MONTREAL — A brand new ad campaign from Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) comes with a timely message, as more and more travellers say they’re more likely to book with a travel agent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TDC’s new campaign tells travellers they can ‘Get the vacation you really want’ by booking with a travel agent. As the the largest full-service travel agency network in the country, the TDC says it’s proud to highlight the essential contribution of travel professionals.

The campaign illustrates different situations experienced by a traveller and most importantly, shows how the travel professional’s contribution makes all the difference for that traveller, says TDC.

Louise Fecteau, General Manager of Transat Distribution Canada, says: “‘Get the vacation you really want’ is the promise that travel professionals make to their clients every time they book a vacation with them, because the traveller’s interests are at the heart of every travel professional’s decision. The TDC network is extremely proud to act as a pioneer by highlighting the remarkable work of these women and men who are always ready to support their customers, no matter what the situation.”

Fecteau adds: “Historically, travel professionals have always been the ones developing and designing vacations based on the needs and above all, the specific desires of the client sitting in front of them. Because the definition of a beautiful beach is not the same for everyone, the human intervention of advisors makes all the difference by combining the customer’s desires with their in-depth knowledge of destinations and suppliers. This is the essential idea we wanted to convey through this campaign.”

The new campaign got a shout-out from ACTA President Wendy Paradis. “Recognizing the contribution, and value of travel professionals is the reason behind ACTA’s actions and we applaud this initiative by the TDC network, one of our important partners, for presenting it so eloquently to consumers,” says Paradis. “More than ever, travellers feel the need to be reassured and guided, as the world of travel is changing. No other professional is better equipped to do so than the travel professional, since the customer’s vacation experience, including their health and well-being, is and has always been at the forefront for our members.”

Fecteau says that despite all the challenges facing the travel industry right now, one thing is clear: the industry is here to stay.

“In the coming months, at the dawn of a transformed travel industry, travel professionals will, more than ever, be the indispensable reference for travellers,” says Fecteau. “They are in the best position to guide them through the different variances of this new reality, giving them all the information they need to make the best decisions according to their needs. That’s why I’m so pleased to highlight their exceptional work, and to tell travellers that TDC’s travel professionals are ready to welcome them to do what they love most: build them the vacation they really want, the way they imagine it.”

Travelweek’s COVID-19 Consumer Survey, both the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 editions, show that a strong majority of consumers say they are more likely to book with a travel agent post-pandemic.