Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is hosting a delegation this week of travel agency owners, preferred partners, and members of the TDC network’s management team at the Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa in Mexico. The five-day National Leadership Conference kicked off on the weekend with strategic reflection and the exchange of best practices between members in the spotlight.
The agenda features a noteworthy roster of speakers weighing in on such topics as the impact of global economic activity on the travel industry, current and future trends in Canadians’ travel intentions, operational efficiency in the travel industry’s recovery, and more.
Strategic thinking and trends
TDC General Manager Karine Gagnon and President Joseph Adamo set the tone for the event on Sunday (April 16).
In her opening remarks, Gagnon emphasized that in an ever-changing travel industry, where everything is moving even faster than before, having the support of a solid franchisor and the strength of being part of the Transat family are valuable assets for our owners.
“These few days will be a reflection of who we are at TDC, and more importantly, what we offer our members: an opportunity for professional development, networking and sharing best practices with business owners from across Canada, with TDC’s management team, and with speakers who are experts in their fields.”
The GM also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of innovation at TDC by reviewing the major projects developed in recent years, including everything related to the development of the luxury market, with the creation of TDC’s own LuxeXpert certification and membership in the Virtuoso global network.
In the context of the labour shortage, she reminded that TDC has strong tools to help owners succeed with the customized training program, Campus TDC, which will be enhanced later this year.
Adamo, meanwhile, provided an update on Transat’s strategic priorities, highlighting the unique relationship between TDC and Transat. He focused on the evolution of Air Transat’s fleet and air network, the impact of the Transat brand in the market, and the impact it has on the travel agency network, as well as the importance of customer loyalty in today’s competitive world.
Know the trends to be better prepared
Major economic trends influencing Canadians’ travel intentions in the short and medium term was the subject addressed by Conference Board of Canada Chief Economist Pedro Antunes, while Marie-Christine Bruneau, Director of Business Intelligence of the Transat Chair in Tourism, deconstructed elements that will influence the travel intentions of Canadians in the short and medium term.
According to the owners present, these conferences will help them to be better prepared for the coming months and, above all, to be more proactive with respect to their customers’ needs.
Partners
Attendees also have the opportunity to connect and network with more than 40 preferred partners in a unique pop-up meeting format.
“The relationship of trust that we have with many of our preferred partners allows TDC to ensure its strong position in the Canadian market,” says Gagnon. “In this type of event, their participation in large numbers is essential, because it is one of the important elements that our members come to look for.”
The TDC National Leadership Conference will be in full swing until April 20.