Reps4Rent, a new concept designed to fill a void in the Canadian travel industry by providing affordable short-term or project-based representation, consultation, and other services for tour operators, tourist boards, hoteliers, cruise lines, airlines, and retail travel agencies, is off and running.
Launched by travel Industry veteran Dianne Jackson at a Sept. 14 gala event in Toronto, the company has already covered two events and now counts over a dozen independent sales representatives across the country.
Some of the familiar names who have joined the organization include Richard Hotte – Ont. (bilingual), Nadia Yacoub – Que. (bilingual), Nadine Schorn – Alta., Jackie Coulson – Ont., Joseph JD Dubois – BC, Sal Buccellato – Ont., Toni Defoni – Ont., Karen Scott Caplice – Ont., Gail Lea Scullion – Que (bilingual), Nick Roberti – Ont., Jennifer Hunter – Ont.
Jackson says recruiting is continuing for some regions, particularly for New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Saskatchewan.
With a focus on four areas of service – trade and consumer shows; training and keynote speaking; general sales activities; consulting and special project work – Jackson says, “As we come out of the pandemic, it has become so clear that our industry can no longer sustain the larger sales teams of yesterday, and yet those sales activities are still important in order to maintain a brand in the eyes of both the distribution networks and consumers.”
Jackson, who boasts 35 years of experience in travel, including a pre-pandemic post as VP Retail at Red Label Vacations, calls the concept “affordable, professional and flexible solution” and “an ideal marriage of needs and fulfilment,” noting that engaging a local “brand ambassador” might mitigate travel possible visa issues for companies outside Canada, and especially enable a company to be represented in both English and French.
“Companies are realizing you cannot present in English – it is insulting to the local community so using a local rep only makes sense,” she told Travel Industry Today.
“Travel is rebounding in a huge way, and suppliers are often finding themselves stretched to participate in all of the sales functions they want and need to do. Our goal is to ease the pressure to be everywhere, all the time,” Jackson continued. “For example, a company’s permanent sales department can focus on key projects such as quarterly reviews and specific client opportunities, while Reps4Rent ambassadors can concentrate on the general sales activities and backfill where additional staff or talent is required.”
Another option, she adds, is for companies located outside Canada who want a presence at a Canadian events without the long-term commitment.
At the same time, Jackson is quick to point out that Reps4Rent will provide an opportunity for industry personnel looking to work as independent sales professionals to “keep involved in the business they love, or to grow their current business by leveraging Reps4Rent.”
“From time to time, we’ve all encountered scheduling conflicts – what a great resource to be able to ‘rent’ a rep temporarily,” says Nancy Drolet of Jesson & Co. “And to have access to reps who are experienced in travel already? Priceless!”
See the website or email djackson@reps4rent.com.