ACV hosting Europe events in Feb., Tina Kensett named ASM, Western Canada, ACV@Home

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) will be hosting Europe-focused breakfast seminars for travel advisors in February, is bringing back its Travel Advisory Board, and has appointed Tina Kensett to oversee the ACV@Home program in Western Canada.

Those were just some of the updates Nino Montagnese, vice-president of ACV, shared in a letter to the trade on Wednesday (Jan. 31).

“The upcoming year is filled with ambitious plans, making it another exciting period for all of us at Air Canada Vacations,” Montagnese wrote.

The tour operator’s upcoming events will share highlights of ACV’s 2024 product line-up, along with its new programs for Europe, and its new Travel Agent Toolkit, Montagnese wrote.

To register for an event, agents can click here. (Hurry, space is limited).

Travel Advisory Board returns

Due to popular demand, ACV will also bring back its Travel Advisory Board.

Montagnese said the board is for “passionate industry professionals” who are “ready to collaborate with our team to improve our travel offerings, services, and overall customer experience.” To apply, click here.

Tina Kensett joins ACV@Home, Rothfuchs promoted

Updates on ACV’s resources for travel advisors were also shared.

Montagnese confirmed that the company is officially in the development phase of Air Canada Vacations’ B2B site.

“This initiative will enhance your capabilities when booking our shared customers. Stay tuned for further details to be unveiled soon,” he wrote.

READ MORE: "An exciting milestone": ACV launches new Group Quoting Tool for agents

He also touched on ACV@Home, a dedicated support program for independent travel advisors that launched last year.

The program has “achieved remarkable success, leading to significant growth,” Montagnese shared.

He noted that Tina Kensett has been appointed as the area sales manager for the ACV@Home program in Western Canada.

Kensett, who has been an ASM with ACV for two years now, previously worked in various roles at WestJet and WestJet Vacations. 

She has 26 years of travel industry experience in the airline, tour operator and retail sectors. 

Kensett will report to Krista Rothfuchs, who was instrumental in the launch of ACV@Home. 

Rothfuchs will continue with the program. However, she has been promoted to the title of independent advisors manager. 

She will continue to support ACV's independent advisors in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

Group Quoting Tool & more

Montagnese acknowledged other updates that have already been made public, starting with ACV’s new Group Quoting Tool, which was completed earlier this month.

The tool gives travel advisors the ability to create and manage their clients' group quotes.

“This milestone marks a significant achievement for the company,” Montagnese wrote, directing agents to a training video, which can be accessed here.

He also reviewed new products that have been announced, such as tours in Australia and Asia, new sun destinations, like Tulum, Mexico, Air Canada’s expanded capacity in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and more options in Grenada.

“Stay tuned for further details as we unveil our summer flight schedule,” Montagnese wrote.

Finally, as recently announced, ACV has expanded its Aeroplan offering with the addition of new destinations, giving Aeroplan Members more ways to earn when booking with Air Canada Vacations.

“As we wrap up 2023, we want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts you've all made during this year,” Montagnese wrote. “We at Air Canada Vacations are extremely proud to work alongside all of you and can't thank you enough for the incredible support you have shown us.”

“We will continue to gather your feedback at every opportunity so that we can better serve you and make Air Canada Vacations the first choice, every time.”

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