WestJet Vacations called together their Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) from 24MAY to 27MAY to share their trade insights. TAAB members are made up of front-line selling advisors acting as ambassadors representing all major Canadian Travel Partners, explained Shannon Cunningham, Manager of Leisure Sales for WestJet Vacations.
Networking, gaining new perspectives with trade insights and awareness, plus identifying new opportunities to grow their mutual business together were on the agenda.
Some key issues discussed were the overload of communications and marketing materials they receive from suppliers and the challenge for many transitioning to a home-based business (due to Covid) from a brick-and-mortar office.
“Value means different things to different people,” said Cunningham in an exclusive interview with OpenJaw. “The input from members is a contributing factor to the ongoing success of WestJet Vacations, in helping us to offer a value that is meaningful to their clients, from a trusted partner.”
TAAB members come prepared to work as they are given pre-work and survey their clients for feedback before attending the meetings. “The TAAB board is hand picked from our strategic partners”, said Cunningham, “and they are a true liaison in advocating for their industry and for their clients.”
“We value the trade advice and feedback, as they continue to provide new ideas and opportunities driving us to be “easier” to do business with. WestJet Vacations has always regarded Travel advisors as an extension of our sales team, as the trade is integral to our success.” Cunningham said.
Established in 2015, TAAB meets quarterly via Zoom and annually in person, providing WestJet Vacations with current information on the industry and cumulative insight from the 13 board members' clients. The meetings were hosted by WestJet Vacations and the Grand Palladium Hotel Group at the newly refurbished Grand Palladium Kantenah in the Riviera Maya.
