MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has announced a number of new regional preferred partners across Canada that the company says will help it meet the needs of both its travel professionals and customers.

According to Sandra Wesson, Director, Product and Industry Relations, in the last six months TDC has taken a closer look at the regional needs of its agencies. “We are listening to our network and want to give our travel professionals all of the tools and products they need to deliver best-in-class experiences to their customers,” she said.

A new preferred partnership with Exodus Travels has just been announced following an increase in demand for active trips “like cycling and trekking”, added Wesson, as well as numerous requests from agencies to work with the adventure operator.

“With more than 600 itineraries in over 100 countries, Exodus was a perfect fit for our adventure category,” said Wesson.

A similar partnership has also been launched in Quebec with Sentiers du Monde, which offers ‘voyages d’exception’, active bicycling, surfing and skiing trips, as well as Harley-Davidson motorcycle tours along the legendary U.S. Route 66. The company offers more than 400 departure points.

Another big trend is the self-drive market, says TDC, which is why it has also added Royal Irish Tours.

“Royal Irish offers so many different ways to see Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and we strongly believe the do-it-yourself options provide our travel professionals with a great way to advise customers on building their dream itinerary,” said Wesson.

Lastly, TDC has added Hanover Holidays to its Ontario portfolio; it offers escorted motorcoach tours in Canada and the U.S. with over 140 local pickup locations in Southwestern Ontario.