TORONTO — From airlines, to cruise lines, to tour operators and more, suppliers across Canada are showing their gratitude to travel advisors with special giveaways, incentives and more for Travel Agent Day 2024.
Here’s a round up of deals, agent rates and more from more than a dozen travel companies, with more to come as the updates roll in …
ACTA
ACTA is celebrating Travel Advisor Month with a series of workshops and a special Wellness Challenge. ACTA will be hosting online Business Building Workshops sponsored by Princess Resorts, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Air Canada to help advisors get ahead in their businesses. Workshops will be available on demand until June 6 for those unable to attend the live dates. ACTA is also promoting wellness challenges this month. Agents participating in the workshops or the wellness challenges will be eligible to win prizes. See ACTA.ca.
AIR CANADA & AIR CANADA VACATIONS
Air Canada and ACV have teamed up to offer a big contest for Travel Agent Day 2024.
“One day isn’t enough. What we want to do it show you our appreciation all month long,” says Nino Montagnese, VP, Air Canada Vacations, in a new Travel Agent Day video with Vincent Gauthier-Doré, Managing Director, Canada and USA Sales, Air Canada.
Travel advisors can nominate a fellow travel agent who consistently goes above and beyond for clients, and be entered for a chance to win a dream destination prize package. The prize for the winning nominator includes two economy tickets to any Air Canada destination, a $2,500 ACV future travel voucher, and two Maple Leaf Lounge one-time passes. The prize for the winning nominee is 100,000 Aeroplan points.
There’s a draw each week for the next four weeks. For more details and for contest entry forms go to: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/special-offers/agent-appreciation.html#/
AFRICAN TRAVEL, INC.
In celebration of Global Travel Advisor Day, African Travel, Inc. (ATI) is rewarding travel agents with a $50 e-gift card for every new custom safari booking made and deposited May 1 – 31. The incentives will be disbursed in June 2024.
Advisors also have the opportunity to participate in ATI’s African Travel Educational Program by joining FAM trips, which are scheduled throughout the year. Additionally, they can explore Africa with their loved ones at a time and date of their preference with up to a 30% discount on all 2024 tailor-made itineraries offering 40 unique journeys. When they have secured 5+ bookings, advisors can travel with three guests.
ATI’s Travel Advisor Guide is designed to assist advisors in closing sales. The guide includes resources such as FAQs, downloadable itineraries, videos and more.
ATI will relaunch its Advisor Academy e-learning program later this year in line with its 2025 brochure.
AIRNETS INTERNATIONAL
All Airnets Rewards will be doubled for May 1 and May 2, in appreciation for travel advisors. Airnets International can be reached at info@airnetsinternational.com.
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AMAWATERWAYS
In celebration of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month and to show their gratitude for the support of travel advisors, AmaWaterways has announced new FAM opportunities for travel advisors, a booking incentive and opportunities to win a complimentary cruise during each Webinar Wednesday throughout the month of May.
Also unveiled are new Seminar on the River cruises hosted by BDMs and members of the leadership team plus additional FAM cruises on departure dates extending until November.
For the first time ever, AmaWaterways is also offering travel partners special industry rates to experience its Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary with a selection of departure dates offered May 3 – June 21. The 11-night cruise and land program, which includes the 7-night river cruise on board AmaDahlia and newly launched AmaLilia, plus three nights pre-cruise and one-night post-cruise in Cairo, is offered to travel partners starting from Cdn$3,621 per person*.
As a special thank you for their loyalty and dedication, all travel advisors attending Webinar Wednesdays during the month of May will be entered into a weekly draw to win a complimentary European river cruise for two. On June 4, travel advisors who attend all five Webinar Wednesday sessions and create a co-branded website with AmaWaterways will be placed in the draw to win a complimentary cruise for two on board AmaWaterways’ flagship, AmaMagna. As another thank you during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, advisors will also earn a $25 gift card for each new reservation made in May for travel in 2024 or a $50 gift card for new bookings departing in July, August or November 2024.
Whether new to the travel industry or a veteran travel advisor, Webinar Wednesdays, held each week at 1:30 p.m. EDT, provide travel partners with up-to-date product information, promotion details and the best marketing tools to grow their river cruise sales with AmaWaterways. For a chance to win a Europe river cruise, travel partners are invited to register in advance for the special May sessions at AmaWaterways’ Travel Advisor Portal.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
In keeping with Celebrity Cruises’ latest campaign, the cruise line wants travel advisors to know that ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to the level of appreciation the company has for its retail partners. To say thank you, the cruise line is elevating Travel Agent Day to the whole month of May.
Travel Advisor Appreciation Month incentives and promotions include …
WIN Social Giveaways
Across eight days, between May 1 – May 10, daily videos from Celebrity Cruises’ employees will reward over 100 travel advisors with gifts worth more than $15,000 in value. Travel advisors can join Facebook private group – The Celebrity Commitment to Our Travel Partners – to be in the running.
WIN a Celebrity Cruise
Travel advisors who engage in various activities throughout Travel Agent Appreciation month, and complete this survey, will be in the running to win a Celebrity Cruise for two people.
WIN a Galapagos sailing
Agents who book three staterooms, with at least one being a Galapagos sailing, throughout the month of May will be in the running to experience the Galapagos first-hand, valued at $20,000. More information, including full competition terms and conditions, available here.
EARN Double Rewards
Travel advisors can earn more with double Celebrity Rewards points on offer for every booking made between May 1 – May 10. More information available here.
NEW: Onboard and Shore excursion bookings on CruisingPower
Hearing travel advisor feedback, Celebrity now offers the ability to purchase onshore and onboard experiences directly from the Cruise Planner tool on CruisingPower.com. Seamlessly plan client vacations end-to-end in less time via CruisingPower.com and BookEspresso.com.
NEW: Insider Focus Groups
Celebrity wants to hear from travel advisors! The new Insider Focus Group program invites travel advisors to virtually share their feedback and experiences directly with Celebrity Cruises’ leadership. To participate, complete this form to schedule a meeting with a Celebrity executive.
The Celebrity Commitment
Providing a one-stop-shop for all resources required to book elevated vacations for clients, The Celebrity Commitment houses offers, information, tools, and resources
Seas Today
A special 3-part marketing series will take place May 14 – 16 to help travel advisors gain a better understanding of marketing in today’s world.
For further information on Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, details of Celebrity Rewards and the Celebrity Learning Program, advisors should visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com. Advisors can also contact Celebrity Cruises’ North America Sales Team or Trade Support Team should they need help, advice, or training.
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CIE TOURS
CIE Tours is celebrating Travel Agent Appreciation Month this May by offering travel advisors as much as 50% savings on tours to Ireland and beyond.
From May 1 – 31, travel advisors can save 50% when booking any CIE Tours guided vacation to Ireland for departures July 1 – Dec. 31. For advisors inviting a non-agent to share a room, the companion will save 30%. All other CIE Tours destinations are offered at 30% savings for both agents and their companion sharing the same room. To book, advisors can complete the request form at www.cietours.com/travel-advisor-day, contact CIE Tours by email at helpdesk@cietours.com, use online chat at cietours.com, or call 800-243-8687.
Specific to Canadian travel advisors, CIE Tours is offering one advisor and their guest a chance to win a seven-night Taste of Ireland guided vacation plus airfare. For every booking deposited May 1 – Nov. 30, agents will earn one entry into the drawing. Each month, one random entry will be selected and awarded a piece of luxury Waterford crystal. For additional details, contact CIE Tours’ BDM for Canada, Jenn Bond.
COLLETTE
With Collette’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Month giveaway, two advisors, one from Canada and one from the U.S., will win a $5,000 voucher that can be used towards a Collette tour of their choice.
For the entire month of May, agents will be entered into the draw each time they book a client on one a Collette tour.
The winners, who will be announced in early June, can combine their $5,000 credit with Collette’s Advisor Travel Program, which offers a 50% discount, as well as 25% for companions when booking a tour.
Collette is also letting advisors help their clients take advantage of extra savings. All month, they will be able to offer a $100 tour add-on credit per person.
EXPEDIA GROUP / EXPEDIA TAAP
Expedia Group is celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting events worldwide to appreciate its Expedia TAAP partners. These exclusive events include breakfasts, lunches, and evening gatherings in Canada as well as the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy, totaling 16 events on three continents. During these gatherings, Expedia Group will introduce new products and expand existing services on its global booking platform connecting travel advisors to a wide range of offerings.
Of note: following the success of the TAAP Rewards program in the U.S., this month Expedia Group will be expanding the travel advisor loyalty program to Canada and Mexico. The loyalty program rewards advisors for choosing to book with Expedia TAAP, offering them the opportunity to earn reward points on lodging bookings, which can be redeemed for gift cards from top retailers.
HX (HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS)
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is rolling out a suite of initiatives to celebrate Travel Agent Day.
Here’s a look at what’s on offer …
Travel Advisor Appreciation Antarctica Giveaway
HX is announcing its Antarctica Giveaway, running throughout the month of May. Travel advisors are invited to participate by joining the new HX Travel Partners, Americas Facebook page – a private group tailored for travel advisors – and registering with HX’s agent portal voyage for a chance to embark on an expedition experience in Antarctica. For every Antarctica cabin booked in May, agents will receive an additional three entries.
To enter, agents must join the HX Travel Partners, Americas Facebook page and sign up for HXs agent portal voyage by May 31. Existing members of the HX Travel Partners Facebook page and agent portal are eligible. For each Antarctica cabin booked by May 31 (regardless of sailing date), agents will receive an additional three entries. The prize includes cabin accommodations and flights for one agent to join an Antarctica voyage in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
‘Sell 5, Sail Free’ B2B Incentive
Travel advisors booking between April 15 and Dec. 31, 2024, for trips in 2024 and 2025, can earn a complimentary voyage up to 14 days with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, excluding itineraries with Machu Picchu. The offer extends exclusively to the travel advisor, with guests in the same cabin paying the advisor rate. Bookings must be made by Dec. 31, 2024, and the incentive voyage must be completed by March 31, 2026, subject to availability and other terms and conditions.
Increased Commission: 25% in Antarctica and Galapagos
HX has announced a commission increase to 25% on all Antarctica bookings, complementing the existing 25% commission on Galapagos bookings. Bookings must be made between April 15 and August 31, 2024, for sailings scheduled from October 2024 to Dec. 31, 2025.
New B2B Help Desk
Starting May 6, HX is introducing a dedicated B2B Help Desk operational from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST Monday to Friday. The new phone line will provide personalized support and offline assistance for advisors, enhancing the booking experience for trade partners. Agents can contact the new Help Desk at 1-866-312-6791.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched a suite of offers and incentives for Travel Advisors in Canada and the U.S. in honour of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month.
Clients can save up to US$4,500 per guest on sailings in The Exotics Edition offer, while travel advisors can earn more with a $100 Gift Card incentive on select European 2024 sailings, $400 Double Bonus Commission by completing a new RSSC University degree, and also experience Regent for themselves through an extended Sell & Sail incentive. Furthermore, travel advisors may utilize the additional selling tool of a $500 shipboard credit per suite by watching a dedicated Immersive Overnights webinar.
For more information, full terms and conditions and to claim their incentives, travel advisors should visit RSSC.com/agent, or call 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-873-2381), or contact a Regent Sales Representative.
RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES
Riviera River Cruises will offer booking incentives throughout the month of May.
Through the incentives, advisors can earn a complimentary cabin on a 2024 European river cruise, as well as a 5% bonus commission for every cabin booked on 2024 departures. Riviera will also hold two webinars in May and advisors who attend will be entered into drawings for a US$500 gift card.
Advisors who book any three cabins aboard departures of eight days or more in 2024 at retail during the month of May will receive a complimentary cabin of their own. The incentive is limited to one complimentary cabin aboard a 2024 departure per advisor on a space-available basis, and excludes bookings of single supplement-free cabins and solo traveller cruises.
And for every cabin advisors book aboard departures in 2024 at retail during the month of May, they’ll receive a 5% bonus commission (excluding bookings of single supplement-free cabins and solo traveller cruises).
Riviera will hold webinars to discuss its product and promotions with advisors on May 2 and May 15. Advisors who attend will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card after each webinar.
For more information about Riviera River Cruises see https://www.rivierarivercruises.com/.
SANDALS RESORTS & BEACHES RESORTS
In celebration of Global Travel Advisor Day 2024, Unique Vacations Canada Inc, an affiliate of the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, has announced the following …
Limited Time, Enhanced Bonus Cash Incentive
For all new bookings of six nights or longer made with Unique Vacations Canada Inc. between May 1 – 31 (for travel at any Sandals or Beaches resort through Dec. 26) Canadian travel advisors will be eligible to receive an enhanced bonus cash commission …
- US$200 booking bonus on Butler Suites
- US$150 booking bonus on Club/Concierge Level Rooms
- US$75 booking bonus on Luxury/Deluxe Rooms
Sandals has also revealed newly designed car wraps for travel advisors. “In a world where every impression counts, standing out is not just an option, it’s imperative,” said Gary C. Sadler. Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations, Unique Vacations Inc. “As travel advisors traverse through the heart of our cities, every mile leaves a lasting impression, sparking conversations and engagement wherever they go. This program is not just about wrapping our vehicles; it’s about wrapping ourselves in the spirit of innovation and boldness.”
Sadler added: “From the brand’s inception, we have always recognized that travel advisors are the heartbeat of our industry. We not only express our sincerest gratitude for their unwavering commitment today, but every day.”
For more details on all Sandals Resorts Travel Advisor Programs, agents are asked to call their local Sandals BDM or Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283 or visit the Sandals Travel Advisor Portal (taportal.sandals.com)
SCENIC GROUP
Scenic Group is dedicating an entire month to honour the hard work and dedication of Canadian travel agents, with exclusive opportunities and giveaways.
The company’s Agent Appreciation Month, running May 1 – 31, includes daily giveaways, luxury prizes and grand travel experiences exclusively for the Canadian travel trade community (with the exception of Quebec).
Win daily SWAG pack giveaways
For a chance to win …
- Engage in Scenic Group’s Trade Facebook Group
- Sign up for newsletters:
* For Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours – https://form.jotform.com/241136308488257
* For Emerald Cruises – https://form.jotform.com/241136331135242
- Post on social media using the hashtags #ExploreWithEmerald2024 and #DiscoverWithScenic2024
Win a Monos luggage set
The top-performing agent with highest total revenue in ocean yacht cruise sales, with a minimum of two new, deposited bookings on Scenic Eclipse or Emerald Yacht Cruises, will win a set of premium Monos luggage.
Win a European river cruise
Agents making new, deposited river cruise bookings on Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours or Emerald Cruises between May 1-31, 2024, are eligible to win an eight-day Rhine, Main or Danube river cruise. Two trips will be awarded, one for each brand.
Complete details about Scenic Group’s Agent Appreciation Month booking incentives, including terms and conditions, can be found here.
SUNWING
Sunwing is awarding agents 3X STAR Points on all vacation packages and air only bookings made today, May 1. Plus, agents have the chance to win one of three 7-night all-inclusive vacation packages for two including airfare and transfers at Riu Jalisco, Riu Dunamar and Riu Bambu on new client bookings made by May 31.
See SunwingAgents.ca for details.
TRAVELBRANDS
TravelBrands is celebrating Travel Agent Day by announcing the winners of ‘The Amazing Agent Race’ campaign, which ran through April.
First place goes to Rosita from 1-2-1 Travel Connections Inc., who clinched the top spot and won the grand prize of 1 million Loyalty Rewards points, valued at $10,000. In second place is Dashnor from TravelOnly, who won roundtrip airfare with Air Canada. And in third place is Josée from Voyages Optimistes, who won a $500 future travel voucher with TravelBrands.
“Congratulations to all the winners! We hold travel agents in the highest regard, recognizing the pivotal role they play in our success. We are committed to honouring their invaluable worth not just on Travel Agent Day but every day. Rest assured, there are numerous more initiatives on the horizon, all aimed at spotlighting the exceptional work of travel agents throughout the year. From the depths of my heart, I extend my sincerest thanks for your continued support of TravelBrands,” said Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO at TravelBrands.
WESTJET
WestJet is showing its appreciation for its travel agent partners, and thanking them for all they do, with not one, not two, but three contests during the month of May.
Travel agents can enter to win at contests.westjet.com. Full contest details and thank you messages can also be found at WestJet’s travel agent resource site: https://www.westjettravelagents.com/thank-you/
Contest 1: Elevate Their Journey
Travel agents can enter to win one of the following prizes …
- One WestJet Rewards status upgrade
- Four $100 WestJet gift cards
- Two WestJet swag bags valued at $100 each
Enter at https://contests.westjet.com/elevate.
Contest 2: LA Your Way
Travel agents can enter to win the L.A. prize package which includes the following …
- Two roundtrip airfare tickets in Economy cabin to LAX
- 3-night hotel stay at Sheraton Universal + $100 USD Food & Beverage Credit
- Two Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets
- Two general admission passes to Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Complimentary tour with e-bike tours of Los Angeles for two people
- $100 gift certificate to Original Farmers Market with over 100+ merchants
- $100 Citadel Outlets gift card + $30 VIP Lounge Pass
- Los Angeles swag bag (includes items made in LA and Los Angeles Tourism branded items)
- Private transfers via Karmel Shuttle
Enter at https://contests.westjet.com/LA-your-way.
Contest 3: Paradise at Paradisus
Travel agents can enter to win the Meliá prize package which includes the following …
- Two roundtrip airfare tickets in Economy cabin to Punta Cana
- 7-night stay at Paradisus Grand Cana All Suites Resort
- All meals plus snacks
- Unlimited domestic and premium drinks
- Daily activities
- Nightly entertainment
- All taxes
- Roundtrip airport transfers
Enter at https://contests.westjet.com/Paradisus-Melia.
Bonus entries
Travel agents can earn bonus entries for the LA Your Way and Paradise at Paradisus prize packages by adding their client’s WestJet Rewards ID to reservations made between May 1 – 31, and entering the booking details in the contest page. Every eligible booking will earn one bonus entry, with unlimited entries.
