Transformative Experiences at Transat’s Rookie Camp

100 new travel advisors took part in Transat’s second annual Rookie Camp last week in the Dominican Republic, in what the company says was an unforgettable learning experience for everyone.

The Rookie Camp took place at Majestic Colonial Punta Cana and brought together passionate professionals for a week filled with hands-on training, exciting discoveries, and invaluable networking opportunities.

“Transat’s mission with Rookie Camp is to immerse new travel advisors in its core values. We believe that having the opportunity to communicate this mindset, empowering newcomers with practical knowledge and fostering enduring connections so early in their careers is truly invaluable. It’s our way of bridging distances and staying firmly rooted in their minds”, said Lindsay Merrill, Transat Sales Manager.

Advisor testimonials were enthusiastic, with many thankful for the opportunity to take key insights back home and apply to their dealings with clients.

“Attending the 2025 Transat Rookie Camp at the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana was a truly rewarding experience,” said advisor Veronica Van Cooten from VVC Travel. “The event was exceptionally well organized and packed with valuable content—from practical sales tips to strategic insights. One of the biggest highlights for me was meeting so many friendly and passionate travel advisors, building new relationships, sharing experiences, learning from each other. I can’t wait to apply everything I acquired to my business.”

Fiona Allen from Marlin Travel in Dundas said that “being able to personally experience the accommodations, service and setting of each resort provided me with a much deeper understanding of what to recommend to my clients—this firsthand knowledge has truly elevated how I will be promoting Transat packages moving forward. Plus, the itinerary was thoughtfully curated to balance site inspections with training, cultural experiences, and social outings where I was able to truly connect with BDM’s and fellow new advisors.”

Brea Hindy from MACS Travel in Alliston also felt this was a game-changer for her. “As a newer advisor, this was a hands-on masterclass in becoming a stronger, more confident travel professional. But what made this trip truly memorable were the people. Consultants, resort sales managers, BDMs—these relationships will help me better serve my clients, confidently match them with the right properties and bring even more value to their trips. This was my first FAM and it simply was monumental for my business”.

The program featured more than five hours of exclusive sessions focused on Transat’s products, alongside seven hours of expert-led training delivered by renowned hotel partners, including six newcomers:

• Iberostar Resorts
• Meliá Hotels International
• World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection
• Bahia Principe
• Palladium Hotels & Resorts
• Majestic Resorts
• Barceló Hotel Group
• Catalonia Hotels & Resorts
• Ocean Hotels
• Playa Hotels & Resorts
• Serenade Hotels
• Viva Wyndham

The Rookie Camp was also an opportunity to discover several other aspects of Transat: the E-Travel Guide (a new online app developed by Trafic Tours specifically for groups), the exceptional service of Turissimo (Transat’s local partner), as well as the carefully selected portfolio of properties. Indeed, participants also had the chance to tour nearly 40 all-inclusive hotels across Punta Cana, Miches, and Cap Cana—giving them firsthand insights into accommodations available to cater to the specific needs of their clientele.