The inaugural service, QF159, was at full capacity today with holidaymakers and business travellers making  the near 3-hour journey to one of the Pacific’s hidden gems. 

The new route offers three direct flights per week from the Sunshine State, and from 12 December 2024*  Jetstar will also offer up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila. Across both airlines this will  create more than 150,000 new seats each year between Australia and Vanuatu and making it easier than  ever for Australians to experience the beaches, rich culture, and unique adventures that Vanuatu has to  offer. 

The new flights will promote tourism between Australia and Vanuatu, strengthening economic ties and  providing a boost to the local economy and tourism economy of the broader Pacific region, encouraging  ongoing Australian visitation to the island capital. 

Port Vila is one of the Flying Kangaroo’s four new international routes from the Queensland capital that it  has launched within 12 months. Today’s inaugural service follows the launch of Brisbane to Wellington and  Honiara in October 2023 and the upcoming launch of Brisbane to Manila in late-October 2024, which will  add more than 100,000 seats between Australia and the Philippines each year. 

Qantas Group CEO International Cam Wallace says:  

“We are thrilled to expand our network with the introduction of direct flights between Brisbane and Port  Vila. This new route will maintain connectivity between Australia and the South Pacific, opening new  opportunities for leisure and business travel to the region.” 

“With its lush landscapes and crystal blue waters, Vanuatu is a truly remarkable destination and we are  proud to offer our customers more ways to experience its natural beauty.” 

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff says:  

“This new Qantas route to Port Vila reinforces Brisbane Airport’s role as Australia’s Pacific hub.”  

“The service offers Queenslanders an easy escape to paradise on our doorstep. It also provides the growing  number of people from Vanuatu now living in Queensland, particularly those working in the agricultural  sector, with direct access to home and family.”  

Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru says:  

“The launch of Qantas’ inaugural flight from Brisbane to Port Vila marks a significant milestone for  Vanuatu’s tourism industry and strengthens our connectivity with Australia.” 

“Vanuatu offers an unforgettable escape, where travellers can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes,  rich kastom, and adventure. We can’t wait to welkam Qantas customers to our shores and share the  beautiful experiences our 83 islands have to offer.”

The new service will be operated by a Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. All Qantas  fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and seat selection. Qantas Frequent  Flyers will also earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible flights. 

Fast Facts 

• Route: Brisbane (BNE) to Port Vila (VLI) 
• Return fares: Starting from $796 in economy and $3,506 in business class 
• Flight numbers: QF159 Brisbane to Port Vila, QF160 Port Vila to Brisbane.  
• Frequency: Three times weekly (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday) 
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, 12 business class and 162 economy seats 

Qantas history of flying to Vanuatu  

• Operated Empire Flying Boats as charters between Noumea and Port Vila in WW2 carrying troops  and freight including 1-tonne of gold bullion. 
• In the 1960s when Qantas owned Fiji Airways, regular services were operated between Nandi and  Port Vila. 

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Touropa, a collaboration between Sun Island Tours and Europamundo Vacations, is a global coach touring provider renowned for its extensive range of flexible and affordable travel options, and this expansion is aimed at offering Australian travel agents and their client’s access to a wider range of Touropa’s journeys.

For the 25/26 season all tours will once again be guaranteed with only two passengers ensuring Touropas ongoing commitment to travellers and agents that when you book your clients are guaranteed to depart. The 25/26 season will see 2729 different tours on offer equating to almost 100,000 departures. 

Touropa’s General Manager John Polyviou highlighted that “some of the itineraries, images & maps are still being updated on the site and this is due to feedback we received from agents this year. We have taken that on board and are making improvements to the way things are displayed. We are working our way through those and hope to have everything finalised within a matter of weeks.” He went on to say, “However, all of the pricing and availability is already live and you can customise, quote and book your clients flexible coach touring itinerary up until March 2026.”

Some of the new itineraries for the 25/26 season include a 14 day tour from Poland to Copenhagen via Sweden & the Fjords of Norway, a week long circle tour from Paris through Switzerland & the Alsace region, 7 days from Marrakech to Tangier in Morocco or a 20 day extravaganza through the Balkans.

Online bookings can be made via https://www.touropa.com.au/en with rates now available to book through to March 2026. Agents will need to be registered in the system, and this can be done after the quote or booking is made online by emailing info@touropa.com.au with your agency details. Touropa can be contacted by calling the team on 02 9281 4537 from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm AEST.  

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Anna will further strengthen Explora Journeys’ senior leadership team with a remarkable career spanning over two decades gained at leading ultra-luxury hospitality brands.

Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Aman, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global commercial strategies and brand expansion. During her ten year tenure with Aman, she also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer.

She brings a wealth of experience in Global Sales, Brand development, Marketing, Digital, PR, Communication, and Business Intelligence to this newly created position, having also worked at Rosewood Hotels and Orient-Express, before joining Aman in 2014. 

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said “We are delighted to welcome Anna to Explora Journeys where her proven expertise within the ultra-luxury hospitality industry, coupled with her exceptional leadership abilities will help us to ensure that our brand is globally recognised as we continue to set new standards in luxury travel.”

 Anna Nash added: “I am incredibly proud to join Explora Journeys at such a pivotal moment in its growth and development. The brand’s dedication to redefining the luxury ocean travel experience is inspiring, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Vago and the talented team to continue building on this vision. Together, we will strive to create unforgettable journeys that resonate with discerning travellers around the world.”

In her new role as President of Explora Journeys, Anna will be responsible for driving the brand’s strategic vision and growth initiatives as it continues to redefine the landscape of luxury ocean travel. Her extensive experience and leadership will be critical as Explora Journeys prepares to expand its fleet with the launch this week of EXPLORA II, the second luxury ship in the brand’s collection, followed by four additional ships entering service from 2026 to 2028.

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Bendigo and Daylesford both took the silver prize in the Top Tourism Town (population of over  5,000) and Top Small Tourism Town (population under 5,000 but over 1,500) categories respectively. 

Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said these awards confirmed that Victoria is  home to some of the best tourism towns and experiences in all of Australia. 

“The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards have grown to become a hotly contested and much-loved  competition as destinations vie for the coveted right to be acknowledged as the best tourism towns in our vast country,” she said. 

“We are so proud and thrilled that Bendigo and Daylesford have taken home silver medals in this  competitive landscape, proudly positioning our great state on the national stage.” 

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council  (ATIC) and are sponsored by Tourism Australia and Qantas. Winners are determined by first winning  gold in their respective states, where a state judging panel, combined with a ‘people’s choice’ public voting process decides which towns progress to the national judging panel. 

Devonport in Tasmania won the major national award of Top Tourism Town, with Exmouth in  Western Australia taking out the gold for Top Small Tourism Town, followed by Huskisson in New  South Wales winning the Top Tiny Tourism Town category. 

“We absolutely love this event each year as we get the chance to celebrate the unique and  compelling offerings of our regional towns and centres around Australia,” Ms Mariani said.  

“Bendigo and Daylesford are leading destinations in Victoria that represent some of the very best  tourism experiences for our visitors. In winning silver this year, both of these regional destinations  embody the creative, cultural and culinary credentials that Victoria is renowned for across the  country and around the world.”

The post Bendigo and Daylesford recognised in Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards appeared first on TravelTalk.

In this video, Mat McLachlan explains the region of Hauts-de-France (northern France), highlighting what to see in this fascinating destination just 1.5 hours north of Paris, where to go, what to expect when you get there and where to stay.

For the chance to win one of three bottles of French champagne, coasters and Mat McLachlan’s Western Front guidebook, in this agent-only competition, watch the video and email your answer to one of the below questions to jess@mclachlantours.com.au by Monday 23 September 2024. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 24 September 2024. Answer both questions to receive a bonus entry!

Questions: 

1. Where would you most likely accommodate travellers to explore the Australian battlefields of northern France?
2. What 4-day tour allows you to explore the Australian battlefields of the Western Front, with weekly departures April to November?

Email your answers to jess@mclachlantours.com.au 

Video contents and timecode:

• 1:00: Introducing Hauts-de-France and the Somme
• 4:00: How do I get there, and where can I stay?
• 6:00: Australian WWI battlefields in northern France (map)
• 7:30: Introduction to the Somme
• 11:00: Pozieres – history and what to see today (memorials, Le Tommy’s Café)
• 19:00: The Sunken Lane and Hawthorne Ridge Crater – original video footage from WWI
• 21:00: Newfoundland Memorial Park, a full trench system and no-man’s land
• 23:30: Thiepvel Memorial to the Missing
• 26:00: Villers-Bretonneux – Anzac Day Dawn Service, Australian National Memorial, Sir John Monash Centre
• 30:00: Hamel
• 31:30: The underground tunnels of Naours with original Anzac WWI graffiti
• 33:30:  The village of Vignacourt, with its photographic museum and emotive cemetery
• 35:30: Amiens, where Jules Verne came from, spectacular Cathedral, restaurants, shops, accommodation, floating gardens
• 37:30: Organised tours to the battlefields
• 39:30: Fromelles

For more information about visiting the Australian battlefields of northern France and the Western Front, and to view full itineraries of commissionable tours to book your clients on, visit: www.battlefields.com.au

For more information about the destination of Hauts-de-France, email Dana your Hauts de France representative based in Sydney dana@jiggleconcepts.com or visit: https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/

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Speaking to media in Sydney on Monday, Marini said there were a few key aspects of Railbookers which makes it unlike any other operator in the market.

A team of self-confessed “data geeks,” Marini says they do whatever they can to make multi-city and multi-country rail trips easy. 

As train and travel experts, the company is all about seamless connections. Railbookers can also provide instant quotes, giving travel agents more time to focus on their clients. 

Its flexible booking window lets agents plan for travel any time from today to up to two years in advance. 

Most visited destinations by Australians via Railbookers:

1. Switzerland 
2. Italy 
3. Canada 
4. Norway 
5. Spain 
6. UK 
7. France 
8. Portugal 
9. Germany 
10. Netherlands 
11. Czech Republic

Railbookers also offers three-way calling between themselves, travel advisors, and clients, with no deviation fees for post-cruise or river cruise trips and no minimum passenger numbers. 

It also provides a range of hotel options from 3 to 5 stars, all in the same booking, and its commissions are higher compared to ticket-only options. 

Marini also revealed some interesting stats about their Australian customer base:

• Average Trip Length – 11.4 Nights  
• Average Price Per Booking: $A8,428 
• 77% were part of an overall larger vacation 
• Booking to departure (Average-5.8 months) 
• Last minute bookings-Inside 90 days (27%)

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Launching September 6, the new Presley for a Day Tour will be limited to only 8 guests per day and provide access to  some of the Presley family’s most beloved places on the Graceland grounds for the first time since it opened to the  public. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy access to the family’s favorite activities with golf cart rides around the  grounds, a horse photo op and guided walk through the home’s front pasture, and a high-end dinner at the newly  renovated Moriah’s House, which offers stunning views of Graceland’s landscape from the back pasture.  

The Presley for a Day Tour is a 7-hour experience for a group of up to 4 people (2 tour groups per day available) that includes:  

• Personalized Concierge Service: Concierge will work with guests to plan out their experience before arrival.  • Personal Tour Guide: Guests will have their own personal tour guide throughout their entire experience.  • Guided Tours: Tours of Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex and Elvis’ Airplanes with their dedicated  guide, plus exclusive photo opportunities and special white-glove artifact experiences. 
• Golf Cart Transportation: Guests will be chauffeured around the Graceland property on a golf cart by their guide and treated to an outdoor tour of the mansion grounds.  
• Graceland Stable Tour & Horse Experience: Tour of the Graceland Stables before a guided walk on a horse through  Graceland’s front pasture and photo op with horse with Graceland Mansion as a backdrop. 
• Access to Moriah’s House: Located in the Graceland pasture, guests will have access to this newly restored space  to relax and enjoy dinner, while taking in beautiful views of Graceland Mansion and surrounding grounds. Named  after Lisa Marie’s pony who once was housed here, Moriah’s House has been designed exclusively for this premier  tour. 
• Elevated Dining Experience: High-end meal at Moriah’s House while enjoying stunning views of Graceland from the  enclosed deck. From Southern BBQ favorites to gourmet delights, this exclusive dining experience will be tailored to  guest preferences. 
• Graceland Archives Experience: Get a glimpse into the archival work that goes on behind-the-scenes at Graceland.  Whether it be conservation work on one of Elvis’ dazzling jumpsuits or cataloging one of the more than 90,000  photos, guests will get an inside look at what it takes to preserve all the king’s things. 
• After-Hours Graceland Mansion Tour: After their meal, guests enjoy a guided after-hours tour of Elvis’ beloved Graceland Mansion with exclusive photo ops and white glove experiences. 
• Exclusive Swag Bag: Valued at more than $450, each guest will receive a bag of items exclusive to Presley for a Day Tour guests.  

Additionally, every guest on the Presley for a Day Tour will sign a Benefactor of Graceland Guest Book, memorializing their  support of Elvis Presley’s Graceland and its grounds.  

The Presley for a Day Tour is $6,000 for a group of up to 4 people. A portion of proceeds for each tour will go to support local  Memphis charities through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, with additional proceeds supporting Graceland’s  ongoing commitment to the beautification, preservation, and enhancement of Elvis Presley’s home and grounds.  

In addition to spending the day like a Presley at Graceland, guests will also be invited to Stay Like a Presley at Graceland’s  AAA resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland. A specialty suite package offering personalized service, including breakfast-in room service any time of day, charcuterie and champagne upon arrival, turndown service with banana  cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, plus a private midnight movie screening in the Guest House Theater.  

The Presley for a Day Tour is just the first of many exciting and unique new events, tours, expansions, and more that will be  announced over the next three years as Graceland prepares for 2027, which will mark the 50th anniversary of Elvis’  passing. The culmination of Graceland’s On the Road to 50 will be Elvis Week 2027, when Graceland hosts the largest  gathering of Elvis fans from around the globe as they converge on Memphis to honor the incredible life and career of the  King of Rock ‘n’ Roll 50 years after his passing. 

Presley for a Day Tours are now available to book for dates starting September 6 through January 2025 at  Graceland.com. Get More Details 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis is open daily for tours and offers a variety of tour options to meet the needs of our  guests. More information about Graceland tour options can be found at Graceland.com.

The post Graceland announces new Presley for a Day tour experience appeared first on TravelTalk.

With the holiday season fast approaching and cruising increasingly growing in popularity in the region, this offer has come at the perfect time for those looking to plan an extraordinary getaway for the upcoming year.

Alex Pikardt, Director of Sales at Holland America Line said, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer Aussie/Kiwi travellers the chance to start planning their dream holiday aboard our perfectly mid-sized ships for just a $1 deposit on September 10.”

“If you have been eyeing up your next holiday or thinking about trying cruising for the first time, this is your sign. Allowing guests to savour the journey, our meticulously designed itineraries and comfortable on-board experiences promise an unforgettable journey through breathtaking destinations.”

Holland America Line’s fleet provides the ideal mid-sized ship experience, visiting nearly 470 ports across 114 countries worldwide.

For further details, see here: 

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1300 987 322 or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

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They’re all featured on this week’s podcast… well kind of.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kpSWsOss0FXoJ2HLUTm79
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/77ac8ad8-7853-4720-a11e-7995641e727d
• iHeartRadio:  https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-talking-travel-160499770/
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/talking-travel/5164033
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/talking-travel-5756934
• Pocketcasts: https://pca.st/ytkkez7e
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1000989412
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/talking-travel-travel-talk-australia-6khRJf5FaI1/
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/talking-travel-3578246
• Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/6178496?utm_campaign=ex_share_ch&utm_medium=exlink&country=us

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Australia The Real Deal, highlights Intrepid’s 65 domestic trips, with 74% including First Nations cultural experiences.

The eight-page guide invites travellers to embark on immersive adventures, from relaxing getaways on Kangaroo Island and exploring Tasmania’s lush rainforests to discovering the vibrant culture of Kakadu. Each journey is crafted to connect deeply with Australia’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage.

Robyn Nixon, General Manager of Special Projects at Intrepid Travel says: “We’re thrilled to highlight our home turf and continue investing in Australian tourism, including the Kimberley region. Growing our domestic market is a crucial part of our future strategy.”

She says, “We’re also honoured to feature First Nations experiences on 40 of our trips, offering travellers authentic connections and valuable insights from Traditional Custodians.”

With most trips managed through its own Destination Management Company (DMC) and depots in key states, Intrepid ensures a seamless travel experience while supporting local jobs. Last month Intrepid announced its acquisition of long-term operating partner Kimberley Wild Expeditions in Western Australia, following the acquisition of Perth-based JOOB in 2022.

All of Intrepid’s Australian trips support The Intrepid Foundation’s local partners, including Greening Australia, and Country Needs people. To amplify impact, Intrepid matches all post-trip donations to The Intrepid Foundation.

View the new Australia The Real Deal product guide here.

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