Everything is ExtraordinIRIE
1/8"Welcome back" - two simple words said by the flight crew on our WestJet flight to Jamaica on Saturday that signified so much. TravelPulse Canada is in Jamaica for the Travel Agent Next Door annual conference, which was postponed twice because of the pandemic.
The WestJet flight crew knows what they speak of - travel is back and it's coming back with a vengeance. It's a feeling that is felt by the travel industry with a palpable elation, as we emerge from nearly two years of a loss of livelihood.
Our host, Moon Palace Jamaica, is the first Palace outside of Mexico.
TTAND Founder Flemming Friishdahl took to the stage Sunday night to welcome the roughly 200 travel agents and suppliers attending the conference, the first Canadian conference to be held in person.
"Welcome back everyone, it's so good to see everyone in person and feel normal again. Travel is coming back."
"Welcome to Jamaica. Welcome. You know, if I could sing, I'd probably sing the song. Welcome to Jamrock" (referencing the famous song by Bob Marley's son Damian), exclaims Clifton Reader, GM Moon Palace Ocho Rios and President of the JHTA.
"We are very proud to say that after seven years, we've maintained the standards, our teams, those working with us tonight, and those working in the restaurants, bars rules, they've done a phenomenal job."
Some of the agents we spoke with said sales have been slow to bounce back due to COVID concerns, specifically in terms of insurance. But the overall sense is that people want to get away and are booking.
"It's an opportunity to see; first-hand the protocols and everything that's in place so we can better explain to our clients," says travel agent Aaron Sidenberg.
It's a jam-packed week with conference sessions designed to boost TTAND agents' education and sales, but for now, the kickoff is a celebratory Halloween-themed night where agents and the industry can celebrate the fact we are back.
