Pivoting During an Unprecedented Time; Strategies from ClickTheMouse Travel

Just two words can immediately bring back flashbacks for the Canadian travel industry; “unprecedented” and “pivot.”

Often used during the pandemic, the two words should be considered by travel advisors once again when creating strategies to remain sustainable during the potential challenges posed by US tariffs in Canada. It’s particularly important for travel advisors and agencies that focus on travel to the US.

If anyone could speak to these potential effects and challenges on niche agencies, Sandra Pappas, Founder of ClicktheMouse Travel, can. The niche travel agency focuses on family vacations to Disney and Universal destinations. Established in 2014, they currently have 57 travel advisors located across Canada. ClickTheMouse was one of the first agencies in Canada to receive platinum status for Disney’s Earmarked Agency Program which is the highest level of recognition by Disney in Canada, and they are also a top agency for Universal Orlando. Further, they have received the highest awarded level in Canada with platinum recognition as a Universal U-Preferred Agency.

“We have seen a few cancellations as well as a very slow February which is typically one of our busiest months,” Pappas told Travel Market Report Canada. “There are two factors that are affecting our business; the political tariffs as well as the low Canadian dollar. We hope to see a turnaround for both in the near future.”

Pappas says one way they’re pivoting is to suggest alternate destinations in the Disney umbrella and to focus on other resorts that specialize in family vacations.

“We are suggesting alternative destinations like Europe where you can cruise the Mediterranean, or the Caribbean where they have family resorts like Beaches,” says Pappas. “We know the family travel dynamic very well and will be there to assist whatever the destination is.

One positive trend is we are seeing in an increase in Disney Cruise Line bookings. The U.S. is a gateway for some (not all) cruise itineraries, and most of the port destinations are not in the U.S. Cast Members on board a Disney cruise are from all over the world and with destinations like Europe, the South Pacific and soon Singapore, there are so many places you can cruise to on a Disney Ship.”

Pappas says her agency did not initially see any slowdown in travellers to Florida after past political tensions, but unfortunately they are starting to now. She’s balancing that by focusing on Disneyland in California, which is where it all began.

“Walt Disney’s vision for the parks was “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the Park. I want them to feel they’re in another world” which is something I personally feel we could all use right now!  

It is also great timing as Disneyland is celebrating its 70^th Anniversary this year with new and exciting entertainment and events as well as a newly released Canadian Resident ticket and resort offer. I realize many are making a stand against travel to the U.S. as our leadership has stated, but it is affecting us as a Canadian business. We also appreciate that everyone has a choice on where they wish to vacation, and we are there to help and offer alternatives.”

Having weathered the pandemic, Pappas feels ready to tackle any upcoming challenges head on.

“We feel we have gained a backbone after the pandemic and are not going to give up promoting and visiting Disney and Universal destinations,” she adds.

“These destinations are an escape from the real world. We can only keep doing our jobs and offer alternatives to those that want them. Hopefully this doesn’t last very long and we can get back to helping make magic for Canadian families.”