Travel agents across the UK can look forward to plenty of trade initiatives from Destination Canada, one of the most proactive tourism boards when it comes to agent engagement.
Among the activities planned this year are roadshows, webinars and fams – including an autumn trip that will target agents who have not visited the country.
“We have been working with agents for well over 30 years and they are as critical to us achieving our visitor number goals as they always have been…. we love working with them, whether that is our small band (20) of Elite Level agents or those who are new to selling Canada,” said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade for Destination Canada (pictured).
“We have lots going on for agents this year. We will again be out on the road, with our roadshows starting on April 1, in Exeter. The following day we will be in Bristol and on April 3 we will be in Belfast, which is exciting as we haven’t taken the roadshow there for a while.
“We have a little break and then we come back in May, in Norwich, my home town, on the 6th and then up to York on the 7th.”
Destination Canada’s roadshow evenings feature several Team Canada partners – destinations, airlines, rail companies, RV companies and more – speed dating, food and drinks and prizes.
Added Hanmer: “We look forward to saying hello to our diehard agents who have been selling and supporting Canada for a while, but we are also interested to hear from agents who want to start selling Canada.
“The Canada Specialist Programme (CSP) should be their first port of call; it is our online training programme with 40 modules.
“To finish the whole thing would probably take around six or seven hours but obviously we are not expecting that. Agents can do it at their own pace, over a period of time, and keep coming back to it. They will gain a lot of useful about a range of experiences in Canada’s regions.”
Destination Canada will again be running its webinar programme, for the third successive year. Kicking off in March, it will feature presentations by Team Canada partners who will provide agents with news and product updates. Agents should look out for further details.
The tourism board is also planning fam trips this year.
“One that we are particularly excited about will take place in October. We will take two groups to Ontario and Québec, and we will be looking for agents who have never been to Canada…that is, agents who sell Canada or who are looking to sell it but have not visited,” added Hanmer.
“It will be a great opportunity for interested agents to experience the country for the first time”
Agents should also look out for the annual trade guide, Selling Canada, which will again be out in October/November, Hanmer recommended.
“I would also encourage agents to look at the interactive driving itineraries that we launched last year. There are currently five available, with more to be added in 2025.
“We are proud of these so I hope agents will regularly revisit them and will share with their clients.
“They will really help them (agents) sell self-drives, which are an important element of the Canadian tourism mix.
“You can find these on the Selling Travel website – look for the Canada hub section.”
Any agent who is looking for help or resources to sell Canada can email Adam at: hanmer.adam@destinationcanada.com
