TDC’s Training Academy returns from sea with Virgin Voyages

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) held its first Training Academy since 2019, this time with a focus on cruising. 

Eighty travel professionals from across the TDC network took part in the event, including from the Transat Travel/Voyages Transat agencies, franchisees and affiliates, and the agent@home program.

The week-long event left the port of Miami on April 20 for the Caribbean, with stops in three countries, returning home on April 26.

“I’m really proud to say that TDC is a pioneer in Canada in its association with Virgin Voyage,” says Sandra Wesson, TDC’s director of product and industry relations. “We were the first network in Canada to offer a familiarization trip on this distinctive cruise line, and we’re back at it again this time by being the first Canadian network to organize a training academy onboard one of their unique ships. At TDC, training is of paramount importance, and we’re delighted to have brought back our classic training Academy format after the enforced hiatus of recent years.” 

This year’s conference saw support from 20 of TDC’s preferred partners, the majority of whom are cruise operators.

“In addition to the product workshops and roundtable sessions presented by the partners, the TDC training team also conducted a dedicated sales session, to provide them with additional tools to better sell cruises to their clientele,” Wesson said.

Travel professionals also experienced Virgin’s own Bimini Island off the Bahamas. 

The importance of training at TDC

Karine Gagnon, TDC’s General Manager, reiterated the TDC network’s commitment to continuing training, a subject of vital importance.

“For me, this is one of the major assets TDC offers its members; in this era of labour crisis, it’s essential for our members to be able to count on a wide variety of solid training options for all levels of travel professionals,” Gagnon said.

On a day-to-day basis, ongoing training is possible with the TDC Campus, a comprehensive training program of more than 60 hours, offered in English and French, with content designed for travel neophytes and experienced professionals alike.