Canada Specialist Training

Elite Status the goal for SPECIALIST AGENTS

Destination Canada’s revamped Canada Specialist Program (CSP) training platform is proving a hit amongst agents who are taking their knowledge and selling confidence to new levels, says Steve Hartridge

Destination Canada’s revamped Canada Specialist Program (CSP) training platform, which was relaunched in late 2021, is proving a hit among travel agents keen to widen their depth and breadth of knowledge on one of the world’s most in demand destinations in 2023.

“We are delighted with the pick up on the new CSP program, with over 1,000 agents now registered,” says Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada.

“The app has gone down a storm as it allows agents to take the training on the go. The fi nal content still to go live is our city and resort modules. The addition of these modules which complete an agent’s fully rounded education of Canada.”

The training platform features new modules built completely from scratch with content designed to enlighten, educate and inspire agents.

Added Hanmer: “We know Canada is in demand and we want to make sure the industry is equipped and has the right tools to convert the enquiries into meaningful bookings.“ “In 2023 we plan to keep the content fresh with a webinar series.”

Canada is proving popular among British Canada is proving popular among British travellers seeking the country’s boundless scenic wonders and outdoor spaces and agents can capitalise by showcasing their expertise to clinch sales.

Adds Hanmer. “We have a loyal group of Canada Specialists who deliver high-value bookings to Canada. Agents who get to grips with selling Canada coast to coast to coast and across four seasons can look forward to healthy commissions and happy clients.”

Next year will also be an exciting one for Destination Canada’s Elite program. Adds Hanmer: “2023 will see us relaunch the Canada Specialist Elite Program. It will be a ‘qualifi cation year’ for bookings to Canada, which will determine which agents join our exclusive Elite Club.

“Elite agents will have access to a very special FAM trip, training events and discounted trips to Canada. I urge agents to enrol in the Canada Specialist Program to learn more about access to this exclusive club.”

What is it?

When complete the CSP will consist of 40 modules. One of the newest components to be added is the module on Provinces and the fi nal content to be made live will focus on Cities and Resorts. All modules provide agents with an interactive learning experience to gain in-depth knowledge about Canada. Key elements include audio visual components, interactive questions, shareable content and the chance to move up special tiers as they progress. Importantly, in light of new working arrangements, agents can work through the program at their own pace, with 24/7 access to the platform on tablets, phones or via a browser. The ‘Retain’ section condenses product knowledge from training into a resource which can be accessed whenever needed – for example, for an impromptu sales presentation with clients.

Once the modules have been completed, a downloadble certifi cate illustrates the agent’s qualifi cation.

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW!

Specialist agents

Among those agents who have achieved Gold status on the CSP modules is Barrhead’s Michelle Holt, a long-time Canada specialist. “My knowledge of Canada was already very good, but the CSP really enhances it. It is great to keep up to date with whats new and up and coming in Canada,” she says.

“I loved the training on Indigenous Tourism. This was a subject I wasn’t really familiar with but the CSP brought it to my attention. I have now started to talk to my clients about this history and am encouraging them to take an active interest and include excursions that incorporate First Nations experiences.”

Travel Counsellor Bruce Cairns says he benefi ts from training that informs him about those areas of Canada that he is yet to visit. “It is such a large country with lots of amazing experiences that it is important that I can advise my clients how to maximise their time there... some of the CSP videos are just amazing.”

Denise Hart of Hays Travel is a veteran of Canada’s training program but says the CSP modules still fuel a desire to “travel to Canada as often as possible”.

“I fi nd all the modules extremely helpful but the self-drive ones were particularly interesting. The training has helped me to speak confi dently about Canada to my clients and also off er colleagues assistance and training sessions, which has resulted in more bookings for us.”

Amanda McKinlay of Thorne Travel says her Canada training has given her the confi dence to more thoroughly answer customers’ questions. “Also, I know that if I need some more information I can revert to the training and review all the courses any time I want,” she says.

“There were lots of useful modules, but I loved learning about the history and the culture and the diff erent experiences”.

Jersey-based Julie Law of Travel by Design said completing the program opened her eyes to how much Canada has to off er every type of client. “It really showed me what a great destination Canada is and that it has something for everyone. Having only visited Eastern Canada a couple of times to see the F1 in Montreal I found this program extremely helpful in extending my knowledge of Canada.

“We are seeing a steady fl ow of enquiries for Canada for 2023.”

Why would I benefi t from becoming a Canada Specialist?

Diff erentiate yourself and your agency from others by becoming a Canada expert

Earn a qualifi cation to add to your CV

Increase your commission through learning how to upsell and suggest ‘add ons’

Receive priority access to Canada FAM trips, training incentives and both live and virtual events

Engage with other agents who are Canada experts

Gain confi dence in how to sell the right trip to the right client

The Modules

The foundation modules – Welcome to Canada, Vibrant Cities, Wide Open Spaces and History and Culture – provide the ‘building bricks’. Agents who complete these modules achieve ‘Bronze Status’.

Those moving on to Silver Status’ level must navigate the Food and Drink, Indigenous Tourism, Wildlife Watching, Adventures and Activities, Winter Wonderland and Legendary Canada modules.

Thirteen modules off er a deep dive into Canada’s Provinces and Territories and agents need to complete eight of these to progress to ‘Gold Status’. Register here at canadaspecialist.co.uk