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"Create the dream first, ignite the passion": ACV fuels success for agents in Calgary & Edmonton
STORY BY RENEE TSANG
Following their national Dream Makers winter launch tour, Air Canada Vacations (ACV) continued to show its support for the travel trade by hosting exclusive ACV@Home events at Edmonton airport (on Oct. 1) and Calgary airport (on Oct. 2), where more than 30 home-based agents from each city participated in training sessions.
Launched in early 2023, ACV@Home supports independent travel advisors, an often overlooked (yet vital) segment of the market.
READ MORE: #ACVDreamMakers lands in Montreal, welcomes 800+; more FAMs coming
It has so far achieved success with 11 travel agency partners, and plans are underway to expand its tools, resources, and exclusive opportunities for members.
Tina Kensett, ACV@Home area sales manager, Western Canada, emphasized the importance of serving these unique markets.
“Without the traditional brick-and-mortar office where suppliers can visit for product training, home-based advisors may miss out on key updates. The question is, how do they position themselves for success when they don’t have an office environment to share ideas and experiences?” Kensett told PAX at the Calgary event.
READ MORE: "The wind beneath our wings": ACV's Dream Makers stops in T.O.; Adam Stewart headlines
Enter ACV’s training events, where agents had an opportunity to learn and network in a supportive environment with an esteemed group of suppliers, including Sandos, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, AIC Hotel Group, and Palladium Hotel Group.
Beyond simply delivering product knowledge, Kensett urged advisors to focus on building their personal brands, developing their unique selling propositions and leveraging the marketing tools ACV provides to drive their success.
READ MORE: “Truly impressed”: East Coast agents raise the roof at Halifax’s ACV Dream Makers
The ACV Masterclass Program, an exclusive training initiative, equips advisors with essential product knowledge and marketing strategies to grow their businesses.
In addition to earning the ACV@Home Masterclass Certified Designation, advisors unlock access to the Passport to Benefits—an array of perks, including additional commission opportunities and complimentary booking add-ons, which can serve as “surprise delights” for clients.
Whether agents are new to the industry or seasoned professionals, Marigold Frontuna, general manager sales – Western Canada, highlighted the significance of igniting passion and seizing the opportunity to create demand for travel in niche markets for higher revenue potential.
READ MORE: "Sold out, great energy”: ACV Dream Makers kicks off in Vancouver
“Follow the ABCs of marketing: Ask for the sale. Be bold. Create the demand. Know a little bit about everything and adapt yourself to different situations to start the conversation with clients and give them something desirable,” she said.
With ACV’s selling points as a tour operator, advisors have the confidence to close sales, offering clients everything from independent packages to fully-escorted tours, sun destinations, cruise vacations, and an extensive portfolio that spans Europe, Asia, India, Australia and Colombia.
The spirit of ACV Dream Makers continues with Breakfast Seminars in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario throughout October, providing advisors with key product updates for the upcoming winter season to ensure advisors, all over the country, have the opportunity to stay connected with ACV.
MAIN IMAGE: From left: Jeff Carpenter, Royal Caribbean; Andrea Arkell, ACV@Home; Cindy Woloshyn, Cunard; Jasmine Grant, AIC Hotel Group; Heather Kearns, Hyatt Inclusive Collection; Christy King, Palladium; Tyler Lovenuk, Air Canada; Marigold Frontuna, Air Canada Vacations; Tina Kensett, ACV@Home; Ignacio Ottati, Calgary airport. (Pax Global Media)
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