Lorraine Brisbois, promoting Sunwing
RailEurope's Eric Bacon
Kista Tsimiklis, "Mr. Alio"
Virginie Blanc of Eurocar TT/Loc'Appart
February turned out to be a month of grey blahness in YTO. So who better to bring a spot of colour than a delegation promoting the charms of France?
The European juggernaut of tourism, France looks set to have another stellar year. Some 20 suppliers convened at Toronto’s swanky One King Street hotel to showcase their wares and share with us what’s new and interesting for 2012.
Eric Bacon of Rail Europe told me that their network now comprises an impressive 23 countries – though the 3, 4 and 5 country Select passes are the most popular, providing 3 to 15 days of travel over 2 months. And for an insider tip, he recommends that agents actually verify closely what a client’s itinerary is: it may be easier and a wiser sale to provide them with a point-to-point ticket. “There’s so much to see and do in Europe, it’s easy to be overly ambitious!” he pointed out. Why does he love train travel? “Ease of use, you can get there just 20 minutes prior to departure – and you know what? It’s sexy!”
Lorraine Brisbois reminded agents of Sunwing’s growing European product which now includes twice weekly 767 service from YYZ (5 times weekly from YUL) to ORY - not CDG she was careful to point out. One ways, open jaws (we love that term!) and prepaids are available and commission is 10%. The company has a host of land product including affordable PAR hotels and MSC cruises which have ports of call in France (and which earn 16% commission when you book by 31MAR).
Over at the Alio booth, Kosta Tsimiklis told me that their advance sales to France this year are “extraordinary”. And it’s not just PAR, but Normandy and Brittany are selling extremely well, perhaps because they’re just a 2 hr. train ride from the French capital. “We take FIT to the extreme – and rarely say no!” he says. And it’s not just hotels, the company is now doing city tours and activities such as an evening at the Moulin Rouge.
And what could make a trip to Paris better than staying in your own apartment? Loc’appart has 15 properties in residential neighbourhoods, all close to public transit and fully furnished, down to the knives and forks. “You get to live like a Parisien,” says the charming Virginie Blanc, who says that renters (who pay as little as CAD 130 per night) receive an in-home welcome and briefing, including how to unravel the mysteries of French stoves. Now that sounds like a great way to experience France!
