ACTA-affiliated travel advisors say irie to Jamaica destination experience with support from Sandals and Air Canada,, while Ensemble and Swan Hellenic sail off with a new preferred partnership.
ACTA, Jamaica
ACTA partnered with Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts and Air Canada to host an ACTA Immersive Destination Experience to Jamaica on Aug. 23-27, with 30 ACTA member travel advisors visiting the destination.
ACTA says its Immersive Destination Experiences are aimed at revolutionizing the travel industry’s approach to experiential learning and social media marketing. By collaborating with destination partners and suppliers, ACTA’s goal is to elevate and enrich the traditional fam experience.
“Jamaica is proud to host an ACTA immersive destination experience. We want to ensure travel advisors are empowered with firsthand destination knowledge and unique experiences to provide them the resources, information and contacts they need to confidently advise their clients,” stated Dan Hamilton, Sales Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board stated.
He added, “The professional travel advisor remains the primary conduit of business to Jamaica and so we stand by our travel advisors and support them in any way we can. Partnering with ACTA on this project underscores the value we place on collaboration with partners who support our professional travel advisors.”
The event, held on the north coast at Ocho Rios, served as a platform offering ACTA member advisors an in-depth understanding of the appeal of Ocho Rios. The group stayed at Sandals Dunns River – with day trips to immerse themselves in the history and culture of authentic Jamaica.
C.J. Smith, Director of Sales, Unique Vacations Canada Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts said, “Simply put, travel advisors are the lifeblood of Sandals Resorts and have been for over 40 years. The chance to partner with ACTA and showcase the Sandals product, especially in our backyard of Jamaica, has been invaluable. For many of the participating advisors, this was their first Sandals experience and I’m absolutely certain that they’re leaving with a newfound sense of confidence in selling Sandals Resorts and reaping the many benefits available to them in doing so.”
As well as familiarizing themselves with Sandals, each day advisors were introduced to some of the lesser-known gems in the region including the Seville great house, Laughing Water Falls and the famous GoldenEye resort. Hosted educational sessions were offered by Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts, Air Canada and ACTA.
One of the unique highlights of this event was the integration of social media, presenting daily challenges to leverage Jamaica and Sandals Resorts as a picturesque backdrop for digital storytelling.
By intertwining destination education with social media challenges, ACTA is pioneering a new standard in experiential travel advisor training – empowering them to craft compelling narratives that resonate with today’s travelers.
Dave Berry, an advisor on the Jamaica experience commented: “This FAM has been such a valuable experience because it incorporated the history and culture of Jamaica. So much more than just touring rooms. It gives you the confidence to sell the destination, not just a resort.”
Ensemble, Swan Hellenic
Ensemble and Swan Hellenic have joined forces, further expanding the network’s portfolio of preferred cruise partners while bringing more travellers specialized expedition cruises with historical and cultural interest.
Through the new collaboration, Ensemble members will benefit from an enhanced commission structure and exclusive client amenities when booking with Swan Hellenic.
“Swan Hellenic brings a unique focus on cultural expedition cruising that we know will resonate with our advisors and their clients,” said Rachel Grogan, Sr. Director, Partner Relations, Cruise for Ensemble. “Their thoughtfully curated itineraries and small-ship experience open up extraordinary travel opportunities in some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions.”
Lisette Martinez (Rusian), Sr. Director, North American Sales, Swan Hellenic, added, “Ensemble perfectly complements Swan Hellenic’s vision to connect explorers with in-depth experiences in all corners of the globe, including destinations that are otherwise unreachable. We’re proud to align forces with their progressive travel community and, together, continue to bring truly unique and exclusive exploration opportunities around the world.”
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