Transat’s newly launched Early Booking Bonus (EBB) is key opportunity that offers a wealth of advantages for both travel agents and vacationers. Transat Commercial Director Nicole Bursey explains why the promotion is not just a sales event but a strategic opportunity that significantly impacts annual revenue streams for travel agencies.
Will you share the details of the Early Booking Bonus?
I’d love to, because it’s an amazing promo! Now through June 28, agents can get up to 40% off on individual South package bookings and a price drop guarantee for a refund of up to $200 per adult / $100 per child. We’re also offering 25% off Option Flex Standard and lowering the deposit to just $100 p.p. What’s more, one free checked bag per person! The promotion is valid for fall and winter travel, meaning travel between Sept. 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Agents can get full details on Get Connected for a better understanding of the promo.
How important is this promotion to Transat and to travel agencies?
Simply put, this is Transat’s biggest promotion of the year, offering an invaluable opportunity for travel agents. It is a pivotal time when many agents secure a significant portion of their annual revenue, with over 10% of their South package bookings typically made during the EBB period. For some agents, this figure can even reach the 20% mark.
Why is Transat’s Early Booking Bonus so popular?
Because each benefit addresses real customer concerns. Are your customers concerned about the economy? In fact, we’ve found that Canadian travellers are eager to get a good deal on their vacation. That’s why we’re offering very competitive prices from the start of the promotion, plus a price drop guarantee if the package price goes down later. And with deposits reduced to just $100 p.p., this lowers the upfront cost of booking a vacation, which is especially important for families right now.
If flexibility is more important to your clients, you’ll want to take advantage of the 25% savings on Option Flex Standard which allows clients to change, cancel or transfer a booking if something comes up.
Are there other perks for booking during the Early Booking Bonus?
Every booking will receive a Future Travel Credit of $50 per adult / $25 per child, redeemable on any Transat South, Florida, Peru, Morocco, or Europe package, à la carte hotels, tours, or flights, for departure no later than April 30, 2026.
New this year, the first 5,000 reservations made during the promotion will also receive a promo code for 35% off Lambert products, a women-owned, Canadian luggage company with which Transat has partnered for several years. If one of your clients has mentioned the need for new luggage, this is a good deal!
Are there perks for travel agents as well?
Of course! During the EBB, agents can earn 5X Bonbon rewards, that’s $25 per room. They will also have the chance to win one of five Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts vacation packages, complete with Air Transat flights. Plus, one lucky agent will even win their own beautiful travel set from Lambert!
What advice do you give travel advisors who want to make the most of this promotion?
To take advantage of the EBB, I recommend a proactive approach. First and foremost, thoroughly understand the promotion so you can confidently advise your clients. Then, target clients who have a history of traveling to southern destinations and emphasize that booking now, during the promotion, will provide the best value for their vacation plans.
In addition, the use of technology can greatly enhance your outreach. Use your customer relationship management (CRM) system to identify and contact customers who are most likely to benefit from the promotion. Also, make extensive use of social media platforms to promote the benefits of early booking – highlighting perks such as lower deposits, price drop guarantees and special discounts on Option Flex Standard.