TPI Readies 2010 Annual Conference
Tuesday, March 16, 2010

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, today announces the details of its forthcoming 2010 TPI Annual Conference, 18-22 April 2010, at the RIU Palace Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The theme of the conference, Action! 2010, Take, lead and inspire, engages the over 100 registered delegates to take home great ideas, be leaders in the industry, and be inspired through awareness and networking opportunities.

Kicking off this message is keynote speaker and 35-year travel industry veteran Joanie Ogg who will be imparting expertise on working in an engaging and productive environment.

"Joanie's wealth of knowledge, specifically in the independent travel consultant market, is sure to inspire Associates to take action in 2010, bringing them much success as they grow their own travel businesses," said Melanie Carter, TPI's National Marketing Manager and Conference Chair.

Encouraging Associates to be leaders in their fields, delegates are being given the opportunity to complete their Certified Travel Counsellor and Certified Sandals Specialist designations during the conference. Technological education will take place in the form of sales workshops related to advancements in social media and the importance of using TPI's various customer relationship platforms to enhance communication and the customer experience.

Inspiring voluntourism, Associates will be taking part in a special volunteer exercise including an opportunity to help elementary school children, tour a local village and a Dominican home, and visit a coffee and chocolate plantation.

Associates will be able to take advantage of networking opportunities with over 20 preferred partner representatives along with numerous property site inspections.

The 2010 TPI Annual Conference is platinum-sponsored by the Thomas Cook Group of Companies and the RIU Palace Punta Cana.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI is a member of the I.A.S. - Independent Agency Services Corp. group of companies. www.iascorp.ca

TPI Announces 2010 Club Velocity Trip
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces the details of its 2010 Club Velocity Trip - a yearly reward given to its top travel consultants and their invited guests as a thank you for their continued sales success and commitment to TPI through its exclusive Velocity travel consultant rewards program.

Previously taking top associates to Dunn's River, Jamaica, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Barbados, TPI along with partners Celebrity Cruises and Air Canada Vacations will take top-tier Velocity travel consultants on a 10-day Mediterranean journey, including a 7-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox, in September 2010. Upon arrival in Spain, associates will enjoy a guided tour of Barcelona before embarking on a luxurious cruise with ports of call in France, Italy, and Croatia.

"The Velocity trip is a reward I look forward to every year as it gives me time to network with my peers, preferred partners, and TPI staff in a relaxing and casual destination away from the busy day-to-day of the business," said Amanda Carter, a TPI Platinum-level Associate.

Built as both a motivational and incentive program, TPI Associates gain status in the various Velocity reward tiers through participation in TPI and TPI Preferred Partner functions (such as the TPI Annual Conference, Air Canada Vacations trainings, etc.), by receiving certifications and designations (such as those offered by CLIA, CITC, etc.), and by earning points through their yearly commission volumes.

In return for their acceptance into the various Velocity reward levels, Associates have access to such rewards as higher commission levels, and complimentary registration in a variety of TPI programs (such as the TPI Annual Conference), among other rewards.

More details on TPI’s exclusive Velocity travel consultant rewards program can be found at www.velocitybytpi.ca.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Releases Results of 2009 Annual Associate Survey
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, has released the results of its 2009 Annual Associate Survey.

As one of the largest single measures of how TPI services rate year-on-year with agents, the survey gives important measurable insight into how the performance of TPI's support offerings matches up with agent expectations.

Consisting of 45 multiple choice questions, the survey is an added opportunity for Associates to rate areas of TPI including each operational department’s program offerings and customer service, as well as each of TPI’s preferred partners.

The voluntary survey was submitted by 230 TPI Associates during December 2009. Ratings for the survey are based on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, where 1.0 is defined as "Strongly Disagree" and 5.0 is defined as “Strongly Agree”.

Samples of responses from all who participated in the survey include:

“Overall, I am satisfied and happy to be working with TPI.” received a grade of 4.5 out of 5.0.
- Up from 4.4 out of 5.0 in 2008.
- Up from 4.4 out of 5.0 in 2007.

“I would highly recommend being a TPI Associate to family and friends interested in the travel industry.” received a grade of 4.4 out of 5.0.
- Up from 4.3 out of 5.0 in 2008.
- Up from 4.3 out of 5.0 in 2007.

Following the release of the survey results, individual department managers and their teams are tasked with ensuring that the results of the survey are reviewed and appropriate adjustments made.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI's Exclusive Velocity Program Continues Growth
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Following four record-breaking years for its exclusive Velocity agent rewards program, Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, continues the trend with the release of the 2010 Velocity results.

Highlights of the recently announced Velocity year include:

- An increase to 268 participating Associates for the 2010 reward year, up 3% from 260 Associates for the 2009 reward year, and

- The number of Associates in the three highest tier levels of the program (Platinum, Diamond, and Elite) increasing by 25% over the 2009 reward year results.

Built as both a motivational and incentive program, TPI Associates gain status in the various Velocity reward tiers through participation in TPI and TPI Preferred Partner functions (such as the TPI Annual Conference, Sunquest trainings, etc.), by receiving certifications and designations (such as those offered by CLIA, CITC, etc.), and by earning points through their yearly commission volumes.

In return for their acceptance into the various Velocity reward levels, Associates have access to such rewards as higher commission levels, complimentary registration in a variety of TPI programs (such as the TPI Annual Conference), and a complimentary land and air package for the Associate and a guest on the annual ultra-exclusive Club Velocity trip – with previous reward trips taking Associates and their guests to Jamaica and Barbados.

More details on TPI’s exclusive Velocity agent rewards program can be found at www.tpi.ca.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Completes Cross Country Training Trek
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, has wrapped up its 2009 Fall Regionals – an annual series of seminars from coast-to-coast that provide education and networking opportunities for its agents.

The 2009 edition of the annual event brought together over 230 TPI Associates from across Canada for day-long events highlighting advancements in TPI’s program offerings, preferred partner product updates, and educational opportunities including keynote training by Duncan Macintosh. Sponsored by Air Canada Vacations, Macintosh’s keynote taught agents the importance of each component in the sales process and need-to-know points essential to selling top destinations with confidence.

Networking opportunities with peers, TPI head office staff, and preferred partners were plentiful during the breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour, and successful trade show portions of the day’s agenda.

TPI’s 2009 Fall Regionals were held in Moose Jaw, SK; Edmonton, AB; Calgary, AB; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, ON; Halifax, NS; St. John’s, NL; and Winnipeg, MB.

The 2009 TPI Fall Regionals were generously Platinum-sponsored by, TPI preferred partners, Air Canada Vacations, Princess Cruises, Thomas Cook Group, and Transat Holidays. Gold sponsors included RBC Insurance, Royal Caribbean International, Sandals & Beaches, Signature Vacations, and WestJet Vacations. Silver sponsors included Insight Vacations, Goway, Hotel Connect, Silk Holidays, Tourcan, and Trafalgar Tours.

More information on Duncan Macintosh can be found at www.duncanmacintosh.com

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Announces Vegas Trip Winners
Thursday, October 22, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces the winners of its promotional partnership with FRAM®, a leading premium oil and air filter manufacturer, that took place at 470 Canadian Tire dealers and 84 PartSource franchises across Canada between 30 May 2009 and 15 August 2009.

The lucky winners include Ted and Doris Albo of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Colin and Josephine Leung of Toronto, Ontario; and Jennifer and Randy MacNeill of Grove Hill, New Brunswick. Each couple has won a trip for two to see the National Hot Rod Association National Finals commencing October 29, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada, including VIP Hospitality Tickets and spending money – a total prize valued at $4,500.00 per couple.

From 30 May 2009 to 15 August 2009, consumers who purchased a FRAM® oil or air filter from a participating Canadian Tire, Canadian Tire AutoService or PartSource location were entered online for a chance to win 1 of 3 grand prize trips for 2 to Las Vegas, NV. The grand prize includes flight and hotel accommodations courtesy of TPI and their travel partners, as well as $500 CDN in spending money and VIP tickets to a National Hot Rod Association event.

Over 700 TPI personal travel consultants benefited from exposure to 3.5 million households receiving details of the TPI and FRAM® partnership via Canadian Tire flyers and point of purchase displays in 554 stores across Canada, as well as the dedicated contest site, monthly e-mail blasts, and promotions on Facebook.

“TPI is proud to provide the grand prize trips to Canada's NHRA enthusiasts and Canadian Tire and PartSource customers. The FRAM-OLOGY contest is also a great fit with our 15th anniversary consumer awareness campaign to let Canadians know that TPI personal travel consultants are dedicated to helping plan unforgettable vacation experiences,” said Melanie Carter, TPI National Marketing Manager, adding, "Many of our personal travel consultants are certified Las Vegas travel experts so that everyone booking a Vegas getaway with a TPI consultant is a winner."

TPI worked with Preferred Partners WestJet and WestJet Vacations, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Harrahs, Bally’s, and the Flamingo to provide the grand prizes.

More information on TPI’s 15th Anniversary program is available at www.tpiworldwide.com/fifteenth.asp and through the TPI Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TPITravel.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Launches Annual Fall Regionals
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, is in final preparations for its 2009 Fall Regionals – a series of seminars from coast-to-coast that provide education and networking opportunities for its agents.

The 2009 edition of the annual event brings together over 230 TPI Associates from across Canada for day-long events highlighting advancements in TPI’s program offerings, preferred partner product updates, and educational opportunities including keynote training by Duncan Macintosh. Sponsored by Air Canada Vacations, Macintosh’s keynote will teach agents how to sell top destinations with confidence. With over 20 years of direct involvement in leisure travel and firsthand knowledge of 70 countries, Duncan focuses his expertise in the delivery of presentations and seminars specific to the needs of travel agents.

An important part of every TPI gathering, networking opportunities with peers, TPI head office staff, and preferred partners abound during the breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour, and trade show portions of the day’s agenda.

TPI’s 2009 Fall Regionals dates are as follows:

September 26 – Moose Jaw, SK
October 2 – Edmonton, AB
October 3 – Calgary, AB
October 4 – Vancouver, BC
October 6 – Toronto, ON
October 16 – Halifax, NS
October 17 – St. John’s, NL
November 3 – Winnipeg, MB

The 2009 TPI Fall Regionals are generously Platinum-sponsored by, TPI preferred partners, Air Canada Vacations, Princess Cruises, Sunquest Vacations, and Transat Holidays.

More information on Duncan Macintosh can be found at www.duncanmacintosh.com

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Gives Away Thousands for 15th
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, celebrates the successful summer launch of fifteen months of promotions and incentives to commemorate its 15th anniversary milestone.

Announced at the 2009 TPI Annual Conference aboard the Carnival Splendor in May 2009, TPI has embarked on an ambitious calendar of events to promote its position in the travel landscape both within the industry and to consumers across Canada, including the release of an updated 15th anniversary logo to commemorate the occasion.

Highlighting the Associate level celebrations is a special 100% commission day every month for fifteen months whereby TPI agents receive 100% commission on any booking they make on that specific day of the month – giving thousands of dollars back to agents as a celebration of TPI’s 15th anniversary and as a thank you for their commitment to their TPI businesses.

Recognizing the importance of preferred partner relationships to the success of TPI over the years, every month of the fifteen months of festivities highlights a different travel partner. The Thomas Cook Group of companies was featured for May and June 2009 and included a nationwide giveaway of a seven day all-inclusive trip for two. The very happy winners were David & Rosalinda of Fort McMurray, Alberta. July 2009 saw Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises, sponsor consumer-level incentives and agent and TPI staff prize giveaways. Air Canada Vacations was the featured partner for the month of August 2009, and included aeroplan incentives for consumers and agents, as well as a trip giveaway for TPI staff.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months from May 2009 onward and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: http://www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Takes 81 to Barbados to Celebrate
Friday, July 17, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, flew its agents to Barbados, 6-10 July 2009, as part of its annual Club Velocity trip to celebrate the success of its top producing agents as well as the company’s 15th anniversary.

Eighty-one TPI Associates and their guests, TPI head office team members, and TPI preferred partners took part in five days of leisure, networking, and education while celebrating their success as part of TPI’s 15th anniversary year festivities. Other highlights included catamaran sailing and tours of historic Bridgetown, Barbados. At double the size of the 2008 event, the increase in participant numbers reflects the overall growth of TPI Associates’ participation in the Velocity program – mainly in the form of increased sales volumes and achievements in the upper tiers of the program.

Exclusive to TPI agents, the Velocity program is designed to encourage agents to gain industry designations, participate in TPI and preferred partner functions, and build their business through increased sales – all the while rewarding them with incentives such as the annual Club Velocity trip for TPI’s top producing agents and their guests.

TPI’s 2009 Club Velocity trip was sponsored by, TPI preferred partners, Barbados Tourism Authority, Air Canada, Thomas Cook Group, and Almond Beach Resorts.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI’s 15th Anniversary celebrations are well underway for the fifteen months leading up to July 2010 and include special incentives and prizes each month for TPI’s partners – staff, suppliers/industry partners, associates, and consumers, respectively. In celebration of its fifteen years, TPI has released a video telling its story as well as sending well-wishes from preferred partners and team members: http://www.tpi.ca/fifteenth.asp.

TPI Partners with FRAM for Vegas Trip Giveaways
Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Win Big with TPI and FRAM in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces its promotional partnership with FRAM, a leading premium oil and air filter manufacturer, at 470 Canadian Tire dealers and 84 PartSource franchises across Canada.

From 30 May 2009 to 15 August 2009, consumers who purchase a FRAM® oil or air filter from a participating Canadian Tire, Canadian Tire AutoService or PartSource location can enter online at www.fram-ology.ca for a chance to win 1 of 3 grand prize trips for 2 to Las Vegas, NV. The grand prize includes flight and hotel accommodations courtesy of TPI and their travel partners, as well as $500 CDN in spending money and VIP tickets to a National Hot Rod Association event. Full contest details can also be found at www.tpiworldwide.com/fram-ology.asp.

Over 700 TPI personal travel consultants will benefit from exposure to 3.5 million households receiving details of the TPI/FRAM partnership via Canadian Tire flyers and point of purchase displays in 554 stores across Canada, as well as the dedicated contest site (www.fram-ology.ca), monthly e-mail blasts, and promotions on Facebook.

“TPI is proud to provide the grand prize trips to Canada's NHRA enthusiasts and Canadian Tire and PartSource customers. The FRAM-OLOGY contest is also a great fit with our 15th anniversary consumer awareness campaign to let Canadians know that TPI personal travel consultants are dedicated to helping plan unforgettable vacation experiences,” said Melanie Carter, TPI National Marketing Manager, adding "Many of our personal travel consultants are certified Las Vegas travel experts so that everyone booking a Vegas getaway with a TPI consultant is a winner."

TPI worked with Preferred Partners WestJet and WestJet Vacations, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Harrahs, Bally’s, and the Flamingo to provide the grand prizes.

More information on the FRAM promotion is available at http://www.tpiworldwide.com/fram-ology.asp and on TPI’s 15th Anniversary program at http://www.tpiworldwide.com/fifteenth.asp.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There

TPI Launches National Cruise and Groups Programs
Thursday, June 18, 2009

WINNIPEG, CANADA – Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada’s largest network of independent travel consultants, announces the launch of My.TPI Groups. This new program harnesses TPI’s buying power with Preferred Partners to bring TPI travel consultants and their clients the best prices and most exciting group concepts and departures.

As part of My.TPI (the company's proprietary online system of marketing, support, and technology solutions), My.TPI Groups is represented by four client and consumer driven components:

CruiseAdventures – Designed to offer TPI consultants’ clients exclusive pricing and value-added onboard amenities.

Distinctive Journeys – Customized unique groups organized by TPI providing opportunities for specialty travel related to specific interests, charity groups, sporting events, adventure travel, and more.

Sun Escapes – Group sun vacations at special prices, with regional and national departures.

Group Connections – Collaborative group program allowing TPI travel consultants to harness the power of the TPI network. This interactive program allows the consultants to buy/sell group space from/to all TPI travel consultants across the country.

"Developing programs like My.TPI Groups through the feedback from our network of independent travel consultants is important to their success. My.TPI Groups gives our travel consultants a competitive edge in the marketplace by including unique group sales tools as part of their travel planning solutions. My.TPI Groups is an example of our commitment to increasing the profitability of our independent travel consultants’ groups business,” said Melanie Carter, TPI’s National Marketing Manager.

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For over fifteen years, Travel Professionals International (TPI) has been the premier provider of outsourced travel solutions to independent travel agents and agencies. Backed by a head office support system with over forty highly skilled travel professionals, a world-class reservation system, and excellent supplier relationships, over 700 TPI Associates are ready and available to provide full-service travel solutions. More information is available at www.tpi.ca. TPI - We'll Take You There