Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), one of the country's largest full-service, 100% Canadian and bilingual travel agency networks offers Exclusive FAMs as part of its agent@home program and recently sent travel professionals from across the country on board the Scarlet Lady, one of the luxury cruise line's Virgin Voyages ships, and Seaborne Encore.
It's a big perk available to agents that travel professionals are thrilled about.
"The agent@home program is great for many reasons," says Annie Ravenelle, Travel Professional. "The support from the team and the reputation of the network makes me very proud to be part of it. The many familiarization trips TDC offers allow us to have great experiences so that we are better equipped to serve our clients."
Victoria Tremblay, Travel Professional agrees.
"The best move I made in my career was to joining the Transat agent@home program 4 years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed so many experiences and benefits. Their exclusive FAMS are second to none."
TDC Virgin Voyages FAM (Sandra Wesson)
Transat Distribution (TDC) travel professionals have access to the largest educational Campus plus on-sight destination immersion training in Canada. The FAMs are just one example where TDC consultants learn firsthand about the latest travel products and trends. It's an opportunity to meet with senior members from TDC and our Travel Partners and network with like-minded professionals.
"FAM trips are not to be considered a cheap way to go on vacation," says Sylvia Kuhnemann, Travel Professional. "They are to be done with the intention of learning about the product and selling it with confidence. That being said, no one said you couldn't have fun on a FAM. I have done 3 FAM's in the last year. A tour, a cruise and a resort. I had a blast on each one. I really enjoy the agents-only FAMs because I am surrounded by people who understand my challenges (being on hold with an airline for 7 hours) and successes (happy clients that send referrals). I always learn something from them."
"TDC provides fantastic opportunities to experience the products we sell," says Wayne Arsenault, Travel Professional. "I have been fortunate to have the chance to personally experience cruises and land tours through TDC FAMs. It really makes a difference when you can say "I have been on that ship, at that resort". There is nothing like first-hand knowledge."
Transat Distribution Canada added Virgin Voyages to their extensive list of preferred partners in September 2020. Virgin Voyages is also part of the Virtuoso network of luxury travel partners. In October, TDC General Manager Karine Gagnon named 30-year company veteran Carol Thorne Regional Manager for the Ontario, Western and Maritime regions, and Caroline Legendre Regional Manager responsible for Quebec. Chantal Lalonde was also named to Business Development Manager for Quebec.
Gagnon says the company's strength is that it can offer travel professionals a variety of models, whether they wish to be full-time employees, franchise owners or independent contractors, within a Canadian owned and fully bilingual organization.
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