EXOTIC TAHITI ON TAP FOR ANDERSON’S TOP PRODUCING AGENT

It’s hard to top Tahiti (pictured above) as a South Pacific vacation paradise, and now travel agents have an opportunity to win their way there with a contest by Anderson Vacations of Calgary.

A Tahiti fam trip by Anderson will be awarded to the agent who sells the most Tahiti packages through Oct. 31. The contest was launched on Aug. 1.

“The Tahiti campaign is focused on supporting Anderson Vacations’ top producing travel agent who sells the most Tahiti product,” said Darcie Guarderas, director of business development for Anderson. The winner will attend the Tahiti fam trip from Dec. 1-8.

The winner will be selected right after the Oct. 31 booking deadline. To be considered for selection as the winner of the contest, agents must also have completed the Tahiti Tiare Program, which is a comprehensive source of information on the islands of Tahiti to help travel agents to learn about the destination and become experts in selling it.

The fam includes airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti as well as accommodations, activities and most meals in destination.

“Tahiti is a very popular destination for us. It is often a bucket list destination for many people and rightfully so,” added Guarderas.

She noted that traveller feedback on Tahiti is outstanding. “It is everything clients dream of and more. The water is a shade of blue seen nowhere else on the planet. The people are so kind and warm, and it is a place that feels untouched and authentic.”

Agents are motivated to book Tahiti with Anderson Vacations for its wide range of products, including some unique pensions (guest houses), she said.

They may also be motivated by the inclusion of some lesser known, exotic South Pacific islands in some itineraries, such as Raiatea and Taha’a. These are in addition to the better known islands of French Polynesia, including the capital island of Tahiti, the island of Moorea, and the iconic Bora Bora.

Most people will spend a couple of days in Papeete, the small capital city on the island of Tahiti, then head to Moorea for a few days, and then on to the crowning jewel of Bora Bora, she said. “Every package we offer is customized, so the options are limitless.”

Clients are increasingly looking for different activities while on vacation in Tahiti, says the business development director. Hence the popularity of four-wheel ATV tours, which are offered in both Moorea and Bora Bora. “It’s a great way to see the islands intimately and get off the beaten path.”

Guests with adventurous tastes may also enjoy going for a swim with the rays and black tip reef sharks in Bora Bora. “This is an incredible experience, as it is in completely open water.”

To ensure entry to the contest, all tracking of package sales is automatically done by Anderson Vacations, so agents do not need to track anything but they do need to have completed
the Tahiti Tiare Program. This will be verified by Anderson Vacations at the end of the contest.

 

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BUSABOUT INTRODUCES NEW CROSS-BORDER ADVENTURES

Busabout has launched its 2020 USA & Canada brochure highlighted with three new guided Adventures and a 3-Stop Hop-on Hop-off Pass on its West Coast coach travel network.

The tour operator launched into North America in 2019 and is venturing further in 2020, adding more adventures in the USA and along the East Coast of Canada. Clients can save 10% off 2020 USA & Canada adventures when they book by Sept. 30.

Clients can choose between two main travel styles with Busabout – for flexibility on the West Coast, they can opt for a travel pass on its coach network to create their own adventure using the Hop-on Hop-off network, or choose a guided trip featuring both big cities and hidden gems. The 2020 pro-gram features three new East Coast cross-border Adventures exploring the USA and Canada, including all accommodation, coach transportation, Busabout crew and a number of inclusions.

New Adventures for 2020 include: Poutine & The Falls Adventure, four days. Beginning in Montreal and ending in New York City, this Adventure takes travellers through some of the country’s most iconic sights before arriving in the Big Apple. Stops include the markets of Toronto, both sides of Niagara Falls and the cliffs and waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park.

Also new is: East USA & Canada Adventure, 11 days.

www.busabout.com

 

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NEW GUIDE HELPS TRAVELLERS DISCOVER JAPAN

The Japan National Tourism Organization has released a brochure detailing the varied experiences that await those visiting Japan.

The booklet is a guide to 100 quintessential Japanese experiences to fill a traveller’s bucket list. Destinations selected by a committee of experts are catalogued within seven categories of interest to visitors and in which Japan and its people excel – Tradition; Outdoors; Cuisine; Cities; Nature; Art and Relaxation.

The Japanese archipelago stretches to include regional cultures, natural splendours and man-made wonders both old and new. Visitors can immerse themselves in these hands-on experiences through idyllic villages, virgin forests, ancient temples, modern art museums, fine restaurants and lush gardens that stimulate the heart and senses.

Among detailed experiences are an evening with an authentic geiko in a teahouse, seen as the height of Japanese hospitality; becoming a ninja for a day at the 48 Falls of Akame, training site for the famed Iga ninja clan in the 15th and 16th centuries; living like a Japanese Buddhist monk while enjoying views of Mt. Fuji; experiencing the ascetic life at one of Japan’s most historic Zen Buddhist temples; having an English-speaking guide lead you through a historic castle in the heart of Kyoto; swooshing down the snowy slopes of a volcano; exploring a primeval forest; whitewater rafting; enjoying a dog-sledding adventure in the Gunma Mountains; learning the art of Japanese cuisine from a true master; exploring Japan by luxury train; and exploring Osaka by houseboat.

The JNTO can be reached by calling 416-366-7140.

www.japan.travel/en