TRAVELSAVERS Canada owners retreat focuses on growth in a tough market

TRAVELSAVERS Canada agency owners and preferred partners forged closer bonds recently at a retreat, equipping them to better withstand industry shifts.

More than 120 owners and managers from the U.S. and Canada, suppliers, and staff attended the Owners Focus Retreat April 23-26 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, reads a press release.

Redesigned this year, Owners Focus Retreat facilitates meaningful connections among owners and partners in a relaxed ambience.

Attendees took part in interactive programs with inspiring speakers, lively networking, and leisure pursuits.

They strengthened ties through insightful conversations during formal sessions and informal bonding.

Owners of TRAVELSAVERS Canada agencies participated in a collaborative roundtable to explore how the network can best support them in today’s challenging market.

Discussions focused on sales strategies, preferred supplier assistance, and network tools such as the AI Connect platform.

Agencies highlighted the need for Canadian-focused promotions, flexible payment options, and client events to drive engagement and growth.

“Owners Focus Retreat created a space for meaningful discussions and fresh thinking,” said Jane Clementino, SVP and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “It was a chance for our top agencies to collaborate, offer ideas, and shape strategies that will drive their business forward in a rapidly changing market.”

Sales continue to grow

TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors are experiencing sales increases even on top of 2024’s strong numbers, with cruising leading the way. Contemporary ocean cruising is up nine per cent, followed by premium ocean cruising at 8 per cent, and luxury ocean cruising at five per cent.

While sun vacations have increased by seven per cent, FIT vacations have grown by three per cent, and guided vacations by two per cent.

“I am super bullish on this business and believe 2025 is going to end strongly,” said TRAVELSAVERS Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Mazza. “Travellers are booking for the festive season and into next year. 2026 is already off the charts with double-digit growth.”

Facing challenges

After two very strong sales years, 2025 is bringing “peaks and valleys.”

Concerns ranging from lower consumer confidence and inflation to the geopolitical climate are causing softening in some segments.

Mazza encouraged attendees to collaborate to continue their trajectory of success.

“After 55 years, we’re not strangers to industry challenges,” she stated. “We excel at turning them into opportunities. Whether it’s repositioning marketing to resonate with travellers, negotiating supplier agreements for today’s realities, or introducing technology to help advisors work more efficiently, this is the moment to reframe the narrative and win new business.”

As the travel industry grapples with challenges, change management expert Rob Oddi inspired attendees to embrace shifts by determining their identity and achieving new heights.

Oddi led a thought-provoking exercise to spark awareness of shared issues and solutions.

Groups built Lego creations that symbolized their professional challenges and triumphs.

Common blocks such as technology struggles, recruitment, and time management established a collaborative tone.

Oddi recommended advisors and partners identify their audience and the challenges they face, then pinpoint how they can help the audience in a unique way to create an emotional connection.

“When we see ourselves differently, we act differently,” he said. “Change is a process, not an event.”

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