This week, plenty of news from Travel Masters, Transat Distribution, Ensemble, Virtuoso, Exotic Journeys, Collette, Embratur, and Air Canada Vacations.

Travel Masters

Travel Masters recently hosted its 2024 Impact Awards, celebrating the outstanding sales achievements of its top-performing travel agents (banner photo). The event honoured agents who reached the prestigious Millionaire’s Club, a recognition of their exceptional sales performance, dedication, and expertise in the travel industry.

This year’s honourees were Amber Taylor, Coreen Calvert, Davis Robertson, Desiree Bejar, Filomena Punzo, Jatin Thakur, Jason Roudette, Pranubh Dewan, and Sharleen Dickson,

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize and honour our top producing agents in this meaningful way,” said Mark Greenwood, Director of Operations at Travel Masters.

TDC

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has revealed details of its 2025 annual conferences, to take place Sept. 13-14 at the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Centre in Quebec, and Sept. 20-21 in the Greater Toronto Area.

“This year, we are taking the powerful symbol of the star to new heights,” says Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. “Our travel professionals embody this symbol, acting as guiding stars for their clients, helping them navigate a vast sky of choices with expertise and a touch of inspiration.” She adds, “This theme resonates even more deeply with us, as the star has always been part of TDC’s DNA through our affiliation with Transat.”

 And this year, as part of a one-on-one conversation with Karine Gagnon, TDC will welcome renowned NASA engineer Farah Alibay, who will share the story of how she successfully secured her dream job. Other speakers and various workshops will be added to the list during the course of the year.

Ensemble

Ensemble held its first-ever President’s Circle meeting Feb. 19-21 in Toronto. This invite-only event brought together top-producing members and strategic partners for an executive-level discussion aimed at driving higher yield through profit-sharing and Ensemble’s robust programming.

The President’s Circle comprises the top 10 agencies – split evenly between Canada and the US by production – as well as senior executives from Ensemble’s most profitable partners based solely on sales. The selection process is based on annual production figures, ensuring dynamic representation and fresh perspectives year after year.

This year’s meeting focused on increasing earning opportunities with top-paying strategic partners, leveraging Ensemble’s programming to drive production, and fostering collaboration among members and partners who have the greatest opportunity to impact profitability.

Highlights of the agenda included a members-only breakfast fostering candid discussions and knowledge sharing; an interactive workshop focused on leveraging consortia programming to drive production and maximize profitability; a unique “cook and dine” dinner experience, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration; and attendance at the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away, a moving performance that underscores the powerful force of travel and local communities

“The launch of the President’s Circle marks an important milestone for Ensemble as we continue to evolve and deliver increased value to our members and partners,” stated Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble.  “By bringing together our top-producing agencies and most strategic partners, we are creating a forum for collaboration and innovation that will drive profitability and growth for everyone involved. Events like this underscore the essence of Ensemble: fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and building a community of excellence.”

 TravelBrands-TDC

Exotik Journeys, in partnership with Royal Jordanian airline recently concluded a special educational trip for TDC owners and directors to Jordan. Accompanied by sales director Lina Côté and Middle East product manager Émilie Prudhomme, the trip began in Amman and included visits to Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Jerash, the Dead Sea, and a 4×4 excursion in the desert.

Ensemble-ACV

Ensemble has announced that the return of Air Canada Vacations (ACV) to its portfolio of preferred partners. The organizations last collaborated in 2019.

“Air Canada Vacations’ return as a preferred partner is a game changer for our Canadian members,” said Ensemble president Michael Johnson. “As the market leader in Canada, their innovative programs, diverse offerings, and dedicated support will deliver exceptional value to our members while providing unique travel experiences for their clients.”

Erminia Gallina, Director, Sales at Air Canada Vacations, said, “We’re thrilled to be back as a preferred partner with Ensemble, especially after witnessing their incredible resurgence over the past few years.”

Virtuoso

Isla Mujeres by Secrets, an ultra-luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on the secluded island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun Virtuoso, has been accepted into Virtuoso. Opened in May 2023, the resort offers guests a private island-like experience with 125 lavish oceanfront suites offering personalized butler service, world-class dining at seven a la carte restaurants, holistic wellness services, and experiences such as overwater dining, snorkeling along the world’s second-largest coral reef, rooftop and tiered infinity pools, and sliding down the signature multi-story waterslide straight into the ocean.

AGENT TOOLS

• Collette has a new suite of marketing assets for travel advisors. Designed to promote Collette’s Small Group Explorations product line, they include Collette Connection, a free-to-use program allows travel advisors to send the new Explorations guide (as well as other print brochures) directly to their clients with a personalized letter with the advisor’s call to action; editorial and video content; a bite-sized digital guide providing quick insights for clients on what Collette’s Small Group Explorations product line offers; and social media tiles. Access via gocollette.com/travel-advisors.
• Embratur (Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion) has launched the Brasil Travel Specialist platform, an online tool that offers full support to travel agents and tour operators. After completing the training, participants receive a certificate that recognizes them as a certified Brazil specialist with access to exclusive benefits, such as the possibility of participating FAM tours. Those registering on the platform by March will be entered into a draw to win airline tickets to Brazil with LATAM. Visit com.

INCENTIVES

• As part of the company’s 50^th anniversary celebrations, travel professionals are being invited to test their knowledge for a chance to win one of 50 prizes with Air Canada Vacations, including Aeroplan and ACV&ME points, future travel credits, and round-trip air tickets to select destinations in Mexico or the Caribbean.

Housed on the ACV&ME agent portal, the online game will run until March 2, allowing travel agents the chance to win a prize for every vacation package booked between Feb. 18 and March 2, for travel between March 1 and Dec. 18, including Tour packages and Flight & Cruise packages to destinations worldwide. Agents will receive a game play email with a chance to participate for every reservation made. Winners will be notified with details on their prizes during the week of March 17.

Throughout the year, ACV will continue to unveil special surprises for the 50 top performing agents, including extra perks along with an exclusive experience under the sun.

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