TRAVELSAVERS Canada empowering agency growth in challenging times

During its recent Owners Focus Retreat, TRAVELSAVERS Canada agency owners and preferred partners forged closer bonds as they equipped themselves to better withstand industry shifts.

Held at the Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, the Owners Focus Retreat was redesigned to facilitates meaningful connections among owners and partners in a relaxed ambience. Attendees took part in interactive programs with inspiring speakers, lively networking, and leisure pursuits. They strengthened ties through insightful conversations during formal sessions and informal bonding.

Canadian Challenges Explored

Canadian agency owners took part in a collaborative roundtable discussion that explored how the network can best support them in today’s challenging market. Those discussions focused on sales strategies, preferred supplier assistance, and network tools such as the AI Connect platform. Agencies highlighted the need for Canadian-focused promotions, flexible payment options, and client events to drive engagement and growth.

Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada, observed: “Owners Focus Retreat created a space for meaningful discussions and fresh thinking. It was a chance for our top agencies to collaborate, offer ideas, and shape strategies that will drive their business forward in a rapidly changing market.”

Sales Continue to Grow

TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors are experiencing sales increases even on top of 2024’s strong numbers, with cruising leading the way. Contemporary ocean cruising is up 9%, followed by premium ocean cruising at 8 per cent, and luxury ocean cruising at 5%. Sun vacations have increased by 7%, FIT vacations have grown by 3%, and guided vacations by 2%.

TRAVELSAVERS Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Mazza, said: “I am super bullish on this business and believe 2025 is going to end strongly. Travellers are booking for the festive season and into next year. 2026 is already off the charts with double-digit growth.”

Facing Challenges with a United Front

After two very strong sales years, 2025 is bringing peaks and valleys. Concerns ranging from lower consumer confidence and inflation to the geopolitical climate are causing softening in some segments.

Mazza encouraged attendees to collaborate to continue their trajectory of success, saying: “After 55 years, we’re not strangers to industry challenges. We excel at turning them into opportunities.”

She continued: “Whether it’s repositioning marketing to resonate with travellers, negotiating supplier agreements for today’s realities, or introducing technology to help advisors work more efficiently, this is the moment to reframe the narrative and win new business.”

TRAVELSAVERS Canada has expanded its partner collection, bringing more advantages and choice to clients and more sales, commissions and profit-sharing to advisors. The network has also enhanced its VIP program for cruises and tours with more departure dates and benefits.

Initiatives to Fuel Success

TRAVELSAVERS Canada’s marketing initiatives generate leads for advisors through emails, newsletters, websites, and digital advertising. Enhanced advisor profiles on the new TRAVELSAVERS.ca website now allow consumers to reach out to a match of their choice.

The Travel Club program provides travellers with exclusive discounts and amenities, also driving prospects to network agencies.

A new Softvoyage dashboard is empowering advisors to create and market groups and packages. A custom code drives consumers to the advisor’s Softvoyage booking engine. This strengthens an advisor’s online presence, connecting them to clients and prospects.

TRAVELSAVERS Canada is also investing in technology enhancements to increase effectiveness and sales. Its tripXpress platform for researching and booking travel now features unique deep-linking technology. With it, advisors can include links in marketing collateral that take travelers directly into the booking process. The network’s AI Connect tool is helping advisors work more efficiently to drive bookings, allowing them to regain time in their day to sell.

Harnessing the Power of Change

As the travel industry grapples with challenges, change management expert Rob Oddi inspired attendees to embrace shifts by determining their identity and achieving new heights.

Oddi led a thought-provoking exercise to spark awareness of shared issues and solutions. Groups built Lego creations that symbolized their professional challenges and triumphs. Common blocks such as technology struggles, recruitment, and time management established a collaborative tone.

Oddi recommended advisors and partners identify their audience and the challenges they face, then pinpoint how they can help the audience in a unique way to create an emotional connection. “When we see ourselves differently, we act differently,” he said. “Change is a process, not an event.”

Go to http://www.travelsavers.ca for more.