Sunwing's Mega Launches Are A Sell Out

with Adrienne Lem

Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack attracted more than just gamblers and bet-takers on Wednesday May 1st. Almost 500 GTA-based travel agents flocked to the venue to take part in Sunwing Vacations’ winter 2013/2014 presentation series. Launching a brochure earlier than usual must mean Sunwing has some really exciting things planned, right?

MaryEllen Anastacio from Niagara Travelplus definitely thought so. “Sunwing and Signature seem to offer the most options when it comes to sun product. It seems like they are completely taking over the market,” she said. “The great thing about this is that I always learn something new.”

Along with their new agent rewards program STAR, Sunwing has also added new destinations and properties. Canadians will now be able to visit Curacao, Grand Bahama Island and Ixtapa, Mexico with the tour operator and will also have the opportunity to stay at Sunwing exclusive resorts like the Royalton White Sands in Jamaica and the Royalton Punta Cana. Sunwing recently acquired those 2 Blue Diamond properties and after a complete revamp they are set to open in fall 2013.

And for clients travelling with kids, Sunwing is really giving them something to look forward to with SplashWorld, a selection of resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida with access to full water parks.

Sunwing’s travel partners were also buzzing about the early launch. “Sunwing is growing,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Director of the Mexico Tourism Board in Canada. According to Esponda, from 2011 to 2012, the tour operator’s market share rose from 20% to 25% out of the 1.6 million Canadians who travelled to Mexico.

Sunwing is taking its presentation series across Canada to 24 cities. And just by looking at the number of attendees for the past Toronto event, it would appear that Sunwing and their travel agent partners are gearing up for a successful winter season.