Business Development Managers are a critical link in the travel eco-system, promoting the products of their cruise line, airline, hotel chain or tour operator employer, while supporting the efforts of travel advisors who bring those products to the consumer. An effective BDM helps facilitate growth opportunities for both their companies and their strategic partners.
In this new series of articles, TravelPulse Canada profiles some of Canada’s leading travel industry BDMs in their own words, including advice on how you can make the most of this important relationship.
Krista Rothfuchs, Independent Advisors Manager at Air Canada Vacations
Air Canada Vacations is celebrating the first anniversary of its ACV@Home support program for independent agents. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
Rothfuchs’ 20-year career in travel began with a part-time travel consultant role at Marlin Travel as she studied tourism at Ontario’s Mohawk College. She then spent nearly eight years with Transat in inside sales, before joining Air Canada Vacations as an Area Sales Manager in 2012. In 2022 she took on an exciting new role, supporting Canada’s growing network of independent travel professionals through the ACV@Home program. She was recently promoted to Independent Advisors Manager.
TravelPulse Canada: What do you see as the core components of a BDM role?
Krista Rothfuchs: Passion for the brand you work for and passion for the people you support. It’s the ability to be both an ambassador for your company, and an advocate for the advisors that you work with. BDMs are often fantastic mediators!
TravelPulse Canada: You were the first Sales Manager in Canada specifically assigned to independent advisors. How is this different from your previous responsibilities as a BDM to the broader agent community?
Krista Rothfuchs: Since I’m supporting a larger number of advisors, I‘ve transitioned into being home-based, like most of the advisors I engage with. I’ve focused my efforts on training and providing 1-on-1 support for advisors that want to work with us.
Instead of making day-to-day sales visits, advisors can meet with me on their time for custom sales chats. We can discuss growing their business, learning how to use ACV tools and systems, chatting about mutual opportunities. It allows me to cater to the individual advisor, their needs and their schedule.
ACV’s first-ever fam solely for independent travel professionals took place in Saint Lucia in 2023. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
TravelPulse Canada: What are the most impactful changes you have seen in the travel advisor community over the past few years?
Krista Rothfuchs: I’ve seen my particular network of advisors become more motivated than ever to be successful. I love collaborating with agents who come to me and WANT to be effective in what they do! The ideas they bring to the table are always inspiring.
I’ve noticed that more and more advisors are concentrating on a niche; although they may be open to selling all product, their specialty will be evident. Whether that’s a type of product (eg. wedding groups) or a focus on partnering with specific suppliers, I often encourage newer agents to figure out what they prefer selling and who they enjoy working with. That way they can establish a rapport with the BDMs who will support them in turn, and they can build trust in that relationship for them and for their clients.
The Air Canada Vacations Team: Ana Paula de Souza, Elish Tait, Krista Rothfuchs and Erminia Gallina. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
TravelPulse Canada: What are the most common requests/questions you get from travel agents?
Krista Rothfuchs: Independent advisors often work alone, and may not always have the support system that an agent would have in an office setting, so I receive a lot of questions looking for direction and training. I want to help advisors be as self-sufficient as possible so that they know where to find the answers they need, and they know who to reach out to in each type of situation. I applaud the advisors who are proactive in using the tools we provide to them and their head offices to ensure they’re as informed as is possible in our industry that’s ever changing!
TravelPulse Canada: How can advisors take advantage of the resources you offer in the most efficient way possible?
Krista Rothfuchs: Last year, we created a Masterclass training program for the advisors we work with in the ACV@Home Program. It’s a 10 module course that I encourage all of our advisors to take advantage of, especially those who are newer to the industry. Not only will it give them the basics of what we do, there are also tips, tricks and how-to’s for booking and using our product. There is rewarded incentive for agents to complete the program, too!
Being engaged in our newsletters and exclusive Facebook group is also a great way to stay connected when we have news, training opportunities, incentives and FAMS to share.
Air Canada Vacations recently honoured independent agents at its Simply The Best Awards. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
TravelPulse Canada: What advice would you give advisors for working with their BDM?
Krista Rothfuchs: Something that goes both ways in this particular business dynamic is appreciating that respect and kindness are never underrated. As partners we are working together towards mutual success and we should always recognize the value that can come from our relationships!
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
