RETAIL ROUND-UP: TDC, TLN and TRAVELSAVERS
In our latest retail round-up, Transat agents sailed with Scenic, Crystal made waves with Travel Leaders Network, and TRAVELSAVERS Canada talks technology.
TRANSAT DISTRIBUTION CANADA
A group of Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) agents and owners recently had the chance to discover Scenic Group’s luxury fleet as part of an exclusive familiarization trip (banner photo). The TDC team went from river to ocean as they sailed on the “Gems of the Danube” itinerary and were first the exclusive Canadian agency to experience Scenic Eclipse II.
Juna Ueda, GM Sales for Scenic Group Canada, hosted the group, which set out on the Scenic Amber from Nuremberg, Germany, calling in destinations such as Regensberg, Passau, Linz, Melk and Durnstein. Additionally, participants (and companions) visited Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov, biking along the river and experiencing a private concert by the Vienna Imperial Orchestra at Palais Liechtenstein, before landing in Budapest.
After the cruise, the group flew to Malaga, Spain, for the naming ceremony of Scenic Eclipse, an ice-strengthened expedition mega-yacht that can accommodate 228 guests and 176 crew.
Sandra Wesson, Director of Product and Industry Relations for TDC, group’s experience as exceptional, stating “This was truly an exceptional experience for our team. Experiencing both Scenic’s river and ocean products in one trip provided them with the invaluable knowledge to effectively promote these luxury ships… Each participant now has a solid plan to sell Scenic and eagerly looks forward to sharing their experiences with their clients”.
Brenda Dutton, owner of Huntsville Travel, called the FAM “a trip of a lifetime,” adding that Scenic would be “an easy sell to my clients.”
The FAM trip is one of 11 trips offered by TDC to its members in 2023.
TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK
Crystal has announced that it will be a preferred supplier to Travel Leaders Network (TLN), the largest North American consortia specializing in luxury and experiential travel. TLN has also served as a key strategic sales distribution partner for the A&K Travel Group for several years.
“Crystal will provide TLN’s portfolio of travel advisors with exceptional experiences at sea that will delight their clients and create lifelong memories while sailing,” says the cruise line.
“Crystal is delighted to work with Travel Leaders Network and its community of passionate and dedicated travel professionals,” said
“Our collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity to re-engage with travel sellers throughout their vast network as well as introduce the Crystal brand to travel professionals whose clientele seek extraordinary experiences both at sea and onshore,” said Crystal VP of Sales & Trade Partnerships for Brandon Townsley.
Crystal Serenity’s inaugural sailing will depart July 31 from Marseille for a Mediterranean cruise, and Crystal Symphony will depart on Sept. 1, 2023, from Athens.
TRAVELSAVERS
Citing rising demand for online research and bookings by consumers, TRAVELSAVERS CANADA says it has enhanced its tools to provide its agencies with improved mobile-responsive technologies that customers can easily use from any device.
The consortia’s consumer website solution for agencies, OnlineXpress, works alongside Softvoyage Package Plus features, serving as a lead-generating e-commerce platform and as a one-stop shop for advisors to manage the overflow of booking demand. Working in tandem or separately, customers can explore destinations, packages and dates and share insights with advisors to create a personalized travel experience.
“This industry-leading technology emphasizes the indisputable advantages of working with a seasoned travel agency as opposed to exclusively dealing with online travel agencies,” says Christine Vincent, Business Technology Manager, TRAVELSAVERS North America.
“As the industry continues to evolve digitally, virtually all consumers shop online before seeking agent advice,” observes says TRAVELSAVERS CANADA Sr. VP and GM Jane Clementino, adding the organization is committed to offering advisors the newest market-leading tools and resources to help serve and support to their customers.”
First published at Travel Industry Today
