AUGUST 2023 ISSUE
AUSSIE AGENTS have the chance to win a trip to view one of the ‘Expedition Big 5’ thanks to Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LE-NG).
Every LE-NG voyage advisors sell will provide them with a chance go to The Galápagos, The Kimberley, Baja California, Alaska or the Arctic.
Every two months for the next 10 months the team at LE-NG will announce one winner, with a total of five winners over the incentive period.
In addition, advisors will be eligible for the grand prize expedition to Antarctica which will be drawn next July.
The Expedition Big 5 are the Giant tortoise, crocodile, Gray whale, Grizzly bear and Polar bear.
As a second bonus, agents are encouraged to sign up for Lindblad’s Expedition 360º Training program, complete all six modules and receive an additional entry.
The incentive is valid for all bookings created before May 31, 2024.
Win A Trip To The Antarctic
THERE ARE 10 Antarctic cruises up for grabs in a new agent incentive from Swan Hellenic.
To enter, a travel agency needs to book a minimum of three staterooms on Swan Hellenic’s 2023-24 Antarctic Cruises for its travel advisor/s who made a booking to be entered.
Then, each advisor receives one entry in the prize draw for every stateroom booking they have made.
The draw will be for 10 double-occupancy Oceanview staterooms on a nine-day Antarctic cruise in Swan Hellenic’s 2024-25 season, allowing winners to take their partners on this trip-of-a-lifetime.
“This is more than a competition,” said Patrizia Iantorno, VP of Global Marketing at Swan Hellenic.
“We want as many enthusiastic travel advisors as possible to live the Swan Hellenic experience themselves, going beyond ordinary to see what others don’t.”
The competition runs until December 31 with the results due to come through in the first week of January.
DEBUT INCENTIVE OFFERS $13K KIWI ADVENTURE
GREAT JOURNEYS New Zealand have launched their first agent incentive in Australia with a huge prize on offer.
The winning agent will receive a trip on one of the company’s Signature Guided Tour experiences worth up to almost $NZ14,000 (approx. $AU13,000).
The incentive coincides with the upcoming launch of the first full season of their new guided tours range which had its highly successful first departures earlier this year.
Agents can enter the prize draw by selling a passenger on any GJNZ touring product (Classic or Signature).
If an agent sells five passengers and is also the eventual winner, they will get an additional $500 credit towards their airfare to NZ to join the tour of their choice.
The winning agent will be able to choose from any of GJNZs Signature guided tour range across the entire upcoming 2023-2024 season, including the 17-day ‘New Zealand Up Close’ tour. Entries close September 8.
SELL YOURSELF ONTO A EUROPE CRUISE
AGENTS HAVE the chance to win a seven-day cruise to Northern Europe onboard a new ship in 2024.
The prize package from Holland America Line (HAL) also includes an $2,000 per person air credit and a $500 gift card.
Any agent who books a HAL cruise during the promotional period (can be on any departure and must be deposited) and completes the competition entry form goes into the running to win the sailing aboard Rotterdam.
Each booking qualifies as one entry with multiple bookings made increasing the advisor’s chances of winning.
The prize includes a twin share Signature Suite for the April or May departure on either the ‘A Taste of Norway’ or ‘Norse Legends’ itineraries. The promotion runs until September 30.
Entire Travel Group’s Brad McDonnell and Greg McCallum
NEW VENTURE SET TO SHAKE THE COACH
BIG SAVINGS and benefits for both consumers and travel agents have been unveiled by Entire Travel Group (ETG) as they break new ground.
ETG is launching its first foray into the European escorted coach tour market, promising exceptionally competitive pricing.
The company’s new Entire Group Journeys (EGJ) will carry a maximum of 24 passengers in luxury coaches, with accommodation in centrally located four- and five-star properties.
Itineraries will be designed to give guests the space to explore destinations, with two- or three-night city stays.
To celebrate the launch, Entire is offering $500 per couple off any of its new coach tours booked by August 31. Every travel agent booking a EGJ through the company’s website by August 31 receives a $100 Digital Mastercard direct to their mobile phone.
“As part of a strategic alliance with one of Europe’s largest and most-respected tour operators, we have designed and delivered escorted group journeys that meet the specific needs of Australian travellers,” said Greg McCallum, Sales & Market Director, Entire Travel Group.
“The result is a high-quality coach touring product, offered at exceptionally competitive prices and distributed exclusively through our new Entire Group Journeys division.”
Examples of the new tours include ‘Northern Spain Journeys’ (10 days from $2,761 per person twin share), ‘Landscapes of Spain and Moroccan Journeys’ (16 days from $4,715 per person twin share) and ‘Andalusia Journeys’ (eight days from $2,406 per person twin share).
Plans are already afoot to expand Entire Group Journeys’ destination coverage to include Croatia, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt.
HAVE YOU GOT THE GIFT?
AGENTS CAN earn a $200 David Jones gift card during a special promotion from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The cruise line is currently running an offer for guests including a free 2-category suite upgrade, low 7.5 per cent deposit and $US500 shipboard credit across all 2024 Europe sailings.
Advisors will qualify for a gift card with each new deposited booking made by August 31.
“In tandem with our enticing new “Europe Earlybird” offer and low deposits for their clients, our valued travel partners can also benefit from a generous $200 David Jones gift card for every new deposited booking made, on applicable 2024 European sailings,” said Lisa Pile, Vice President Sales & General Manager Asia Pacific, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“There is also no limit to the number of gift cards that can be obtained, meaning travel advisors can truly reap the rewards from this compelling limited time offer.”
Rane Reguson (right) with Steve Labroski, Managing Director, itravel Australia
WELCOME TO THE i FAMILY
ONE OF Australia’s fastest growing independent travel franchises and mobile travel agent networks has welcomed two new members to the family.
Rane Reguson from Reguson Travel & Cruise and Stefania Scuderi from Jetsetter Travel are the newest agents to join itravel’s link affiliate group.
The link affiliate model is a low cost, unbranded partner program where independent travel agents can utilise preferred commissions and be rewarded for their sales through override payments.
“It’s a new beginning for us and the itravel support team has been amazing,” said Rane, who is based in Townsville in Queensland.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the itravel family and looking forward to collaborating with fellow professionals who share my vision,” added Stefania, who’s agency is in Ayr in Queensland.
Advantages of the link affiliate scheme include a low-cost member fee, one-year contract term, access to preferred suppliers across air, land, cruise, hotels, insurance and visas, a competitive override share agreement and access to itravel’s head office support team.
Those joining will also receive marketing support, including social media support, continuous supplier and business development training, informative monthly newsletters, webinar training, business and personal development training, famil opportunities and incentives, invites to social and networking events.
GET YOUR SKATES ON TO WIN
MSC CRUISES has introduced a new and improved ‘Future Cruise Programme’ designed to benefit travel agents and the line’s guests.
The initiative will kick in when a customer who had used an agency for their holiday at sea books their next sailing while onboard.
The original booking agent will receive full commission for any new booking made on board and MSC Cruises believes the new plan will allow agency resources to be better allocated and provide funds to foster new opportunities and customers.
“We are confident that this new initiative will be a win-win for both the trade and cruise holidaymakers as we know that highly satisfied guests on board our fleet of 22 ships means that travel agents have highly satisfied customers,” said Achille Staiano, SVP Global Sales, MSC Cruises.
Meanwhile, agents just have enough time to earn a gift card and a spot on a famil through Northern Europe.
MSC is running its ‘Turbo Incentive’ promotion until August 15 where agents can earn an $25 gift card for every deposited booking made on a departure from July 5 to April 30, 2024.
The three top selling agents during the promotion period will secure a spot on the MSC Euribia famil taking place in November.
MORE REWARDS FOR CRUISE CHAMPIONS
SILVERSEA HAVE re-jigged their popular trade recognition program for 2023 to provide a more generous reward offering.
Campioni di Silversea (Italian for “Champions of Silversea”) has been running for more than four years, rewarding the top supporting agencies in Australasia.
“We’ll now recognise the top 10 agents in Australia and NZ, and within that top 10 will be the top Expedition seller, top new-to-Silversea seller, most improved from last year and seven others for general sales,” said Steve Richards, Director of Sales Australia & New Zealand.
“They’ll get special rewards, including a luxury getaway for the owner/manager and a plus-one on a secret trip.
“Our trade partners are so important to us and this recognition program is just one way we like to thank them for their continued support.”
THE REWARDS
- A luxury all-inclusive two-to-three-night getaway for the owner or manager of the winning agency (including a plus one), which will take place early in the preceding year (note: Silversea will provide an airfare contribution).
- Personalised glass trophy for display in your office.
- Magnum (1500ml) of Pommery Champagne for a celebration with your team.
THE QUALIFICATION PROCESS | JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31:
- The highest seven travel agencies for net revenue in the calendar year January 1 to December 31.
- The most improved travel agency in Australia & New Zealand (year-on-year) based on percentile increase in net revenue.
- The highest travel agency for new-to-Silversea sales in passenger numbers.
- The highest travel agency for Expedition sales in passenger numbers.
TREASURING SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
RECORD ATTENDANCES and multiple prize winners have seen the latest Treasures of the South Pacific (ToSP) roadshow crowned a resounding success.
Comprising 10 national tourism offices, ToSP has welcomed more than 500 retail travel agents over the past two weeks, making it the most successful roadshow ever undertaken.
“We are thrilled to witness such enthusiastic engagement from travel agents who are genuinely excited about the wonders and differences of the South Pacific region,” said Richard Skewes, President of ToSP.
“Their positive response motivates us to continue promoting this extraordinary part of the world.”
