Eight Australian travel agents have just returned from an immersive eight-night journey created in partnership with Room-Res and the Palau Visitors Authority.
The winners travelled from Brisbane to Koror, experiencing the destination’s nature, culture, history, accommodation and tourism product first hand.
The trip marked the culmination of The Sanctuary promotion, designed to build destination knowledge while rewarding agent booking activity and engagement.
With Qantas adding a second Brisbane-Palau service from December through March, agents will have more options for shorter four-night escapes and longer stays.
Highlights included scenic flights over the Rock Islands with Smile Air, a cultural journey through Ngaraard, snorkelling with Fish ‘n Fins, Peleliu’s World War II history with Paddling Palau and time aboard the Four Seasons Explorer.
The group stayed at Palau Sunrise Seaview Landison Retreat and Palau Pacific Resort.
“There’s no substitute for experiencing Palau first hand, from our pristine World Heritage Listed Rock Islands to the extraordinary jellyfish lake, and hosting Room.Res and its agents was about building a partnership that lasts,” said Kadoi Ruluked, Palau Visitors Authority Director.
For Vanessa from Travel Associates, the journey revealed far more than a beach destination.
“Palau captivated me with its pristine beauty, from the breathtaking aqua waters to the lush jungle-fringed islands, delivering an authentic, relaxing and truly immersive experience,” she said.
The experience followed July’s Sustainable Tourism Spotlight discussion at The Room Residence in Sydney, where Room-Res and the Palau Visitors Authority explored the Palau Pledge, conservation and responsible tourism.
“The goal wasn’t simply to send a group away and come home with great photographs,” said Kellie Smith, Room-Res Global Head of Supply and Industry Partnerships.
“We wanted agents to understand who Palau is right for, what belongs in a great itinerary and why its approach to responsible tourism makes it so distinctive.”
The winners represented Luxe World, The Cruise and Travel Store, Travel Associates, Enperso Travel, Ignite Travel, Leisurecom, Global Travel Management and Travelcentre Bendigo.
