MISSISSAUGA — Over 1,500 registered travel agents and 70 suppliers are taking part in TravelBrands’ cross-country agent appreciation events, which kicked off in the Greater Toronto Area last night.

The events, taking place this week and next, showcase the innovative new changes to TravelBrands’ Access platform, where agents can make bookings, access marketing tools and webinars, make payments and much more.

Erminia Nigro, Director of Sales, Ontario, TravelBrands

“The goal is to offer travel agents the latest technology to help them work smarter, not harder as well as make their bookings faster with more money!” said Frank DeMarinis, President and CEO of TravelBrands.

What’s New on the Access online platform:

• The new My Bookings Page provides travel agents access to their files, applying payment, file status, forms, agency commission, their BDM information and more, all in a single space
• A Live Chat function will pop up throughout the website to help with technical questions
• Flexibility with the Multi-destination functionality has been added for land only and packages
• Air enhancements include filters on search for class, connections and carriers, as well as -/+ 3-day day searches for lowest fares
• E-flyers and other marketing tools that can be personalized

“We are all about travel agents! This past year I challenged the team to come up with a strategy that would empower our travel partners, one that focuses on the agent community and provides the tools essential to closing a sale,” added DeMarinis. “At the end of the day, time is precious and our role is to help our retail partners maximize every minute of every day. Whether you are looking for an air ticket, accommodation, hotels, tours or car rentals, we have it all and so much, all in one simple transaction.”

Other enhancements include increasing the “We’ve Got Your Back” call centre hours to 24/7, allowing clients to call with any issues while in destination and not bother agents during off hours.

TravelBrands also showed off its new brochure, Experiences by Sunquest, featuring a collection of niche products and special experiences like yoga and chocolate tours. These are broken down into the following categories: Cruise, Incredible Rooms, Amazing Views, Back to Nature, Amazing Islands and Historic.

In addition, the company is introducing a new Europe brochure that focuses on hotels, cars and cruises. It encompasses the complete suite of products available through TravelBrands including a spread on Exotik Tours and its diverse selection. Plus, Lujure luxury villas vacations are now available under the TravelBrands umbrella.

Agent appreciation events continue this week in Ottawa and Montreal, and next week out West.