TORONTO — TRAVELSAVERS Canada brought together more than 120 agency owners, managers, suppliers and staff from across North America for its 2025 Owners Focus Retreat, designed to deepen relationships and spark innovation in the face of evolving market challenges.
Held April 23-26 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, the redesigned event focused on empowering travel agencies through meaningful networking and collaborative sessions. Attendees participated in interactive programming featuring inspiring speakers, engaging networking activities and informal social events – all aimed at building stronger connections within the TRAVELSAVERS network.
MARKET-SPECIFIC NEEDS
TRAVELSAVERS Canada agency owners took part in a roundtable session tailored to the Canadian market, where they shared ideas for navigating current challenges. Conversations focused on sales strategies, preferred supplier support and tools like the AI Connect platform.
Agencies identified key priorities such as Canadian-specific promotions, flexible payment solutions and consumer-facing events to boost engagement and sales.
“Owners Focus Retreat created a space for meaningful discussions and fresh thinking,” said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “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 MOMENTUM CONTINUES
TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors are reports sales increases over 2024’s strong numbers, with cruising leading the way. Contemporary ocean cruising is up 9%, followed by premium ocean cruising at 8%, and luxury ocean cruising at 5%.
While sun vacations have increased by 7%, FIT vacations have grown by 3% and guided vacations by 2%.
“I am super bullish on this business and believe 2025 is going to end strongly,” said TRAVELSAVERS Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Mazza. “Travellers are booking for the festive season and into next year. 2026 is already off the charts with double-digit growth.”
MEETING MARKET CHALLENGES HEAD-ON
The network acknowledged a softening in certain travel segments in 2025, shaped by inflation, lower consumer confidence and the ongoing trade war. Still, TRAVELSAVERS emphasized the importance of working together to sustain growth.
“After 55 years, we’re not strangers to industry challenges,” said Mazza. “We excel at turning them into opportunities. 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.”
Recent network enhancements include an expanded partner collection, bringing more perks 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.
NEW TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY
TRAVELSAVERS Canada continues to invest in lead-generating marketing and digital tools to help agencies grow. The Travel Club loyalty program connects clients with exclusive discounts while driving leads to network agencies. Enhanced advisor profiles on the new TRAVELSAVERS.ca site help match travellers with the right advisor.
A newly launched Softvoyage dashboard allows advisors to create and promote custom packages, with a dedicated code directing clients to their own booking engine. And the tripXpress booking platform now includes deep-linking technology, allowing advisors to include links in marketing collateral that take clients directly into the booking process.
Additionally, the network’s AI Connect platform is also helping advisors streamline their workflow and focus more time on selling.
For more information about TRAVELSAVERS Canada, visit www.travelsavers.ca.
