TORONTO — Susan Bowman, VP, Marketing and Industry Relations at Transat Distribution Canada, has announced her retirement.

Her last day at TDC will be April 7.

Bowman has been a mainstay in the travel industry for some four decades, bringing her professionalism, positivity and experience to some of the biggest names in the business, both retail and wholesale.

In 1985 she joined American Express Canada and served as Director, National Accounts Establishment Services.

After eight years with AMEX she moved to INTRA, as Chief Operating Officer.

From there a decade with Thomas Cook included five years as Senior VP, Business and Industry Relations with Thomas Cook Travel, and another five years as Senior VP, Marketing with Thomas Cook Canada. She landed at TDC in 2011, after time with Loyalty One.

Travelweek reached out to Bowman as she looks forward to this next stage of her life.

“It is bittersweet after four decades to leave a business that I love. But it’s time,” she said.

She added that she has nothing but positive words for the future of retail travel advisors.

“From all indications, it certainly appears to be bright for the travel professional. Many continue to have a higher volume of sales than pre-pandemic and clients appreciate more than ever working with an experienced advisor. I do not think this will change anytime soon,” she told Travelweek.

“A KEY PLAYER IN OUR ORGANIZATION”

Karine Gagnon, General Manager, TDC, said Bowman has been an essential asset to the company’s leadership team.

“Her keen eye for opportunity, her constant focus around customer experiences and her passion for what she likes to call ‘home’ (Transat) have made her a key player in our organization,” said Gagnon.

Bowman paved the way to integrating new digital tools and promotional programs at TDC, added Gagnon, enabling TDC’s Travel Professionals and travel agency owners to be best positioned and equipped to take on the pent-up demand for travel.

In 2022 she led negotiations that won TDC its membership with Virtuoso.

She has also been responsible for TDC’s Agent@Home program. Her last major project will be the launch of TDC’s digital gift card program, planned for early April.

“On behalf of our entire team, I would like to sincerely thank Susan for her commitment and contribution to TDC and Transat over the years,” said Gagnon. “Always striving for excellence, she will have left her mark, and I am certain that she will be missed by our colleagues as well as our travel agency owners. I would like to wish Susan a very happy and well-deserved retirement as she enters this new stage of her life.”

A recruitment process is underway.