Travel Agent Takeaways

By Destination Webinars

Are you a travel advisor in Australia or New Zealand looking for short, reliable updates from destinations and suppliers? Your host Charlie Trevena, from Destination Webinars, brings you a podcast series of bite-sized chats with reps, sales managers, and other travel industry legends, delivering news, tips, and insights to keep you informed and ahead of the game. We know you’re busy doing an amazing job selling travel and want to help make it easy for you to learn and keep in touch in your own time. Whether you're in the office, on a walk, commuting, or traveling, tune in for quick takeaways that help you serve your clients better and grow your travel business. Perfect for both new and experienced advisors, Travel Agent Takeaways ensures you stay connected and knowledgeable in a fast-paced industry. 

  1. EPISODE 1

    Kicking Off the FIFA World Cup with Di Schinella from Destination Vancouver

    In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie chats with Di Schinella, local representative for Destination Vancouver. This episode focuses on how Vancouver is preparing to host matches during the FIFA World Cup, and why the city is well suited to such a major global event.  It outlines where matches will take place, and highlights Vancouver’s appeal, including its compact, walkable layout, strong public transport, and unique setting between ocean and mountains.  The discussion also details key matches involving Australia and New Zealand, as well as the broader excitement and international attention the tournament will bring. Beyond the games themselves, the episode explores what visitors can expect from the wider event experience, including fan festivals, local food and culture, and outdoor activities.  It also provides practical advice for travel advisors. Resources: Website: destinationvancouver.com Travel Trade Website: destinationvancouver.com/travel-trade Vancouver Specialist Program: destinationvancouver.com/travel-trade/vancouver-specialist-program Di's email: dianna@globaltourism.com.au Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    18 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    What's It Like To Travel Right Now? With Charlie Trevena, Anna Shannon & Alex Pickering

    In this episode, Charlie is joined by Anna Shannon and Alex Pickering to share candid, on-the-ground insights from their recent trips to the Philippines, California, and Switzerland.  They discuss what international travel currently feels like, what their contingencies looked like, their upcoming travel plans and how important is it for travel professionals to be sharing their travels.  As an industry the best thing we can be right now is Calm, Connected and Confident - don't you agree? Disclaimer: this episode is not giving advice about when, where or how you or your clients should travel. It’s simply sharing some recent first-hand experience and how we approached our own travels. Episode sponsor: PassportCard Travel Insurance Website: passportcard.com.au/award-winning-travel-insurance-for-travel-agents/ Find out more about working with PassportCard as a travel agent: https://bit.ly/3QfwARr Disclaimer: PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) is an Underwriting Agency acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791). Any advice provided by PassportCard in relation to PassportCard products and the PassportCard is general advice only. Please consider the Combined Financial Services Guide & Product Disclosure Statement and the PassportCard Terms and Conditions (available at www.passportcard.com.au) before deciding whether they are suitable for you. Guests: Charlie Trevena Host & Founder of Destination Webinars & Travel Agent Takeaways https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au destinationwebinars.com.au Anna Shannon CEO of Travel Agent Finder & Travel Trade Connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/annashannon/ anna@travelagentfinder.com.au travelagentfinder.com.au/ travelagentfinder.com.au/travel-trade-connect Alex Pickering Assistant Manager, Phil Hoffmann Travel Hyde Park Ph: 13 11 00 alexp@pht.com.au pht.com.au  Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    24 min
  3. EPISODE 3

    How to Sell Small Group Tours with Pete Rawley & Ingrid Berthelsen from Evolution Travel Collective

    Jump on board with the growing popularity of small group tours, with Pete Rawley & Ingrid Berthelsen from Evolution Travel Collective. Learn how the sector has expanded beyond its traditional “adventure travel” roots to appeal to a wider and more affluent audience.  This discussion covers how smaller groups, slower-paced itineraries, and higher comfort levels are attracting new travellers, while also offering practical advice for travel agents on matching clients to the right tours by focusing on travel style, expectations, and desired experiences.  The conversation also highlights how to position small group tours to independent travellers. Do you love selling and travelling with small group tours? We'd love to hear from you! Evolution Travel Collective (ETC) Website: evolutiontc.com.au ETC Partners: evolutiontc.com.au/our-partners ETC Team: evolutiontc.com.au/our-team Agent Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/evolutiontravelcollective Ingrid's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ingrid-berthelsen-b34b5487 Pete's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pete-rawley-88909715 CATO Touring Academy: cato.travel/touring-academy Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    20 min
  4. EPISODE 4

    Game On! Sports in the USA with Lexie Miliatis from Brand USA

    In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie chats to Lexie from Brand USA about the broad, growing appeal of sports tourism in the United States. Highlighting major events such as the FIFA World Cup, NFL games, and the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, alongside increasing interest from Australian and New Zealand travellers.  Learn how these events can anchor or enhance travel itineraries, with tips on planning ahead, securing tickets, and using trusted booking partners.  The discussion also covers the accessibility of regular season games and the wide variety of experiences available beyond game day, including stadium tours, museums, as well as opportunities to play and participate. To learn more about sports in the USA, tune into the monthly America the Beautiful Game Webinar Series. Brand USA Resources https://linktr.ee/brandusa_aunz Trade Website: traveltrade.visittheusa.com.au USA Discovery Program: usadiscoveryprogram.com.au Lexie's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lexie-miliatis Contact: Lexie Miliatis, LMiliatis@thebrandusaaustralia.com  America the Beautiful Game Webinar Series FIFA World Cup Destinations Tuesday 5th May @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST Inside the Kentucky Derby Tuesday 2nd June @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST Ski, Snow & Sports in Colorado Tuesday 30th June @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST The Miami Grand Prix Tuesday 4th August @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST New York's Beating Heart Of Sports Tuesday 15th September @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST Surfing and more in Hawai’i Tuesday 13th October @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST The Houston Rodeo Tuesday 10th November @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST LA's Sports Scene Tuesday 1st December @ 8:30am & 12pm AEST Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    26 min
  5. EPISODE 5

    What’s New in Europe for 2027 with Harry Sargant from Albatross Tours

    This episode of Travel Agent Takeaways previews Albatross Tours’ Summer 2027 European touring program with Harry Sargant from Albatross Tours. Charlie chats with Albatross Tours' National Sales Manager, Harry Sargant, covering the company’s signature way to tour "The Albatross Way", with smaller groups, longer stays, character-filled accommodation and included excursions designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers.  Harry outlines three new France itineraries, new standalone Greece and Türkiye tours, updates to the Best of British itinerary, and a special St Patrick’s Day departure in Ireland.  The discussion also covers the typical Albatross guest, early bird savings and loyalty discounts, booking tools and training for travel advisors, and a special Harry-themed incentive giving selected agents the chance to win an exciting prize! Albatross Tours Show Notes Website: albatrosstours.com.au / albatrosstours.co.nz Trade Website: albatrosstours.com.au/travel-trade Brochures: albatrosstours.com.au/brochures CATO Touring Academy: cato.travel/touring-academy Contact: trade@albatrosstours.com.au AU Reservations: 1300 135 015 NZ Reservations: 0800 446 232 Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    22 min
  6. EPISODE 5

    Bright Lights, One Flight with Simran Mediratta from Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

    In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie catches up with Simran Mediratta, the local AU/NZ representative for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  Sim shares details of Qantas’ new seasonal nonstop service between Sydney and Las Vegas, as well a general destination update. The discussion highlights how Las Vegas has evolved into a destination for families, couples, luxury travellers and sports fans, with major drawcards including Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, UFC and the NRL. Sim also outlines upcoming developments such as the new Hard Rock Las Vegas, the continued expansion of Sphere, and a new hotel from Lisa Vanderpump.  The episode also includes some practical budgeting tips, top dining options, lesser-known attractions, as well as how to get around including the Las Vegas Monorail and Vegas Loop.  Las Vegas Show Notes: Website: visitlasvegas.com Free Things To Do: visitlasvegas.com/experience/post/free-things-to-do-in-las-vegas Restaurants & Nightlife: visitlasvegas.com/restaurants-and-nightlife Travel Trade: visitlasvegas.com/travel-professionals Local AU/NZ Contact: sim.mediratta@gtitourism.com.au Sim's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simran-mediratta-741a77121 Thanks so much for listening!  I love hearing from travel people, so feel free to reach out.  If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to get them on. Cheers, Charlie Connect with Charlie Trevena & Destination Webinars: Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena Destination Webinars' Library: destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library Destination Webinars' Facebook: facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars' LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/

    11 min

Trailer

About

Are you a travel advisor in Australia or New Zealand looking for short, reliable updates from destinations and suppliers? Your host Charlie Trevena, from Destination Webinars, brings you a podcast series of bite-sized chats with reps, sales managers, and other travel industry legends, delivering news, tips, and insights to keep you informed and ahead of the game. We know you’re busy doing an amazing job selling travel and want to help make it easy for you to learn and keep in touch in your own time. Whether you're in the office, on a walk, commuting, or traveling, tune in for quick takeaways that help you serve your clients better and grow your travel business. Perfect for both new and experienced advisors, Travel Agent Takeaways ensures you stay connected and knowledgeable in a fast-paced industry. 

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