TORONTO — Joel Danyluk won Contiki’s ‘Make Every Moment Count’ award eight years ago as a Saskatchewan university student, and his prize trip to Europe sparked his love of travel, and Contiki. We catch up with Danyluk, now Contiki’s Business Development and Sales Manager, Alberta and the Prairies, in this edition of Friday 5.
1. Can you tell us about the ‘Make Every Moment Count’ award you won 8 years ago as a university student?
“My journey with travel started in 2010 when I played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Each coach nominated the player who made the difference in their community and I was chosen to represent the SJHL and CAA Saskatchewan on a life-changing 10-day ‘European Magic’ adventure to Europe with Contiki.
2. How did that trip impact you?
“It was my first trip alone outside of Saskatchewan and the experience opened my eyes to meeting other like-minded people from around the world. I instantly fell in love with Contiki and had done multiple trips as a consumer before joining finally deciding to embark on a career with the brand.”
3. What do you love most about your job as Contiki’s Alberta & Prairies Sales and Business Development Manager?
“Aside from the obvious, which is to talk and promote Contiki and travel, I really love that I get to represent the regions where I have lived and played hockey in – which makes it easier to relate to the agents based in the smaller rural communities across the Prairies and Alberta.”
4. What are the agents you talk to most excited about when it comes to Contiki’s 2019 – 2020 program?
“The addition of Africa is very exciting because we are now truly a worldwide company. The Contiki difference in this region is definitely the accommodations, all hidden costs are covered such as internal flights and park permits, and virtually every meal is included. Contiki’s Africa adventures are once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences that also deliver value.”
5. What tips do you have for agents looking to sell off-season winter Europe tours?
“Europe is definitely sexy to travel in any season with either winter or summer.
“The benefits of travelling in the off-season are that there are fewer crowds and less lines as well as it is generally more affordable during the winter. What’s hot about Europe summer is that it’s the sunniest and most ‘grammable season for big cities, country sides, and small towns.
“Some key selling advice I would give is that clients may also like to add on small trips like our two- or four-day London Explorer trips because chances are they are already doing this and also make a great add-on for airfare, with easy access to London from all across Canada.”
