ON THE TOWN

Glories of Greece, ACV Style

AVC execs Melissa Iantosca, Manager, Corporate Communications; Matthew Djorsev, Manager National Accounts and Veronica Grimaldi, Director of Marketing and Brand Communications

When it comes to selection, Air Canada Vacations has it made in the sun with a great array of options for clients.

Thanks to daily non-stop wide-bodied service from both YYZ and YUL to ATH until NOV and an array of packages, when it comes to Greece, ACV may be the perfect one-stop shop for Canadian agents. That was the message at an on-theme lunch hosted by the operator in the heart of YYZ’s Greektown on 20JUN.

Opa! What’s a Greek feast without some fireworks?

As we were feted with a host of Mediterranean fare including Greek salad, lamb kebobs, shrimp and calamari, we learned more about the ACV’s Cycladic Explorer, just one of 30 of the operator’s popular island-hopping independent tours in Greece. The 11-night itinerary includes stops in Athens and the islands of Santorini, Ios and Paros. And with airfare, all transfers, and inter-island transportation via fast ferry or hydrofoil included, “like so many of our tours, it feels like an FIT,” Matthew Djorsev, Manager of National Accounts told Open Jaw.

And the tours are just the beginning, with other programs to Greece including their Seaside Escapes to all-inclusive resorts; partially-guided tours; luxury stays; and rental cars. With all programs, 1 checked bag is free of charge; and all land programs include daily breakfast.

Plus, in response to consumers’ wishes for more “authentic” experiences, the operator includes More Moments experiences with many of the Greek itineraries.

“We strive to create authentic experiences, as travellers today want real, immersive experiences – the restaurants, the hotels, the excursions,” Melissa Iantosca, ACV’s Manager of Corporate Communications told the group. “With other FIT’s there’s not necessarily a guarantee of quality, but our staff visit each hotel and each landmark.”

Sales have been brisk for 2023, she added, recommending that clients book now for 2024.

Wit its welcoming climate, attractions ancient and modern, and the legendary hospitality of Greeks, it’s no surprise that Greece is a bestseller at ACV.


Martha Chapman

Columnist

A contributor to Open Jaw since 2006 - and known to all in the business - Martha has worked in the travel industry all of her career and covers events, destinations, personalities and issues in the travel world.

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