As travel advisors across the country celebrate Travel Agent Day today (May 01), here’s the latest from The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) and Royal Caribbean, Ensemble, and First in Service (F1S), plus some travel agent day/month specials from suppliers designed to make agents’ lives just a little bit better.
The Travel Agent Next Door
The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) has been awarded the prestigious Canadian Partner of the Year Award by Royal Caribbean International – the second year in a row that TTAND has won the award.
“Royal Caribbean International and The Travel Agent Next Door have consistently grown over the past decade, but we have shared substantial growth these past few years,” said Lisa Connell, Director of Sales, Canada RCI. “The advisors are exceptional – they exemplify the meaning of delivering the quality and energy of our brand. The definition of teamwork starts at the top and it is why everyone at TTAND is a winner.”
Connell noted that the Canadian Partner of the Year Award is only awarded to one account – “and TTAND has certainly earned it!”
TTAND founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl said, “Our mantra at TTAND is that we want our partnerships to be a win for our agents, a win for our suppliers, and a win for TTAND – and this partnership with RCI has certainly met the criteria.”
Eric St. Pierre, National Accounts Manager, RCI added: “The whole team at TTAND is a delight to work with – from the proactivity of their training team to the creativity of their marketing team and everyone in between in every department, we have developed relationships that go beyond the mere transactional. There is true engagement on all sides. This constant search for excellence is truly remarkable.”
Ensemble
Ensemble recently completed its inaugural series of Skyline regional events held across several Canadian cities including Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary. The events provided a unique opportunity for members to engage directly with each other and with key partners in their local communities.
Under the overarching theme of “The Power of Us,” Skyline celebrated the collective strength and synergy of Ensemble’s network. The events – attended by more than 200 members – were designed to inspire collaboration, innovation, and shared success among members, emphasizing the transformative potential that emerges when individuals come together as a community.
A notable aspect of Skyline was the presence of more than 100 partners across various verticals, showcasing the diversity and depth of Ensemble’s network. Cruise partners included Crystal, Cunard, Viking, Oceania, Norwegian, and Explora, while accommodation partners featured Como Hotels, IHG, Leading Hotels, Montage, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. Additionally, tour operators such as Kensington Tours, Collette, Lindblad, and G Adventures, along with packaged vacation providers like Delta Vacations and Travel Brands, contributed to the richness of the event.
Throughout the series, attendees participated in meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and gained actionable strategies to propel their businesses forward. From connecting with fellow advisors to forging stronger ties with local partners, Skyline served as a platform where relationships flourished, and possibilities expanded.
“Skyline is unique to our series of annual events as it is the only one where Ensemble and its partners come directly to our members in their own local communities,” said Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble. “It’s a remarkable opportunity for us to connect face-to-face, nurture relationships and empower our members to thrive in their businesses.”
Looking ahead, Ensemble will build upon the momentum generated by Skyline’s success in Canada with plans for the US leg of the series in the fall.
First in Service (F1S)
First in Service (F1S) has announced the appointment of longtime travel industry veteran Gina Gabbard as Chief Strategy Officer, effective immediately. In the newly created role, Gabbard will spearhead the development and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating growth and profitability across F1S Branches, Sales & Partnerships, and Marketing teams.
With her extensive experience in the travel industry, including senior roles at OvationNetwork, Lindblad Expeditions; Ovation Travel Group; Tzell Travel Group, Gabbard will play a pivotal role in identifying and further cultivating strategic relationships, monitoring market trends, and driving the organization’s strategic direction.
“As First in Service continues to expand its presence in our three primary travel sectors – corporate, entertainment and luxury leisure travel – in each of the five countries and three continents where we continue to strengthen our presence, we recognize the need for a seasoned strategist to guide our growth initiatives,” explained F1S CEO Fernando Gonzalez.
“Gina Gabbard’s exceptional history of success and deep understanding of the industry make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that her leadership will propel F1S to new heights of success.”
AGENT INCENTIVES
Windstar Cruises: During May, travel advisors who make a new booking or complete Windstar’s online training program will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of four free cruises for themselves and a guest. Advisors can boost their chances with each booking (2024 new bookings made during the month of May are worth five entries; each new booking for 2025 and beyond counts for two entries). Advisors who complete Windstar’s Star Specialist Online Learning Program in May 2024 also earn five entries.
Beyond the giveaway, Windstar is also offering a bonus perk all month long. Travel advisors can earn a $100 commission bonus for each cabin booked for a new-to-Windstar guest during the month of May.
To further support travel advisor partners throughout the year, Windstar is announcing two new developments. Beginning in June 2024, all booking commissions will be paid 29 days prior to the cruise departure rather than after departure.
In addition, travel advisors who are investing their time to learn about the brand by becoming Windstar Cruises Star Specialists will have the opportunity to earn back the cruise fare of their eligible FAM trip in the form of a future commission payment
Riviera River Cruises: Throughout May, travel advisors can take advantage of a number incentives from the British-based cruise company:
- Advisors who book any three cabins aboard departures of eight days or more in 2024 at retail during the month of May will receive a complimentary cabin of their own. Limited to one complimentary cabin aboard a 2024 departure per advisor on a space-available basis. Excludes bookings of single supplement-free cabins and solo traveller cruises.
For every cabin advisors book aboard departures in 2024 at retail during the month of May, they’ll receive a 5% bonus commission. Excludes bookings of single supplement-free cabins and solo traveller cruises.
Riviera will hold webinars to discuss its product and promotions with advisors on Thursday, May 2, and Wednesday, May 15. Advisors who attend will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card after each webinar.
For more information click HERE.
Rental Escapes: The full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing private villa rentals worldwide, is marking Travel Advisor Appreciation Month by introducing a bonus commission of up to $5,000 for the entire month of May. The incentive offer applies to bookings made from May 1-31 for stays May 8-Dec. 31, 2025.
New Orleans: From June through August, several hotels in New Orleans are offering special travel advisor rates through New Orleans & Company’s Independent Travel Advisor Summer FAM. While some blackout dates apply, many hotel packages include special amenities upon arrival and exclusive discounts for qualified travel advisors.
To participate in the FAM, register HERE. Travel advisors can also request a VIP Pass which gives travel professionals exclusive access to discounts and special offers at restaurants, museums, and other popular attractions around New Orleans. For further details, contact Rachel Funel, Tourism Sales Senior Account Executive at rfunel@neworleans.com or (504) 566-5018. For additional resources visit and information www.neworleans.com/travel-professionals.