CANCUN — A delegation of 250 Transat Distribution (TDC) owners and managers made their way to Cancun recently for the company’s 2017 National Leadership Conference, a major undertaking that took more than a year to plan.

Taking place from May 11-15 in Cancun, the conference was opened by keynote speaker Bruce Poon Tip, who addressed the issue of tourism sustainability, consumer trends and the impact of travel on the global economy. And closing out the conference was Nicolas Duvernois, President and Founder of PUR Vodka, who highlighted his journey to becoming a world-class entrepreneur.

TDC also welcomed leaders from Atman and its Transat Human Resource Team who shared tools to recruit the right people for the job as well as consulted on HR managerial know-how. Also, Annick Guerard, President Transat Tours, was on hand to highlight the company’s plans and strategies, while Sam Patel, founder of AirNets and a TDC network member, shared his insights on the state of the airline industry, with special focus on how to make money selling airline tickets through TDC’s exclusive consolidator program.

“Our mission is the financial health of our network. This forum delved into products and strategies designed to meet the evolving consumer demands with a focus on agency profitability,” said Joe Adamo, President TDC. “To that end, we bring together leaders from our industry and external speakers who can add unique perspectives and insights. The members also shared best practices, one of our most appreciated sessions.”

Over 40 experts from 27 travel partners joined this year’s conference, all of who Susan Bowman, Vice President Marketing and Industry Relations, referred to as “preferred” partners. “It’s not just a label,” she said, “we commit to having win-win relationships.”

To recognize the ongoing commitment made by such partners, a celebration was held in their honour at the Dreams Playa Mujeres where they were presented with awards and prizes. TDC members with the highest support for the company’s preferred partners were also recognized.

Here are this year’s winners:

Distinguished Preferred Partner Support:

QUEBEC

• Multi-Office: Club Voyages Dumoulin
• Individual Office: Club Voyages Marinair

ONTARIO

• Multi-Office: Goliger’s TravelPlus Waterloo
• Individual Office: Marlin Travel Brantford

WEST

• Multi-Office: Marlin Travel Victoria
• Individual Office: Marlin Travel Burnaby

The Conference ended with a birthday party celebrating Transat’s 30th at the Paradisus La Perla Resort. Hosted by the Transat team, the party included trip giveaways and special recognition of TDC members.

Transat 2016 High Achievement Awards

• Highest Sales – National: Club Voyages Dumoulin
• Highest Group Sales – National: Club Voyages Orford
• Highest Sales Ontario: Goliger’s Travel Plus Waterloo, ON
• Highest Sales Increase Ontario: Marlin Travel, Bowmanville, ON
• Highest Sales Western Canada: Marlin Travel, Regina, SK
• Highest Sales Increase Western Canada: Transat Travel, Abbotsford, BC
• Highest Sales Quebec: Voyages Transat Carrefour Laval
• Highest Sales Increase Quebec: Voyages Mille et une nuit, Mascouche, QC