Transat's 2018-2019 Sun Product Showcase stops in Toronto

After starting back on Sept. 6 in Vancouver, and making stops across Canada through Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Quebec, and Halifax, Transat's Sun Product Showcase stopped in Toronto last night at the Pearson Convention Center.

This year's showcase wraps up tomorrow night, after a final stop in London, Ontario.

"Tonight is really all about educating agents, and we've got about 450-500 agents and 60 of our supplier partners joining us here," said Dan Prior, sales director, Air Transat. "Nine of those suppliers are our silver Sponsors, and this year, Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts is our Gold Sponsor. In the past,we would typically do a sit-down dinner and provide the program rundown. By listening to our travel partners' feedback, we decided to mix things up a little this year and try breakout sessions."

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On the floor

Throughout the course of the evening, travel agents had a chance to meet and mingle with suppliers one-on-one, getting to know more about the new products offered in-destination, alongside any updates and news for the upcoming winter season.

According to Prior, this new approach to the tradeshow means that agents can get answers to important questions right away, which translates to better product knowledge, and in turn, better sales.

"We have a really long list of supplier partners, but the entire tradeshow is important to us," Prior explained. "We've been pushing our cruise packages lately, and it's going really well. The value for money is exceptional; every cruise package includes air, transfer, and cruise, and with phenomenal pricing, it's a great alternative to offering a typical all-inclusive--we're looking for first-time cruisers, or clients looking for a really good deal on a cruise package; with typically "all-in" pricing, they're really phenomenal."

Hot destinations

According to Prior,  Transat has increased its capacity into certain destinations, based on passenger demand.

"We've added Princess Cruise Lines as a partner, and this year, we're very happy to be bringing back St. Maarten and San Juan [Puerto Rico] after the hiccup that happened last year," Prior said. "Our supplier partners have great product in every destination, and we're seeing a lot of phenomenal properties back up and running in Cuba, where we continue to see elevated levels of service."

Prior noted that Mexico, more specifically Cancun and Riviera Maya, will be a very competitive market, due to the amount of new luxury product coming in.

Transat's Family Collection and Solo Collection (no single supplement) make it easier for multigenerational travellers or solo travellers who might be travelling for work or leisure, to enjoy a number of properties in a number of popular destinations year-round.

"Agents need to remember that as we [Transat] continue to invest in our domestic flight program, don't forget that it's there for consideration, as opposed to other airlines that they might think of first!"