TierOne Travel turns agents into advisors during two-day conference

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Shelley Ewing, president and director of TierOne Travel, acknowledges the African proverb as the basis for the theme of the company's second annual conference, “One TierOne”. 

The two-day event in Calgary, hosted at the Hotel Blackfoot on Apr. 26 and 27, brought together more than 60 guests, including 45 travel agents from all four offices Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, and Victoria) to act as one company, one leadership and one support team. 

From travel agent to trusted advisor

Saturday morning sessions began bright and early with the breakfast session hosted by Regent Seven Seas, followed by an energetic entertainment performance put on by The Calgary Fiddlers.

Jeff Mowatt, keynote speaker for the event provided valuable advice to help agents become trusted travel advisors. 

“The foundation of customer loyalty goes beyond friendliness. It’s about trust and every interaction you have with your customer either increases or reduces trust,” Mowatt asserts. "Through building trust with every interaction and providing remarkable service, advisors can strengthen customer loyalty and influence with ease."

Education is key

Though many of the travel advisors in attendance had more than 20 to 30 years of experience, the commitment to lifelong learning and investment in themselves and their business is key to becoming a trusted travel advisor. 

Mike Hill, director, TierOne Travel reaffirms, “Looking forward, I am confident that there are reasons to be extremely optimistic about the career of the professional travel consultant. A passionate commitment providing exceptional customer service will be the factor that will separate you from the competition. And investing in yourself and your business with these continued learning opportunities is the best investment you can make.”

Jim Cunningham, director TierOne Travel added, “With the addition of our social media and management team, we are well positioned with the technical experience to navigate all the information that is out there better than anyone else. Our human experience is irreplaceable and it’s what we have to assess what people need.”

Jennifer Fast, marketing manager, TierOne Travel provided an overview of the importance of social media for growing the travel business and reviewed all the marketing support provided to agents.

With the support of their preferred suppliers partners, Transat Holidays, Anderson Vacations, Globus Family of Brands, WestJet, Sunwing, Delta, KLM, Air France, Ali Italia, Oceania Cruises, Luxury Gold, Manulife, Trafalgar, and Azamara Club Cruises, supplier sessions continued throughout the day providing product updates and news followed by an interactive trade show and game show activity. 

Networking opportunities and a team building activity followed, concluding with a dinner hosted by Air Canada Vacations and dance reception to cap off the weekend.

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