Classic Vacations brings agents, suppliers together

Last week, full service luxury travel partner Classic Vacations hosted an agent appreciation reception and dinner at Sassafraz in Yorkville.

More than 100 top agents and 30 suppliers from all over the globe were in attendance for the celebration. Most suppliers hailed from warm weather destinations including Punta Cana, St. Lucia, Costa Rica and British Virgin Islands with hotel brands such as Sandals/Beaches, Gansevoort, Hyatt and Melia Hotels. Through a series of agent appreciation events across Canada and the United States, Classic Vacations are announcing new brand partnerships and integrations, while celebrating the success of current relationships and affiliated destinations.

Although Classic Vacations has only been in Canada for three to four years, their 35 years in the USA has given them the reputation of being a reliable partner when assisting agents to provide tailored luxury vacation experiences. Providers of choice, flexibility and customization, Classic Vacations describe themselves as a "one stop shop" for agents from flights and hotels, tours, transfers and more.

“Service is a big part of Classic Vacations,” said Justin Heckman, Classic Vacations' business development manager. “We occupy a unique niche in Canada offering tours that other companies just don’t have: But we don’t fit a traditional tour operator mold. Because of this, we want to educate Canadian agents on what Classic Vacations can do for them. We want to show how Classic provides exclusive customized solutions that fit into their business.”

In order to ensure the best possible vacation experience, Classic Vacations has partnered with additional travel companies to provide what they call, ‘the Classic difference.’ For example, since last year, Classic Vacations has been working with the Expedia Affiliate Network to fill any gaps in their cruise ship option database. They have also introduced new pre- & post-cruise packages for agents to offer clients as they head south for winter sun. These pre-set packages incorporate buffer days surrounding cruise departures/arrivals, and also include tours, activities and an increased number of hotel options. Classic Vacations have also increased the commission percentage given to agents who book these packages.

Classic Vacations has also partnered with VIP tour operator, Viator, and with FIT in order to provide more hotels from all-inclusive to specialty. Through these providers, Classic is able to curate both companies’ vast collections and include them directly into client itineraries. Classic has also introduced Direct Connect, a real time hotel pricing and availability service which avoid wait times and therefore, has less reservations on request. These services are also commissionable to travel agents.

Classic Vacations also announced their integration with AXUS, a travel app that unites service providers with advisors and travellers. This interactive app gives clients immediate mobile access to confirmed itineraries that include flights, hotels, tours and more.  All travel plans are consolidated in one convenient place, which both agents and clients can access easily.

Finally, Classic unveiled their new private label customized homepage where agents can add their logo and company details. Clients can browse individual Classic itineraries that relate directly to their agent.

“We are very involved as a partner with the agencies,” continued Heckman. “We want to help agents maintain that trusted relationship with their clients. We offer personalized services to all of our agents with cutting edge resources. Classic acts as a one-stop shop for all booking needs. We support our agents as they grow their business. As a company, we pride ourselves on always being able to find a solution.”

As previously established, Classic Vacations also provides agents with points called Royalty Rewards that are redeemable for their own vacations through any of Classic’s suppliers and affiliated businesses.

For more information, visit www.classicvacations.ca.