TRAVELSAVERS Canada members Dine and Discover at fall trade show
One hundred travel advisors mixed and mingled this week (Nov 12) at the TRAVELSAVERS Canada Dine and Discover event — which was aimed at inspiring and educating advisors, with a focus on engagement and efficiency.
The annual fall networking trade show and dinner brought together 27 partners of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. They showcased the latest brochures and sales sheets, showcasing the best agent deals travel advisors could snag for themselves and their clients.
Feeling like you have FOMO (fear-of-missing-out)? Here’s a brief recap.
THE TRADE SHOW
TravelBrand’s Cheryl Green, BDM, looks forward to the trade event for a couple of reasons. “TRAVELSAVERS has done the research on its products,” says the veteran insider with 20 years in the industry, referring to TravelBrand’s strong relationship with the travel marketing network. “We are a one-stop shop, and with TRAVELSAVERS, it makes it even more,” Green explains about the rich collection of travel products available for advisors, from thousands of attractions to cruises and more.
Shannon McGee, BDM with Cunard, is thrilled about the upcoming Queen Anne’s sailing in mid-January to New York City amid all the glassy skyscrapers. It’s the newest ship to join the luxurious fleet!
Among Cunard’s standout offerings are luxury world cruises and the famous Transatlantic crossings, steeped in history. “Your clients will enjoy a 2-to-1 guest-to-service staff ratio, along with all the creature comforts you don’t see on cruises anymore,” McGee says, listing amenities such as slippers, robes, turndown service, and 24-hour room service.
At Collette, a third-generation family-owned business, you’ll find it’s something it shares with TRAVELSAVERS, another family-owned business around since 1970. “Family ownership and having specialists on the ground to support our managers really strengthen Collette’s partnership (with TRAVELSAVERS),” explains Kateryna Havrylova, Partnership Marketing Manager. Collette has also expanded its learning opportunities through its new “Collette University Certificate” ideal for new travel advisors. “This certificate can be earned in 1.5 hours by completing 10-15 minute modules. You can even do it while you grab a coffee.” In late September, Collette announced a new set of online training tools with a new travel advisor portal and Collette University.
For agents with clients interested in the all-inclusive packages, a rep from Club Med was on hand to reveal some of the best sellers right now. “If you’re looking for unique local experiences globally, Club Med is right here,” says Samantha Gillingham, BDM of this global leader in all-inclusive vacations experiences. Family vacations whether it’s a ski trip to the Swiss Alps, the slopes of Charlevoix or Japan’s powdery snow, it’s all there, offering client stays at a Club Med all-inclusive resort as they venture to ski towns, many of which are near the property, for more thrilling activities.
ROUNDTABLE TRAINING
Advisors participated in short, timed meet-ups with suppliers, gaining insights on commissions, FAM trips, and deep discounts for clients and advisors.
Austin Fraser, Sales Manager of The Travel Corporation (TTC) highlighted Trafalgar and Insight Vacations’ daily “biggest’ Black Friday sale with up to 30 percent off. “In March we will have 13 FAMs running. Advisors can apply and rank their top three choices to join these incredible experiences,” Fraser said about the guided tour offerings across six of its brands (Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Contiki, Costsaver, and Insight Vacations).
Marilisa De Simone from Carnival outlined over 760 itineraries that agents can book and the delivery of three new ships in a brand, new class called “Excel,” which are set to come on board in 2029, 2031 and in 2033. “The Excel-class ship is currently the largest cruise ship sailing (for Carnival),” says De Simone about the 230,000 gross ton vessel with 3,000 guests staterooms for 8,000 guests.
PARTNER TRIVIA AND DINNER
Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada, presented awards for top achievers.
The Brand Champion Awards went to Luv To Travel and Ventresca Travel Agency, while the Soaring Eagle Award was presented to JustTravelDeals.ca. The President’s Award was awarded to Teresa Payne, Owner of Enjoy Travel and her team.
Originally scheduled for September during the annual TRAVELSAVERS’ Travel Market conference at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort but postponed due to Hurricane Helene, these awards were presented alongside a trivia contest.
Door prizes were awarded to the winners of the trivia game, based on the number of correct answers and quickest to answer. Samantha Richardson of Enjoy Travel won first prize: a $500 travel voucher for a Collette tour. Over 24 prizes were awarded to trivia winners.
