MARBELLA — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has wrapped up an unforgettable week of learning, networking and game-changing strategies at its 2025 National Leadership Conference (NLC).
Hosted at Club Med Magna Marbella on Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol, the event brought together franchise and affiliate agency owners and managers, Transat Travel/Voyages Transat agency leaders, members of the TDC leadership team and key preferred partners – all focused on taking their businesses to the next level.
A Strong Finish with Practical Insights
The final day of the conference featured an interactive workshop led by executive coach Cloé Caron, designed to help attendees maintain momentum when transitioning back to daily operations.
“With this session, we wanted to bridge the gap between the enthusiasm felt at the end of a conference and the reality of returning to routine,” said Karine Gagnon, TDC’s General Manager. “We aimed to provide agency owners and managers with tools to sustain this momentum, whether by introducing new ideas or implementing refined strategies. Thanks to our innovative format this year, participants will have a second opportunity to revisit their action plans in a virtual session with Cloé Caron at the end of May.”
For Dianne Jackson, Director of Franchise and Affiliate Members, the conference delivered significant value to attendees. “I am really proud of what TDC has offered our owners and managers this week. They developed action plans with nearly 30 preferred partners through Partner Business Reviews, optimizing their business relationships. They also attended impactful TDC Talks – short, targeted sessions on pressing topics such as AI-driven marketing efficiency, meaningful one-on-one meetings and operational cost reduction,” she said.
Attendees compiled key takeaways in the TDC Playbook, a personalized business guide developed throughout the conference. The process began before the event, with participants defining clear business objectives. Dedicated recap sessions each day, led by Caron, helped reinforce key learnings and prioritize actionable steps. “By the end of the week, attendees had not just insights, but a concrete plan tailored to their specific business goals,” Jackson explained.
A Week of Innovation and Growth
Before attendees departed for a final evening in Costa del Sol, Karine Gagnon reflected on the week’s highlights. “Innovation and business are the two words that best define this enriching week. From fresh approaches to conference structure to practical business strategies, this year’s NLC was all about tangible outcomes,” she said.
One of the standout moments was the Transat evening on March 26, hosted at the Melia Costa del Sol. “I am really proud of the close relationship that TDC has with its preferred partners, particularly Transat. The incredible evening the tour operator organized for our owners and agency managers was a true reflection of the trust and loyalty that binds us,” Gagnon noted.
Sustainability Commitment
Gagnon also highlighted TDC’s latest sustainability initiative. “I am more than proud to announce that, in alignment with Transat’s corporate responsibility plan, TDC is supporting certified greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects to offset all emissions generated by air travel for the NLC,” she said.
TDC has financed credits covering nearly 137,000 kg of CO₂ emissions, directing funds toward climate solutions and sustainable aviation fuel projects through Transat’s Act on Your Carbon Footprint program in partnership with CHOOOSE.
One-on-One Business Reviews: A Winning Formula
The revamped format of individual business review sessions between agency owners and preferred partners proved highly successful.
“This edition of the National Leadership Conference was truly refreshing,” said Doreen White, Manager at Marlin Travel in Victoria. “I particularly appreciated the one-on-one meetings with partners, which will undoubtedly benefit our business. The variety of sessions, including TDC Talks, kept us engaged and energized.”
The positive feedback extended to partners as well. Patrick Brousseau, National Client Manager at Manulife, praised the new initiatives, especially the Beyond the Brochure talk show. “But it was the individual meetings that were by far the most beneficial. This dedicated, uninterrupted time to discuss action plans with agency owners will be highly profitable for everyone,” he said.
Transat’s leadership also recognized the event’s value. Renée Boisvert, Vice-President of Tour Operator Products and Sales, attended her first NLC and was impressed by the depth of discussions. “Throughout the week, the TDC team fostered an environment that encouraged meaningful exchanges, strategic reflection and collaborative growth,” she said.
As TDC looks ahead, the takeaways from this year’s National Leadership Conference will continue to support its network in driving business success, strengthening industry partnerships and embracing innovation.
