MORE than 500 travel agents have expressed an interest in becoming Canada Travel Specialists, according to Canadian Tourism Commission UK director Ian Harrower.
He said: “There are already 200 in the programme, and the launch in April of the Canada Travel Counsellor Scheme, creating a second tier of interest in distance-learning courses, is drawing a lot more interest.”
Training seminars have been held in Bristol, London and Sheffield. The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, as well as seven operators and Canadian Pacific Hotels were among participants contributing to training and workshop-style sessions. These include being listed in the Canada Travel Planner sent to all respondants; educational invitations; certificates to promote their knowledge of Canada; and referrals toconsumers.
One of the fastest-growing product sectors of the Canada market is skiing and Harrower said the CTC hoped to persuade more ski operators to raise the funding for a repeat destination and referral brochure for the forthcoming season.