CAA is preparing to boost its travel division, a development it said bodes well for an industry that has clearly struggled during the past two years.

The agency group said an upswing in travel is leading it to hire 20 new consultants to join its call centre, serving members and travellers across south-central Ontario.

“We are always looking to hire the very best in the travel industry,” said spokeswoman Nadia Matos. “Now more than ever, there are many factors travellers need to consider when booking a vacation. CAA has been experiencing a significant increase in Canadians seeking the help of our travel consultants and we expect this service will remain in high demand. Through this hiring blitz, CAA is preparing to serve the increase in members and travellers looking to book their next vacation. 

“Like many Canadians, CAA is looking forward to the future of travel. We continue to see increased sales of travel insurance and our call centre has been experiencing significantly higher call volume, with more Canadians eager to start travelling to the US and internationally again and looking to book their next vacation.” 

CAA said it supports both a safe return to travel while recognizing the health and safety of Canadians should continue to remain a top priority so “travellers can reach their destinations confident they’ll have a safe holiday.

“At CAA we are seeing many travellers booking trips from their bucket list, which are often more elaborate and extensive,” Matos said. “Normally these types of trips get pushed back in people’s lives, but the pandemic has really brought them to the forefront. With that said, we are expecting to see a lot of travel in the coming months.

Matos acknowledged the pandemic has posed many challenges for the agency group, frequently forcing it to adapt. Candidates will have access to extensive paid learning and development opportunities, including technical training and the opportunity to get licensed, which will be provided by CAA.

“Our priority from the get-go was to look after our associates, members and customers,” she said. “Even though travel has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, we are hopeful that the industry will make a solid recovery over the next few years as COVID-19 moves from pandemic levels to endemic.” 

Meanwhile, Matos said people who book with CAA Travel will find it rewarding.

“CAA has over 50 years of experience booking incredible vacations for Canadians,” she said. “From a simple getaway to the trip of a lifetime, CAA is a travel company that makes sure travellers are safe and well taken care of.” 

Along with an annual salary, CAA travel consultants receive a variable bonus, tuition reimbursement, competitive benefits and pension and paid vacation.