TRAVELSAVERS Canada Says Now is the Time for Advisors to Show Their Worth

As Canadians continue to navigate economic and political uncertainty, TRAVELSAVERS Canada is encouraging advisors to lean into their expertise, value and relationships to help fulfill consumers’ desire to travel in 2025.

“Everything goes right now,” said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager for TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “We need to ask different questions, stop doing things that aren’t working, focus on acquisition of new clients and make sure we’re there for them, even for small trips.”

Travel Market Report Canada spoke to Clementino from Georgia, where TRAVELSAVERS is holding its annual Owners Focus Retreat. More than 100 members, including 25 Canadians, have gathered to share best practices and concentrate on what an agency needs to be even more successful. 

We’re not even a third of the way through 2025, but it has already been a long, strange trip, with the kind of external shocks that can lead consumers to pull the covers over their head and hunker down.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, consumer confidence dropped 2.3 points in February, the first decline in four months, amid rising concerns about personal finances. 

But despite this dip, travel remains a priority for many Canadians. A new survey from Destination Canada shows that 58% of Canadians still plan to take a leisure trip this year, with a preference for well-planned, significant – if not bucket-list — experiences.

“While consumer confidence may be wavering, the desire to travel has not gone away,” said Clementino. And that’s exactly where she sees opportunity.

“This is the time for travel advisors to showcase their worth: expert guidance, curated experiences, exceptional value and personalized support. In an ever-changing landscape, advisors can shift the conversation from “if” to “how” Canadians can still experience meaningful travel.”

TRAVELSAVERS Canada recommends advisors highlight the following for travellers now:

● Personalized Planning – Travel advisors are trusted experts who provide clarity,

convenience, and customized experiences that align with clients’ budgets and goals.

● Savvy Timing – Advisors can recommend destinations with favourable exchange rates

and off-season pricing to stretch budgets further.

● Peace of Mind – Advisors can spotlight suppliers with flexible booking policies, travel

insurance options, and risk-free planning to reduce decision-making anxiety.

● Superior Value – Advisors have the connections to secure their clients exclusive offers,

special promotions, and complimentary amenities.

Clementino said it has just been in the past couple of weeks that TRAVELSAVERS Canada members have seen a dip in demand. In fact, in the first quarter of the year, sales were up 9% in terms of revenue, mostly reflecting higher prices, but still a solid performance.

Clementino said the approach of an unexpected federal election coupled with stock market turbulence and ever-changing tariff threats from the Trump administration, are giving Canadians pause before making spending decisions. She is hopeful that when the election is done, consumers will have more clarity about programs designed to assist with the current economic situation, and perhaps more confidence to book travel.

She noted that TRAVELSAVERS Canada customers are “incredibly committed to 2026” travel, with both cruise and ITC bookings way up. But the second half of this year is not looking as good, which could present some opportunities if the economic climate eases and consumer confidence recovers.

“This is a pivotal moment. Canadians are looking for knowledgeable professionals to help guide their travel decisions, and we’re here to support our advisors every step of the way,” Clementino said.