Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • Training & Resources

Luxury Takes Centre Stage with Introduction of TTAND LUXE Brand

The Travel Agent Next Door
by Authored Content  July 14, 2026
Luxury Takes Centre Stage with Introduction of TTAND LUXE Brand

The new LUXE brand logo from The Travel Agent Next Door.

Introduced earlier this year, LUXE by TTAND provides advisors with the tools, branding, and expertise to grow in the luxury travel market.

The program includes a dedicated consumer-facing LUXE website, specialized luxury training, elevated marketing assets, and partnerships with premium travel suppliers.

Agents can qualify through luxury sales or by completing the TTAND LUXE Mastermind Program, designed to deepen their understanding of the luxury traveller and the mindset needed to succeed in this growing segment.

Luxury travel was one of the defining themes at this year’s The Travel Agent Next Door conference, and advisors left energized by the opportunities to elevate their businesses and better serve today’s evolving traveller.

TTAND member Cathy Wiechnik with Founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl.

Luxury is not just about the price tag

What became clear throughout the week is that luxury is no longer defined solely by price tags or five-star properties. Instead, advisors described luxury as deeply personal — rooted in customization, service, emotion, and meaningful experiences.

“Luxury means different things to everyone,” explained Cathy Wiechnik of Xcursions. “One of the best takeaways from the luxury travel session was the reminder that ‘luxury’ means different things to everyone.”

That sentiment was echoed by Karen Desanti of Desanti Travel.

“For some clients, it’s the ease of a private transfer or the comfort of a swim-out suite. For others, it’s private jets, yachts, and highly customized, once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” she shared. “Luxury isn’t defined by a price tag — it’s defined by how well an experience reflects the individual.”

Many advisors said the conference challenged them to think differently about how they market and position luxury travel.

Don’t underestimate the potential for selling luxury

Arlene Gibbons.

Arlene Gibbons of The Travel Agent Next Door, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador admitted she previously underestimated the luxury potential within her own client base.

“I need to focus on new ways to find, reach and engage them,” she said. “I will start with working on my current database to offer luxury to those that I would not necessarily market to. If you don’t ask, then you just never know who might bite!”

For Leon Vanier of Landmark Vacations, the biggest takeaways were rooted in mindset and client experience.

“My biggest takeaway were ‘don’t sell with your wallet’ and ‘service, service, service’,” he explained.

Other advisors emphasized the importance of specialization and building authority within a niche.

TTAND member Dorena Chin with Flemming Friisdahl.

“To stay focused on your niche, become a trusted expert through experience, education and partnerships,” said Dorena Chin. “Believe in your value as an advisor.”

Sessions also highlighted how luxury clients increasingly seek advisors who deliver not just travel bookings, but elevated experiences from the very first interaction.

“The details matter — not just during the trip, but throughout the entire client experience,” noted Desanti. “From the first interaction to the way itineraries are presented, every touchpoint should feel polished, intentional, and elevated.”

For many advisors, luxury represents one of the most significant growth opportunities in today’s travel landscape.

“We need to focus on luxury and experiences and market it properly,” said Nabila Hussain of TravQuest. “People do have the money and inclination to experience it.”

And perhaps most importantly, advisors left the conference feeling empowered to confidently position themselves as trusted experts capable of delivering extraordinary travel experiences tailored to every client’s unique vision of luxury. 

Click here to learn more about TTAND’s Luxe program.

  
  
Related Articles
The Travel Agent Next Door Names Alma Ortiz Director, Supplier Relations
7 Things to Consider Before You Switch Host Agencies
TTAND Named to Air Canada Circle of Excellence Platinum Level for 3rd Straight Year
Annual Virtuoso Awards Gala Celebrates Best in Luxury Travel
The Most Successful Travel Advisors Are Already Planning 2027. Are You?
TTAND Named to Top Tier of Air Canada Vacations’ New Prestige Partner Program
Luxury Tour Ops Report Major Booking Behaviour Shift: What Advisors Need to Know
Kensington Names Tara Powadiuk as Senior Vice President, Marketing
TTAND Agents Learn How Groups Continue to Drive Business Growth
Top Stories
Too Much Information: Why Clarity Is The Travel Advisor’s New Superpower
Too Much Information: Why Clarity Is The Travel Advisor’s New Superpower

The travel advisor of the future doesn’t win by knowing more than the internet. They win by making sense of it.

Ensemble Completes Six-City Skyline Series
Ensemble Completes Six-City Skyline Series

Held throughout September, Skyline travelled to Montreal, San Diego, Vancouver, Toronto, Atlanta and Calgary, offering a bite-sized complement to Ensemble’s larger network-wide events.

Air Canada Vacations Unveils Advisor Connect, Its New Travel Advisor Hub
Air Canada Vacations Unveils Advisor Connect, Its New Travel Advisor Hub

The portal provides easy access to marketing assets, flyers, training resources, business tools and important updates, all in one convenient location. 

Marlin Travel Teams with Lifestyle Creators to Promote Advisor Family Travel Expertise
Marlin Travel Teams with Lifestyle Creators to Promote Advisor Family Travel Expertise

The franchise agency brand within Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), is launching a new social media campaign on October 5 with Toronto lifestyle creators Jenna and Jordan Robins.

Riding a Wave: Visit Portugal Has Busy Fall Program of Travel Trade Initiatives
Riding a Wave: Visit Portugal Has Busy Fall Program of Travel Trade Initiatives

With increased airlift, Portugal is working closely with industry partners to build demand for the winter and spring seasons.

From Back Office to AI: Travcom Celebrates 50 Years
From Back Office to AI: Travcom Celebrates 50 Years

Travcom is celebrating 50 years of travel technology innovation, evolving from back-office systems to ClientLinq’s integrated platform designed to help advisors work more efficiently.

TMR Subscription

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our free daily newsletter and get the latest Canadian travel industry news and event coverage delivered straight to your inbox. No spam — just what matters.

Subscribe to TMR

TMR OUTLOOKS, WHITE PAPERS & DESTINATION GUIDES
View All
Advertiser's Voice
VIDEO Talking Cruise: MSC’s Ian Patterson on La Romana, Fly & Cruise, and What’s Ahead
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
Editor@travelmarketreport.ca
Give Us a Call
647 255 8990
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report Canada Inc.
3080 Yonge St. Suite 6060 Toronto, ON M4N 3N1
© 2005 - 2026 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences