MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations is entering 2026 with a renewed focus on collaboration with the travel advisor community, following a year shaped largely by trade feedback and advisor-led priorities.
As the tour operator reflects on 2025, it says insights from travel advisors across Canada played a central role in guiding product development, policy decisions and new initiatives. Advisors are now being invited to continue that dialogue by sharing feedback through a short survey aimed at informing future enhancements.
“Travel advisors across the country, including members of our Travel Agent Advisory Board, shared invaluable feedback with us over the past year, highlighting their priorities and challenges,” said Erminia Gallina, sales director at Air Canada Vacations. “Powered by their voice, these insights were instrumental in shaping our 2025 initiatives, clearly illustrating how advisor feedback translates into meaningful support and value for their business.”
Product updates introduced in 2025 reflected several long-standing requests from the trade. Among the most anticipated was the launch of ACV Options, which allows advisors to hold Sun packages for 24 hours and Europe packages for 48 hours. The program was designed to provide greater flexibility during the booking process and help advisors manage client decision-making with more confidence.
Flexibility was also extended beyond booking through enhancements to CareFlex Plus. The reimagined offering allows for greater flexibility within three days and enables cancellations up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving advisors additional tools to manage changing circumstances while delivering added value to clients.
Recognition of advisor performance was another area of focus in 2025. Air Canada Vacations introduced the Groups Excellence Program, a loyalty initiative created exclusively for group bookings and a first for the company. Investment also continued in the Top Ambassador Program, with expanded opportunities and rewards for top-performing agents across the country.
Beyond tools and incentives, Air Canada Vacations expanded its product lineup to better align with evolving traveller demand. The Diverse Program was extended to new destinations, offering additional multi-country itineraries and more European options to support continued growth across the region.
Long Stay Programs were also introduced through ACV, featuring a range of inclusions designed to appeal to clients seeking extended stays. Among the newer options are all-inclusive beach stays in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, a destination that has been gaining traction across a wide range of traveller segments. The Balearic Islands capital offers a mix of historical attractions, sandy beaches, outdoor activities and a vibrant nightlife scene, positioning it as a versatile choice for different traveller types.
Advisor feedback also reinforced the importance of free baggage as a core selling feature. Air Canada Vacations confirmed that free baggage has remained a foundational policy, citing its importance for value perception and selling confidence. Building on this, Air Canada enhanced the onboard experience in September by introducing complimentary beer, wine and snacks on flights to Caribbean destinations.
Looking ahead, Air Canada Vacations says advisor input will continue to guide its direction. The company is encouraging travel advisors to participate in its survey as it works toward making 2026 a successful year for the trade.
To participate in the survey, click here.