In this week’s Round-Up, we go on the road with The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) and check out the United Arab Emirates on an Exotic Journeys FAM trip. Meanwhile, the Affluent Traveler Collection is taking luxury to new levels.
Exotik Journeys
Exotik Journeys recently concluded an FAM trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing an opportunity for 10 Canadian travel agents to join two Exotik team members (banner photo) on a journey that showcased the luxury and culture of the UAE cities, with direct flights from Toronto. Accompanying the agents were Jennipher Santa Cruz, BDM for Quebec, and Mylène Melançon, FIT and Planning Coordinator.
Participants took part in a carefully curated itinerary that included exploring Old Dubai with an Abra ride and visits to traditional souks, a modern tour of Dubai Marina, and stunning views from The Palm.
In Abu Dhabi, agents experienced a sightseeing tour featuring the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the impressive Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace). The trip also included a relaxing tour of Jubail Mangrove Park and a panoramic view of Yas Island.
Throughout their adventure, agents stayed at luxurious 5-star hotels, which included opportunities for site inspections to deepen their understanding of the high-quality accommodations available to clients.
TTAND
The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) completed its annual fall roadshows early this month, wrapping up events in 16 cities across Canada, along with several key suppliers. More than 500 advisors took part, including TTAND executives Flemming Friisdahl, CEO; Jeff Element, COO; and Christine Ufniak, Director of Marketing.
The shows were held in Halifax, Moncton, Montreal – and in Ontario: Ottawa, Chatham, London, Oakville, Barrie, North Toronto and Toronto. In Western Canada shows were held in Winnipeg, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria.
Agent partners learned about various new exclusive tech tools that TTAND has developed to make their jobs easier, including held a session on the importance of managing a data base of clients, as well as cybersecurity and the importance of two-factor authentication.
Agents were updated on the upcoming staff retreat in Dubai where TTAND teams from Canada and India will meet this Fall and several suppliers – Norwegian Cruise Line, Insight Vacations, Playa Hotels & Resorts, Expedia TAAP, Adventure Canada – showcased their products to the agent partners.
The Affluent Traveler Collection
With demand for both luxury travel experiences and travel advisors rising, invitation-only luxury marketing group The Affluent Traveler Collection reports it has added new 26 members to date this year, bringing its number of agencies to over 360. Affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS Canada, the Collection caters to a global luxury travel market estimated at $1.38 trillion last year and which is forecast to grow at a rate of 7.9% from 2024 to 2030.
As the luxury travel market increases, so does the pool of affluent consumers who want to partner with a travel advisor, according to a Flywire survey, which reports that 92% of luxury travellers have used (or will likely use) a travel advisor for trips in the next 18 months.
“Discerning travellers understand the exceptional value they get from working with a professional advisor,” says Jane Clementino, Sr. VP and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “Our advisors offer more than just bookings – they provide unparalleled service, unique insights, and peace of mind, creating lasting relationships that earn client loyalty and trust.”
Meanwhile, The ATC portfolio of luxury-focused preferred suppliers has expanded to include two upscale cruise lines: Crystal and Scenic Group. The intimate small-ship and yacht experiences offered by these lines align with affluent client preferences today.
To provide more personalized, immersive experiences, the network’s OnLocation program has added 19 Abercrombie & Kent DMCs around the world. The OnLocation program now features 49 partners covering more than 100 destinations, bringing their expertise, knowledge and connections to ATC advisors and their clients. Micato Safaris is another notable addition to the supplier collection, having operated in east and southern Africa, plus India for over five decades.
The ATC hotels and resorts portfolio has also expanded strategically this year, focusing on quality over quantity. The collection now stands at 1,200 hotels, 24. Two new portfolio subsections include villas and residences along with wellbeing.
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