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Steady and strong: Mexican Caribbean expecting good winter

The Mexican Caribbean has done all that it can to protect both travellers and residents throughout the pandemic, implementing a wide array of protocols across its tourism sector. Its efforts have certainly paid off – since reopening to tourism, there has been no reported rise in COVID-19 cases in the region. In this edition of Take Five, we sit down with Elizabeth Cole Guerrero, Executive Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, to discuss what kind of numbers the region is expecting this winter season and what the current vibe is like in its most popular tourist destinations.

“We will never recall the advanced commission”: Collette

Learning to navigate through the global pandemic is challenging for any travel company, which is why Collette is doing it with the support of travel agents. In this week’s Take Five interview, we sit down with Vice President Ron Lonsdale who says it’s absolutely essential to be supporting agents at this time, and this means not recalling advanced commissions and implementing policies that “put the travel advisor at the forefront of the customer experience.” Here’s what else he had to say about new travel trends and what clients can now expect on a Collette tour:

Federal programs provide a lifeline for independent contractors

The Travel Agent Next Door has been keeping its agents informed about the various government programs available for independent contractors and small businesses.

Independent Insights – Know Your Value

I heard from an agent last week that she told her client she now had to start charging fees because supplier commissions were down or non-existent. She told her client her fee was $65. Her client’s response? “I’d pay you $100.”

Why sell luxury travel?

COVID-19 has changed so much in our lives and careers.

“I would like to thank agents for all of their support”: Air France-KLM

Catherine Guillemart-Dias took over as Vice-President and General Manager Canada for Air France-KLM on Aug. 1. Needless to say, with the timing of her new posting amid a pandemic, “the transition has been quite unique!” says Guillemart-Dias in this edition of Take 5. Communicating and providing reassurance are key during these unprecedented times, she adds.

“We have seen a spike in our bookings”: TPI’s Gedeon

When TPI surveyed its members this summer about plans for promoting travel, 78% said they were ready to “re-ignite” their travel marketing plans this fall, and of that 78%, some 63% said they had never stopped promoting travel during COVID-19, just modified their approach.

“The pent-up demand for travel, it’s real”: CoNexion 2020

When Nexion got its start in 1995, airlines were capping and then cutting commissions. The caps and cuts, combined with the exponential growth of OTAs in those days, made for a one-two punch for travel agencies, and many predicted that the traditional retail distribution chain would never recover.

5 questions for Nexion’s newest Canadian Rising Star, Eric Cohen

Building up a client list and generating some bookings as a brand new travel agent is a challenge at any time. Doing it during a pandemic? The mind boggles.

8 tips for using this downtime productively

Canada seems to be entering a second wave of COVID-19 and many restrictions remain in place that are hampering the travel industry’s efforts to start up again. This has left most agents with time on their hands.

VIDEOS

Magic is Waiting at Walt Disney World Resort

You can feel it as you near the Parks. That excitement, realizing that you're finally getting to experience the joy and laughter you've been dreaming about.

The Future of Travel: Caribbean Comeback: A virtual conference presented by Travelweek, Sept. 30, 2020

The live event featured keynote speakers from across the travel industry

Go to Videos

NEWS

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Cyber Monday savings from Sunwing, Transat, ACV and more

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We asked 3 veteran agents 3 questions on how they’re handling the pandemic

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Scenic Cruises’ Super Early Bird promotion now available

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