Canadian travel advisors have weathered unprecedented change over the past several years, but according to Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada, the profession is entering one of its biggest periods of opportunity.
Clementino joins hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia on Episode 10 of You Came to the Right Place to discuss the trends reshaping the travel industry—from artificial intelligence and changing traveller expectations to advisor specialization, domestic travel and the evolving relationship between suppliers and the trade.
"I think we've all established that travel is an essential," Clementino says during the episode. "The opportunity is endless, in some cases untapped. I think there's going to be more advisors coming in that can make a great living or a supplemental living."
The conversation explores why more advisors are choosing niche specializations, how travellers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences, and why many advisors are returning to offering full-service bookings, including air.
Clementino also discusses the growing role of AI, encouraging advisors to embrace it as a productivity tool without losing the human expertise that continues to set the profession apart.
"We need to have that human element continue to be our main focus," she says. "That's why we talk about storytelling or judgment calls. I don't think AI can do that at this point."
Jane Clementino, SVP & GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada (Photo Credit: Supplied)
The episode also examines what advisors need most from supplier partners, why domestic Canadian travel presents new opportunities, and how ongoing professional development can help advisors prepare for what Clementino expects will be a busy 2027.
She also speaks about the importance of what she calls "radical candor"—having the confidence to voice your perspective professionally, even when you're the only one in the room willing to do so.
"Have the confidence to stand up for what you believe," Clementino says. "Don't shy away from the fact that no one else has said it."
As always, the episode wraps up with the podcast's signature Pulse Check, where Clementino shares her dream destination, biggest airport pet peeve, favourite duty-free purchase and the travel advice that forever changed the way she flies.
Listen to Episode 10 of You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts, or visit the TravelPulse Canada podcast page to hear the latest episode and catch up on previous conversations with leaders from across the travel industry.
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