Travelsavers Canada wrapped up its Dine & Discover series last week in Toronto. Held at Parkview Manor, more than 100 people attended the event, with over 30 local agencies represented. Eighteen "preferred partners" were featured, including new partners Air Transat, Expedia TAAP and Club Med.
According to Travelsavers, Dine & Discover events, which began over the summer of 2023, facilitate connections among owners, advisors and preferred partners in the travel space.
The events encourage players in the industry to learn from one another through informative presentations and create network connections for "better business, relationships and services."
Jane Clementino, SVP and General Manager of Travelsavers kicked off the evening, speaking to the expansion of its team, the double-digit increases in all segments in 2023 and sales goals for 2024. Additionally, Clementino highlighted the growth of the Affluent Traveler Collection, the OnLocation Program, the VIP Cruise Program, and the consortium's expanding roster of preferred suppliers.
During the dinner, presenters from TravelBrands, Holland America Line, Air Transat and Collette provided updates on their newest products and upcoming offers.
"We are thrilled with the record-breaking agency support at the Dine & Discover events," said Clare Burke, Marketing Manager at Travelsavers. "Our networking events offer our affiliates the opportunity to reconnect with other TRAVELSAVERS members, and learn more about our new preferred partners. We would like to thank our preferred partners for their commitment."
Leo Sgovio, President at Markham Cruise and Travel, echoed her sentiment. "The event was excellent. These events are such a great way to connect with other advisors and suppliers, while also allowing us the opportunity to learn from our peers and become better at what we do," he said. "I appreciate the conversations we are able to have during events like this one."
Over 200 advisors attended the fall 2023 Dine & Discover event series, representing over 70 agencies. The series took place across Canada in Toronto, ON, Burnaby, BC, and Québec City, QC.
In OCT 2023, Open Jaw spoke with Clementino at the Affluent Traveler Symposium in Miami. Clementino shared details of the heightened consumer demand for high-end travel, with luxury sales up 40% this year. "Luxury and premium sales in Canada surpassed our mass market sales. Everybody wants the high sensory, the indulgence, the immersive culture, and they want it to be personalized and unique. And people are paying the price for it."
In 2024, Travelsavers has plans to expand its training and events program with Dine & Discover events across Canada and the Global Conference 24SEP - 26SEP, 2024, at JW Marriott, Marco Island Beach Resort, FL.
Members can also look forward to the release of KORE, a comprehensive online travel training program that will be launched this DEC in Canada.
More information on Travelsavers' website.
