Transat Builds On Trusted Brand

with Nina Slawek

At a recent Toronto luncheon,
Annick Guérard, General Manager for Transat Tours, told the assembled retailers
that research indicates many consumers choose Transat because they trust the
brand.

“As we all know, travel is
complicated and we can't always control all the variables. We don't pretend
everything will always be perfect. But we promise that we will be there for the
client – and they feel that."

Building on that customer
service proposition is part of Transat's marketing and sales strategy for 2016.
“Customer service is what people remember. It's what brings them back to the
table."

Brand loyalty is a tough nut
in the travel business and if Transat has found the golden formula it will be
quite an accomplishment.

Guérard also thanked agents,
other travel partners and employees for helping to get the operator 'back on
track.'

“We are pleased with the
winter results. Although the dollar had an effect on performance along with the
high price of fuel, we are very satisfied with last winter."

Moving to the coming winter,
Nicole Bursey, Commercial Director at Transat Tours Canada walked the crowd
through some of the changes we can expect from both Transat and Nolitours.

“There is a shift in the product.
Since Transat Holidays is the most recognized brand and resonates with both
consumers and agents, we are placing more emphasis on it. Everything which is 4
½ stars and over is under that umbrella this winter. Nolitours will focus
mainly on Central and South America. “

The theme for the winter is
'Sun for everyone' with new destinations and collections including one for solo
travellers at 17 resorts. The tour operator's portfolio includes 35 Sun
destinations and over 500 resorts, including 55 exclusivities.

Transat is also increasing capacity this winter with the addition
of 19 new routes, including to Havana (Cuba) from Montreal, to La Romana
(Dominican Republic) from Toronto and Quebec City, to Cayo Santa Maria from
four gateways in Western Canada, to Ixtapa (Mexico) from Montreal and to Playa
Blanca in Panama at the new Rio Hato airport from Toronto and Montreal.

With the recent
addition of the YFC/CUN route, TS will fly to CUN from 17 Canadian airports
this winter, including Toronto, London, Hamilton and Ottawa in Ontario,
Montreal and Quebec City in Quebec, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Edmonton,
Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Regina in Western Canada and Halifax, Moncton
and St. John's in Atlantic Canada.

A new destination for Transat is Curacao and the operator plans on
promoting the island for its dependable weather and its strong relationship
with the flagship Decameron Resort property.

As always, the message to the trade is to
advise clients to book early. Not only are there savings, but with a lot of
wedding and group activity once again this year, some of the prime properties
are being booked up.