Transat Builds on Rookie Camp Success with 1st-Ever Group Camp

Building on the success of its Rookie Camp over the past two years, Transat took things a step further this year by launching a new initiative dedicated to developing expertise in the groups segment. 

This led to the creation of the very first Transat Group Camp, held from June 12 to 19 at Dreams Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa in Cancún, Mexico.

More than 80 travel advisors specializing in group travel took part in this immersive experience, designed to help them enhance their knowledge, connect with industry experts, and gain firsthand insight into Transat’s group travel products and those of its partners.

Over the course of the week, participants benefited from a comprehensive program that combined training, networking, and on-site product discovery. More than 11 hours of specialized group travel training were delivered by Transat and its hotel partners. 

Advisors also participated in three one-on-one meeting sessions with suppliers of their choice, as well as three half-day hotel site inspections, visiting more than 12 resorts throughout the region, from Costa Mujeres to Puerto Aventuras.

The event also featured six exclusive themed activities showcasing various business opportunities in the group travel market. Participants could also choose between two immersive excursions: exploring Tulum or enjoying a catamaran excursion to Isla Mujeres, courtesy of Trafictours.

The Group Camp was made possible by the participation of leading hotel partners, including Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Bahia Principe, Palladium, Ocean by H10 Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Barceló Hotel Group, Majestic Resorts, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, Sandos Hotels & Resorts, and Viva Resorts by Wyndham.

“Following the success of our Rookie Camp, we wanted to offer an experience of the same caliber to advisors who specialize in group travel. Our goal was to provide them with practical tools, foster meaningful connections with our partners, and give them the opportunity to discover firsthand the many possibilities offered by this growing market segment,” said Marjorie Larose, Sales Manager at Transat.

“The enthusiasm of our participants and the exceptional commitment of our partners exceeded all expectations. This first edition confirms the value of this type of initiative and the importance of investing in the development of our advisors’ expertise,” Larose added.

Participants agreed that Transat’s first group camp was a valuable experience.

“A week filled with training, learning opportunities and meaningful exchanges with passionate travel industry professionals,” said Marie-Pier Couture, Travel Advisor, Voyages AZZA. 

“Intensive days that pushed us outside our comfort zones, but, most importantly, allowed us to return with our minds full of ideas, new strategies and valuable insights to help us move forward.” 

Cristina Ushinahua, Travel Advisor, Club Voyages UNIVERSEL, shared her experience:

“This Groups Camp allowed me to deepen my knowledge of organizing various types of group travel through training sessions, hotel site inspections, events and practical exercises, as well as a wonderful excursion to a Mayan village, the Tulum ruins and a cenote.

“I also greatly appreciated the interactions with the entire Transat team and the various partners who were present throughout the trip. Their availability, attentiveness and willingness to share their expertise made this experience even more rewarding. I am returning with valuable tools and even greater confidence to support my clients with their group travel projects.” 

Following the success of this inaugural edition, Transat says it intends to continue investing in initiatives that support the development of group travel expertise and help travel advisors grow their businesses.