MONTREAL — A strong presence in the Canadian market from 2008 to 2020, Overseas Network has returned to this country after a pandemic hiatus.
Based in Miami and already operating 48 offices in 34 countries, Overseas Network has experienced exponential growth over the past 20 months and aims to continue expanding.
The company returned to Montreal this past spring, opening an office in the Quebec metropolis.
The high-end travel multinational works exclusively B2B and collaborates with travel advisors who can book directly on its online portal while being assisted by a team of experienced travel planners.
“Thus, an agency that receives a client request for a custom itinerary can contact us to handle the planning,” says Loïc Di Dio, Regional Director for Canada.
“Once the itinerary or package is completed, the agency can resell it under its brand; we do not resell these itineraries to others, including online travel agencies,” he adds.
The Overseas Network booking platform also gives advisors access to partner hotel inventories. “One of the advantages of working with us is that when the advisor books on our platform, all quality control steps have already been completed, ensuring better service for the traveler,” says Di Dio.
A GLOBAL NETWORK
Overseas Network already collaborates with 17,000 luxury agencies worldwide, distributed as follows: 50% in the U.S., 30% in Europe (mainly France, Switzerland, the UK, Spain, and Russia), 10% in South America (primarily Brazil), 5% in the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), and 5% in other destinations (India, Singapore and more), in addition to developing its presence in Canada and Mexico.
“We are also a preferred supplier for Virtuoso, the best luxury travel advisors and hotels in the world, and Serandipians – Traveller Made,” adds Di Dio. “And thanks to the high-end and luxury travel advisors within the network, we have access to an elite clientele.”
Overseas Network prides itself on having a strong network of contacts, he says. “Over the years, we have established long-term relationships with the best suppliers in the industry. Most importantly, we have dedicated travel professionals who genuinely care about creating unforgettable experiences that fully satisfy our clients.”
2026 WORLD CUP AS AN INCENTIVE
It is no coincidence that Overseas Network decided to return to Canada in 2024. Travel’s recovery is well underway, luxury tourism is booming, and above all, the company is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Toronto and Vancouver as well as several cities in the U.S. and Mexico, bringing a host of demands for luxury tourist services.
“We are partners in major FIFA sporting events, such as the Qatar World Cup in 2022 or the Copa América, but also in several major events, such as F1 in Las Vegas and Miami,” Di Dio.
“The goal of reopening our office in Canada,” he continues, “is to consolidate our offer there and present this country as an exemplary and highly secure destination, being close to our partners, especially in preparation for the next World Cup in 2026, and well beyond.”
INBOUND, AND OUTBOUND TOO
Overseas Network’s primary mission is inbound tourism.
That said, the tour operator operates on two axes, notes Di Dio.
“First, we create custom itineraries or packages for travel advisors, exclusively in B2B mode, which forms the core of our services,” he says.
“Our other mission will be to respond to requests from all Canadian agencies that will need our expertise and services for other destinations.”
COMMISSIONS AND ‘OX PRO’
Commissions with Overseas Network range around 10%, sometimes more. “With some of our hotel partners, travel advisors can earn up to 15% commission,” says Di Dio.
To facilitate their work, Overseas Network recently developed a technology that allows travel advisors to use “an exceptional booking tool.” It’s called OX Pro.
“And this is just the beginning, because with this tool, it will soon be possible to book very niche services and products, such as private jets, ultra-luxurious houses and apartments, etc., directly by consulting the real-time offer on our platform,” says Di Dio.
PRESTIGIOUS CLIENTS & PARTNERS
Among other clients, Overseas Network counts Qatar Airways Holidays, with which it partners for all combined flight and hotel stays in the U.S., and also Black Tomato, Pro Travel International, Bru & Bru Travel, BookitBox Travel, and Brio Travel.
The tour operator also deals with some of the most beautiful hotels in the world (including those of Intercontinental, Fairmont, Hyatt, and Hilton), as well as luxury chalets, boutique hotels, exceptional lodges, and international class urban hotels. “The best of Canada for the most demanding clients” says Di Dio.
“Our contacts around the world guarantee exceptional trips, but also impressive expertise, attitude, and network of contacts,” says Loïc Di Dio. “Among our flagship destinations are the entire American continent – this is where our expertise was born – Europe, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. We can therefore serve as a point of contact in Canada to connect our clients with experts in all these regions.”
Overseas Network can also manage corporate events and incentive trips for companies, thanks to teams accustomed to handling projects from A to Z, he adds.
Loïc Di Dio
GETTING TO KNOW DI DIO
Originally from Grenoble, France, and with more than 15 years of experience in high-end custom travel in Europe and Canada, Di Dio joined Overseas Network last January.
Previously, he was an agency director, product manager, customer relations director, and consultant, as well as deputy director of Voyageurs du Monde Canada. At Overseas Network, he will not remain alone for long: “We will soon be recruiting sellers and have great ambitions in Canada,” he says.
Di Dio can be reached by email at loic@overseasnetwork.com. For more information on Overseas Network see overseasnetwork.com.
This article originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group
