MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is relying on its Franchise Advisory Council & Members Advisory Council (FAC & MAC) to provide insight into key issues during the pandemic.

Comprised of a dozen owners of franchised and affiliated agencies, the FAC & MAC has been in place for more than 10 years and operates with the mandate to represent all franchisees and affiliates of the TDC network in Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Le Conseil de Membres, or Members Council, is the equivalent for Quebec-based agencies.

On the eve of the first working committee of the year, which will focus on business resumption post-pandemic, TDC is highlighting the contributions of these committed entrepreneurs.

Kimberley Wood

“TDC’s management team has always relied on its FAC & MAC to take the pulse of the market or to identify trends in travellers’ purchasing intentions,” said Kimberley Wood, National Director, Franchisees and Affiliates. “In recent months, the role of the FAC & MAC has evolved in response to the events we are experiencing and has been very active and proactive on many fronts.”

Wood noted that the FAC & MAC has met virtually several times in the past months to discuss the development of key projects such as TDC’s campaign on the value of the travel professional and, more recently, the brand new professional fees grid and accompanying training.

Several hot tops will be on their radar in 2021, added Wood, including the resumption of agency operations and how to prepare for the return to a certain normality.

“It is my pleasure to offer my heartfelt thanks to each agency owner in the FAC & MAC for their resilience, their remarkable contribution and their willingness to work together for this ordeal to be put behind us as soon as possible,” said Wood.

2021 FAC & MAC Members:

Sara Crowhurst, The Travel Place Travelplus – Campbell River (British Colombia)

Ellen Hartfelder, Marlin Travel – Spruce Grove (Alberta)

Mary Larocque, Marlin Travel – Peterborough (Ontario)

Sandi Levinton, Marlin Travel – Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)

Denise Luciani, Marlin Travel – Brantford (Ontario)

Peggy McKnight, Marlin Travel – Cambridge (Ontario)

Tina Morra, The Travel Firm – Woodbridge (Ontario)

Marion Rose, Elgin Travel Cruises Travelplus – St-Thomas (Ontario)

Tisha Saunders, Marlin Travel – Orangeville (Ontario)

Anita Spier, Myles TravelPlus – Dundas and Beamsville (Ontario)

Sam Patel, Airline Ticket Center – Calgary (Alberta)

John Wood, Durham Travel – Courtice (Ontario)