Air Canada Vacations (ACV) showcased its commitment to the travel industry with an impressive Jamaica MegaFAM, a four-day event from November 14-17, 2023. This initiative brought together over 130 travel agents from across Canada, reinforcing their dedication to enhancing agent knowledge and understanding of product offerings in Jamaica.
Unprecedented Demand for Travel Agents
While many companies reduce their MegaFAM initiatives, Air Canada Vacations is embracing the opportunity to elevate the travel experience. This approach aligns with their mission to support travel professionals during a time of resurgence in travel demand. Marigold Frontuna, GM Sales for Western Canada at ACV, emphasized this commitment by stating, "These special trips show our commitment to the industry when ACV takes an aircraft out of the regular rotation and dedicates it to travel agents."
By engaging agents directly with Jamaica’s attractions, ACV aims to enrich their product knowledge, empowering them to deliver personalized recommendations to clients seeking sun-soaked vacations. Familiarization trips are vital for agents to experience destinations firsthand and effectively communicate their unique offerings to travelers.
Insights from ACV Leadership
Earlier in the year, ACV hosted a successful MegaFAM in Curacao, leading to the decision to focus on Jamaica for its fall program. Erminia Nigro, ACV General Manager Sales, highlighted the surge in interest for destinations like Jamaica due to recent updates and renovations. "We’ve noticed a significant uptick, especially in destinations like Jamaica, with a flurry of new changes, updates, and renovations," she noted, further explaining their collaboration with hotel partners ensures they are offering the best experiences.
The Warmth of Jamaica
Dan Hamilton, the Jamaica Tourism Board’s district sales manager for Canada, echoed the sentiment that Jamaica is more than a picturesque getaway; it’s home to warm and welcoming people. He underscored the importance of Air Canada’s robust year-round flight options as a critical consideration for potential travelers. There are multiple Air Canada Rouge flights operating daily from major Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto to Montego Bay and Kingston.
Agent Experiences and Perspectives
With agents traveling from all corners of Canada, the enthusiasm to familiarize themselves with new ACV offerings and the Jamaican landscape was palpable. Travel agents expressed a desire to enhance their service quality by experiencing the properties firsthand. According to Karla Haygarth from Travel Only, this MegaFAM was an opportunity to understand ACV’s unique positioning and specifically its offerings in Jamaica.
Veteran agents like Cathy Sproule-Matieshin were also eager to explore new developments in resorts, while Mike Allard reflected on Jamaica’s impactful marketing and cultural pride, which adds considerable value to the travel experience.
Impressive Organization for Diverse Groups
Managing a MegaFAM with such a large group across multiple hotel properties demands careful planning. ACV meticulously organized participants into Teams A, B, and C, to ensure personalized experiences. Notably, one group focused specifically on Quebec, catering to the region’s unique market dynamics. Nick Theriault, the Area Sales Manager for Montreal and Northern Quebec, played an instrumental role in guiding Group B.
Playa Hotels and Resorts, a key partner in this MegaFAM, showcased its premium properties including Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, Jewel Grande, and Hilton Rose Hall.
Key Takeaways from Educational Sessions
Agents participated in educational sessions that emphasized ACV’s focus on sustainability and online resources. Key points included:
- ACV prioritizes sustainability, distributing no print materials during training sessions.
- Ongoing updates are provided through toolkits available online.
- Group bookings for fewer than 20 travelers are encouraged, promising enhanced commission structures.
- Destination Service representatives assist clients on the ground, available via WhatsApp.
- With Europe emerging as a hot travel destination for 2024, ACV expands its offerings in this region.
- Competitive car rental options are now available globally through ACV.
- Domestic travel within Canada and the U.S. continues to grow, offering exciting getaway opportunities.
- ACV features integrated flight and hotel bookings for cruise embarkation points.
The 2023 Jamaica MegaFAM reflects ACV’s commitment to empowering travel agents, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to effectively market this vibrant Caribbean destination. For further details on their offerings, visit the Air Canada Vacations website.
