Collette Says Thanks

Celebrating 25 years in Canada, Collette hosted a festive industry lunch yesterday (Dec. 7) at Quinn’s Restaurant in Toronto to thank and toast its partners who have helped it through an admittedly challenging year in the industry.

Doug Patterson, president, Collette Canada, said the company continues to the fight the myth of what coach tours are all about – a travel segment that has certainly changed over the years. Gone are the days of herding people on and off buses as they travel from one country or attraction to another.

“We’re still up against the myth, but the reality is we’ve evolved,” said Patterson. “We’ve taken clients from being a tourist to being a traveller. Authentic, cultural experiences are what we’re bringing to life. Our job is to fulfill dreams.”

Features of a Collette package include private sedan transfers, four-star accommodation, WiFi and professional tour managers (one “reason people keep coming back”). When it comes to dining, the tour operator not only offers guests a choice of menus, but usually a choice of up to three restaurants in the destination.

Four pillars the company stands by are peace of mind, expertise, more on tour experiences, and flexibility.

Collette also offers travellers Travel Protection – with refunds made in cash – and Guaranteed departures.

“Guaranteed means guaranteed,” noted Brett Walker, general manager, Canada.

As a company, which will celebrate its centenary in 2018, Collette also stands by its “No Discounting” policy.

Pictured at the Toronto event are Walker, Patterson and Ron Lonsdale, director of strategic partnerships, Canada.