Travel advisors from the Greater Toronto area gathered on February 18 for Air Canada Vacations’ highly anticipated seminar titled “Dream Bigger, See the World.” This event marked a celebration of Air Canada Vacations’ milestone 50th anniversary while providing agents an overview of the company’s new offerings.
Celebrating Fifty Years of Travel
Erminia Gallina, Director of Sales for Air Canada Vacations, opened the seminar by expressing gratitude to the travel advisors for their dedication, especially during the challenges posed by recent winter weather and airline disruptions. She introduced the scope of Air Canada Vacations, which now services over 180 destinations globally.
Unveiling New Itineraries and Destinations
For 2023, Air Canada Vacations is presenting more than 200 itineraries in Europe alone. These options cater to various travel preferences, including self-guided trips, as well as multi-country tours, like the enticing island-hopping excursions in Greece. Gallina also highlighted the introduction of premium tours featuring exclusive perks like private transfers.
Unique Experiences and Cost-Effective Packages
Dianne Pedroso showcased a compelling price comparison, revealing that a nine-day trip to Italy through a competitor costs $4,849, while Air Canada Vacations offers the same package for just $3,239. Unlike competitors requiring a hefty 60% deposit, Air Canada Vacations only asks for a $250 deposit per person.
Top Destinations for 2023
The top-selling tours for 2023 include “Portugal North to South,” “Best of Greece,” and “Discover Italy.” New offerings also include “Paris and Beyond: Iconic Destinations,” “Sorrento and Ischia: A Tale of Two Coasts,” and “Amsterdam and More.” Additionally, Air Canada Vacations is expanding its reach into markets like North Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Israel, Costa Rica, and Chile.
Exciting New Partnerships and Offers
Andrea Arkell of Air Canada Vacations announced partnerships with 15 cruise lines, including recently added names like Virgin Voyages and Croisi Europe. The company is also set to launch numerous family-friendly trips to cities such as Brazil, Naples, and Colombia.
Sponsorships and Partner Highlights
The evening featured presentations from various sponsors, enhancing the knowledge base for travel advisors:
Tourism Ireland
Sandra Moffatt from Tourism Ireland emphasized that Canadians can now fly directly to Dublin from major cities like YYZ, YUL, and YVR. Moffatt also pointed out Ireland’s significant cultural milestones, including its history of progressive social policies, and noted exciting events throughout the year, particularly around PRIDE celebrations.
Celebrity Cruises
Brenda Yeomans from Celebrity Cruises spoke about the launch of their newest ships, highlighting features and the commencement of their river cruise offerings. Advisors were urged to consider booking through Air Canada Vacations to secure the best deals on cruise packages.
Tourism Australia
Lora Hamre, representing Tourism Australia, pointed out that the favorable exchange rate offers Canadians an opportune time to explore Australia. Highlighted experiences include wine tours and unique wildlife encounters, alongside exceptional cultural attractions.
Arabian Adventures
Sebastiano Campisi from Arabian Adventures discussed their extensive tour offerings in Dubai and surrounding regions, including upcoming travel packages that intertwine visits to breathtaking locales and luxurious stays.
Trip Oppo
Angela Chen focused on the appeal of small-group travel opportunities in Asia. With popular destinations like Vietnam and Japan, she noted that Trip Oppo’s excursions are designed for a variety of travelers including culture enthusiasts and families.
In conclusion, Air Canada Vacations continues to offer innovative and exciting travel options that empower travel advisors and enhance client experiences. With an array of new destinations and partnerships, the future looks bright for aspiring travelers. For more details on Air Canada Vacations and its offerings, visit here.
