It was a noisy, fun and hug-filled evening as The Travel Agent Next Door hosted suppliers to celebrate TTAND’s 10th birthday and to thank them for another successful year.
The event, held 07NOV at Fairmont’s classy Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, saw suppliers ranging from Collette to Air Canada, Globus to Manulife, G to Star Clipper - some 45 in all – mingle with TTAND execs and staffers.
“This is one of my favourite, favourite events,” TTAND founder and president Flemming Friisdahl told the group. He recalled that in the beginning the company was just him and much-loved industry exec Penny Martin (who is shortly to “retire” to Nova Scotia and become one of TTAND’s newest agents).
“We decided that the key was the interaction with the agents. It’s all about being successful a little at a time," he said.
Reflecting on some highs – and lows – of the past 10 years, Friisdahl proudly recalled that even during Covid there were no layoffs. Eighteen months ago, TTAND joined consortium TL Network.
“We became the number one company in Canada in our first year.”
He also thanked the head office team, located in Canada, with a significant support group in India.
“This year we are on track to do $500,000,000 in sales,” Friisdahl reported proudly. “Yet we haven’t raised our fees in 10 years. Our model works.”
Clearly the relationship with suppliers is crucial to the company’s success, with 47% of commissions in the past 12 months being earned from 24 suppliers.
TTAND’s goals for 2025? $560,000,000 in sales. An increase from the current 1,437 agents to 1,550. A new focus on luxury and corporate travel. More than 80 webinars. More exclusive fams. And the launch of a digital magazine.
TTAND’s partnership with the Canadian charity Pencils for Kids was also showcased at the Fairmont event. Working in Niger, West Africa – particularly with children, girls and women – Pencils for Kids strives to provide opportunities and education. Over their nine-year partnership, TTAND has raised more than $300,000 for the charity.
Summing up, Friisdahl told the suppliers: “Without you we wouldn’t be here today. Here’s to the next 10 years. We promise we will bring some cool, kickass programs!”
