Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Helloworld partners with RedBalloon to create more memorable moments
helloworld has announced a new partnership with RedBalloon becoming the exclusive distribution partner for experiences and retail cards within their Australian retail travel agencies.
RedBalloon is the leading curator and seller of experiences in Australia and offers a huge range of things to do throughout the country – such as tours, water-based activities, flying lessons, drive days and gourmet food and wine experiences.
They also offer a range of exclusive activities from bespoke dining to deep sea diving.
2. Say farewell, this is the last time you’ll see this popular sight
Clear waters, white sand and gorgeous horizons – they’re generally the features that make up a popular beach destination, but not the Caribbean’s Maho Beach.
No, this little haven hasn’t made a name for itself over the years for offering a tranquil, calming escape but rather for being directly in front of the world’s scariest runway.
Sound familiar? You’ve likely seen it in pictures (they’ve definitely made the rounds on Facebook and Instagram) but didn’t know it’s name.
3. Why Sydney Airport is opening its runway up to runners
A few members of the general public will have the opportunity run where very few people before them have ran – Sydney Airport’s runway.
The gateway is opening its runway up to 100 members of the public for the first time as part of the Sydney Airport Runway Run.
Being held on 5 November 2016, the event will mark the launch of the 2016 Sydney Airport Community Christmas Giving Appeal, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
Only 100 runners have been selected to partake in the event, with each donating $100 to help sick children and their families this Christmas before taking part in 500 metre heats along the runway.
4. Ventures by Seabourn program expands in Australia #WLCLSummit16
Seabourn will launch its popular Ventures by Seabourn expedition program in Australia and New Zealand next year, giving guests the chance to immerse themselves in the region’s unique wilderness.
Designed for small groups, Ventures by Seabourn excursions enable guests to navigate stunning waterways, secluded inlets and scenic islands via Zodiac inflatable boats or double sea kayaks, launched from the unique fold-out water sports marina on Seabourn vessels.
The optional excursions offer an informative and educational way for guests to enhance their cruise with intimate tours led by an expert team of scientists, scholars and naturalists.
5. Uniworld launches first Generations Brochure
Think river cruising is just for the older market? Uniworld is out to prove its product is for everyone through its first Generations Brochure featuring nine all-inclusive Europe itineraries offering experiences for every generation.
According to the cruise line, the brochure responds to increased desire from parents and grandparents to combine a fun family holiday that is also culturally immersive and hassle-free with its expanded range of Generations itineraries along Europe’s famous rivers.
Inside the brochure, holidaymakers can find nine all-inclusive itineraries, including the new 10-day Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich, which invites young travellers to relive fairytales with a visit to the famous picture-book Castle Neuschwanstein and the real-life inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle as well as enjoying a bike ride along the picturesque Main and Regnitz rivers or venturing into the magical scenery of Bavaria.
6. AAT Kings treats Agents with new portal + prizes
AAT Kings has unveiled a new online Agent portal featuring a range of information, tools and resources to help consultants sell the brand with more confidence and close sales more easily than ever before.
To celebrate the launch of the new portal, the operator is giving Agents the chance to win one of five prizes, including a $300 Coles/Myer voucher.
To be in the running, simply click here to log in to the portal before 28 November 2016, complete the competition entry form, find the Agent portal icon in the new AAT Kings 2017/18 brochure and get your creative hat on as you will be asked to come up with a name for the new portal – the most creative answer wins.
7. Wendy Wu Tours adds new India tour in 2017 brochure
Wendy Wu Tours has released its new 2017 India brochure featuring a new tour and free stopover offer in Singapore.
New for next year is the 23-day ‘Trans Himalayan Journey – Manali To Leh’ itinerary, which is an active-paced exploration that covers highlights from the Himalayas to historic monasteries and colonial cities. Along with a camel safari and travelling over the highest drivable road in the world, it also includes the opportunity to experience the annual colourful Hemis Monastery Festival.
Meanwhile, those who book a select India and Sri Lanka before 30 November 2016 will receive a free two-night stopover in Singapore with accommodation, breakfast daily and return seat-in-coach airport transfers.
Click here for more information.
8. From Lyon to Avignon these Agents go
Six consultants from TravelManagers were recently invited to experience a sailing along France’s Rhone River as part of a dedicated famil with Uniworld.
The group travelled from Lyon to Avignon, taking in iconic sights like St Vincent Cathedral in Viviers, while experiencing French culture, history and dining.
They also had the opportunity to find out first hand what it’s like to cruise with Uniworld, which Fiona Perry representative for Corlette said lived up to her high expectations.
Click here for more pictures.
9. Only in Japan… 36 things you can experience in the Land of the Rising Sun
You’ve heard of robot restaurants and cat cafes, but how familiar are you with Ninja Temples that have absolutely nothing to do with ninjas? Or beaches you can legally drive on?
Travelling through Japan is almost like travelling to another planet where the phrase ‘over the top’ does not exist, quirky is the national norm and cartoon (sorry, anime) characters reign.
We recently had the chance to experience some of the country’s unique attributes, which we found made it one of the more fascinating destinations we’ve ever visited.
This week’s competitions
WIN a year’s supply of Panda Cookies from Wendy Wu Tours
#Thenewwu is here and Wendy Wu is giving you the chance to WIN a year’s supply of Panda cookies! Say what? That’s 365 packets of delicious panda cookie goodness…
Get lost in L.A. and WIN
Thanks to L.A. Tourism and American Airlines, a holiday to Los Angeles valued at over $5,000 is up for grabs!
