Air Canada Vacations hosted a breakfast seminar for 80 travel advisors from the Maritimes 23FEB at the Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax to introduce its new European product line up, and Open Jaw was there.
The morning kicked off with a welcome message from Judy Munden, Area Sales Manager Atlantic Canada, thanking advisors for their continued and unwavering support while “weathering the COVID storm - and if you’re still here, you have the passion for this industry.”
Munden led the training program, highlighting the ease of shopping and booking ACV packages online, and reminding those in attendance of ACV agent perks like earning 20 per cent commission on Carefree and Careflex travel protection, as well as flight commission of 5 per cent on flight+cruise packages.
With the expansion of its international network, ACV is now offering destinations like Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Switzerland and Scotland. According to ACV and its partners, travel to Europe is in high demand, and they are meeting that demand with new, non-stop routes to Toulouse, France, Brussels, Belgium and Copenhagen, Denmark.
“We have a pretty robust schedule this year, and as we rebuild our airline post-COVID, we will continue to introduce new routes to grow our European market”, Matthew Djorsev, Manager of National Accounts speaking on behalf of Air Canada about the summer and winter schedule.
From a Maritimer's perspective, flying to Europe usually means a connection in YUL or YYZ, however, AC does offer year-round nonstop service YHZ to LHR. The six hour flight makes it convenient for passengers to reach their destination quicker or rest up for their onward journey by rail, air or cruise the following day.
Emily Sutherland, Maritime Travel Sunnyside, told Open Jaw: “Europe is a big seller this year. I’ve been booking mostly Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. It’s nice to have the direct flight to London, but most people are used to connecting in Toronto or Montreal to get anywhere from the Maritimes.”
Making Waves
ACV partners with 12 top cruise lines for its Flight & Cruise packages. Attendees at the seminar also heard that for select destinations: ATH, BCN, CPH, FCO, VCE, Air Canada Vacations will secure the price of the airfare when advisors book a cruise package 12 months or more in advance. Advisors pre-register clients, and an ACV agent will contact the advisor within 11 months of the departure date to book the flight honouring the original quote.
Brenda Yeomans, Strategic Sales Manager Celebrity Cruises, was in attendance at the ACV breakfast seminar. “We have really really phenomenal itineraries this winter. Great ports of call to offer something to your customers who may not want to go to Europe in the summer and high season when it's hot,” she said.
Celebrity Infinity will be staying in Europe for winter itineraries in Portugal, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Israel. Yeomans added, “We are here for the long haul and as you saw throughout COVID, we are here to support each and every one of you.”
Cheryl Mackinnon, Emerald Escapes Travel, New Glasgow told Open Jaw: “Europe was a dream for most people a couple of years ago and now they get to plan their vacation! I love selling these packages and the value for what you get is amazing and very comparable to destinations in the south. We are currently putting a group together for a cruise to Croatia next summer, so it’s great to see Celebrity Cruises here.”
For more information, advisors are encouraged to download Air Canada Vacations' ‘Europe 2023 Travel Agent Toolkit’ for resources and tips for booking packages, fly+drive, flight+cruise packages and group travel.
