Air Canada's Jamie Fox & Tony Celio brought agents up to speed on new product and the carrier's fleet
Ronny & Mary Tereshyn, 5 10 Travel have launched a home based division called The Travel Agent Hotline
Travel Nation's Susan Diefenbaker with Avis/Budget's Leslie Lorette
ACV's Kathleen Mooney did an exemplary job standing in for Norwegian.. The job was made just a bit easier due to Destination Vows' Sandi Lang's enthusiasm for their cruise product
Royal Caribbean's Stephanie McDonald
ACV treated a group of enthusiastic agents and supplier partners to a special evening at the Sheraton Airport Hotel last week. The mini trade show and delicious sit-down dinner were the backdrop for a presentation highlighting ACV’s Europe and Canada programs for 2017 -- and to thank retailers with a host of extra commission and Aeroplan miles.
GM Sales Guy Marchand and VP Sales & Partnerships George Platinitis delivered a lively and entertaining rundown of the multitude of possibilities for destinations and travel styles. I think the biggest problem here is going to be helping clients narrow down the choices and make a final decision. Four different options are topping my own wish list and I can't whittle it down any further!
Iceland is hot, hot, hot right now and AC is on trend with flights from both YYZ and YUL. The carrier will also introduce MRS service ex YUL and FRA ex YVR. In all, the carrier will operate European flights from 7 Canadian gateways with the possibility of connecting from 64 cities across the country.
For clients who would like to make an overnight visit at their connection point -- they can do that for up to 24 hours and it’s still considered a "connection." With Canada's 150th birthday celebrations underway, they can skip off to Europe and still not miss out on some of the fun to be had at "home."
Here's why the decision making is going to be so difficult for your clients. They can Fly & Drive in England, Scotland, Ireland or Iceland - or Fly & Rail in any of those countries as well as in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain or Central Europe. They can island-hop in Greece, relax on the French Riviera, take in the scenery on the Amalfi Coast or just settle back and see the sights from the comfort of a cruise ship with pre- and post- options in conjunction with 10 different cruise line partners. Oh my!
ACV has considered a few angles that will make this all easier and more enticing for you as well. The operator is partnering with Citadines Apart'hotels to satisfy those drawn to AirBnb residence type accommodations. You will not only be able to offer pre-screened properties, you will also earn commissions for your efforts. Citadines offer a variety of destinations with centrally located residences.
Car rentals booked prior to 30JUN will automatically be upgraded from compact to Economy and will include a complimentary GPS -- and 13% commission!
You can also earn an extra 5% commission for bookings thru 31MAY as well as an extra 5% commission on the air portion of cruise/air bookings! (That one elicited a solid round of applause from the room).
As for domestic possibilities - this is certainly the year to give exploring our own country special consideration. AC’s Go Canada program is offering a collection of 150 packages so your clients can fly/drive or fly/rail, ski, golf, visit urban centres, take guided tours or enjoy a huge variety of wildlife adventures from coast to coast to coast. They can also take advantage of $300 in savings on Canadian packages along with bonus Aeroplan miles for bookings thru 30JUN.
Good luck narrowing all that down! I have come to the conclusion that picking from a hat is the only possibility.
Guy Marchand & George Platinitis' lively banter made for an
informative and entertaining evening
The always popular denouement... The Prize Draw. Featuring gifts from
Germany, Celebrity Cruises, VIA Rail, Avis, Budget and of course ACV!
