TORONTO — There’s never been a greater need to show appreciation for the agent community, which is why this year’s Travel Agent Day is more important than ever.

Taking place every first Wednesday in May, Travel Agent Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year on May 6, albeit in very challenging times. With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in travel restrictions and lockdown policies around the world, travel agencies have been forced to temporarily shutter their doors, with many agents now working from home.

This, says Colleen Lorenzen, founder of Travel Agent Day and Operations Manager at Uniglobe Carefree Travel in Saskatoon, just means that the retail community must find new and creative ways to commemorate the day.

“This year it will be very different on Travel Agent Day, even in our own office. Many of our staff are now laid off or working from home, but I just don’t want to let the day pass by as I think this is the time to fully appreciate what travel agents contribute to you and your business,” she says.

Adding how many tears have been shed during this time, Lorenzen is applauding agents for everything they’ve done and continue to do to accommodate their clients.

“Agents have been doing nothing but C&C – counselling and cancelling – for the last couple of weeks and we know it will continue,” she says. “If you were to check in every office in the country, you would find stories of agents helping clients either get home to family, or counselling people on what to expect. This is why I don’t want Travel Agent Day to go by the wayside during this tragic time.”

To support Lorenzen in her efforts, go to https://www.facebook.com/TravelAgentDay.

And stay tuned for more coverage about Travel Agent Day in the April 30 issue of Travelweek.