Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Last minute New Caledonia Intrepid deal
Intrepid is offering a last-minute deal on its New Caledonia Adventure tour between 27 August – 1 September 2023. The tour is currently on sale discounted from $3,465 to $2,253/adult in a twin share room or, for an extra $765 you can secure your own room.
The New Caledonia Adventure touris a well-paced experience where travellers will be transported from the bustling French-influenced hub of Noumea along the west coast of the mainland to the Blue River National Park, and onwards to an overnight stay in a local Kanak tribe village. Travellers will have the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and customs of the local population and the beautiful nature of the main island.
TOP IMAGE: Tortue-© Pauline Massé/NCTPS
Book early for Murray River cruise savings and no Single Supplement
Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering half-price deposits, savings of up to $1190 per couple and a zero solo surcharge on overnight cruises from Echuca in 2024 and 2025 aboard its boutique riverboat, PS Emmylou, when booked by 31 August 2023.
Carrying just 16 guests, Emmylou is powered by a restored 1906 steam engine and totally refurbished with deluxe cabins, offering authentic, all-inclusive journeys along the mighty Murray with stops to visit wineries, historic farm stations, indigenous sites, wildlife along tributaries and country towns.
Each luxury cabin has a private ensuite, is individually air-conditioned, has Wi-Fi and opens directly onto the paddle steamer’s large timber deck. Guests enjoy gourmet meals on deck or in the charming saloon, riverside picnics and a memorable campfire dinner on the riverbank.
The 2024-25 cruise brochure is available HERE. Murray River Paddlesteamers pays 10 per cent commission to travel agents.
New Executive Director for JNTO, Sydney office
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has welcomed a new Executive Director, Naoki Kitazawa, who replaces former Executive Director, Yoko Tanaka, as she moves to a new role as the head of JNTO’s Los Angeles office. Kitazawa joins from JNTO’s Seoul office where he headed up the team in South Korea for two years.
On his appointment, Kitazawa said: “I’m excited to be in Australia and I look forward to working with industry partners and progressing the alliances that have been developed over the years and continuing in Ms Tanaka’s footsteps.”
Before her departure to Los Angeles, Tanaka spoke of her time in Australia: “The passion that I have seen from the Australian travel trade and the public with regard to travel to Japan has been inspiring, and I appreciate all of the support that has been shown over the years.”
Kitazawa will help lead the Sydney team and continue the organisation’s dual objective of driving an increase in traveller numbers in the post-pandemic recovery of Japan’s tourism industry while continuing to shine a spotlight on regional areas of the country and upcoming events including the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
“We know Australians love Japan and, especially for second or third-time visitors, we want to encourage visitors to dig a little deeper into Japan beyond well-known areas and explore rural and lesser-known destinations – whether it’s hiking one of the many National Parks or experiencing a traditional temple-stay.”
Your chance to Win by joining Spain Specialist Program
The Spain Tourism Board is giving Australian travel agents the chance to win a Spanish-themed prize each quarter by registering on the Spain Specialist Program website and starting one of the four learning modules.
The Spain Specialist Program is a self-paced online learning tool that allows travel agents to build their expertise in the destination and create unique itineraries, all designed to help them sell higher-value holidays. With four different learning modules to choose from, agents can select the module that best suits them, based on their pre-existing knowledge of Spain and/or their areas of interest.
Prizes range from Spanish wines to gift cards for mouthwatering Spanish restaurants across Australia. The first quarter prize winner will be announced on 31 August 2023.
As registered Spain Specialists, travel agents will also gain exclusive access to join Spain´s famil trips, as well as receive invites to Spain events in Australia.
New travel representation business launches
Travel industry experts Julie Primmer and Lynda Wallace have announced the launch of Ascend Travel Group, a new travel representation business for travel, tourism and hospitality brands offering a highly curated and personalised approach to representation for both suppliers and agencies.
With joint industry experience of 40-plus years, Julie and Lynda have combined their expertise, knowledge and passion to create a new way of engagement that unlocks a whole new level of benefits for suppliers and agencies.
“It’s a whole new landscape which requires a new approach to drive growth and success for clients and for agents,” said Julie.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new venture, a travel representation business that puts clients and industry at the forefront of what we do. Our aim is to partner with leading travel brands and bring their visions to life, leveraging our decades of experience, industry knowledge and network of contacts to deliver results.”
Lynda said Ascend has a deep understanding of the important role travel agents play.
“The travel industry has undergone significant change in the past few years, with consumer behaviours and expectations evolving at a rapid pace. Ascend will be focused on addressing these changing needs whilst offering a tailored and innovative approach for our clients and our travel industry partners.”
Ascend Travel Group will shortly unveil its portfolio of clients new to the Australian and New Zealand market.
