Global Travel Agent Month has kicked off with a flurry of supplier incentives for May – and, in some cases, beyond – designed to profess recognition and appreciation of the invaluable work done throughout the entire year by travel advisors. While the list is lengthy – everyone loves travel agents after all! – here is a sampling of just some of the perks that are available.
TOUR COMPANIES
Sunwing Vacations: Agents have access to exclusive reduced rates on DIY FAMS until October, plus a chance to win one of three, seven-night vacation packages for two, including flights and transfers. Advisors who book Sunwing Vacations packages for their clients by May 31 for travel by April 30, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an all=inclusive stay at Riu Jalisco in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, Riu Bambu in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic or Riu Dunamar in Cancun, Mexico.
Air Canada/ACV: Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations are offering a contest for travel agents as a way to say thanks for their year-round support: Throughout May, agents are being invited to nominate a fellow deserving travel agent for a chance to win 100,000 Aeroplan points (nominee) and a grand prize package to their dream destination (nominator) including: a pair of round-trip tickets for them and a companion to their dream destination anywhere Air Canada flies; an ACV Vacations future travel voucher worth $2,500; and a pair of Maple Leaf Lounge one-time passes. For full details and other perks, visit HERE.
WestJet: A month-long celebration of travel agents in May includes three contests that feature a variety of prizes, including trip tickets. For full details, visit HERE. Also, for bonus entries, click HERE
TravelBrands: In early April, TravelBrands launched “The Amazing Agent Race” campaign, a unique initiative designed to recognize and reward the efforts of top-performing travel agents with the highest net sales. The winners are:
- First place: Rosita from 1-2-1 Travel Connections Inc., who clinched the top spot and won the grand prize of 1 million Loyalty Rewards points, valued at $10,000.
- Second place: Dashnor from TravelOnly, who won roundtrip airfare with Air Canada.
- Third place: Josée from Voyages Optimistes, who won a $500 future travel voucher with TravelBrands.
African Travel, Inc.: As a token of appreciation for their efforts, the tour company is offering an $50 e-gift card for every new custom safari booking made and deposited in May. The incentives will be disbursed in June.
Collette: The tour company’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Month giveaway will see one Canadian travel advisor win a $5,000 voucher that can be used towards a Collette tour of their choice. The winners, who will be announced in early June, can combine their $5,000 credit with Collette’s Advisor Travel Program, which offers them a 50% discount, as well as 25% for companions when booking a tour. One entry to win is issued per booking in May.
ACCOMMODATION
Sandals: For all new bookings of six nights or longer made with Unique Vacations Canada Inc. between May 1-31(for travel at any Sandals or Beaches resort through Dec. 26, 2024) Canadian travel advisors will be eligible to receive an enhanced bonus cash commission: US$200 Booking Bonus on Butler Suites; US$150 Booking Bonus on Club/Concierge Level Rooms; US$75 Booking Bonus on Luxury/Deluxe Rooms.
Blue Diamond Resorts: One lucky travel advisor (plus) guest will win a trip to the newly opened Royalton CHIC Antigua. The winner will be selected through a random draw from Blue Diamond Resorts’ travel agent database with the winner announced May 15.
Rental Escapes: The full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing private villa rentals worldwide, is marking Travel Advisor Appreciation Month by introducing a bonus commission of up to $5,000 for the entire month of May. The incentive offer applies to bookings made from May 1-31 for stays May 8-Dec. 31, 2025.
New Orleans: From June through August, several hotels in New Orleans are offering special travel advisor rates through New Orleans & Company’s Independent Travel Advisor Summer FAM. While some blackout dates apply, many hotel packages include special amenities upon arrival and exclusive discounts for qualified travel advisors. To participate in the FAM, register HERE. https://rb.gy/0y1vic . Travel advisors can also request a VIP Pass which gives travel professionals exclusive access to discounts and special offers at restaurants, museums, and other popular attractions around New Orleans. For further details, contact Rachel Funel, Tourism Sales Senior Account Executive at rfunel@neworleans.com or (504) 566-5018. For additional info: www.neworleans.com/travel-professionals.
CRUISES
AmaWaterways: There are new FAM opportunities, a booking incentive, and chances to win a complimentary cruise during each Webinar Wednesday throughout the month of May. Travel partners are invited to register in advance for the special May sessions via the links below or visit the AmaWaterways’ Travel Advisor Portal. As another thank you during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, advisors will also earn a $25 gift card for each new reservation made in May for travel in 2024 or a $50 gift card for new bookings departing in July, August or November 2024.
Windstar Cruises: During May, travel advisors who make a new booking or complete Windstar’s online training program will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of four free cruises for themselves and a guest. Advisors can boost their chances with each booking (2024 new bookings made during the month of May are worth five entries; each new booking for 2025 and beyond counts for two entries). Advisors who complete Windstar’s Star Specialist Online Learning Program in May 2024 also earn five entries. Beyond the giveaway, Windstar is also offering a bonus perk all month long. Travel advisors can earn a $100 commission bonus for each cabin booked for a new-to-Windstar guest during the month of May.
Riviera River Cruises: Throughout May, travel advisors who book any three cabins aboard departures of eight days or more in 2024 will receive a complimentary cabin of their own. And for every cabin booked for 2024, agents will receive a 5% bonus commission.