Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has officially launched its 2024 winter product line in Vancouver on September 4, kicking off an exciting month of events across the country. The launch featured engaging entertainment, delicious food, and a sold-out supplier trade show, attracting a bustling crowd of over 400 travel advisors. This event highlighted ACV’s evolution beyond traditional beach vacations, showcasing a diverse range of global travel products.
“We’re presenting the world today,” stated Nino Montagnese, Vice President of Air Canada Vacations, emphasizing the company’s broadening portfolio that now includes numerous destinations and experiences. Over 50 suppliers participated in the event, including key partners such as Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and prominent hotel and cruise line representatives from brands like Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Sandals Beaches & Resorts, Royal Caribbean International, and Princess Cruises.
New Travel Collections and Technology Enhancements
Montagnese explained that the Vancouver launch marks the beginning of an exciting year characterized by innovative products, new routes, and enhanced technology tailored to assist travel professionals. “We’re not just promoting sun destinations,” he noted, as the ACV team unveiled their latest collections, emphasized a digital-focused social media strategy, and rolled out improved self-serve tools for travel agents.
Exclusive Perks for Sandals Resorts Customers
In collaboration with title sponsors Sandals and Beaches Resorts, ACV announced a fantastic offer: free connector flights for clients traveling from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax through Toronto Pearson International Airport when booking any Sandals vacation in Jamaica through ACV. This can reduce costs by approximately $400 per ticket, making Caribbean vacations more accessible and appealing for Canadian travelers.
The growing popularity of Caribbean destinations is reflected in ACV’s newly released winter travel collection, which offers over 600 warm-weather travel options spanning around 60 destinations. This includes hundreds of cruise itineraries catering to various traveler preferences.
Comprehensive Travel Agent Toolkits
The launch introduced a series of digital brochures as part of ACV’s Travel Agent Toolkits. These brochures provide step-by-step guides showcasing available hotels and flight schedules at a glance. In addition to the Sun Collection, ACV has curated guides for European and Asian travel, matching vacation styles to the ideal resorts or cruise experiences based on categories such as Luxe, Family, Boutique, EcoLabel, Adults Only, and LGBTQ2+.
Expanding Tours to Asia and Europe
As part of its ongoing commitment to broadening options, Air Canada Vacations is set to enhance its tour portfolio with offerings in Asian countries like India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Moreover, new guided tours and beach holidays across Europe are being introduced, along with multi-country tours expected to launch soon.
Innovative Technology for Travel Agents
Air Canada Vacations is also implementing advanced self-service tools on its website, improving the experience for travel agents. These tools allow agents to “work smarter, not harder,” according to Montagnese. The new Groups Quoting Tool, launched in January 2024, provides real-time quotes for sun destinations and allows for seamless management of multiple bookings, significantly enhancing the booking process for agents.
Customer Peace of Mind Initiatives
The ACV team reaffirmed its commitment to client satisfaction through its Vacation Promise, Cruise Promise, and CareFlex and Carefree programs, which ensure travelers embark on their journeys with confidence. The introduction of the Travel Agent Advisory Board facilitates valuable discussions and feedback from travel professionals, further strengthening ACV’s partnerships.
Engaging with Travelers on Social Media
With a launch of a new social-first campaign, ACV aims to inspire Canadians to dream bigger and explore the world. Travelers are encouraged to share their vacation moods on social media using the hashtag #MyVacationMood and tag @aircanadavacations for a chance to be featured on ACV’s platforms.
For a travel experience that goes beyond mere relaxation, Air Canada Vacations is setting the stage for unparalleled opportunities in 2024 and beyond. Travel professionals and enthusiasts alike can stay updated on ACV’s offerings to immerse themselves in diverse global experiences. More details can be found on the Air Canada Vacations website.
