Vacation Better With Sunwing
Sunwing is on the road these days, taking its Vacation Better Shows to Canadian agents to help them help their clients to Vacation Better.
Press Today had a chance to ask the operator’s vice-president of sales, Deana Murphy a number of questions about where agents fit in the company’s plans; for some highlights of the new product that they were launching; for an update on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 situation; and, naturally, how they’re different from the competition.
Here’s what Murphy had to say:
Press Today: Can you talk about how big a role travel agents have played in the success of Sunwing?
Deana Murphy: Travel agents contribute significantly to our business and their support is a big part of the Sunwing success story.
We greatly value our partnership with Travel Agents and continue to invest in training, fam trips, sales initiatives and our STAR Loyalty program.
Our team of Business Development Managers are valuable resources and agents should make sure they are connected to their local BDM as well as accessing www.sunwingagents.ca on a regular basis to keep up to date with our many promotions and sales initiatives.
PT: What’s the message for agents at this year’s product launches — what do you want them to take-away from these events?
DM: For us the sales presentation series is an opportunity to thank our agents for their support throughout the year and to bring them up to date with everything that’s new for the coming season — from the latest destination and flight services to which hotels are open when.
PT: Can you give us some of the highlights that you will be talking to agents about tonight? Are you launching summer product or winter 2019-2020 product?
DM: We are very excited about having the islands of Grenada and Tobago in the brochure for the first time. We also have several new resorts that we’re excited about, including Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort, Spa & Casino and the Adults Only Club at Lopesan Costa Bavaro, which both feature stylish suites with swim-up options and access to The Boulevard, an exclusive leisure area featuring a water park, casino, nightclub and more.
Another new resort offering is Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa which will feature the first-ever overwater bungalows for Royalton Luxury Resorts and is located on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
There are also several properties slated to open soon including Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun, a luxury entertainment themed resort perfect for families, groups and couples and Royalton Grenda Resort and Spa, an opulent oceanfront property featuring gourmet dining options.
PT: What about an update for agents on the Boeing 737 MAX situation where are things at now and moving forward? Anything new?
DM: We continue to work closely with Transport Canada, Boeing and the other operators of MAX airplanes on plans to return this aircraft type to service.
For the meantime, we have sourced additional aircraft to maintain our flight schedule. While some rescheduling has been necessary to achieve this, we have re-accommodated all passengers to date.
We appreciate the patience of our customer and travel agent partners as we continue to make these schedule changes.
PT: Why should agents sell Sunwing? What makes your company different?
DM: At Sunwing, we’re committed to helping our customers Vacation Better. From providing them with award-winning service on board Sunwing Airlines as they travel to their chosen resort to offering top-rated tours and excursions that ensure our clients experience the best of what their destination has to offer.
We’re proud to be with them every step of the way and offer them a seamless travel experience delivered by one team.
We offer the widest selection of top-rated resorts across over 45 of the most sought after destinations in the sunny south, with convenient direct flight options available from over 33 airports from coast to coast.
Sunwing’s network of Business Development Managers is based across the country and supports agents through webinars, FAM trips and presentations to ensure they are well-informed about our product offering.
