Elvi Cal, SVP Travelbrands, Offers Fresh Insight Into The Future Of Travel
The Canadian Association of Tour Operators continues its spotlight series with Elvi Cal, who shares his unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s travel landscape. From leveraging AI to designing his ultimate dream tour, Elvi offers fresh insight into the future of travel.
- How would you describe your company brand in one sentence?
We are a division of H.I.S. Group of companies with headquarters in Japan, operating for 40 years with over 17,000 people in more than 70 countries. HIS Canada Travel Inc is a comprehensive one-stop shop for all travel and Canada’s largest multi-channel distribution network that connects with millions of Canadian travelers. We offer a breadth of products and services that give agents and consumers access to the world.
- Considering the overtourism protests of 2024, what does “exploring more sustainable travel choices” mean to you?
It is pushing the Canadian consumer to travel off-peak season (Spring/Fall) and in some cases travel in the winter to countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy because of the mild weather. Offering self-catering product with kitchens and suggest client’s book long stays off the beaten path and in areas less frequented by mass market tourism. In many cases, this offers significantly better value for money and more importantly, a better travel experience. And working with global partners that offer environmentally friendly products and services.
- Should we move away from the terms “high season” and “low season”? Could there be a better way to promote meaningful, sustainable travel options?
I agree that these terms no longer represent a true reflection of the value a destination may offer. For many who cannot travel in July/August to Europe or to the south for Winter, their “high season” is the Spring or Summer. I understand these terms traditionally signified the optimal time, or not, to travel to a destination due to market demand and air availability but with airlines flying to most destinations on a year-round basis, this “marketing” of seasons no longer applies. We as Tour Operators/Wholesalers and Travel Agents need to do a better job in highlighting travel in “better value” seasons. We at HIS Canada Travel, do offer products for travel to most destinations any time of the year, for any duration and from any Canadian gateway, that there is no longer a ‘High or Low Season” for our clients.
- What are the keys to success in today’s changing travel industry?
We need to always listen to our customers, be they consumers or Travel Agents. Needs are always changing and different market segments (Gen Z’s, Millennials, Singles, Families, Seniors) and all require a different way to market to them. We need to look at adapting AI where feasible to improve efficiencies in our businesses, create better product, delivery, and ease of booking. We need to continuously look for opportunities for growth, while being nimble in our business, with less layers of decision makers and pivoting quickly when challenges arise. All these will be key for success.
- Which CATO initiatives resonate with you the most, and why?
Being an industry and policy advocate within Canada and globally representing Tour Operators/Wholesalers for legal and competitive issues, along with monitoring and providing updates on government policy and changes to travel regulations. Finally, help promote and facilitate the adoption of sustainable tourism practices, carbon-offset programs, and increase partnerships with eco-friendly destinations. Having one unified voice representing all sectors will help create a stronger Canadian travel industry.
- If you could design your dream tour without any limits, what would it look like?
A month-long trip through Europe, flying first class, taking the train where feasible, staying in five-star apartments or villas in small towns, cooking with fresh seasonal produce, dining in local mom & pop restaurants, interacting and living as a local. Of course, travelling in the Fall.