11 minute read
JTB gets ready for its fi rst-ever Virtual Product Showcase
Jamaica to host first-ever Virtual Product Showcase for Canadian agents
KINGSTON — The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will be hosting its first-ever Virtual Product Showcase, an exclusive one-day-only destination experience for Canadian retail agents.
Taking place July 20 from 1-3 p.m. EDT on Zoom, the showcase will include destination presentations from the BDM team and suppliers as well as breakout rooms where agents can connect with resort representatives, tour operators, attractions, airlines and ground services. Participating suppliers include Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, Sunwing, TravelBrands, Ocean Hotels, Blue Diamond Resorts, Tryall Club and Transat.
In addition to learning about the latest destination news and resources, including updates on the Jamaica Travel Specialist program, participants will have multiple chances to win complimentary hotel stays, island tours and more prizes.
“We look forward to connecting with our valued travel agent partners this summer for our first-ever Virtual Product Showcase,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “While we wish we could meet in person, this engaging and interactive platform will provide us with a unique opportunity to bring together agents from across the country to participate in an afternoon of destination education, networking, games and incredible prizes.”
Travel agents are invited to pre-register for the Jamaica Virtual Product Showcase at visitjamaica.com/canada/ showcase.
To further keep Jamaica top of mind among travel agents, the JTB team is also hosting seasonally-inspired giveaways this summer.
With the Jamaica Short Story contest (open until Aug. 15), travel agents can write a short story about their most unforgettable Jamaican memories and experiences for a chance to win one of three cash prizes. Agents can upload their island-inspired stories (1,000 words or less) at visitjamaica.com/ canada/contest.
For more information about Jamaica’s ongoing engagement initiatives and giveaways for Canadian travel agents, including the Irie Hour virtual program and Jamaica Training University, go to visitjamaica.com/canada.
After another virtual AGM, ACTA has its board of directors for 2021 - 2022
TORONTO — For the second year in a row ACTA’s AGM was a virtual event, presided over by Mary Jane Hiebert CTC, Chair of the ACTA Board of Directors.
ACTA’s year-end results allowed the organization to manage the anticipated losses in 2021 and as government subsidies wind down, ACTA President Wendy Paradis says ACTA will work closely with the Board Finance Committee to ensure that ACTA continues to be sustainable into 2022 and beyond.
ACTA Treasurer Louise Gardiner presented the financial statements and Auditor’s Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The timing of the pandemic was such that ACTA had already collected the majority of revenue from membership and partnerships. In addition the ACTA board worked with ACTA management to make strategic decisions to effectively manage priorities and resources to better position the organization in the months and years ahead.
At the end of 2020, the decision was made to not renew the office lease, and two staff positions were eliminated. ACTA was eligible for wage and rent subsidies which reduced expenses.
At the June 23 AGM Hiebert thanked ACTA’s current board of directors for continuing to serve for an extended term while the travel industry copes with the ongoing COVID-19 challenges.
Hiebert also thanked outgoing directors André Desmarais, Andrew Enns, Eric Holenka and Michael Thompson.
Members voted on the nine positions available to the Board of Directors and the newly elected Board of Directors appointed three positions, to round out the 12-person Board.
Here’s a look at the ACTA Board of Directors for the year 2021-2022: Mary Jane Hiebert CTC – Chair, representing Manitoba/Nunavut region Liz Fleming – Vice Chair, representing
British Columbia/Yukon region Louise Gardiner CTM, – Treasurer,
Director at Large Peter Keyter, representing Alberta/
Northwest Territories region Karen Schabel CTM, representing
Saskatchewan region Mike Foster CTC, representing Ontario
region Stéphane Corbeil, representing Québec region Glenda Hunter CTM, representing
Atlantic region Richard Vanderlubbe, Director at Large Patrick Doyle, Appointed Monica Johnstone CTC, Appointed Brian Robertson, Appointed
Travel South USA names Reach Global Marketing as agency of record
TORONTO — Travel South USA (TSUSA), the official destination marketing organization of U.S. southern state tourism offices, has named Reach Global Marketing Ltd. as its new agency of record.
Canada is the top market for drive and fly-drive travel to the U.S. South. TSUSA says it has retained Reach to represent TSUSA partner states and elevate Travel South USA's Canadian presence through PR, social media and influencer promotions, and strategic partnerships.
Says Liz Bittner, President and CEO of Travel South USA: "In 2019, we saw 2.89 million Canadians to the region. We know we need to strengthen our presence and enhance our strategy in preparation of the borders reopening and the shifts in consumer behaviour. Therefore, we are excited to work with the team at Reach Global in collaboration with other partners such as Brand USA and state agencies to leverage our resources to inspire and welcome Canadians back when they feel comfortable."
Travel South USA will deploy digital marketing and social media/influencer programming in fall 2021 and host Canadian tour operators for International Showcase in November 2021. It will oversee a media mission to bring state tourism offices and city DMOs to Toronto and Montreal, Feb. 7 - 10, 2022.
The Southern USA is known for its distinctive charm and unique seasonal offerings, highlighted by its pristine beaches, mountain views, lively music, historic sites, and delicious regional dishes alongside great weather and world-renowned southern hospitality: “We have the perfect holiday for travellers on a budget, seeking that authentic one-of-a-kind experience with bragging rights or those just ready to just relax and enjoy a bit of luxury.”
Charmaine Singh, President & CEO of Reach Global, says the options are limitless. “There are hundreds of places Canadians can make plans. From a long-weekend getaway with girlfriends, golf, whitewater rafting or foodie trips with bourbon and moonshine, to planning a 10+ night holiday in the sunny south." says Singh. “Whether you're driving or renting a car upon arrival, we know Canadians are eager to experience all the flavours, outdoor adventures, and family fun available across the region. There is so much more to know about the South, and my team and I are excited to work to generate media and create partnerships that share these experiences.”
TORONTO — Canadian owned and operated travel insurance provider TuGo has announced COVID-19 coverage for both vaccinated and unvaccinated Canadian travellers.
Having come into effect June 22, 2021, TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance includes coverage, up to the policy limit, for COVID-19 medical and related expenses if the traveller: • Has been partially vaccinated with a
Health Canada approved dose at least 14 days before their departure date • If available to them, they’ve received or scheduled any subsequent vaccine doses before departing • Isn’t yet eligible for a vaccine due to their age
This coverage is applicable while the government of Canada’s level 3 travel advisory is in place, and travellers must follow their provincial/territorial health authority’s vaccination protocols. The company works with travel agents, says TuGo’s Senior Marketing Manager, Melissa Kaerne Manning.
For Canadian travellers who are unvaccinated for any other reason than age, they can still get coverage by adding TuGo’s new COVID-19 Insurance – Unvaccinated plan to their Emergency Medical plan. The Unvaccinated plan includes COVID-19 emergency medical and related quarantine expenses during Canada’s level 3 travel advisory, with coverage up to $1 million, if the unvaccinated traveller tests positive for and is diagnosed with COVID-19 while on their trip. It also includes a Trip Interruption benefit if the Government of Canada’s travel advisory changes to a Level 4 (avoid all travel) during their trip and they choose to come home early.
“Supporting the health, wellness and safety of all of our customers is para-
mount, whether they’re vaccinated or not,” said Brad Dance, TuGo’s Chief Customer Officer and the Travel Health Insurance Association’s Past President. “It’s never been more important to take the needs of our customers into consideration as we move out of a pandemic and into a busy travel year ahead. Having COVID-19 coverage is obviously a top concern so we’ve taken the steps to ensure that’s available for all those who are ready to travel.”
Resorts of Ontario's 2021 Great Escapes Guide now available
TORONTO — Just in time for summer, Resorts of Ontario has released its 2021 Great Escapes Guide.
With the focus on domestic vacations again this summer, the guide is a great resource for a variety of resort getaway options, says Resorts of Ontario.
“Whether your client is a fishing enthusiast, a spa goer, a golfer, an outdoor explorer, or looking for family holidays, Ontario offers endless choices,” says the group.
Adventures and packages outlined in the Great Escapes Guide can also be viewed at the website, ResortsofOntario. com.
Resorts of Ontario has a message for travel agents: “We have always appreciated the collaborative travel partnership with you. Thank you for sharing, distributing and spreading the word on Resorting! Order your Great Escapes Guide today.”
The guide can be ordered by emailing escapes @resortsofontario.com, or through Envoy at envoynetworks.ca.
TDC launches new Luxury program for travel professionals
MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has launched a brand new luxury program that it says will better equip TDC’s network to sell this niche market.
According to Louise Fecteau, General Manager of TDC, the program’s launch couldn’t have come at a better time, as a growing number of customers are now enhancing their travel experience with more luxurious products.
“The implementation of our luxury expert program is an important step that will allow travel professionals throughout the TDC network to showcase even better their high added value and, above all, allow them to take advantage of the market sector that is expected to have the highest growth rate by 2027,” she said.
“While TDC has many very active travel professionals in the luxury market, we hope that the program will open up new opportunities for as many of our advisors as possible by introducing them to this lucrative market and its almost limitless scope, which goes far beyond the products many are used to selling.”
The new program is built around three main pillars: a compelling product offering, a dedicated and advanced training program, and strong marketing support.
Of the 70 or so preferred partners that TDC currently has, nearly 50 offer luxury products either partially or exclusively. New suppliers will be added as the needs of its members evolve, said Fecteau.
As for the program’s training component, TDC has created an exclusive Master Class in three levels, each focused on a specific aspect that the advisor must develop. Hosted on its online training platform, TDC Campus, the Master Class is based on the following: ‘What to know’ about the luxury market, ‘How to act’ in order to properly sell luxury to clients, and ‘What to do’ to effectively market one’s expertise. At the end of training, travel advisors will be certified as an expert luxury consultant.
Finally, in terms of marketing, all necessary tools will be provided to advisors, including posters and social media support.
“And because this luxury certification adds even more value to doing business with a travel professional, we have developed a specific luxury variation of our ‘Value of a travel professional’ campaign for our new certified advisors,” added Fecteau. “There is no shortage of ideas to promote this fascinating market segment and we will continue to work on many other marketing projects in the coming months.”
www.travelweeklearningcentre.com
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