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.
1. SPOTTED… in Northern California
Five personal travel managers (PTMs) who participated in an exclusive TravelManagers’ famil of Northern California discovered that, whilst an eight-day guided tour was long enough to whet their appetites, they would happily savour a much longer stay in this scenic part of the world.
The group was hosted by Trafalgar Tours and Qantas Airways, and according to Sarena Taylor, representative for Robina in Queensland, the opportunity to experience a long-haul journey with Qantas was a great start to the famil.
According to Lucretia Caruso, representative for Athelstone in South Australia, the impeccable service continued seamlessly upon their arrival in San Francisco, demonstrating very clearly the value that is added to the client’s experience by the presence of an excellent tour director.
For Caruso, her first-hand experience with the people who lead the tours for Trafalgar has enhanced her confidence in promoting the product to her clients: “Mary was truly impressive so I can feel completely comfortable recommending Trafalgar to my clients: whether they are families or foodies; mature couples or singles who want to travel as part of a guided holiday.”
One of the main highlights for all five PTMs was the opportunity to spend time in Yosemite National Park, which Julie Jenkinson, representative for Doonan in Queensland, describes as “jaw-dropping.”
2. SPOTTED… at a Dubai function
Excite Holidays in partnership with Dubai Tourism, recently held two exclusive agent events in both Brisbane and Sydney.
Held at Byblos Bar & Restaurant at Portside Wharf in Hamilton, Brisbane, and Embers Mezze Bar in Sydney’s trendy suburb of Darlinghurst, the events were a chance for agents to learn more about Dubai and to see all that this incredible Arabian destination has to offer – now and in the future.
During the exclusive dinner events, the agents treated their tastebuds to tantalizing Arabian dishes and desserts that were filled with the authentic flavours of Dubai. It was during this time that they heard from Sheree Pekovich – Regional Sales Manager, Dubai Tourism.
Sheree was the presenter at both events, and showcased to agents the reasons why Dubai is the perfect extended stopover or standalone destination for all travellers. She gave travel tips and insights that will help agents sell Dubai, and tailor their client’s holiday to suit their wants and needs.
Along with the mouthwatering cuisine, a talented Henna artist was on-site and created some beautiful artwork on the agents. The agents were also given a gift bag and a limited edition Arabian Nights candle from Glasshouse Fragrances.
The events were a big success, and Excite Holidays is thankful to Dubai Tourism and all the agents who made the night so special!
3. SPOTTED… relaxing in Tahiti
Arriving in style at Tahiti’s renowned Bora Bora, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Julie Evans who was lucky enough to participate in a recent Island Destinations 2017 French Polynesia Study Tour.
Visiting Taha’a, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete during the 10-day program, Julie’s itinerary included the opportunity to stay at and inspect several of the world’s most opulent resorts including the Four Seasons Bora Bora, Papeete’s Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa and the Sofitel
A highlight of the program, a private plane flight and stay The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island hot on the heels of former US President, Barack Obama who recently departed after a short 24-day break.
4. SPOTTED… learning about Sri Lanka
SriLankan Airlines recently invited Australia’s trade industry to get to know its product and learn about new routes at a roadshow.
A highlight of the event was learning about the airline’s daily non-stop services to Melbourne commencing 30 October this year.
Australia is home to one of the largest Sri Lankan expatriate communities, many of whom reside in and around Melbourne, the capital of Australia’s ‘Garden State’, Victoria. This factor, together with the tremendous potential for business travel and Victoria’s growing student population convinced the Airline to plan for the launch of non-stop daily services to Melbourne.
The non-stop services will also facilitate passengers from the Middle East and South Asia seeking onward connectivity via Colombo to/from Australia.
SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Captain Suren Ratwatte said: “Our presence in Australia cements the long-standing relationship between our two countries.”
The Airline will be operating Airbus 330-200 aircraft on the route, offering its passengers modern in-flight comforts complemented with its award winning service and the world renowned Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality.
5. SPOTTED… in Japan
Pictured enjoying the blend of old and new that is Tokyo today, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Member, Amanda Erwin recently visited the ‘land of the rising sun’ as part of an intensive EXO Travel Japan study tour combining stays in both traditional Ryokan-style accommodation and several of the country’s first-class properties.
Encompassing Tokyo, Hakone, Odawara, Ise-Shi and Kyoto, sightseeing opportunities included a Tokyo Street Food Tour with a visit to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Markets, Mount Fuji, a Lake Ashinoko cruise, a Bullet Train experience and a cycling tour of the Kyoto Peninsula.
6. SPOTTED… at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort in California and Qantas were delighted to host 12 top selling Helloworld and Qantas Holiday Agents in July. Agents enjoyed five days and four nights of fun-filled adventure, as part of an incentive famil which ran earlier this year.
The lucky winners spent five magical days exploring over 85 attractions across the two Disney Theme Parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The agents were some of the first to experience the return of the iconic attraction Fantasmic! The musical spectacular is back, bigger and better than ever, with enhanced special effects and innovative projection. In addition, the agents experienced the recently launched thrilling and action packed Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction at Disney California Adventure Park.
Another highlight of the famil experience included Agents attending the bi-annual D23-Expo 2017, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. The group of agents were VIP guests at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts panel where Chairman, Bob Chapek announced the exciting new plans and editions for its Theme Parks around the world, including; Pixar Fest a limited-time celebration of all things Pixar launching at Disneyland Resort in California in 2018, the new Spiderman and Avengers attractions for Disneyland Resort in California, as well as the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Lands coming to Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 2019! Plus many more.