It’s a Challenging Market, but TRAVELSAVERS Canada’s Clementino Says Members are “Positioned to Thrive”

Demand for close-in travel is slowing due to the war in Iran and soaring fuel prices, but the saving grace is that Canadians’ desire to travel is stronger than ever, says Jane Clementino, SVP and General Manager for TRAVELSAVERS Canada.

Speaking to an audience of 85 TRAVELSAVERS Canada members and more than two dozen supplier representatives at a ‘Dine & Discover’ event in Mississauga, Clementino said “things are a little slower than we want them to be,” but she emphasized that members are reporting that client optimism for future travel hasn’t diminished.

“There’s an extreme booking curve right now. People are a little cautious about 2026 – we saw more cancellations for April than we did in February and March, but bookings for 2027 and even 2028 are off the charts. The good news is that travel is not a discretionary spend any more, people see it as essential. So it’s a matter of when they’re going to go, where they’re going to go and how often.”

TRAVELSAVERS Canada is a marketing organization and business consortium that supports independent travel agencies across Canada. It’s a growing concern – in the three years from the beginning of 2023 through the end of 2025, the organization grew by 47%, Clementino said, and now tops 1,900 members. Last year alone saw 325 new members – many of them additional independent contractors joining member agencies.

“Service is our lead point and we don’t charge fees. We thrive on our members thriving,” Clementino stressed. 

TRAVELSAVERS Canada Business Analysts work with members to help them understand what drives their bottom line and to create action plans to become more profitable. 

“They work with members in a consulting fashion, to analyze what they’re doing and how they’re progressing on their plans. That’s my background – taking data and creating an actionable activity list,” Clementino said.

Asked what are the most popular and valuable TRAVELSAVERS Canada initiatives to the membership base, Clementino said the weekly updates from business analysts on value-added incentives and offers from preferred suppliers is a big one. 

“Consumers are looking for value above all, and these updates make it simple for members to find exclusive offers that really help to close the sale.”

With cruising one of the travel industry’s hottest segments, TRAVELSAVERS Canada affiliated agencies benefit from year-round cruise advantages through the Value Incentive Program (VIP). 

The program spans more than fifteen preferred cruise lines and over 5,000 sailings, offering exclusive client perks only available through a TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisor. The VIP program provides clients with complimentary credits or services valued at up to $600 per sailing.

“Many travellers perceive cruising as offering more value than land options at present, with extras and amenities they want to enjoy while staying within a budget,” Clementino added.

Another major plus for members is the sense of community and camaraderie that is nourished by the organization and events like Dine & Discover, which attract hundreds of members at locations across the country. 

“This concept originated in Canada and has spread to the U.S. side of TRAVELSAVERS as well. We offer a really nice night out where members can get face to face with suppliers and colleagues,” Clementino said. 

“Owners can reserve a whole table for their group, and we have a nice meal and some fun, with a minimum of speeches. And our members are great to each other all year-round. They really engage and help each other out, and we create a path for them to communicate with each other.”

Despite the current challenging market, Clementino sees lots of room for optimism. Online travel agencies have seen a significant decline in sales – around 10% —  and while some of that drop is going to supplier-direct bookings, she says a larger share is coming to professional advisors.

“We’re positioned to thrive. Whenever things get more complex, people look for assistance and advice. The demand curve will increase again, and while things are a little bit slower, we can focus on training and ensuring our members make the best use of the long list of programs and tools we offer them.”