You Travel Agents go on so many famils and attend so many events that we’ve had to create a whole new section dedicated to your awesome adventures. And we’re jealous just reading it.
Check out what consultants got up to over the last seven days below, or click here to check out last week’s pics and snaps.
1. Spotted… enjoying a little luxury in Los Cabos
Famils are one of the many perks of working in the travel industry. Getting invited on one can often be difficult to achieve and the competition for a place on such a trip sky rockets when it involves an exclusive trip to Los Cabos, staying in 5-star resorts. Tom Temple of the TC Care team was lucky enough to chaperone group of top-achieving Travel Counsellors to Mexico. Here, Tom tells us all about it.
Travel Counsellors Australia with partners American Airlines and Gate 7, hosted a group of 10 Travel Agents on a 6 Day trip around Mexican Riviera. The trip included flights from Australia with American Airlines, 3 nights at The Cape by Thompson Hotels and 2 nights at the luxurious One & Only Palmilla.
The agents came from all over Australia to meet at Sydney International Airport, ready to escape the chilly morning and make our way to the land of ancient cities, fiestas and Corona. After being greeted by the wonderful Kylie Chapman from American Airlines and Sarah Thornton from Gate7, our hosts for the next week, we were all very excited about AA’s rejuvenated in-flight experience. From check-in, onwards, American Airlines provided a fantastic flight experience with the on-board service being a stand-out. Kylie organized everyone a spare seat and one lucky Travel Counsellors flew in total luxury with a complimentary upgrade to First Class.
First on the itinerary was The Cape, an incredible property located on a pristine strip of beach just outside of Cabo San Lucas. Designed by Mexican architect Javier Sanchez, The Cape made an instant impact with its contemporary design and postcard view of the El Arco, Cabo’s famous rock arch. Our first dinner at The Cape’s signature Manta restaurant was superb and set the tone for the meals to come; fresh ceviche, sea bass tacos, giving everyone a taste of high-end Mexican cuisine.
After a quick breakfast, it was time to kick off the first of 5 hotel inspections for the trip with a tour of The Cape, the sprawling Grand Solmar Resort located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas and the ultra-luxurious Grand Chileno Bay Resort. The property itself was spectacular and we enjoyed a stunning meal at Comal, home to the official 2017 winner of the World’s Best Margarita.
We spent a full day tour throughout the local area, with a visit to Todos Santos – home to the famous Hotel California. On our way to San Jose del Cabo, we dropped by a local coffee roasting company Baha Beans for a quick coffee and went to a local craft shop that sells fabrics weaved on site. Todos Santos itself is a quaint, traditional Mexican town with some fantastic shopping and a perfect place to spend a few hours.
The time finally came for us to check-in at One&Only Palmilla. The moment we were escorted to our rooms by our dedicated butlers was the moment we knew we were somewhere very special. Every detail of the hotel was exactly what you would expect from a resort of this standing; the grounds were stunning; the rooms were elegantly appointed and the staff were unbelievably attentive. It was nothing short of perfection.
One&Only hosted dinner at their flagship Aqua by Larbi restaurant, arguably the most popular restaurant in Los Cabos. The food certainly lived up to its reputation. The following morning, we caught the bus for breakfast and an inspection of the chic art-inspired El Ganzo hotel. Upon our return to One&Only, we were all treated to a 60-minute spa treatment at the One&Only spa.
On our final night, we visited the town of San Jose del Cabo. San Jose a melting pot of art culture, shopping and gastronomy. Our final dinner on the trip was spent at La Lupita’s, a local restaurant famous throughout Mexico for its tacos and range of tequila. Many tacos and much tequila was consumed!
This amazing 6 Day experience is really not out of the ordinary in TC world. With a pool of 150 Travel Counsellors, the possibility of going on one of these spectacular trips is not out of reach thanks to the solid and trusted relationship we have with our reputable suppliers and the support Travel Counsellors Head Office offers their 150 agents that helps them do what they do best; sell travel.
2. Spotted… exploring Vietnam & Cambodia
Insider Journeys recently took a group of Agents on an eight-night trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
The group experienced the hustle and bustle of Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, whilst taking in the sights of Cambodia on a luxury river cruise along the Mekong on Heritage Line’s Jayavarman Cruise.
3. Spotted… enjoying a Middle Eastern dinner
Excite Holidays in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, recently held two exclusive Agent dinner events to celebrate their latest campaign, Abu Dhabi: One City. Endless Possibilities.
Two groups of 25 top-selling Agents across Melbourne and Sydney were invited to spend an evening enjoying authentic Arabian dishes, whilst hearing all about the exciting destination that is Abu Dhabi.
Jennifer Gaskin, the Country Manager from the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority was in attendance at both events, and had the pleasure of announcing the imminent opening of the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as talking about the incredible transformation of Saadiyat Island and a variety of must-see Abu Dhabi destinations.
Melbourne kicked off the festivities, with the group of agents descending upon the very popular Sezar Restaurant, an upmarket eatery in the heart of the CBD. Here, guests were treated to a never-ending supply of traditional (and delicious!) Arabian-inspired dishes, including Kataifi Wrapped Lamb, Triple Cooked Potatoes, a Dessert Tasting Plate and much more.
Next on the list was Sydney, where the agents were treated to an exquisite feast at Alpha Restaurant, dining on Pita Bread, King Prawns, Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Doughnut Balls with Ice Cream, and plenty more.
At the end of the night and to thank them for their support, the agents were given luxe tea tins from T2, as well as traditional Arabian tea cups to take home, plus an Excite Holidays tote bag complete with a few travel essentials.
4. Spotted… at the European travel expos
Last month saw the final event of three European Travel Expos held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Each Expo featured a range of European Tourist Bureaux, along with a wide range of independent destination specialists promoting travel to Europe in 2018.
The events were open to the public and agents alike, and were deemed a great success for all involved with great feedback from all exhibitors and attendees.
5. Spotted… cruising through information on India
To inspire further growth of travel to India, almost all attendees at the Australia India Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC) organised Round Table Conference, held last month, recommended initiatives to increase destination knowledge and make the market aware of products beyond the traditional offerings. Responding to this, AITTC in partnership with India Tourism and Taj Hotels relaunched their highly successful “Know India Better” program on 25 September introducing River Cruising in India.
Over 60 guests comprising of tour operators travel agents, airlines, hotelliers, media and industry personalities dominating the India- Australia tourism attened the evening event at the waterfront Indian restaurant, Manjits at The Wharf.
Sanjay Basu, Chairman of Far Horizons group of companies talked more about MV Mahabaahu which is India’s first luxury river boat cruising the mighty Brahmaputra since 2012. Owned and operated by Adventure Resorts & Cruises, one of Far Horizon’s subsidiary company this vessel has 23 centrally air-conditioned staterooms, its elegant décor and hospitality bequeathing guests flavours of North East India. This journey introduces guests with all flavours of Assam from history , culture , cuisine and lifestyle to one horned rhinos at the world famous Kaziranga National Park.
Earlier Chandru Appar Deputy Consul General, Indian Consulate in Sydney and Kanchan Kukreja spoke about India’s current standing as a tourist destination from Australia and Thushara Liyanarachchi, Director Global Sales – Australia & New Zealand Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris about premium accommodation choices, while travel writer Roderick Eime and Maria Visconti shared their wonderful travel experiences in India.