Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) held its first Training Academy since 2019, this time with a focus on cruising. 80 travel professionals from across the TDC network took part in the event, from our own Transat Travel/Voyages Transat agencies, franchisees and affiliates, and the agent@home program. The week-long event left the port of Miami on April 20 for the Caribbean, with stops in 3 countries, returning home on April 26.
"I'm really proud to say that TDC is a pioneer in Canada in its association with Virgin Voyage," says Sandra Wesson, TDC's Director of Product and Industry Relations. "We were the first network in Canada to offer a familiarization trip on this distinctive cruise line, and we're back at it again this time by being the first Canadian network to organize a training academy onboard one of their unique ships. Given the phenomenal growth in the popularity of cruises among Canadian travellers, we wanted our very first training Academy in 5 years to focus on cruising. And the choice of partner to host it was simple: it was vital for us to expose our network members to the truly different experience Virgin Voyages offers: an inclusive, diverse, adults-only atmosphere, where the average age of passengers is 45, and where everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable cruise. Passengers are not constrained by any dress code, and they set the pace of their stay themselves via an app, to make the most of their cruise experience."
The TDC Cruise Academy in detail
"At TDC, training is of paramount importance, and we're delighted to have brought back our classic training Academy format after the enforced hiat
us of recent years. In fact, TDC was the first network in Canada to develop this type of event, almost 15 years ago now," says Sandra Wesson.
"This year, we were able to count on the participation of nearly 20 of our preferred partners, the vast majority of whom are cruise operators. 80 participants were able to discover more about them, through more than 30 hours of in-depth training on the products they each offer. In addition to the product workshops and roundtable sessions presented by the partners, the TDC training team also conducted a dedicated sales session, to provide
them with additional tools to better sell cruises to their clientele. But it was unthinkable to be on a magnificent cruise ship discovering the Caribbea
n without also offering some free time, to enable our travel professionals to live the Virgin Voyages experience to the fullest and further network with our partners, both on board and land, with various ports of call, including Virgin's own Bimini Island off the Bahamas," continues Sandra Wesson.
The importance of training at TDC
Karine Gagnon, TDC’s General Manager, would like to reiterate the TDC network's commitment to continuing training, a subject of vital importance. "Of course, the advisors in our network love the opportunity to travel with hands-on training courses like the Academies. But on a day-to-day basis, ongoing training is possible thanks notably to the TDC Campus, a comprehensive training program of over 60 hours, offered in English and French, with content designed for travel neophytes and experienced professionals alike. Accessible online on a tablet, computer, or smartphone, TDC Campus draws its strength from the fact that learning methods are varied and fun, encouraging learners to retain information and keep them motivated throughout their journey. For me, this is one of the major assets TDC offers its members; in this era of labour crisis, it's essential for our members to be able to count on a wide variety of solid training options for all levels of travel professionals." concludes Karine Gagnon.
