In an effort to assist its agency owners and advisors in staying connected with their clients while dealing with the global impact of COVID-19, the company launched the inspirational series of emails with social graphics, eBooks, videos, virtual tours and articles.

Armchair Explorer is sent Thursdays for 12 weeks to approximately 2 million consumers to help them maintain a connection with their affiliated advisors. Due to the popularity, starting with Week 3, which was revealed on April 16, Armchair Explorer can now also be opened as a digital magazine layout. 

John Lovell, president of Leisure Travel, Supplier Relations & Networks at Travel Leaders Group, explained: “Armchair Explorer invites travellers to virtually explore the world from the comfort of an armchair, couch or bed. It is a relaxing, temporary escape to let your mind fill with dreams of travel and this content lets people do that from the comfort of an armchair, couch or bed.”

The first email in the series stated, “time is something many of us have more of lately, which makes now a great time to sit back, relax and let our minds wander free.”

The Armchair Explorers distributed so far have included such as entries on the best places to whale watch, breathtaking virtual tours of national parks and some of the finest museums in the world, such as the Louvre in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York.

One included links to several audiobooks, including “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson, following a courageous young woman’s journey through the Australian desert, and “The Art of Travel” in which author Alain de Botton gives a philosophical examination of why and how we travel.

Clients were also able to explore several wonders of the world, including The Taj Mahal in India, The Colosseum in Rome, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, as well as hike the Great Wall of China and explore the Pyramids of Giza.

London, Ontario-based Mike Foster, president of Nexion Travel Group Canada, pointed out that: “In addition to enjoying these destinations from the comfort of their home, in anticipation of travelling there in the future, Armchair Explorer helps keep clients and their advisors connected. When this crisis ends, and travellers are ready to travel again, clients know that our advisors will be here with ideas and advice about a host of journeys.

Travel advisors from Nexion Travel Group, TL Network, Barrhead Travel, CruCon Cruise Outlet, Cruise Specialists and Travel Leaders Vacation Centers opted in to have their clients receive Armchair Explorer emails, which are personalized with the advisor’s information.

TL Network’s vice-president, Christine James observed that: “Our members value the support they receive from us, whether it is helping them to connect with their clients or providing guidance, training and marketing services to assist advisors and agencies as they respond to their business needs during these unprecedented times that have caused travel disruption worldwide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”

And she added: “We will continue to provide solutions and advice on a variety of issues, such as disaster relief assistance, unemployment compensation for independent contractors through webinars and communications for their clients.”