Travelweek

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Then and now: Thoughts on the COVID-19 crisis

People love to travel. Many of our agents have told us that their clients have shared with them how much this has made them appreciate that experiences matter more than ‘things’.

A great sales tool that’s 144 years old

It’s almost impossible to imagine how we would cope with Covid-19 without the internet. How would we communicate without email, Zoom, Skype and access to online research?vWe would surely be even more isolated than we already are.

Agents owe it to themselves to explore becoming a home-based agent permanently

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of us to change how we live and work. For many, adapting to working from home was a challenge at first — everything from IT issues to finding a suitable workspace in our homes to boosting our Internet speed.

Cutting costs right now is best way to prepare for success in the future

As the travel industry hunkers down to weather this unprecedented time, large and small agency owners have to find every possible way to cut costs. The ongoing cost of things like rent or fees, or employees can be the undoing of a business when revenue isn’t coming in.

“We are seeing a very positive outlook for our 2021 and 2022 bookings”: TPI

Just because travel has effectively come to a halt, doesn’t mean travel retailers aren’t busy. Quite the opposite, in fact. Just ask TPI’s CEO, Zeina Gedeon.

Reusable mask initiative has taken off, says TravelOnly President & CEO

Back in May host agency TravelOnly announced a new partnership with Face Forward Canada, to provide Canadians with safe protective measures when travelling.

Making the most of Zoom

Ohhh, we’ve all been there. The Zoom meeting with one person face-down over their keyboard, invisible. Someone sitting with their back to a window so you see them only in shadow. Or the person sitting three feet away from the camera, a wee head in the distance.

Is it time to shop for a new host agency?

“A high tide floats all boats.” I love that: when conditions are great, everyone reaps the benefits. It’s when times are tough (like right now) that in any industry, ours included, the players with deep roots and deep pockets will survive.

How to engage with your clients without sounding tone-deaf

Undoubtedly many of you, like myself, have seen the popular social media trend comparing how we looked March 1 vs April 1:

Getting out from under the costs of operating an agency is a timely option

This is a very uncertain time for travel agency owners. What is certain is that all the ongoing costs of running an agency don’t go away at a time like this and can be crippling when revenue isn’t coming in.

VIDEOS

The Playa Hotels & Resorts SAFE STAY™ Promise

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Playa Hotels & Resorts has expanded existing guest safety procedures and developed new safety protocols for their entire portfolio of all-inclusive resorts based on guidance from global healthcare professionals, existing partnerships with Hyatt and Hilton and elevated guest expectations.

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NEWS

VIA Rail on safety, demand and short- and long-term forecasts

With a network that serves over 400 communities from coast to coast, there’s no question that VIA Rail’s reach in...

Virtuoso releases poll results for 2020 travel intentions and more

If there’s one thing that pandemic has made perfectly clear, it’s that COVID-19 has been a complete leveller for...

Air Canada’s fully transformed Aeroplan program will launch in November

Air Canada has “transformed” its Aeroplan loyalty program, officially launching on Nov. 8 with more personalized...

The Travel Corporation’s US$300 million promise to agents

The Travel Corporation is making a multi-million dollar ‘Peace of Mind’ promise to its travel agent partners...

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