Donita Dyer, a former travel agent, is now a sales associate with
Tourism Vancouver, the city’s official tourism office. Of course,
Vancouver is the subject of this issue’s cover story, “The Hippest
City You’ve Never Visited,” and Dyer is happy to confirm that
hipness can be easily translated into profits for enterprising
agents. And she wants TAW readers to know Tourism Vancouver is
there to help.
“We have a great Web site,” Dyer said. “Under the Travel Trade
section travel agents can order brochures and read our travel agent
newsletter called ‘Trade Secrets,’ among lots of other available
information.”
That kind of support for agents is great, but how can agents add
on a pre- or post-cruise stay in the city, or send a hip young
couple there for a getaway, if they’ve never spent any time in the
city themselves?
Dyer agrees that’s a situation that needs fixing. “In order to
sell any destination, you need to experience it first hand,” she
said. “We offer a Vancouver Attraction Pass that allows agents to
explore our many attractions complimentary, so they can comfortably
sell Vancouver.”
As you’ll see after reading our story, Vancouver should be an
easy sell. Dubbed “Hollywood North” it’s not some sleepy little
Canadian hamlet. (Heck, you know your city is hip when The National
Enquirer opens an office there.) Dyer feels that with the variety
of attractions in Vancouver from outdoor sports and parks to chic
bistros and raging nightlife the city will appeal to families,
seniors, singles and couples.
“Vancouver is suitable for every client, and with so much to
offer, our city is the perfect place to enjoy a much needed
vacation,” Dyer said. “Relax or be active, both are easy to do in
Vancouver.”
That is, unless the paparazzi are after you. In which case, you
might want to try Moose Jaw instead.
