On May 3rd, travel advisors from the Greater Toronto Area gathered to celebrate National Travel Advisor Day at TTC Tour Brands’ exciting casino-themed Travel Advisor Appreciation Event. Hosted at the Arcadian Court, the evening was filled with exhilarating gaming, camaraderie, and gratitude.
Advisors from each province in Canada participated, starting the event with $300 worth of chips to wager. The stakes were high as they rolled the dice, spun the wheels, and hoped for luck, exchanging their chips for raffle tickets to win gift bags from one of TTC’s six brands.
Melissa DaSilva, President of TTC Tour Brands, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing the significance of their collaboration. “We wouldn’t exist without our partners. Our travel agent partners are our strength,” she stated. DaSilva noted that 80 to 85 percent of sales at TTC Tour Brands are attributed to their travel advisor partners.
The casino theme was emblematic of the variety and opportunities available within TTC’s offerings. “When you work with TTC Tour Brands, no matter what your clients are looking for, we have something perfect for them,” DaSilva elaborated. “It doesn’t matter what cards you have in your hand; we’ll make your hand better.”
Strong Financial Performance in 2023
TTC Tour Brands reports impressive results, significantly exceeding its sales expectations for 2023. “Canada has been recovering faster than we anticipated, and our partners’ ongoing support has played a critical role,” DaSilva remarked. She initially projected a substantial drop compared to 2019, but the actual numbers indicate a robust rebound, with Canadian travelers spending more and traveling longer.
Additionally, the Make Travel Matter initiative will now feature conscious travel experiences across all TTC brands by the end of 2023, surpassing the original goal of 50 percent. “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do,” DaSilva confirmed.
TTC’s Strategic Realignment
In March 2022, TTC Tour Brands underwent a significant reorganization to streamline its operations and better support travel advisors. The initiative consolidated six tour brands under one umbrella and optimized leadership structures. “The goal was to eliminate competition among our brands, ensuring a diverse product offering that meets every traveler’s needs,” DaSilva explained.
This reorganization has provided travel advisors with a single point of contact for inquiries, enhanced technology for bookings, and a dedicated team to support their needs. The TTC Agent Academy serves to further equip advisors with resources, including comprehensive guides and customer personas, to better match clients with suitable travel experiences.
Insights into the TTC Brand Portfolio
DaSilva provided insightful details about each of TTC’s six brands and their target markets:
- CostSaver: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who prefer customization.
- Trafalgar: Focused on family travelers seeking good value and local experiences.
- Insight: Aimed at premium experience seekers who appreciate culture and history.
- Luxury Gold: Tailored for travelers wanting five-star accommodations and included amenities.
- Brendan Vacations: New to Canada, offering guided and self-drive experiences in Ireland and Scotland.
- Contiki: Targets young adults aged 18 to 35 looking for adventure and social connections.
Essential Selling Tips for Travel Advisors
During the event, DaSilva shared valuable advice for travel advisors to enhance their sales skills:
- Ask Probing Questions: Understanding client intentions can lead to better recommendations.
- Utilize Your Support Team: Leverage resources available through sales managers and inside teams.
- Encourage Early Booking: Advise clients to secure their travel plans early to avoid inflated prices.
As the travel industry continues to adapt and grow, events like this serve as a reminder of the essential partnerships that enable success and innovation in the sector. With future initiatives promising even more opportunities for travel advisors, the road ahead looks bright for TTC Tour Brands and its partners.
