Transat shines light on sunny stays for wintry days

The future was so bright everyone wore shades when Transat launched the Halifax stop in its 2016 Sun Training Academies at the Westin Hotel, a tour that runs cross-Canada until Sept. 22.

Two hundred agents, media, tour operators and honoured guests gathered for a trade show with 13 suppliers, followed by a buffet dinner and presentation to hear what new offerings Transat has to find fun in the sun away from Atlantic Canadian snowstorms.

“Tonight’s theme is about partnerships,” said Dan Prior, Transat’s sales manager for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. “Partnerships mean success.”

The training academy took a thorough look at what Transat’s hotel partners, including Bahia Principe, AMResorts, Melia International and Decameron Hotels & Resorts, had to offer for travellers of all ages, interests, and group sizes.

“The Nickelodeon Resorts Punta Cana opened in July,” said Prior. “Their theme is Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. They do character breakfasts. I don’t even have children and I can’t wait to go.”

Prior noted that Transat’s new Sun & Fun brochure, which has just been launched, includes all product: “Everything is now in one national brochure. Everything is going to Transat. You won’t find Nolitours anymore.” The brochure is color-coded and features Transat’s collections, which include Luxury, Distinction, Family, Solo, Sun Savvy and Adults.

“We’ve got packages for your more adventurous client, or those with specific interests, as well as for those who just want to do a ‘flop n’ drop’ on the beach at an all-inclusive,” said Prior.

Presentations also focused on group travel with Transat’s Groups Agent Guide, which features offerings for destination weddings, families, meetings and incentives and guided tours. Transat’s Group Max program offers clients additional advantages on select products.

As for cruises, Transat has partnered with 13 renowned cruise lines to offer more than 60 itineraries in ready-made packages in the Caribbean and Europe that include roundtrip flights, all transfers and the cruise itself.

Prior said Transat now offers agents even more tools, programs and rewards. The Transat Bonbon program allows agents to accumulate cash and other rewards for booking Transat, including a chance to win $500 for logging in before Oct. 31. Agents can earn $5 per room for ITC packages (Sun and Europe) and guided tours—double or greater occupancy, $5 per stateroom for cruise packages—double or greater occupancy, and $1 per passenger for air only, with many more rewards available.

New destinations for Transat this year include Toronto-based departures for Managua, Nicaragua; Cartagena, Colombia; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Though having to fly out of Toronto is a reality for a lot of Atlantic Canadian travellers, Halifax travel agents were pleased to see some offers tailored especially towards their region.

“We’ve come up with some specials out of Halifax, developed just for this launch, with some amazing prices,” said Prior. Deals include seven nights all inclusive to Cayo Coco, Varadero, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Montego Bay and Riviera Maya, for dates starting after Feb. 25, 2017, with offers ranging from $599 to $1,549 (before taxes).

For more information, visit www.transatholidays.com.