New brochures, new tours, new routes, new properties, new cruise itineraries, new incentives, new conference goss and new destinations.
In the travel industry, a lot can happen in one week, and we here at KarryOn are hoping to make it a little easier for Travel Agents to digest the news with a round up of this week’s travel news.
1. Receive a $50 Coles Group voucher
Eurostar is rewarding Agents and their clients by rolling out a new ‘Early Bird Savings’ promotion and incentive.
First, travellers will receive up to 20 percent off the cost of Standard Premier (First Class) and Youth (Second Class) fares booked between 3 October and 10 November 2017. The discounted tickets are valid for travel between London, Paris and Brussels from 2 November 2017 until 21 August 2018.
Second, Travel Agents who book $1,000 worth of Eurostar fares during the sale period will receive a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card.
The only rule is that the $1,000 worth of bookings must include one Early Bird Savings fare.
Click here for more information.
2. Virgin Australia implements Sabre Branded Fares
Sabre Corporation is pleased to announce that Virgin Australia has recently implemented Sabre Branded Fares, joining a growing list of airlines globally.
The solution allows Travel Agents and online Travel Agents (OTAs) using the Sabre GDS to access enhanced branded fare functionality that simplifies the retailing of Virgin Australia’s full-service benefits.
With the implementation, Agents can now easily view, compare and sell Virgin Australia branded fare families across the network, offering their customers greater choices and personalisation at better value.
3. MTA announces 2018 National Conference presenters
MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has confirmed high profile TV presenter Allison Langdon and Saroo Brierley as presenters at the company’s 2018 ‘Experience Shines’ National Conference.
Ms Langdon, a regular ’60 Minutes’ presenter, will MC the event which takes place from 02-04 March 2018 at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa.
Mr Brierley, whose amazing personal journey searching for his mother in India formed the basis for the multi-Academy Award nominated movie ‘Lion’, will deliver the event’s keynote address.
Announcing the news, MTA co-managing directors Roy and Karen Merricks said they were thrilled to have secured Ms Langdon and Mr Brierley for the conference.
Close on 400 MTA Members, suppliers and industry luminaries are expected to attend the event.
4. GlobeNet Travel commits to Helloworld Travel associate network
Helloworld Travel has announced another re-signing to their associate network with the family run, Brisbane based, GlobeNet Travel renewing with the network to remain committed to the Helloworld Travel family.
As the 2016 winner of the Helloworld Travel Associate National Retailer of the Year award, GlobeNet Travel is highly valued within the industry, having received multiple industry and cruise awards over the years since its inception in 1994. for the Helloworld Travel brand.
GlobeNet Travel GM Dan Russell said Helloworld Travel associate network is the right one for their business because it comprises of the best mix of Agents in the country.
5. APT named leader in luxury travel
APT continues to celebrate their third consecutive win of ‘The Best River Cruise Operator’ at the 2017 NTIA’s, now offering new deals and savings on their 2018-2019 programs.
APT’s recent win, adds to their total of 12 National Travel Industry Awards (2011-17), cementing their position as the best in luxury travel, as Australia’s most awarded luxury cruise and tour operator!
“’The Best’ is about more than just being Australia’s most awarded cruise and tour operator, it’s the luxury in the smaller details. We are beyond proud that, once again, the Agents have voted for APT, showing their passion for the brand and products,” APT Chief Executive Officer, Steve Reynolds, said.
6. Luxury Travel Agents help drive success for cruise lines
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) and Oceania Cruises (OCI) have reaffirmed the value delivered by specialist luxury Travel Agents in supporting the growth of their local business operations.
Australia has emerged as the fastest growing global market for both RSSC and OCI with close to 95 percent of the business coming from trade – enabling revenue to double within two years of opening a local Australian office.
“High touch is at the centre of luxury travel with a key focus on in-person consultations and customised trip planning, and specialist Travel Agents play a critical and instrumental role in crafting these authentic, bespoke cruise experiences on our premium lines – adding genuine value for sophisticated, well-travelled guests looking for something unique,” said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
7. Peregrine launches its Europe brochure
Peregrine Adventures has released its latest European brochure with the introduction of brand new destinations and new small ship cruising charters among the highlights of the 2018 program.
The new brochure offers unique European itineraries from the Moors to Transylvania and Central Europe to the Canary Islands, and incorporates iconic cultural events in Scotland and Morocco.
The Australian-owned travel company has earmarked Romania as the next European hot spot with a brand new itinerary taking in Bran Castle in Brasov, the pristine forests outside Viscri and offering the chance to stay in an 18th-century guesthouse owned by a real-life Count.
8. Bunnik Tours launches Asia 2018/19 program
Bunnik Tours is excited to announce the launch of their new Asia touring program for the 2018/19 season. The program includes 12 brand-new small group tours catering to the huge interest in Japan and Sri Lanka, as well as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
New destinations for the upcoming season include Sri Lanka’s emerging north, characterised by its fascinating Tamil culture and intriguing history, as well as the less-explored region of northern Honshu in Japan, showcasing stunning natural scenery and unique traditional heritages.
‘Flavours of Sri Lanka’ is a brand-new culinary tour through the highlights of the country. Clients will stay in some of Sri Lanka’s most famous hotels including the stunning Heritance Kandalama and Shangri La’s Hambantota, as well as enjoy incredible gourmet experiences such as working alongside famous chefs and indulging in a 6-course dinner in the Bawa Cave.
For those wanting a unique travel experience there are many special departures to experience Japan’s cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons, as well as India’s famous Pushkar Fair, Sri Lanka’s annual Kandy Festival and Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival.