Travel Industry Interview: Amsterdam Dreaming

~ Words by Vickie Sam Paget, Sky Blue Content ~

As Sunwing Airlines announces that it will be operating its Toronto to Amsterdam service on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the very first time, CT asks David Wright, the company’s director of sales for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, how Canadian agents can cash in on this superior level of service…

Why is Amsterdam a hit with Canadian travellers?
Amsterdam is a lively city with a number of world-famous attractions, such as the Anne Frank Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Often dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’, the old centre is extremely picturesque and compact, along with being very easy to get around on foot. Amsterdam also enjoys excellent national rail and road connections with many other European ‘must-sees’, including London, Paris, Brussels and Bruges.

How can agents identify an Amsterdam client?
Given its central location in northern Europe, Amsterdam is a great hub from which to plan an itinerary exploring a number of European countries. Our flight schedule operates bi-weekly between June 27 and September 02, 2015, so it could be a great option for teachers and students taking a break over the summer or for couples planning a special anniversary trip. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for parents to introduce older children to Europe for the first time.

How can an agent increase their slice of this market?
Many Canadians aren’t aware how easy it is to combine Amsterdam with other European cities. Agents should do some destination research and put together some suggested European itineraries to whet the client’s appetite and prove what a great springboard Amsterdam can be for a European adventure. And don’t overlook the domestic market. As well as Canadians looking to travel, there may be Dutch nationals seeking flights home over the summer, so it’s worth making contact with any relevant community groups and ensure that they are aware of the new service.

How can a travel agent up-sell on this type of booking?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft offers three distinct cabins classes. Upgrade them to Comfort Class or Star Class. The Toronto to Amsterdam service can be just the start of a European itinerary, so agents should consider suggesting that they book onward flights, rail connections, hotel stays and tours.

SUNWING TORONTO-AMSTERDAM: 3 KEY SELLING TIPS

1. THE DREAMLINER
Boasting a host of new technologies and revolutionary design, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner features larger dimmable windows, dynamic LED lighting, lower cabin altitude and advances in air filtration system.

2. AFFORDABILITY
An attractive early booking offer is available. Couples can save $200 per booking on flights confirmed by March 31.

3. BAGGAGE
While some airlines charge for checked baggage in economy class, with Sunwing all passengers can take 25kg of checked baggage in addition to a further generous 7kg of luggage in the cabin. Upgrading to Comfort Class also includes an additional 10kg of checked baggage. All Star Class cabin passengers are entitled to 45kgs of checked luggage in addition to their 7kgs of carry-on baggage.

Image: Courtesy of Sunwing
This interview first appeared in CT Magazine, a publication for Canadian travel agents.