Sometimes, it’s important to say the words in a relationship - and the travel advisor - supplier relationship is one of the most essential to the travel industry.
So Open Jaw asked a number of suppliers if they had any special messages to travel advisors… and their responses and descriptions of travel advisors were downright moving.
“Dream Makers”
Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations
“Travel advisors truly are Dream Makers. I’ve spent my entire career working with travel professionals, and I’ve had the privilege to witness their hard work and dedication to their clients firsthand. Their passion for travel makes them go above and beyond for each customer to ensure they have unparalleled vacation experiences.
On behalf of Air Canada Vacations, I’d like to thank travel professionals for their unrelenting devotion.
Happy Travel Agent Day!”
“Heroes”
Stephanie Bishop, Managing Director of the Globus Family of Brands
“Travel advisors wear so many hats for their clients. They’re not only vacation designers and dream catchers, they’re psychologists, financial consultants, mediators and solution advocates.
Their impact – especially in the last two years – has required unimaginable engagement, drive, perseverance, determination, courage and compassion. And it’s those qualities that take my breath away. Today’s travel advisors deliver the service and clear, consistent communication our travel comeback requires for clients.
They are the heroes rising from the pandemic and we’re so grateful to have them as partners across the Globus family of brands, inspiring travellers to get back out there and enjoy the world again!”
“Hats Off”
Beverley Vickers, Director of Sales & Marketing, Canada, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
“Those in the travel industry have always known how much value a travel counsellor brings to a consumer – the consumer hasn’t always realized it however!
How can they ever apologize to the much maligned agents who were often told that they weren’t needed; that the client could book online instead!
Perhaps over the past 2 ½ years consumers will now appreciate and realize what it takes to navigate them through the ins and outs of booking and travelling.
Hats off to all travel professionals who have worked for nothing for the past 2 years and still have the commitment and passion to continue and rebuild!
Time to give credit where credit is due! Thank you for all you do!”
“We Cherish these Relationships”
Allan Brooks, National Director, Market Sales - Canada, Celebrity Cruises
“It goes without saying that the past 2 years have been one of the most challenging and character-building times in the history of our beloved industry. Most of our days were filled trying to retain business and service our mutual clients. We did however learn how to work even more closely, efficiently and dynamically with our valued travel partners.
Even throughout these difficult times our partners remained steadfast and engaged, that is why we cherish these relationships. Without the agencies and agents that support us we would have never come out of this as strong and determined as we have.
I truly believe our relationships have become even more vibrant and our mutual drive to succeed will only continue to grow.”
“You’ve made it fun”
Brett Walker, General Manager, Canada, Collette
“I’d like to say THANK-YOU 104 times!! One giant THANK-YOU for every year Collette has been in the tour business and supported by great agents.
I truly mean that. You’ve made every year better and better. You’ve enabled Collette’s growth and our progress. You’ve made it fun to work together. You’ve emboldened our passion for travel and excellence and helped curate the very best and most wonderful experiences for your clients – clients you’ve entrusted to be our guests.
A heartfelt thanks for that trust and support. We hope, in turn, we’ve made it all worthwhile for you and your clients.
Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to make this industry the greatest there is!
On behalf of all of us at Collette, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU… 104 times over and over. Is that enough? Definitely not. So we’ll continue to show you our thanks in every way and every day.”
“Uncompromising, Passionate and Always Advocating”
Sherwin Banda, President, African Travel, Inc., part of The Travel Corporation
“The benefit of working with a Travel Advisor has never been more obvious, especially after living through a global pandemic.
For luxury clients, a skilled Travel Advisor is a must. Travel Advisors are uncompromising, passionate and always advocating for their clients.
We value our relationship with our luxury Advisors, and they will continue to be our biggest strategic partners.
Travel Advisors sell more than just travel. They sell their personal knowledge and experience. During the pandemic, many Advisors increased confidence in travelling abroad through their own travels. We have hosted many Advisors and their companions in Africa and their journeys have inspired their clients to want to go to Africa.
We look forward to working with more Canadian Advisors to show why Africa needs to move off everyone’s dream list and become a reality.”
