TORONTO — New tour operator WestJet Vacations Québec launched this morning at Sunwing Vacations Group’s headquarters, and Travelweek was there.
Travelweek’s Chris Kinasz spoke to Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO, WestJet Group, and also Andrew Dawson, President, Sunwing Vacations Group, to get their take on the new venture.
Deana Murphy, Vice President, Sales & Business Development for Sunwing Vacations Group; Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO, WestJet Group; Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Sunwing Vacations Group; Andrew Dawson, President, Sunwing Vacations Group; and Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Partner Development, Sunwing Vacations Group
Lyne Chayer
As reported earlier today, WestJet Vacations Québec will specialize in all-inclusive vacations to some 20 sun destinations exclusively for Quebec travellers. Departures will start in November, with package vacations available from three Quebec gateways to hundreds of resorts (including partners like Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotel Group, Princess Hotels & Resorts and many more), serviced by 13 sun destination airports.
Sunwing Vacations Group’s VP, Québec, Lyne Chayer noted that WestJet Vacations Québec will be offering bonus commission to agents. “We are thrilled to offer an additional 2% commission to travel advisors as a special, introductory offer to celebrate this important launch and thank them for their ongoing dedication to supporting our mutual clients,” said Chayer. The bonus commission is available on client bookings made until July 31.
INTERVIEWS WITH VON HOENSBROECH & DAWSON
Travelweek’s Kinasz first spoke to WestJet Group CEO von Hoensbroech.
“We want to grow in Quebec. It’s a very important market for us, and we want to do it with all the brands we have. It means increased choice for our guests, and that’s what we want. If they want a bargain deal, or be in a more upscale environment, we can offer it all. We want to create more choice for people from Quebec, with these two brands and also with the growing network of places that we fly to,” said von Hoensbroech.
“Right now WestJet Vacations isn’t active in Quebec, while Sunwing is very active,” he added. “In our market research we’re seeing that there’s very little overlap between people who book Sunwing and people who book WestJet Vacations. And with that in mind, if we want to grow our footprint in Quebec, it actually makes sense to be active with both brands.”
He told Kinasz he expects the new program to take off fast. “We think it’s going to kick off pretty quickly. We will have a meaningful network in place in Quebec for the next winter, and this is going to be sold through both Sunwing and WestJet Vacations’ channels.”
Meanwhile Dawson told Kinasz: “The idea is to get every synergy possible between the two businesses and really elevate both brands at the same time. We’ve brought in additional products that WestJet Vacations sells in the rest of Canada, to the province of Quebec, where they haven’t been for a few years. So it’s about reintroducing those product lines to Quebec.”
Dawson had this to say to the company’s travel agent partners: “We’re really grateful for the support that they give to Sunwing already, throughout the country but especially today when we’re talking about Quebec. And for those agents we now offer more products under the WestJet Vacations banner which they can market to their clients.”
And what about selling tips? Says Dawson: “Just get familiar with the agent portal which will have both brands under it. And get to see how the product splits between the two brands.”
The best part is that agents can enjoy an introductory bonus commission incentive, as they get acquainted with the new product.
BOOKINGS OPEN NOW
Québec clients can start booking WestJet Vacations Québec packages starting today. Departures will operate from from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and Saguenay-Bagotville Airport.
WestJet Vacations Québec is currently offering 20 destinations across Cuba, the D.R., Jamaica, Mexico, St. Maarten, Costa Rica and Panama.
New destinations will be added in future based on customer demand.
The new tour operator noted that Tulum is a brand-new airport and a must-visit for Mexico-bound travellers.
BONUS COMMISSION
WestJet Vacations Québec is offering 8% commission for all WestJet Vacations Québec client bookings made through travel advisors’ booking engine or through WestJet Vacations Québec’s Reservations Sales Centre.
As an added incentive, the tour operator is providing an additional 2% commission on WestJet Vacations Québec client bookings made May 14 – July 31, 2024 for travel Nov. 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025, for a total of 10% commission during the promotional window.
Agents can contact the WestJet Vacations Québec Sales Centre at 1-877-665-6045 for specific questions or guidance, with fees waived for Sales Centre support until August 14, 2024, if the inquiry is specific to WestJet Vacations Québec bookings.
Travel advisors will also find up-to-date information on flights for the 2025 winter season, along with destinations and resort partners available to clients online at VacancesWestJetQuebec.com and on the Sunwing Vacations Group Agent Portal, along with Frequently Asked Questions to assist them in the research and booking phases.
“We very much value the cooperation with our trade partners. We know how crucial our trade partners are in selling our product. We see this as a partnership and we encourage our partners to see it the same way and work together for mutual success,” von Hoensbroech told Travelweek.
Here’a a look at the winter flight schedules for WestJet Vacations Québec …
Quebec City and Saguenay-Bagotville Departures
With files from Chris Kinasz
