MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is celebrating the triumphant return of its Training Academy, held recently for the first time since 2019.

With a special focus on cruising, the week-long event departed the port of Miami on April 20 for the Caribbean, with 80 travel professionals from across the TDC network on board Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. The cruise made stops in three countries, and returned home on April 26.

“I’m really proud to say that TDC is a pioneer in Canada in its association with Virgin Voyage,” says Sandra Wesson, TDC’s Director of Product and Industry Relations. “We were the first network in Canada to offer a familiarization trip on this distinctive cruise line, and we’re back at it again this time by being the first Canadian network to organize a training academy onboard one of their unique ships.

“Given the phenomenal growth in the popularity of cruises among Canadian travellers, we wanted our very first training Academy in five years to focus on cruising. And the choice of partner to host it was simple. It was vital for us to expose our network members to the truly different experience Virgin Voyages offers: an inclusive, diverse, adults-only atmosphere, where the average age of passengers is 45, and where everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable cruise.”

According to Wesson, nearly 20 preferred partners participated in the event, the vast majority of which are cruise operators. The 80 travel professionals onboard were able to learn more about these cruise operators through more than 30 hours of in-depth training, product workshops and roundtable sessions. The TDC training team also conducted a dedicated sales session to provide agents with additional tools to better sell cruises.

Karine Gagnon, TDC’s General Manager, reiterated TDC’s commitment to training, noting the importance of TDC Campus, a training program of over 60 hours, offered in English and French.

“Accessible online on a tablet, computer, or smartphone, TDC Campus draws its strength from the fact that learning methods are varied and fun, encouraging learners to retain information and keep them motivated throughout their journey. For me, this is one of the major assets TDC offers its members; in this era of labour crisis, it’s essential for our members to be able to count on a wide variety of solid training options for all levels of travel professionals,” said Gagnon.