The other day was Star Wars day, but in the annals of national day lore, the first Wednesday of May is, more importantly, Travel Advisor Appreciation Day. The not-quite national holiday (it should be!) was consecrated in 2012 and has been steadily growing ever since, and in a typical year agents might celebrate with cake and balloons, while suppliers profess love and respect with kind words, and in many cases, special booking incentives – many lasting through “travel advisor month.” Here’s a sampling of some of those offers – and, btw, happy day!
WestJet/WJV
Throughout May, WestJet’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Month contest gives agents a chance to win the following prizes: A Discover Halifax prize package including round-trip airfare, accommodations, gift certificates, tours and more; $300 WestJet gift card + 2 Extended Comfort vouchers; and a $150 Skip gift card. To qualify, register for the airline’s new learning portal HERE.
Meanwhile, WestJet Vacations is showing their appreciation for advisors by launching ‘Get in it to Win it Bingo.’ This game offers advisors the opportunity to win one of 25 prizes, ranging from all inclusive getaways on board WestJet with round-trip airport transfers to Monos carry-ons and WestJet gift cards.
All month long, advisors are invited to play Get in it to Win it Bingo, which is similar to the classic Bingo game, but with a twist. To participate, advisors are encouraged to download the Bingo card at https://www.westjettravelagents.com/, book their clients on qualifying vacations and mark the booking number in the corresponding square to make up a line of their choosing. Once a line has been completed, the Bingo card should be uploaded through a submission link to be verified. The first five advisors to complete a validated line will win one of the weekly prizes.
Sunwing Vacations
Throughout the month of May, the tour operator will be giving away 31 prizes and up to 8X STAR Points when advisors book their clients at over 50 resorts. Prizes include several 7-night hotel stays at properties in popular sun destinations, including Mexico, Jamaica and more, plus gift cards ranging from Indigo to President’s Choice, Petro Canada and The Keg. For every eligible booking advisors secure by May 31, they will be entered into the prize draw. Each Monday, the winners from the previous week will be announced on the Sunwing Vacations Group – Travel Advisors Facebook page.
Explore Worldwide
For every booking made (automatically recorded) with Explore Worldwide during May, advisors automatically receive one entry into the contest for the chance to win a trip of their choice. Trip options range from 9-day Highlights of Morocco tour to the 8-day Cycling in France – Canals and Castles of the Midi. The winner will be announced June 13, and can redeem the prize by Dec. 31, for travel before May 31, 2026. For bookings to quality, a 10% deposit must be received by May 31, 2025.
Explore Worldwide’s “Book 5, Get 1 Free” incentive will continue alongside the special booking bonus contest, where advisors can earn a free trip with Explore for every five bookings they make, available through June 30, 2025. Plus, Explore’s special incentive offers advisors a 50% discount to travel with the tour operator upon making their first booking, and 25% off for travel companions. Full details HERE.
RIT Vacations
In celebration of Travel Agent Day on RIT Vacations has announced its 2025 Ireland FAM Trip, to take place Nov. 2-9. Priced at CDN$999 p.p. sharing, land only) the curated itinerary is designed to showcase the very best of RIT’s guided touring experience, from Dubin to Kilkenny and Cork, plus the Ring of Kerry. Apply HERE.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
In honour of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, Canadian advisors will receive a $50 e-gift card for every 2025 Uniworld booking made in May, plus exclusive saving for repeat guest clients.
Scenic Group
Throughout May and June 2025, a series of incentives and exciting opportunities are being offered to all travel advisors across Canada. They include: Canadian travel advisors can earn a Mastercard® prepaid gift card ($100 to $250) with every Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Yacht Cruises booking made until May 31, 2025. Also 2% bonus commission on Scenic and Emerald River Cruises 2026 Europe River Cruise bookings (excludes Portugal) made until June 30, 2025. Full details can be found HERE.
See further articles in today’s edition of Travel Industry Today for more contests and offers.
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