On September 26, Air Canada Vacations (ACV) hosted its fifth and final **Dream Makers** event in Vaughan, Ontario, attracting a large audience of travel advisors, suppliers, and industry leaders. Notable attendees included Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, who highlighted the collaboration with travel agents that has been crucial for ACV’s growth.
The event featured engaging presentations by ACV executives, unveiling new destinations and options for the upcoming fall and winter season. The lineup includes a range of fresh tours and travel tools aimed at empowering Canadian travel advisors. Attendees also had the chance to win prizes, including $500 gift cards and complimentary trips to Europe.
Throughout this month, ACV’s Dream Makers events have united over 3,000 travel advisors across cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax, and Montreal. ACV Vice President Nino Montagnese emphasized the extensive network of flights and hotels available through Air Canada, highlighting the recent addition of strange yet attractive tours in Europe, Dubai, India, and Colombia.
Marigold Frontuna, General Manager of Sales for Western Canada, elaborated on the expanded options. “We’ve commenced offering tours to exotic destinations, ensuring we serve as a one-stop package for travel advisors and their clients,” she stated. New tours include locations like Tokyo, Brisbane, and Auckland.
In response to the growing demand for unique travel experiences, ACV plans to continually expand its offerings worldwide, including nine distinct tours in Australia and seven in Colombia. Director of Sales Erminia Gallina noted that this program is just the beginning, with a focus on new flights to Prague, Naples, and Porto.
The website of Air Canada Vacations is equipped with tools for advisors, offering vital information on various travel categories such as family vacations, golf trips, and luxury accommodations. Featuring the CareFree and CareFlex plans, ACV aims to ensure stress-free travel for clients while allowing agents to earn 20% commissions.
ACV’s upcoming winter schedule boasts over 100 daily departures, covering 37 sun-soaked destinations. Travelers can take advantage of complimentary connecting flights from major cities into Toronto Pearson when booking trips to Jamaica.
Notably, ACV is ramping up its non-stop flight offerings to popular U.S. destinations including New York City, Miami, and Las Vegas. For Europe enthusiasts, ACV has added non-stop flights to cities such as Munich, Venice, and Amsterdam, reflecting the growing interest in these destinations.
This year, ACV is introducing several new destinations including the Azores, Madeira, northern Italy, and Scandinavia, aiming to keep European travel relevant year-round.
Frontuna added, “We boast one of the best flight operations with superior entertainment options and high-speed Wi-Fi available to Aeroplan members during flights.”
Stewart’s segment during the event captivated the audience when he revealed that ACV has experienced a record-breaking week for bookings. He acknowledged the invaluable role of travel agents in ACV’s success, stating, “None of this growth is possible without your support.” His heartfelt gratitude towards ACV was evident as he reminisced about his upbringing intertwined with the travel industry.
Stewart also emphasized ongoing developments in Jamaica, including significant renovations and new property launches, strengthening Sandals’ presence in the Caribbean. He shared insights about the innovative Sandals 2.0 program aimed at enhancing guest experiences through improved room designs and culinary offerings.
Sandals currently operates 24 resorts across 10 islands, with further projects underway to enhance their portfolio. In his impactful speech, Stewart underscored, “We are committed to ensuring our properties are world-class and offer exceptional experiences, an investment supported by understanding prime real estate in the region.”
Stewart’s commitment to travel agents shone through during the event, highlighting that his long-standing relationship with ACV is a testament to his dedication towards the industry and its professionals.
The collaborative efforts between Air Canada Vacations and leading resorts like Sandals and Beaches underscore the continued growth and innovation in the travel sector. With a focus on enhancing advisor support and expanding destination offerings, ACV aims to redefine the travel experience for its clients.
