HOME IS WHERE ACV’S HEART IS: Launches support program for independent agents

Air Canada Vacations has launched a new dedicated support program for independent travel advisors. ACV@Home is designed to provide assistance, creative tools, and training to help grow the community for travel professionals working from home. The tour operator is further introducing an awards program to recognize top-producing home-based agents.

“Remaining connected and top-of-mind for at-home travel professionals is of utmost importance,” says ACV VP Nino Montagnese. “After planning and talking to independent travel advisors, we are proud to have elaborated a program that can accommodate this growing niche market with select key host agencies.”

The collaboration with partner agencies was critical in designing the program and ensuring it serves key needs, adds ACV.

To support the project and independent travel agents, ACV has appointed a dedicated Area Sales Manager for Independent Advisors. Krista Rothfuchs will be responsible for maintaining relationships with agents and helping develop growth strategies across Air Canada Vacations’ product portfolio.

Rothfuchs has extensive experience working with independent advisors and has “a firm understanding of what they need as it relates to their business and providing the right education to keep them well informed,” says ACV.

“The ACV@Home program was created to ensure our Independent travel advisor community feels supported, acknowledged, and wholly confident in using Air Canada Vacations as their preferred tour operator,” Rothfuchs says. “We’ll be working alongside them to deliver the tools they need to help them be individually successful, both in English and in French.”

Training

In addition, Air Canada Vacations has implemented its first-ever Masterclass Training program to provide a series of tutorials for both new and experienced agents on ACV products. Upon completion, participants will receive a graduation certificate and a ‘Passport to Benefits’ savings booklet, which includes several exclusive rewards.

Awards

Another first for ACV is the launch of the ‘Simply the Best Awards,’ which will recognize and reward this year’s top supporting agents. The awards will be held virtually on Feb 21 and invitations will be sent out to participating ACV@Home agencies.

“With the landscape changing and independent travel advisors becoming more important, I am so happy to see Air Canada Vacations develop a dedicated independent consultant program led by Krista,” says Flemming Friisdahl, President of The Travel Agent Next Door.

Shannon Smith, VP of Training at TravelOnly Inc. adds, “The ACV@Home program is a creative and innovative solution to support the business of at-home travel professionals. Air Canada Vacations has started to close the gaps by adapting the traditional sales role to service the unique requirements of home-based networks across the country.”

Host agencies that are part of the ACV@Home Program will be providing their networks with further contact details and information on the program.