers an exhilarating four wheeled drive experience through the Maasai Mara National Research and Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a wilderness walk and a tour of the Victoria falls across 7-days of Big Five ‘N’ Falls.

Take the road less travelled in 2020 with Explore

Explore has launched its new Discovery & Wildlife programme for 2020, featuring four exciting new trips to some of the most fascinating corners of the world.

“Today’s travellers are looking for authentic experiences over fly-and-flop holidays and they’re becoming more adventurous in the destinations they’re choosing to go to, from the Middle East to lesser-travelled Europe,” Joe Ponte, managing director of Explore, said.

“We’re seeing huge interest in experiential travel across the board, and our new Discovery and Wildlife programme has been tailored to fit the needs of these travellers and their growing thirst for adventure.”

Treadright, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys celebrate World Animal Day 

Together with the TreadRight Foundation, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys partner with leading wildlife organisations, to help protect and rehabilitate animals throughout Australia and New Zealand, whilst also educating guests on ethical wildlife experiences.

In celebration of World Animal Day – the brand’s partnership with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, one of the largest and busiest wildlife hospitals in the world – share a heart-warming story of Luke the koala joey.

The Australia Zoo rescue team received a call about a tragic accident involving a deceased female koala who had been hit several hours earlier. The workers did a double take when they caught a glimpse of life, from her large and active pouch, a sure sign that a tiny koala survived the accident. They were quick to call in the wildlife experts.

The team rushed to the scene and wrapped a blanket around the mother. From the pouch, a tiny, furred arm reached out to say hello.

Back at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the veterinary team placed the mother on the treatment table and carefully freed the joey from the pouch – a tiny boy, Luke, only three months of age and now with a second chance at life in the wild.

UTracks releases its boldest brochure ever

UTracks has released its boldest brochure ever. The 84 page catalogue is jammed with active tours covering 40 destinations and it’s just the starting point. UTracks.com has over 460 active tours in Europe. The 2020 selection includes 35 new tours from England’s Thames Path East Walk to Turkey’s Lycian Coast Cycle.

Whether it’s walking the Via Francigena camino trail, scaling high passes in the European Alps, cruising the islands of Croatia, cycling through the vineyards of France or taking the family on a bike & barge trip from Holland to Belgium, there’s a UTracks active holiday to suit every traveller.

Bourbon, blues, backcountry and brews with Grand American Adventures

North American small group specialist Grand American Adventures (GAA) is delighted to announce the launch of its 2020 product covering both Canada and USA including Alaska as well as a limited number of Central and South American departures. To celebrate the launch GAA is offering 10 per cent off all tours until 22^nd October for departures through until 30 September 2020.

Additions for 2020 include a vibrant collection of new explorations across the USA. Bourbon, blues, backcountry and brews blend to form the eclectic new mix of tours which include beer tasting on both the East and West Coast of the USA, a tour of a Kentucky Bourbon distillery and a musical journey from New Orleans to New York.

TTC weekly deals

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Exploring Alaska’s coastal wilderness

Save up to 50 per cent on up to two children 22 and under when they travel with two full paying adults on select 2020 departures of Alaska itineraries with Lindblad.  Guests can enjoy these savings on the 8 day Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary. Exploring Southeast Alaska on our expeditions is an unrivalled experience, and your guarantee of an in-depth encounter with all its wonders. Starting from $8,120* per person, twin share (children prices at 50 per cent off).

INSIGHT VACATIONS

Focus on Ireland

Fly return to Europe for $799* per person when you book a 2020 Europe & Britain journey with Insight Vacations. Guests can use these savings on the 7 day Focus on Ireland holiday and enjoy traditional Irish villages, emerald countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and Farm-to-Table flavours.  Starting from $3,474* per person, twin share, including return airfare to Europe. This offer is on sale now until 31 October 2019 or sold out for departures on 12 & 19 April 2020. Other departure dates available, prices may vary. Departure dates are subject to change.

CONTIKI

European Vistas

Save up to $1,493pp on Contiki’s 23 day European Vistas holiday! With all the highlights of Europe combined into one enchanting adventure, this is the trip for travellers who want to fall in love with Europe. Journeying through the dreamy Swiss and Austrian Alps, the charming vistas of Italy and the edgy energy of the East. Starting from $4,482* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 31 October 2019 for departure on 26 April 2020.

TRAFALGAR

Mediterranean Highlights

Fly Europe return for $699* when booking a 2020 holiday with Trafalgar such as the 13 day Mediterranean Highlights itinerary. Dinner in Monte Carlo, a visit to Cinque Terre and lunch with the locals in Tuscany – this journey from Madrid’s Royal Palace to the ancient Colosseum in Rome is dotted with memorable highlights. Starting from $4,875* per person, twin share (Return flights to Europe an additional $699* per person). This offer is on sale now until 31 October 2019 for departures between May to September 2020.

BUSABOUT

Iberian Highlights

Europe is yours – Save 10 per cent on Busabout’s 2020 8 day Iberian Highlights adventure. From cruising along the Douro River in Porto to exploring some of the world’s top museums in Madrid and visiting Sintra’s fairy tale castle, this is a trip that will make guests fall in love with the Iberian Peninsula. Starting from $1,052* per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 for all travel in 2020.

AAT KINGS

Best of New Zealand

New Last Minute Deals from AAT Kings! Save up to $813pp on the 18-day Best of New Zealand.  Itinerary. From the pristine white beaches of the North Island to the snow-capped peaks of the South, guests will explore every nook of New Zealand on this magnificent journey. Starting from $7,313* per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed for departures on 16 & 30 November 2019.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy

A World of Luxury Awaits: luxury begins at home with return private chauffer airport transfers in Australia and your choice to fly free in economy or upgrade to business class flights to Europe from only $4,499 pp return with all 2020 Uniworld luxury river cruises. Plus, save up to an additional 10per cent with Early Payment Savings when you pay in full within three days of booking. This offer ends 31 October 2019. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 8 day – Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy trip. On this itinerary, guests will uncover the extraordinary hidden treasures of Venice and Northern Italy, soaking up the enchantment of “The City of Water” and three outer-lying Venetian islands, Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Starting from $5,399* per person, twin share (including 10 per cent Early Payment Savings and return economy flights. Return business class flights to Europe are at an additional cost of $4,499 per person, additional surcharges may apply). This offer is on sale now until 31 October for departures on 12 April & 25 October 2020.