Toronto, September 19, 2013 – Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) travel agents engaged in more than 6,000 exclusive training events last year, including education at all levels from beginners to experienced travel professionals and a suite of forums and tools for owners and managers. “Education is paramount for both providing travellers with value and earn business success, and our priority is to provide our network excellent, exclusive and on-going training through webinars, classroom, in-branch consultancy, advisor accreditation programs, and academies. Each is custom designed to ensure that the education is specific to the TDC member needs”, said Joe Adamo, General Manager of TDC.
In 2013, among others, 221 agents graduated from three product-specific academies for cruises, groups and Disney destinations and their satisfaction level reached 95%. Experience shows that related sales increase, eventually more than double, in the wake of a participant graduating from a product-specific training program. TDC has also developed an exceptional, webinar program for maximizing the use of social media in the travel retail sector. The program includes four modules covering the basics, the management and publishing of content, how to be unique and competitive, and how to gain and keep fans. In addition, 800 were awarded a certificate for the sale of insurance products.
Further, TDC has a team of seasoned professionals providing business consultancy with members in their offices. They provide insights on how to grow revenues through practises that have been tested in their own store environments. “At TDC the health of our network is our number one priority. We provide individual member operations reviews and business planning with the understanding of what they are up against in their own competitive environment. We make practical suggestions and help them to implement changes if they wish,” Rita Polegri, TDC Director of Operations Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
TDC has also created numerous feedback forums with member participation from coast to coast, including the Franchise Advisory Council and the Member Advisory Council. “These members provide insights that keep TDC in sync with evolving market needs. The member forums are crucial to our success,” Said Joe Adamo, General Manager of TDC
Transat Distribution Canada is Canada’s leading retail distributor of holiday travel, with approximately 600 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 and that distributes products in over 50 countries.