Toronto, April 28, 2012
Transat Distribution offers two unique training academies. Our Groups Academy with 78 TDC travel professionals and 30 preferred partners including TDC staff has just returned from the Barcelo Maya Resort, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
“This is the second year we have trained TDC Travel professionals on Groups because of the sales response. Based on results from last year, the participants who attended had an increase year over year in Group passengers by 39% while TDC national average was 4%.” quote from Susan Bowman, VP Marketing and Industry Relations.
We understand and believe in the value of the travel professional and education is key. Demand is high, and the academies sell out almost as soon as we announce them because members understand the value.
“Three days after returning from this year’s academy we have already had two groups booked and several quotes were received by our participating preferred partners. This is a testament to the level of education and the confidence that our members experience upon returning.” said Sandra Wesson, Director Industry Relations who also commented: “Prior to the academy, many of our consultants were afraid to handle groups but by the end of the conference, many had already built their strategies and plans and couldn’t wait to get started.”
“It was definitely worth every penny and effort to attend! I have learned great ways of making more revenue, I thought I knew every trick in the book!!” Manon Lacelle Lacroix, Owner, Marlin Travel, Hawkesbury and Chair of the FAC - Franchise Advisory Council
“I have been back 2 days now and what a difference from when I left.We were really quiet but now I have 4 group quotes in. 3 destination weddings, a bachelorette party as well as a potential 2 week vacation with Contiki to New Zealand! It is a great welcome back”. Ian Parkin, Travel Consultant, Marlin Travel, London
TDC organizes the Groups & Cruise training by experience level offering both beginner and advance modules in French or English language. Subject matter experts also train specific material such as “power planning” business building, marketing and TDC customized loyalty and value add customer centric programs.
TDC’s 3rd annual Cruise academy departs this Saturday on the Oasis of the Seas with over 100 professional travel consultants and 15 different cruise lines represented. Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales, Royal Caribbean International will personally welcome the delegates with a key note address. “Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean awarded Transat Distribution, their Partner of the Year Award so we are thrilled that they are our host venue” says Bowman. Transat Distribution continues to grow in cruise sales year over year and the cruise academy is just one of the many contributing factors.
In addition to the academies TDC also offers their network training through a proprietary Transat Distribution University.
About Transat Distribution Canada
Transat Distribution Canada is Canada's leading retail distributor of holiday travel, with approximately 500 outlets. The distribution network, which is affiliated with Transat A.T. Inc., includes the Marlin Travel, TravelPlus, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté banners. Transat. A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries, distributing products in over 50 countries.