Canada Jetlines forms Jetlines Vacations. Marketing Director Julie Rempel explains what this means

Canada Jetlines is expanding its operations with the launch of Jetlines Vacations, a venture that it says will forge a strong bond with the travel trade.  

In a press release shared Tuesday (Nov. 14), the leisure airline said Jetlines Vacations will solidify its commitment to growing a “strong, integrated partnership with travel agents,” providing greater options for their clients and higher commission rates.

Canadian travellers will benefit from the expansion of international vacation experiences with direct service from Toronto to destinations like Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico, with Orlando, and Las Vegas soon to join the growing list of options.

"A holiday away is as Canadian as curling and hockey in winter. We are thrilled to work with top-rated hotels, ground transportation, and activity providers to make the holiday dream come true this winter with Jetlines Vacations," said Eddy Doyle, CEO of Canada Jetlines, in a statement.

Jetlines Vacations is operated by Canada Jetlines, an airline known for its elevated flight experience with value-based fares.

Simplifying the process 

The new venture is a bonded tour operator that will offer packaged deals, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and transfers, Julie Rempel, Jetlines' new marketing director, told PAX. 

"This means that travellers can book a complete vacation package through Jetlines Vacations, simplifying the planning process by bundling essential elements of the trip," Rempel said. 

She said Jetlines Vacations is part of a strategic approach that "identified a gap in the market."

"A gap where people who are actively searching for and desiring vacations is currently underserved," she said. "Fulfilling the unmet need for vacation options, Jetlines Vacations will become synonymous with providing the experiences that customers are actively seeking." 

The main difference between Canada Jetlines and Jetlines Vacations lies in their offerings and scope of services.

“Canada Jetlines is primarily an airline that operates flights to vacation destinations. On the other hand, Jetlines Vacations provides a comprehensive travel package, including not only air transportation but also accommodations (hotel) and other travel-related services,” Rempel said. 

In essence, Canada Jetlines focuses on air travel services, offering flights to various vacation destinations. 

While Jetlines Vacations "takes a more holistic approach" by bundling air travel with additional components such as hotel accommodations and transportation, providing travellers with a complete vacation package, she said. 

Hotel & transfer options "growing daily"

The list of hotels and transfer companies in Jetlines' portfolio is also "growing daily," she said. 

"As Jetlines expands its route network, so too will the number of partners expand," Rempel said. "Currently, there's a choice of over 25,000 room nights. We are committed to delivering choice with resort categories ranging from 5 star to 3.5 stars to ensure each travellers’ needs are met." 

READ MORE: CTA approves request from Jetlines to fly to Europe, Mexico, Cuba, D.R., Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia

There is also currently availability of dynamic packaging for travel agents by having a choice of combining air + cruise products. 

Moreover, Jetlines Vacations is aiming to distinguish itself by offering an expanded range of options for travel agents. 

"The emphasis is on building unique relationships and partnerships that will enable travel agents to access a broader array of choices for their clients," Rempel said. "This strategic approach positions Jetlines Vacations as a one-stop solution for travel agents, enhancing their ability to cater to diverse traveler preferences through the variety of packages and partnerships they are establishing."

How to book Jetlines Vacations

Travel advisors can now book Jetlines Vacations through SIREV.

For post-booking support, Jetlines also has a dedicated contact centre line at 1.866.320.8687.

Jetlines Vacations can also be booked through SABRE, but not yet available through AMADEUS, the airline says. Only air is available through Amadeus at this time.

How do agents benefit?

Jetlines Vacations is a “dependable and high-quality option” for clients of agency partners, the company says, offering market-leading commission rates of 10 per cent, available until Jan. 31, 2024.

Plus, from Nov. 14 to Dec. 15, travel agents will receive a bonus $25 gift card of their choosing per booking. Bookings also include a free bag.

"As the travel industry evolves and consumer preferences change, Jetlines Vacations will be responsive to these shifts, relying on what the travel agent community is telling us, and we will adapt successfully," Rempel said. 

"Jetlines Vacations is committed to being responsive to the needs of travel agents’ clients; actively seeking insights and feedback. This valuable information will play a crucial role in shaping decisions about destinations." 

"The advantage of our current size lies in our agility and openness to feedback, allowing us to adapt swiftly to meet the evolving needs of our clients and enhance their overall experience." 

Canada Jetlines, which was approved by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) in February to operate flights to Europe, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, St. Lucia and elsewhere, will have announcements to share in the near future, Rempel added. 

The company plans to expand it fleet to a minimum of 15 aircraft by 2025.

For more on Canada Jetlines, including its list of destinations, go to www.jetlines.com.

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