LAS VEGAS — ‘Strong, Bolder, Brighter’ was the running theme at TRAVELSAVERS’ Travel Market 2022 conference, which held extra significance in the company’s 50th anniversary year which took place from Oct. 27-30 in Las Vegas.
More than 800 attendees convened at Resorts World Las Vegas from Oct. 27-30 to learn, network, brainstorm, plan and celebrate, said Nicole Mazza, Chief Marketing Officer.
“There is so much to celebrate with our 50th anniversary but it goes beyond that. Together with our advisors and partners, we’ve accomplished so much over the years. Our philosophy is firmly anchored by our family culture, the foundation comprised of the shared values, competencies and the spirit of our team,” said Mazza.
“What Rick Mazza started 50 years ago, serving the travel agency community has continued to grow thanks to innovation, creativity, service, technology and our people, which has contributed to our success and will pilot us for the next 50 years,” she added.
The conference kicked off with a full day of interactive workshops for advisors about how to enhance their businesses with TRAVELSAVERS products and services. Over 100 preferred suppliers took part in the trade show, including individual hotel partners, plus, hands-on emersion sessions allowed advisors to sample and enjoy unique experiences. Top executives from trade associations and preferred partners also took part in informative panels. The event ended on a high note with a Gala Awards dinner during which both travel advisors and partners were recognized.
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT
Despite world events and economic uncertainty, travel sentiment is strong, pointing to a brighter future. Parent company AMG’s affiliates of TRAVELSAVERS US and Canada, and NEST have brought in new agencies representing US$480 million in preferred supplier sales to date this year, with many others in for consideration.
Projections are robust for all travel types, with year-over-year growth for Insurance at 63%, hotel revenue at 40%, and room nights at 24%, cruise sales at 29%, land at 24%, cruise group sales at 15%, and suite sales are also on the rise. Land travel has seen the largest increase, with Europe and domestic destinations trending the highest with 50%+ growth.
The staff has also grown with several key appointments. In Canada, Jane Clementino joined as TRAVELSAVERS Canada Senior Vice President and General Manager earlier this summer, Marylene Lupien as Director Business Development, plus Monique Lalonde, Director Strategic Partnership in Canada. U.S. new hires include Kelly Koehler, Business Analyst for NEST, Maureen Bourcy, Business Analyst for NEST Plus, and Mary Kaye Zanatta, Supplier Relations Director.
NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS
Several new preferred supplier partnerships were announced at the converence, including:
- Cruise: Explora Journeys: new luxury lifestyle cruise brand; Quark Expeditions: polar adventures
- Tour: Exoticca: global FIT group operator; Adventure World Travel: global FIT operator
- Air: Emirates, ITA Airways and L Compagnie
- Other: MHS Worldwide: global luxury transportation; Venture Ashore: global shore excursions
“We’re happy to announce several new travel suppliers who have joined our robust portfolio of Preferred Partners over the past few months,” said Mazza. “We continue to monitor our advisors’ needs and explore new opportunities to expand to give them the products and services that will help them meet the distinctive needs of their clientele. Our preferred suppliers are a core part of our business, and we’re proud of our long-standing relationships – many of which span our entire 52-year history. We look forward to lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with our new partners, as well.”
In addition to the above suppliers, TRAVELSAVERS has partnered with several Tourist Boards and CVBs to expand its reach and promote its destinations. These include: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Bermuda Tourism, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tourism New Zealand, Discover Puerto Rico and Saudi Tourism Authority.
