"Pent-up demand has really begun."
Air Canada Vacations VP Nino Montagnese told TravelPulse Canada in a FB Live yesterday that they are seeing the demand earlier than they were expecting, which is a big reason for the long call-in waits so many agents have complained about.
"We do have hefty wait times and the good news is, we're calling our employees back to work. We certainly didn't anticipate it would happen as quickly as it is, but the good news is we are bringing people back and not just into the call centre, but various areas throughout the company.
"Please bear with us, it takes a couple of weeks to sort through and call the employees back and settled, but help is on the way."
Montagnese says the demand for Europe is also coming back as are multigenerational, friends and family bubble-travellers.
"They're spending the money they didn't get to spend (during lockdown)."
He also revealed to TravelPulse Canada they will be holding their next brochure launch virtually, on September 9th. More details will follow, but the event will feature every single product line, not just sun destinations and will be even better than the first one with more prizes and incredible incentives for agents. Montagnese said they listened to feedback and will not be including a consumer portion at the event this year.
"I want to take a moment and thank everyone for all of our trade partners for hanging in there, it's been a rough ride for all of us, not knowing what's coming next. Rest assured we will be there right there right beside we as we rebuild this industry together."
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