With the cruise market enjoying healthy expansion, Transat Distribution Canada is moving to meet customers’ needs by broadening its product offering. Customers can now visit Europe their way, thanks to a new Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursion Program. Travellers can choose from a wide range of excursions, tailored to their needs and budget and including a private chauffeur and guide, to visit the destinations of their choosing. TDC is also pleased to offer a second option, allowing customers to travel with a small party of eight or less. Both options provide a quieter, more private approach to visiting a destination as part of a cruise package.
In addition, following the huge success of the first two editions, TDC is pleased to confirm a third instalment of its Cruise Academy which will take place on April 28, 2012 on the Royal Caribbean International Oasis of the Seas. So far, 216 travel consultants have taken this training, perfecting their knowledge and learning a wealth of information and tricks for getting the most out of their cruise sales activities. As well, more than 15 partners have taken part in these events, which have already led to concrete results for participants. “Cruise travel is the fastest-growing market in the industry right now, and customers are increasingly well informed in this area,” explains Susan Bowman, TDC’s Vice-President, Marketing and Industry Relations. “So the network has made it a priority to make sure we provide our consultants with in-depth, adapted training that gives them the perfect combination of skills and tools to find the ideal cruise for every one of their customers.”
Delivering added value to hone its competitive edge is another important key to the network’s success. More than 800 exclusive cruise departures with nine cruise line partners are available to TDC agencies, clearly testifying to the network’s commitment to this form of travel. This program, which gives the agencies the opportunity to make group bookings for their customers and pass the resulting savings onto them, is another competitive advantage for TDC member agencies, enhancing the broad range of products already offered by the network.
Transat Distribution Canada is Canada's leading retail distributor of holiday travel, with approximately 500 outlets. The distribution network, which is affiliated with Transat A.T. Inc., includes the Marlin Travel, TravelPlus, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté banners as well as other affiliate members. Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries, distributing products in over 50 countries.