As the travel industry prepares to reopen, travelers want to know what restrictions are in place and how they can ensure safe travels. Through recent traveler sentiment studies, 68% of AAA Northeast members say American road trips and a rediscovery of domestic destinations will be their first foray back into travel, beginning this summer. But as they venture out again, they’re asking detailed questions, especially as it relates to new safety protocols.
In response, AAA Northeast Travel created SmartDepart, comprised of a digital travel resource hub, a video channel hosting safety discussion panels, and a travel advisor safety certification program. The first panel discussion kicks off June 9, where leaders from Hertz, American Airlines, Marriott and Princess Cruises will discuss the future travel landscape and how their companies are responding to adapt to this new travel normal. AAA’s Diana Imondi will host the 45-minute discussion meant to educate travelers on the changes, as well as answer questions they may have around enhanced safety initiatives.
“Safety and advocacy have always been pillars of the AAA brand, but now with heightened sensitivity and constant changes in the travel and tourism industry, we want to make sure travelers have a simple and central resource to keep them informed. We are proud to launch SmartDepart, which offers our members a one-stop safety hub and the opportunity to connect with a travel professional who has been educated on the many diverse sources of information,” says Cyndi Zesk, Vice President of Travel Services at AAA Northeast. “We see it as our responsibility to be on the forefront of what’s next in travel, which today very much includes safe travel practices.”
The SmartDepart Agent Certification program, launching this summer for all AAA Northeast Travel advisors, is a formal learning program customized by the Learning & Development professionals at AAA Northeast. The program will compile insights into the safety, cleaning, policy and amenity changes taking place with travel’s top brands, as well as the latest information around border closures, mandatory quarantines and destination preparation. This designation positions AAA’s professional travel agents with the tools, training and resources needed to guide their clients.
“Our travelers have many questions about the changing landscape of travel and how these changes will impact them and their plans. They are looking for information about boarding procedures on airlines, health check requirements for cruise travel or mask regulations,” says Allison Villasenor, Managing Director of Product, Partnerships and Innovation for AAA Northeast. “And we’re poised to set our travel agents up with answers to these questions, and more, so we can continue our commitment to member safety.”
To register for the first SmartDepart panel discussion on Tuesday, June 9 at 4pm please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/107123505288