MIDCOUNTIES CO-OP FAM Feature


Chill VIP 2014 fam trip THE ROCKIES ROCK


To help their agents boost sales to Canada, the Midcounties Co-op took 49 Personal Travel Agents on a VIP trip to British Columbia and Alberta. The group spent time in Vancouver before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer to Banff and Lake Louise


Island, took the Aquabus ferry to False Creek and followed the Canadian Trail to Canada Place for the FlyOver Canada flight simulation experience. They took in Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and the Calipano Suspension Bridge, on the North Shore, before hopping aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train for the scenic journey to Banff and Lake Louise. Check out these insights:


T


CAROL NOVELLI “Vancouver is my favourite city and I can’t imagine ever being


disappointed with it, no matter how often I go. There is so much to do there – the people love their city and that really shows. And where else in the world can you head straight to the skiing slopes after a day in the office?


10 SUMMER 2014 • SELLING CANADA


he Midcounties Co-op agents flew to Vancouver with Air Transat. They visited Granville


"Our journey through the Rockies was unforgettable. The crew onboard the Rocky Mountaineer were superb and made sure we didn’t miss a thing. "They worked tirelessly to give us the best of everything, and clearly took plenty of pride in the service that they offer. The service was truly impeccable; I couldn't fault it. "At Chateau Lake Louise our guided walk was fantastic. I’ve done the walk before but I’d never experienced it like that; the knowledge, humour and enthusiasm of Jeff Douglas, our guide, put the place in a whole new light. "It was the first time I’d seen the lake


covered in snow rather than glimmering emerald blue/green. It was magical and I’m so glad that I’ve now seen it in all of its glory: in the sunshine and in the snow. It is one of the most stunning settings you will ever see. "I defy anyone to visit and not leave a little piece of their heart there when they leave."


RICHARD SLATER “Vancouver really is a vibrant city of parks and waterfront, with the


mountains just minutes away. I loved it but my personal trip highlight was the Rocky Mountaineer's Gold Leaf service. This is the height of luxury and a moving feast of scenery combined with fabulous fine wines and food. The scenery was surprising. I had no idea, for example, that between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains there’s an area of near-desert – it was quite surreal."


SHARON CLAYSON “I was expecting amazing scenery and friendly, hospitable people and


Canada certainly did not disappoint. "I was surprised how everything seemed such good value in Vancouver and could definitely have spent much longer exploring the city. "The Rocky Mountaineer experience


totally surpassed my expectations. The atmosphere and ambience, the hospitality and the friendliness onboard were amazing and the scenery in Banff and Lake Louise was awesome. "The snow in the Rockies was very unexpected and gave us all some magical photos and the added bonus of trying some skiing. I now know skiing isn't for me, but even for non-skiers I would recommend getting out in the mountains and experiencing the views, the feel of the snow and the crispness of everything in the mountains. "Now I have seen it for myself I am


much more enthusiastic about selling this area, and there isn’t anything I wouldn't recommend.”


SUZANNE WREN “This was my first trip to Canada since my honeymoon 24 years ago.


My expectations were high and I was not disappointed. Canada is a country of


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