While agents and the industry wait for the return of travel, there are no shortage of educational opportunities on tap as destinations roll out special virtual events to help keep the Canadian trade informed and engaged. From France to Britain and the Bahamas, here’s a five-W look at some upcoming opportunities for agent.

FRANCE

Destination France, Atout France Canada’s annual trade show for tourism professionals, will take place over four full days starting Monday (Feb. 22-25). The virtual event will feature information, webinars, and the chance to meet one-on-one with partners, plus quizzes and prizes – all focussed around the eventual safe return to international travel in the future.

“It is essential to keep in touch and remind ourselves of the many wonders of France and to maintain business relations (not to forget the friendship) within a shaken but passion-driven industry,” says Mélanie Paul-Hus, director of the tourism development agency of France in Canada, adding, “The media, consumers, as well industry members, are hungry for inspiration, demonstrate unparalleled resilience, and do not hesitate to mention France as one of the first destinations to visit when travel becomes possible again.”

Agents are invited to register now on Destination France platform HERE.

BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is gearing up to host a special virtual agent – “From The Bahamas With Love” – on March 3 (1-4 p.m. EST) to showcase the extensive romantic escape offerings throughout the destination as well as to help couples that have postponed weddings during the pandemic seamlessly plan a future event. The expo will bring together industry leaders, partners, hotels, venues, and services for a unique and educational experience for trade and consumer participants. (A second event will be held on March 10 for consumers.)

Session highlights include:

• Love On Board – Featuring Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Deputy Director General Ellison “Tommy” Thompson and the three promotion boards.

• A New Take on Romantic Travel – Moderated by wedding business consultant Alan Berg, and featuring panelists Lisa Sheldon (Co-founder of Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist Association), David Woods (President of the Association of Bridal Consultants) and Danielle Andrews (Co-founder of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada).

• Romance Reimagined – Moderated by Bridgette King, Executive Director with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and featuring panelists Jena Conway (Director of Weddings and Special Occasions at Atlantis, Paradise Island); Gilda Noboa, Director of Sales and Marketing for USA and Canada (Viva Wyndham); and Desiree Moxey, Director of Events (Baha Mar Grand Hyatt).

• Love Is All You Need – Moderated by Cindy Coakley-Knowles, President of the Bahamas Bridal Association, and featuring panelists Natalie Appleyard, Director of Wildflowers; Marva Munroe of Chic Bahamas Weddings; photographer Lyndah Wells; and Kenton Burrows of Expressions Entertainment.

• Listen Up and Sell More Workshops – Alan Berg discusses how to ask better questions to help you sell more in less time.

• Virtual Networking Booths – Collect essential information for download or take advantage of the live-chat feature allowing participants to ask questions and speak directly with local hoteliers and Bahamas romance specialists.

• A Taste of The Bahamas Experiences ¬– Be transported to The Bahamas featuring the culinary and cocktails demonstrations or check out the latest bridal fashions as models walk the runway in a Bahamian fashion show.

Click HERE to register for the trade event.

BRITAIN

VisitBritain’s annual ExploreGB trade show is taking place virtually this year and travel counsellors are invited to a special educational day on March 5.

The free event will enable agents to take part in a series of on-demand educational webinars to boost their destination knowledge of the UK and learn the latest details on how the UK is adapting strategies around the pandemic during the road to recovery.

An online Exhibitor Resource Hub will also be available for agents to gain access to a wide range of supplier updates from UK operators, attractions, hotels, and travel services, including helpful downloadable content.

The platform will be open to travel agents in Canada on March 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Registration is open until Feb. 22 and spaces are limited. Click HERE.