New tours, new destinations and early bird savings. The internet may have changed the way travellers do their research, but travel brochures are still a popular way of obtaining travel information.
1. Get Creative in Fiji & South Pacific
Creative Holidays teamed up with KarryOn’s parent company, Leedham Creative for the tour operator’s 2015/16 Fiji & South Pacific brochure.
Released this week, 63-page program features popular itineraries as well as new Fijian hotels and destinations, tours and expanded Pacific Islands options including wedding packages.
Two new regions have been added to the brochure including Pacific Harbour, which is located only an hour from Suva airport and is an adventure-junkies dream with activities such as shark feeding, jet skiing, four-wheeled driving and zip lining.
Fiji’s other islands such as Yasawa, Qamea and Vanua Levu are also now featured in a stand-alone section.
The islands each have a distinctive vibe with Yasawa properties such as Navutu Stars Resort ideal for couples and honeymooners.
Sightseeing and tours have also been expanded to include soft-adventure options such as the new Eco Cycling Tours in the Cook Islands.
And for the first time, the brochure features an Island Weddings section with packages including everything couples need to make their special day spectacular in Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu or Fiji.
Other enhancements to help travellers make their decisions is a list of ‘Top Ten’ things to do in a number of destinations, clearer maps, staff tips and local tips.
“Australians love of Fiji is showing no sign of slowing down. Whether they’re visiting for the first time, or their tenth, we have a range of hotels and experiences for all preferences and budgets.”
James Gaskell, Creative Holidays Managing Director
Did you know, Vanuatu has a Moonlight Cinema on Sundays and Wednesdays at Nambawan Cafe, which is located on the seafront at the heart of Port Vila.
That’s just one of the tips you and your clients can pick up in the new brochure.
2. New adventure to Nagaland
Only river cruise line, Pandaw Cruises’ the small Kalay Pandaw, with her ultra-low draught can journey north beyond Homalin in the high water season from mid-September to mid-October on an adventure to Nagaland.
Starting 12 September this year, the five cabin ship will cruise the region famous for the fierce and distinctive Naga warriors and various ethnic communities.
Cruise along the Chindwin River passengers will pass through dramatic scenery of dense jungles, high cliffs and deep gorges and visits remote villages each with a unique way of life.
Stops along the way will include Mawlaik, Kindat, Sitthaung, Toungdoot, Khamti, Nagaland and Homalin.
To further enhance the experience, the cruise line now has a number of quality mountain bikes for use on the cruise.
Please note that Chindwin expeditions need special permits, which can take up to three weeks.
3. Infinity’s first Philippines program
Infinity has removed the Philippines from its Malaysia & Singapore program and placed it in its own brochure – the tour operator’s first ever Philippines brochure.
Infinity says the destination has enough amazing product to warrant its own program, which hit the shelves on 4 February.
“The archipelago of 7107 tropical islands in the Philippines is naturally blessed with lush forests, white-sand beaches, mountans, lakes and rivers – in striking contrast to its bustling, modern metropolises. Artistic and hardworking, the people of the Philippines are also renowned as very hospitable and happy to share their islands.”
The first Philippines brochure is 16 pages and features two new tours – a dinner show in Manila and dolphin/whale watching in Cebu City.
There’s als six new hotels, two in Boracay, one in Bohol and three in Palawan.
4. A&K’s 2015 escapes
Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has launched the third collection of its Escapes programme – comprising 19 short journeys across seven countries all are easily accessible in under 13 hours from Australia’s East Coast.
The short journeys include beach hideaways, cultural sojourns, family adventures, honeymoon destinations and food-focused getaways. All are close to home and none of more than eight days’ duration. They are designed to stand alone or be integrated within a more extended itinerary in the region and each one includes an exclusive benefit to enhance the experience.
New for 2015 is the 3,000 acre private island refuge, Laucala in Fiji. More private club than resort, this all-inclusive tropical hideaway with a backdrop of verdant mountains, coconut plantations and white sandy beaches offers exceptional service and is one of the most indulgent around.
Nihiwatu in Indonesia joins the portfolio this year. Known for its legendary surf break, this intimate resort on Sumba Island has impressive green credentials and a strong sense of philanthropy. There are just 21 spacious villas each styled on a traditional Sumbanese house and plenty to do from surfing, fishing and diving to village visits, 4WD safaris, hiking, kayaking, yoga and spa treatments.
Closer to home, A&K is introducing the refreshed glamour of One&Only Hayman Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This private island resort exudes stylish elegance with beautifully appointed accommodations set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea. Pristine beaches, spectacular dining experiences, dreamy spa treatments and captivating underwater activities all await.
Other new inclusions are a culinary tour of Thailand, Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania, the chic Maldivian Maalifushi by COMO, Banyan Tree Ungasan on Bali’s south coast and Vietnam’s Amanoi.
5. Cruise Tours Escapes to Canada
Australia’s Bob Wood Cruise Group has added a new division to its operations with a focus on Canada and established a brand new company, Cruise Tour Escapes.
Bob Wood directors Tyler Wood and Jay McKenzie have joined with Seattle based business partner Mark Alfano to launch the new company.
The trio have developed Canadian Rockies packages like no other which Mark says is the culmination of an idea that grew from a seed planted in 2012.
All tours are created to allow guests plenty of time at destinations visiting top attractions, staying at 4-5 star hotels in prime locations, traveling in deluxe, comfortable vehicles.
Another unique feature of CTE’s tours is that the departures are organised so they end in Vancouver on a Friday allowing travellers to seamlessly book on any Saturday or Sunday Vancouver or Seattle Alaska cruise voyage.
The itinerary starts in Calgary and heads to Banff for an overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kamloops and Kamloops.
