ACTA members got the poop on Portugal on a recent FAM; Travel Edge Network introduced a new training program, Direct Travel rewarded top producers with an Ama river cruise; Flight Centre has a video YouTube video series; and F1S in Britain-bound.
ACTA/Portugal
ACTA recently partnered with Visit Portugal, Visit Alentejo and Air Canada earlier this month on an ACTA Immersive Destination Experience, with 25 ACTA member travel advisors visiting the region.
The event gave FAM participants an in-depth understanding of The Portuguese region’s appeal, including experiencing unique accommodation, such as pousadas, historic castles, convents, and monasteries.
“ACTA’s Immersive Destination Experiences are aimed at revolutionizing the travel industry’s approach to experiential learning and social media marketing,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA president. “By collaborating with our destination partners and suppliers, ACTA intends to elevate and enrich the traditional fam experience.”
One of the unique highlights of this event was the integration of a social media coach, dedicated to presenting daily challenges and sharing the latest tips and tricks to leverage the allure of Alentejo as a picturesque backdrop for digital storytelling. The social media coaching enabled advisors to harness the power of social media effectively in promoting the region.
“By intertwining destination education with contemporary social media strategies, we’ve pioneered a new standard in travel advisor education,” said Paradis. “Our partnerships with Visit Portugal, Visit Alentejo, and Air Canada have not only enriched the knowledge base of our members who attended but also empowered them to craft compelling narratives that resonate with today’s travellers.”
Travel Edge Network
Travel Edge Network has launched a new tiered program designed to empower growth and profitability through cutting-edge technology. Designed in part to attract new people to the industry, Venture is designed by and for travel experts to remove inefficiency and increase effectiveness, extensive training and provide access to exclusive partnerships for travel advisors in the luxury/premium space.
Venture features an entry level program aimed at attracting those who are newest to the industry or those who currently have a smaller business and are looking to take the next steps to expand their current client base and training.
For those who may be more established, Venture+ offers a more robust training program that is supported by innovative tools along with mentoring opportunities and enhanced training courses in sales, customer service, marketing, and specialist certifications in areas like cruise, air, hotel, and destinations. To expedite training, there is also the option for an intensive 90-day mentorship program that includes monthly meetings for the first year, a dedicated support manager, 1:1 weekly coaching and a monthly check-in with Travel Edge Network’s Member Engagement team.
The Venture program reflects an ongoing commitment to education and training, says Travel Edge. which also includes programs such as Knowledge Trips – custom designed and dedicated educational trips for more seasoned advisors including those in the Venture+ program who meet the criteria for consideration to gain critical firsthand knowledge of its preferred partners for hotel, air, tour operators and more.
“There is tremendous opportunity to support travel advisors at different stages of their careers from those who may be new to the industry or those who have some experience but are looking to take that passion to the next level but need and want the tools and resources to grow their business,” says Travel Edge Network Sr. VP Nadiya Makarenko. “Travel Edge has always been committed to supporting advisors at all levels, but it is even timelier today with an overall industry shortage at a time when travel is booming, and more people are turning to travel professionals than ever before. As industry leaders, we believe it is incumbent upon us to attract fresh talent to the industry and provide them with comprehensive training and education to be successful.”
Direct Travel
Twenty-five Direct Travel top producers (banner photo) from across North America recently took part in a nine-day trip to Europe that included an Ama Waterways river cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam along with a stay at Munich’s The Charles, a Rocco Forte Hotel, and a day trip to Nuremberg complements of A&K. In all, 42 participated in the trip including 24 winners, four Direct Travel executives, the Direct Travel leisure leadership team and nine supplier partners (photo).
Direct Travel’s GEM Recognition program celebrates achievements of top-performing advisors who go above and beyond, not only in driving sales but also in delivering service to their clients and supporting Direct’s strategic partners. Shanon Roberts, Leisure Branch Supervisor in Vernon, BC, said, “This trip was truly amazing, probably one of the best trips I have been on in 20 years in the travel industry!”
Flight Centre Canada
Flight Centre has kicked off a new hotlist video series, designed to inspire Canadians to travel by featuring “awe-inspiring sights and incredible stories of the globe’s most iconic and off-beat destinations” from Cape Town to Siem Reap and Istanbul.
“Trying to decide the best places to put on your bucket list can be daunting, so we’ve taken out the guesswork for you,” says Chadd Andre, Executive Vice President of Flight Centre Canada, adding, “We can’t wait to share our top travel journeys and what makes them so special!”
The first episode of the series is entitled the ‘Top 10 Must-See Cities Before You Kick the Bucket’. The second instalment of the hotlist series will be released on Dec. 19, spotlighting “Top 10 Places to Experience Christmas.”
Tune into the first episode HERE.
F1S
North America-based First in Service (F1S) Travel is set to open its first office in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic global expansion. The UK office, located in the heart of Covent Garden in Central London, will formally open in February 2024 and be led by industry veteran Barry Whittaker, who assumes the role of Managing Director, bringing decades of expertise in the travel industry.