ACV's Dream Makers heads 'back home'

It was was drums, drinks and deals last week when 200 travel agents, media and honoured guests gathered at Halifax’s Pier 21 for the second annual ACV Dreammakers Sun Collection Launch Event.

The second stop of four across Canada for this event, guests enjoyed a trade show involving 35 suppliers, after which Air Canada Vacations representatives revealed the latest in its products and promotions.

“I was born and raised in Halifax,” said Craig Landry, president at Air Canada Leisure Group, who expressed his delight at being “back home.”

Landry highlighted challenges in the industry, including the Canadian dollar, oil prices, and the Zika virus. He also touched on navigating the ever-changing booking patterns of today’s client.

“There is a different approach to marketing now,” said Landry. “It used to be the 90-day booking window, then it became the 60-day window, and now it’s the two-week booking window, so customers are booking much, much later.”

Landy said that ACV is adding capacity and new product, with a focus on exclusive product. “People want exploring, and villas, and to rent their own properties,” said Landry. “We want to grow with the demand of our markets, including with group travel.”

“Air Canada Vacations is in full growth mode,” said George Platanitis, VP of sales and partnerships at ACV, as he went through the details of the 2016/2017 winter brochure. With regard to flights, Air Canada rouge has grown from 44 aircraft to over 100 and flies to five continents. It has carried more than 11 million passengers and is the fastest growing airline in the world, said Platanitis. It offers 69 destinations and in 2016 launched London-Gatwick, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw and Casablanca. This winter saw an increased capacity of 17 per cent. Its Halifax gateway has added flights on Fridays to Puerto Plata.

ACV also offers increased privileges in its Privileges Program, which sees 320 resorts participating, with 80 new resorts added. This program offers prime room locations, early check-in and late check-out, free WiFi, and the ability to earn Aeroplan miles. Platanitis also highlighted some of ACV’s top deals. “A family of four can save $600 by booking with ACV by the end of September,” said Platanitis.

Platanitis also noted the Price Drop Program: “If the price drops after you book your package, contact us and we’ll refund the difference. You don’t have to book at the last minute anymore to get the best deal.”

ACV will also see the return of its Play Program, which Platanitis reported as a huge success last year. Play-branded resorts offer rooms for families of five, supervised kids’ clubs and kid-friendly menus, as well as pools and entertainment. The offer lets kids eat, stay and play for free, and includes extra incentives for families, such as pre-boarding privileges and $10 meal vouchers.

Platanitis also said ACV is expanding in Canada in 2017, with a new line of Canadian domestic tour products: “We want to be your one-stop shop for travellers who want to experience this wonderful country of ours.” Along with various packages with numerous ways to travel, ACV will offer thematic packages that center on golfing, skiing, and the Arctic.

ACV has new offers for groups, which now have to number only eight people, including children. Offerings include a $500 hotel or excursion credit per 25 passengers on incentive groups, complimentary site inspection for bride and groom for groups over 50 at select hotels and a groups price drop guarantee incentive.

“We want to be the cruise leader in Canada,” said Platanitis. “We are now booking all-in-one cruise packages.” Agents can also receive a 12 per cent commission for bookings by Sept. 30, 2016.

“And no more waiting on the phone for seat selection,” said Platanitis, a statement that garnered the biggest applause of the night, as ACV now offers online booking in this area of travel planning.

The evening ended with prize giveaways and delicious chocolate desserts.

For more on Air Canada Vacations, go to vacations.aircanada.com.