Hey, it's
Samantha Gillingham!
BDM, Southwestern Ontario and BC, Club Med
How have you been coping during the last seven months and how have you been keeping busy?
The beginning of the pandemic was full of thoughts about the unknown. What was going to happen? How could we possibly cope with our ‘normal’ being taken away? It was a whirlwind at the beginning and something that we all had to adapt to, and we did just that. We adapted, we pivoted our business, and our sales team at Club Med remained intact, and busy.
In English Canada, we have a sales team of three including Janet Martin, BDM for Ontario and Alberta, Maria Chung, Groups and MICE BDM, and myself, BDM for Southwestern Ontario and British Columbia. We have been working throughout the pandemic, and are extremely grateful for this. Our main focus has been, and still is, remaining top of mind and engaging with our travel partners.
Moving our business to become totally virtual has been different to say the least, but we have absolutely made the most out of it. We have been keeping busy with product and process training webinars, as well as working directly with our accounts hosting training sessions on the Club Med brand. Along with this, there has also been an uptick in customer product sessions where we have had the ability to interact alongside some of our accounts and their clients live on different social media channels.
Janet and I have also launched a bi-weekly Facebook Live show called “Club Med and Coffee with Jam and Sam!” where we share current updates, information on our villages, as well as invite some special guests to take part. Plus, agents have been able to get to know us better, and see a more casual side of their sales team. What we love most about going live is interacting with our agents real time. Our travel partners can follow us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/clubmedagentscaen
On a personal level, I’ve been taking time getting back into my love of photography, and content creation. Farmers markets and exploring small Ontario towns have kept be busy as well! I also started a small networking page promoting local small businesses and makers, including artists, women run businesses, fashion, and food!
“The last seven months have been ruthless to say the least. Our beloved industry has been flipped upside down, but our agents have been there through the thick of it. Thank you, to each and everyone one of you on the frontline. From bringing passengers home at the beginning of the year, to the changes and cancellations that have occurred, you have all worked your tails off to make sure your clients were taken care of.”
Samantha Gillingham
Club Med
What do you miss most about travelling?
This is a loaded question, where do I even begin? Ever since I was a kid, I loved, and I mean LOVED, being at the airport. I still do, whether it’s for a short stay in Montreal, or a week away in Mexico. This is the first point of the journey, when you really start to feel that excitement of your upcoming trip. I really miss exploring, seeking adventure, and looking forward to that next destination, hotel, beach, you name it. What I miss the most is the entire experience. I know that when I book my next flight, and receive that confirmation email, there will be happy dance taking place for sure.
Where’s the first place you want to go and why?
I’m ready to fly and reach for the skies, I’m ready to travel anywhere! If I had to narrow it down, I’d have to say Cancun, Mexico. I haven’t been able to get back this year, and I’m feeling it’s time to feel that Mexican sunshine on my skin, while having a coffee and some churros. I’m itching to visit one of our flagship properties, Club Med Cancun Yucatan, which re-opened on October 17.
What’s something not a lot of people know about Club Med?
Club Med is an international brand. We have almost 70 properties located worldwide, and each one of them is all-inclusive. We are the pioneer of all-inclusive holidays, and have been around for 70 years. In fact, we celebrated our 70th birthday this year.
We have many inclusions that set us apart, including over 60 sports and G.O (Great Organizers – Club Med staff) curated activities, plus baby, kids and teen clubs. What is unique about our kids clubs is that many start at four months old with baby essentials included.
There will be a village suitable for all different types of clientele. Whether they’re avid skiers, explorers, sports addicts, or sun seekers, we can turn your clients dream vacation into a reality. We want them to bring home more than just memories.
What’s something a guest shouldn’t leave a Club Med property without tasting or experiencing?
I think everyone is on the same page with me when I say, you cannot leave Club Med without tasting, but let’s be real, INHALING, the white chocolate bread. We actually released our secret recipe this spring so you can make a loaf, or 10, at home! Make sure to head on over to our website and search for Club Med at Home.
We are also known for our sports and activities, specifically the flying trapeze and Circus School which are included in your stay. Take a moment and experience the thrill of flying through the air.
Are there any updates to share about Club Med Québec Charlevoix?
Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is set to open early December 2021, it will be North America’s only all-inclusive mountain resort and the very first one in Canada. We are incredibly fortunate to be opening a Club Med right here in Canada that will be operating year round, with a full all-inclusive offering. Quebec Charlevoix is just over an hour away from Quebec City and we will be welcoming guests for all four seasons, which is unique to our mountain resort offering. Since this the opening of Charlevoix will be unique to Canada, we anticipate that Canadians will want to experience this unparalleled offer.
Sales will open later this year, in December 2020. We can’t wait to welcome your clients next year.
Is there anything else you want to share with travel agents?
The last seven months have been ruthless to say the least. Our beloved industry has been flipped upside down, but our agents have been there through the thick of it. Thank you, to each and everyone one of you on the frontline. From bringing passengers home at the beginning of the year, to the changes and cancellations that have occurred, you have all worked your tails off to make sure your clients were taken care of.
I myself spent many years working as a travel consultant, so I understand how difficult some days can be, and also know that there will be better days too. This industry will bounce back, stronger than ever, thanks to all of you. Travel agents are the true superheroes.
And don’t forget, Club Med wants to reward you for all the hard work that you do. Visit www.clubmedagents.ca/greatadvisors to check out the program and perks, just for you!
There’s been a lot of talk about the industry coming out better on the other side of COVID-19. What are your hopes?
This industry is full of strong and resilient people. We will bounce back! We are on the right path to turn these uncertain times into prosperity. The biggest hope is that once we start travelling again, we will do so in consistently safe and healthy manner. With airlines, hoteliers, and insurance companies implementing so many different measures, these initiatives will for sure help kick start travel again. Of course more will need to happen down the line, we just need to take it day by day. Once the 14-Day quarantine is lifted, or even changed, we will continue to see business rise.
At Club Med, we have implemented our Safe Together, Health and Hygiene measures throughout the villages. We teamed up with Cristal International, and are working closely with them on health and safety protocols that exceed local regulations. We want to ensure that everyone, including agents, guests, and our staff, feel safe while on site at any of our Club Med villages.
Along with this, I do feel that the first step is for us travel professionals to get out there and experience what travel is like during the pandemic. We need to show our clients how they can travel responsibly, and safely to their next destination. I do want to thank all of the agents who have been testing the waters over the summer and this fall! It’s definitely time to travel again.
Do you have anything to add?
Our number one goal is to make sure that all of our agents feel supported. Janet, Maria, myself, and our entire team are here for you. We want you to stay connected with us, so make sure to follow us on Facebook, join our agent only group, request to be on our mailing lists, and last but not least, get signed up on www.clubmedagents.ca
Feel free to email us with any questions you may have:
Samantha Gillingham – BDM Ontario and BC – samantha.gillingham@clubmed.
Janet Martin – BDM Ontario and Alberta – [email protected]
Maria Chung – BDM Groups and MICE – [email protected]
