Transat kicks off Sun Training Academies

The power of partnerships was highlighted last night as Transat kicked off its 2016 Sun Training Academies in Toronto, welcoming hundreds of agents and supplier partners as the tour operator prepares for the winter travel season.

The evening featured a trade show with dozens of suppliers, followed by a dinner presentation on what Transat has in store for the upcoming sun season. The Toronto show marked the first date on the cross-Canada series, which will run until Sept. 22 with a wrap-up in Kelowna.

According to Transat’s Denise Heffron, vice-president of national sales and commercial and Nicole Bursey, commercial director, this year’s academies will prominently feature the theme of partnerships, with a focus on Transat’s hotel partners including Bahia Principe, AMResorts and Decameron Hotels & Resorts.

“For example, we’ll explain the concept of each partner and what kind of traveller would be likely to go there, and then go into detail about their new properties,” Bursey explained. “It’s also a good way to share information with our retail partners.”

“For us, the partnerships go beyond hotels,” Heffron added. “We’re really focused on trying to weave all of our partnerships together, working with the right partners and right retailers at the right time to make things happen. It’s not one-size-fits-all; some retailers are good at selling family, while others are good with groups.”

The Transat team

Also central to the academies are the recently launched Groups and Famili brochures, representing two of the largest market segments for Transat.

“It’s more lucrative and advanced business,” Heffron said of Transat’s groups business. “It’s good for us and agents, so we’re putting more focus on it.”

New destinations for Transat this year include Toronto-based departures for Managua, Nicaragua; Cartagena, Colombia; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, while Transat’s new package-only approach to cruises is also being highlighted during the events, with the packages available in multiple booking channels.

“For the agent, it’s easier to book and for the traveller, they’re getting something exclusive with Transat,” Bursey said.

Heffron said that with regards to more available air-only inventory, agents can also expect an increased focus on that segment of the business.

And with long-range forecasts calling for a harsher winter this year, it’s sunny skies ahead for agents.

“Agents are ready for a good winter this year,” Heffron added. “Last year was tough so it’s exciting to start anew.”