In an update to the trade, Air Canada Vacations' vice-president, Nino Montagnese announced 23FEB that the operator is making updates and changes to its group booking staffing and technology to help facilitate the process for advisors.
"We’re taking concrete steps to alleviate pressure for Group and Cruise bookings," the statement says.
He cites both human resources and technology to support advisors making group bookings, including:
- Hiring and training new agents to work in the ACV Call Centre to "reduce the wait times for Cruise bookings as well as to better support travel
agents looking to book Group packages;" - Transitioning Cruise and Group bookings to SoftVoyage; and
- In addition, ACV says it is "officially in the development phase of a Group Insta-Quoting tool."
"Our goal is to facilitate your day-to-day dealings for all your customers’ bookings, changes and inquiries for their Air Canada Vacations package," Montagnese adds.
"This will not only allow you to get instantaneous quotes for your upcoming Group bookings, but it will also aim to alleviate Air Canada Vacations representatives so that there is an increased capacity and ability to serve you and answer your questions."
Montagnese pointed to enhanced communications and tools for advisors that include the company's recent 'toolkits.' A Sun Travel Agent Toolkit was launched in SEP of 2022, joined by a Travel Agent Toolkit for Europe this year.
"These toolkits are meant to equip you with all the resources you need to plan your customers’ next dream trip and are available through your Area Sales Managers. In addition, our ASMs remain active and at your disposal on our Inner Circle Facebook group so that you are consistently in the know about upcoming promotions, incentives and trainings."
The news comes as ACV launched a group booking incentive program for advisors, as Open Jaw has reported. According to Montagnese, "This exclusive program was built to facilitate Group bookings by allowing you to merge your files to create group travel of 10 passengers or more all while letting you use the self-serve tools available to you. Travel professionals can earn 2% bonus commission on Book Your Own Group files and can take advantage of our convenient connectors. For a limited time, your customers will receive our CareFree travel protection for free and travel professionals have the chance to earn one air seat for every 30 passengers booked via the Book Your Own Group program."
