TravelBrands is currently navigating a significant decline in cross-border travel from Canada to the U.S., a trend that’s affecting numerous travel retailers and wholesalers nationwide. "The decline in bookings to the U.S. is definitely substantial, to be honest, and it’s been that way since February,” remarked the company’s spokesperson, Tanious.
In response to these challenges, TravelBrands is focusing on enhancing support for travel advisors through its Agent Appreciation events. This year, the events showcase a range of new tools, resources, and incentives designed to empower travel professionals in a shifting market landscape.
Innovative Features for Travel Advisors
TravelBrands has introduced a new hotel switch feature, which offers agents access to a broader array of promotions, competitive rates, and product options. The company is placing a strong emphasis on the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a standard set by IATA, aimed at transforming ticket pricing and availability in the airline industry.
For travel advisors who assist clients with multi-destination trips, the new multi-destination booking functionality, launched on October 1, simplifies the process. Agents can now combine up to nine cities in a single booking. “This transforms complex trips into seamless bookings. For instance, a traveler can enjoy a journey that includes two nights in Paris, three in Rome, and two in Milan—all with flights, accommodations, and car rentals managed effortlessly,” Tanious explained. Previously, managing such intricate itineraries required tedious phone calls, but now the process is streamlined and efficient.
Enhanced Personalization and Global Reach
TravelBrands has also improved its offerings by allowing agents to personalize air documents with their agency’s logo, enhancing brand visibility. Additionally, starting October 1, the company’s Exotik product lineup is now available through ACCESS+, encompassing destinations such as Italy, Japan, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
Furthermore, on October 14, travel advisors will have access to Emma, TravelBrands’ new AI-powered assistant. Emma provides 24/7 assistance, allowing agents to retrieve invoices and electronic documents whenever needed, streamlining operations significantly.
Embracing AI in Travel Planning
When discussing the impact of AI on travel planning, Tanious emphasized that there’s “nothing to fear.” She stated, “AI will make things faster, easier, and simpler for travel advisors. Customers still want the expertise they receive from working with a travel advisor.” This reflects a growing trend where advisors enhance their service offerings using new technologies while maintaining the indispensable human touch.
Loyalty Rewards and Support for Travel Advisors
As part of its commitment to supporting travel agents, TravelBrands has also introduced enhancements to its Loyalty Rewards Program, which now features lower redemption thresholds, no caps on group bookings, and additional benefits.
In closing, Tanious reassured travel advisors with a message of support: “We’re here for you. And you’ll be around for a very long time.”
With these enhancements and tools, TravelBrands aims to adjust to the changing landscape of travel while empowering agents to deliver exceptional service to their clients. For more information on TravelBrands and its offerings, visit the TravelBrands website.
