Advisors are key to Exoticca's continued growth in the Canadian market
Story and event photos by: Jennifer Merrick
More than 500 travel advisors gathered at the historic Old Mill Toronto Hotel earlier this week for Exoticca’s third annual Fall Fling.
The event combined a trade show with a dinner presentation, showcasing the 10-year-old company’s latest innovations, new tools designed to empower advisors and a clear message: Exoticca is committed to growing hand-in-hand with its travel partners.
Attending the event this year from Barcelona was Exoticca’s CEO, Pere Vallès. Travel Courier sat down with him and Alberto Constans, Exoticca’s Chief Growth Officer and President to chat about the fast-growing travel company that specializes in customizable group travel experiences in over 70 countries.
What makes Exoticca stand out in the marketplace?
Vallès emphasized Exoticca’s core mission, which is making complex, bucket-list travel accessible. “We’re in the business of making dreams come true,” said Vallès. He highlighted the company’s compelling price point, noting that for the cost of a domestic trip or an all-inclusive resort vacation, clients can experience a dream destination.
Which Exoticca destinations are most popular with Canadians?
Constans pointed to Portugal as the breakout star. “Portugal has been extraordinary across Canada,” he said, citing accessible and inexpensive airlift as a driving factor. Japan is also surging, due in part to the recent devaluation of the yen. “We’ve been able to offer prices that we’ve never seen before,” Constans added, noting that the cost savings have translated into record interest in the destination.
How do you see AI’s role in the way Exoticca designs and sells tours?
“We see AI as an ally,” said Vallès. He emphasized that while it does make systems more efficient, and that they are a technologically advanced company, AI can in no way replace human trust.
Vallès underscored this idea during the dinner presentation. “We want to do it with you,” he told the advisors. “The role of the travel advisor is critical because you provide the human touch. When people are going on vacation, they want to go to someone they trust—and you provide that trust.”
How do you work with and support travel agents?
“We’re generous,” says Constans, and explained they pay 16% commission on everything, including land, air and taxes, all paid immediately upon booking. We don’t do commission recalls,” Constans added. “People are wowed when I tell them this, but we feel that the agent has put the hard work in and deserves it.”
If you could leave Canadian travel agents with one key takeaway from this event, what would it be?
“We want the travel agents to grow with us,” says Vallès. He added that Exoticca encourages feedback and that they consider it a partnership. “They’re shaping the company,” he said. An exciting new component of that collaboration is the EPL (Exoticca Private Label).
What exactly is EPL and how can it help advisors?
Mike Quinto, VP of Sales in North America, walked us through how this tool, launched on July 1st after successful beta testing, works to empower advisors and safeguard their commission.
He explained that EPL allows Exoticca to build personalized websites for advisors, complete with their name, logo, photo, contact details and a unique URL. The most innovative aspect is the link’s longevity. “The link will save in your cookies for 3-6 months,” Quinto said. This means if a client clicks an advisor’s link, browses, but doesn’t book, then sees an Exoticca commercial weeks later and googles the tour, it will still be credited back to the original advisor’s EPL link. This system ensures advisors are rewarded for generating initial interest.
“The biggest success stories are with people who are motivated to go out there and use that,” Quinto said, citing examples of agents creating QR-code flyers in their communities. “They’ll go to their local yoga studio with a flyer for a Portugal tour at $1399 and get full credit for any resulting bookings.”
Any other news?
In addition, Exoticca has recently rolled out a more robust agent portal, offering greater flexibility and self-sufficiency. Advisors can now add pre- or post-nights, swap flights, and fine-tune itineraries after booking without needing to call in or wait on hold. “It gives flexibility back to the travel agent,” said Quinto.
What are travel advisors saying about Exoticca?
For many in attendance, Exoticca’s tools and value proposition resonated. Leena Shah of Britt & Co. told us she appreciates the detailed, well-presented quotes with pictures and itineraries. “There are no questions clients need to ask—it’s all there,” she said. Daniela Grossi of Nextion Travel Group said Exoticca’s itineraries strike a balance between guided structure and independent exploration. “It’s a good fit for my clients who are looking for flexibility,” she said. “And the value is there.”
Value at the forefront
Throughout the evening’s presentation, Exoticca reinforced its reputation for affordability. Advisors were reminded of tools like the 48-hour price block, designed to shield clients from flight price fluctuations during the booking process. The company also highlighted its industry-leading Trustpilot rating of 4.5 stars, the ability to turn any tour into a private group, and the opportunity for advisors to earn even more commission on those private group sales. Also noteworthy were guaranteed departures with just two passengers, English-speaking guides, and 24/7 in-trip assistance.
Growth and future ambitions
“This year we expect to surpass $300 million in sales,” Constans revealed, attributing the milestone to the growth of the B2B channel. “You made this possible,” he told the advisors. “Thank you very much.”
The company’s vision, Vallès added, is to become a global leader in collaboration. “We want to grow hand in hand with you.”
