Hey, it's
Deana Murphy!
Vice President Retail Sales at Sunwing Travel Group
How have you been coping during the last nine months and how have you been keeping busy?
Although travel has slowed over the last nine months, we have been keeping very busy at Sunwing. We have spent months developing new health and safety protocols and investing in new technologies to get ready for the ‘new world’ of travel that is slowly emerging. We’ve also been working hard to keep our travel partners informed and participating in numerous virtual events and training sessions.
On a personal note I have enjoyed a lot of time with my family in nature at our cottage over the last several months. I’ve spent a great deal of time hiking, kayaking, canoeing and pedaling around the lake in my pedal boat I named Cherry Bomb. Unplugging and connecting with nature and family has been the best way for me to cope during this very challenging and bizarre time.
“Travel agents are extremely important for Sunwing. Our relationships with travel professionals are fundamental to our business model and we look forward to continuing to grow our many excellent partnerships in the industry.”
Deana Murphy
Sunwing
What was it like travelling again? Where did you stay and what safety precautions did you notice?
It was great to be able to travel again after many months of staying home. Our getaway was everything we wanted and more. We stayed at Royalton CHIC Suites Cancun Resort and Spa, a wonderful, luxurious, adults only property in Cancun. I felt very safe and comfortable throughout the entire journey. The health and safety protocols were top notch at the airport, on board the plane, on the transfers, at the resort and during our excursion. It was great to see our Safe with Sunwing commitment in action at every step! At the airport there were social distancing measures, masks and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces. The plane was spotless, masks were worn, and I felt very comfortable. Our private transfer, again, had all of us including our driver in masks, and our luggage was sanitized before being put on board. As for the resort – there were notable changes and precautions in place, with physical distancing measures throughout the property, masks in common areas, visible sanitizing stations, enhanced and frequent cleaning, and the buffet dining was not self-serve. It was extremely well organized and felt very safe. The best part was seeing guests thoroughly enjoying themselves and how normal it seemed.
Covid-19 has changed a lot, however the beautiful beaches, warm turquoise waters and the friendly Mexican people are still as wonderful as ever. Exploring the incredible historical sites of Tulum was particularly enjoyable as the number of visitors is limited with great views in wide open spaces. Safety protocols are in place there as well and wearing a mask was required. We even had a whole cenote to swim in by ourselves which was such a treat (no mask required for that part)! The fresh ocean air and sunshine was just what we needed, and we enjoyed every minute!
How have you stayed connected with travel advisors during this time?
Travel agents are extremely important for Sunwing. Our relationships with travel professionals are fundamental to our business model and we look forward to continuing to grow our many excellent partnerships in the industry. The value of the services and guidance that travel agents provide our mutual customers has never been more important. At Sunwing, we are always looking to invest in the travel agents we partner with. That’s why we have a travel agent portal with useful resources and information and host frequent webinars to talk about new developments and initiatives. Agents can also join our ‘Sunwing – Exclusively for Agents’ Facebook page to get the latest scoop on our promotions, webinars and developments. Our Sales and Business Development Team are always available to do customized training and virtual updates for all retail groups and happy to discuss opportunities at any time.
We have also spent thousands of hours picking up the phone, speaking to travel agents directly and giving updates but mostly just checking in to see how they are doing. Everyone in the industry has and continues to need support, and often a friendly catch up call and pep talk is the most helpful and productive thing we can do.
Is there something you think a lot of people may not know about Sunwing?
Many people may not be aware that we launched a new version of the Sunwing app which has so many new features including the ability now to check in and receive your boarding passes in a couple of minutes!
Where do you want to travel next and why?
My next trip will hopefully be to Mystique Blue in Holbox, Mexico and very soon! Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cancun and a 20-minute ferry ride brings you to this wonderful destination where the only way around is by foot, bicycle or ATV. The most spectacular beach goes on for miles and many thatched roof bars and restaurants are located on the beach with sand floors, swings with an amazing “get away from it all” vibe! Mystique Blue is a 38 room, boutique hotel that is a little piece of paradise. I spent an afternoon here on my recent trip to Mexico and can’t stop thinking about my return. It is a perfect place to learn how to kite surf which I would love to try!
Then I’d like to take another European River Cruise. My husband and I love river cruising and we’re planning to do the Christmas Markets for our anniversary this year, but we’ll plan on 2021 instead!
Do you have anything you want to share with travel agents?
We have expanded our vacation package offerings so travel agents can book a number of our favourite destinations using a variety of other carriers from regional gateways, all in an effort to give Canadians more flexible opportunities to head to the tropics this winter. Sunwing’s expanded selection of vacation packages will initially be available to Montego Bay, Cancun, Costa Rica, Aruba, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Los Cabos. More details and information on additional routes will be coming soon!
There’s been a lot of talk about the industry coming out better on the other side of COVID-19. What are your hopes?
While COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the travel industry, I am confident we will come out better and stronger on the other side of this.
There will always be a need for travel, and Canadians are eager to get back to travel safely and responsibly. There is no doubt that it will take time to see travel pick back up to pre-pandemic levels and there may be more challenges up ahead, but I know that we will continue to weather the storm.
I also believe this is a critical time for the travel industry to work collectively to educate Canadians on how they can travel safely and responsibly, and still have a memorable vacation experience. Our travel partners are key in helping relay these messages to customers, as they are the experts on travel who customers trust and rely on for guidance.
How has travel impacted your life?
Next to my family, travel is my greatest passion. My favourite childhood and adult memories revolve around wonderful family vacations and exploring the world with those closest to me. I knew I would work in travel from my very first international trip in high school to Mexico City. I studied Travel and Tourism in college, Geography and Environmental Science in university, and did my internship at Adventure Tours, a company owned by Sunwing’s founder Colin Hunter. I have enjoyed my entire career in travel and over thirty-three years later I proudly continue to work for the Hunter family at Sunwing. Even during this extremely challenging time in our industry and world there is nowhere I would rather be.
I love the people in the travel industry, have made lifetime friendships and travelled with the most amazing, hardworking, intelligent and fun people. I look forward to sharing more of those experiences soon.
I am happiest when I have flights booked and a trip to look forward to.
Do you have anything to add?
I am excited for more Canadians to learn how they too can make a safe return to the tropics, and how Sunwing can give them peace of mind as they return to travel, thanks to our enhanced healthy and safety protocols – and high Canadian standards – that are in place through every step of the vacation journey. For those looking to travel, there are ways to do so responsibly and the winter season is an excellent time for a sunny getaway for those who are in need of a quick break or even those who would like to trade their home office for an upgraded beach office for a few weeks.
I recently wrapped up my 14 day quarantine after returning from Mexico and although not convenient I would and will do it again. The only thing I would do differently next time is stay in Mexico longer.
Brighter days are ahead. Until then, stay well!
