RETAIL ROUND-UP: Travel Edge Network, Trevello, F1S, FlightHub, and Direct Travel

Travel Edge advisors in San Francisco

Travel Edge Network celebrated ‘Limitless’ possibilities; Trevello is planning a unique twist for its Fall regional events, F1S introduces a new CFO; Direct Travel partners with Allianz; and FlightHub earned Air Canada honours in this week’s round-up.

Travel Edge Network

Travel Edge Network (TEN) recently hosted its semi-annual “Limitless” event. The two-day hybrid event built around the theme of “Together We Grow,” provided a platform for nearly 300 advisors to network with each other and over 80 global partners from various sectors and included both virtual sessions and in person dinners in select cities.

The agenda was tailored to help advisors improve their business growth and profitability, leveraging the tools and resources provided by TEN. Advisors had the flexibility to select from an array of destination showcases from Antigua and Barbuda to Scottsdale and the Balkans as well as several panel discussions on a range of issues impacting travel professionals. Topics included marketing and client acquisition strategies, revenue generation, sustainable travel practices, client management and problem-solving techniques.

Key insights were also shared by Navigatr CEO, Jeff Willner, regarding the organization’s future and its commitment to boosting profitability for travel advisors.

One of the event’s highlights was keynote speaker Giles Duley, Founder and CEO of the Legacy of War Foundation who spoke about Humanity in Times of Conflict. Duley recounted his experiences as a photographer and writer, focusing on the prolonged humanitarian aftermath of war. He shared his recent endeavors in Ukraine, aiding vulnerable societal groups, including displaced women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and children with disabilities. Travel Edge has supported Duley’s efforts in Ukraine by providing funding to purchase ambulances to reach those in need.

Complementing the virtual nature of the sessions, dinners were hosted in seven cities across Canada and the U.S., fostering stronger relationships and community bonding among TEN advisors.

Trevello

Trevello has announced its 2023 regionals, set to take place across nine cities across the country in September and October.

Promising a “refreshing twist on the traditional format,” with a heightened focus on enhancing engagement advisor-partner engagement, the by-invitation events will be conducted in “tried and true” trade show and presentation format in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, while a “unique and immersive” experience will highlight sessions in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Halifax, St. John’s, and Moncton, where attendees will be able to engage in hands-on activities such as cooking classes and visits to indigenous farms, creating an atmosphere of fun, learning, and collaboration.

The strategy is crafted to foster deeper bonds between advisors and partners, says Trevello, with company CEO Zeina Gedeon stating, “Trevello Regionals 2023 represents a pivotal moment in our journey. We’re excited to usher in a new era of collaboration and connection within the travel industry.”

In addition to these events, Trevello will host a series of consumer events this Fall and has issued a “save the date” for its 30th anniversary AGM April 30-May 7, 2024.

Direct Travel

Direct Travel has named Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz) as its official travel insurance partner – protecting its clients with value-added travel insurance products and assistance services, including trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical coverage.

Allianz and Direct Travel have a long-standing relationship in the United States and parts of Canada and are extending the partnership to all of Canada.

“Our partnership with Allianz has been best-in-class for the last 10 years,” said Rene Schneeberger, SVP Supplier Relations and Revenue Optimization at Direct Travel. “We recently made them a True Partner, our highest level of partnership, which is a reflection of the tremendous support they provided during 2020 and 2021 and we look forward to this expanded relationship.”

F1S

First in Service Travel LTD (F1S) – one of North America’s largest independent travel agencies – has announced the appointment of Sherman Snyder as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With an extensive background in both finance and the travel industry, Snyder joined the company on Sept. 11.

In his new role at First in Service, Snyder will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations and technology initiatives and leading F1S’s expansion and development.

Snyder returns to the travel sector from the Santa Fe Recovery Center in New Mexico. Prior to that, he served as Executive VP and CEO at Altour, where he served from 2006 to 2018. His CV also includes seven years at American Express and at SatoTravel.

FlightHub

FlightHub Group, the parent company of online travel booking platforms FlightHub and justfly.com, has been awarded Platinum status within Air Canada’s Circle of Excellence Award. The prestigious recognition highlights FlightHub Group’s position as a premier travel industry partner, exemplifying top-tier performance in ticket sales and market share.

Agent incentives

TravelBrands: By booking any combination of Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, or Europcar rentals with TravelBrands from Sept. 20 through Oct. 20, the tour company will issue a gas card of up to $100. The ‘Fuel Your Success’ offer is valid on pick ups from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 in any destination. To make qualifying bookings visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com or call 1.844.5.TBRAND(827263).