This week: Virtuoso hosted its first Impact Summit and named a new GM for Canada; Celebrity celebrated TTAND; the top agencies and partners of TRAVELSAVERS was revealed; and Air Canada Vacations is set for ‘Simply the Best’ awards for at-home agents.

Virtuoso

Virtuoso has announced Karen Hardie as general manager, Canada. An industry veteran, Hardie comes to Virtuoso as a strategic and collaborative executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the global luxury travel industry. She enters the role as former GM of Canada, Una O’Leary, steps into her new role as vice president, Global Partnerships.

Recognized among Canada’s Most Powerful Women (WXN 2016), Hardie brings a proven track record of success in growing B2B sales, deepening partner engagement and leading high-performing, multi-market teams across Canada, the U.S., Australasia and Europe. Most recently, Hardie served as vice president, global sales for Rocky Mountaineer, and prior to that as director, global sales operations and director of sales for the U.S. and Mexico for the same organization. Her experience also includes executive roles with Jetset Travelworld Group and Orion Expedition Cruises, North America and Australia.

Meanwhile, Virtuoso hosted its first-ever Impact Summit June 2-5 at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with 105 attendees from nearly 20 countries. The by-invitation-only event brought together a curated group of Virtuoso’s most engaged sustainability-focused advisors and partners to discuss solutions for furthering progress around what Virtuoso has identified as the three pillars of sustainability: supporting local economies, celebrating culture and protecting the planet.

For two and a half days, Virtuoso fostered a collaborative environment for inspiring peer-to-peer discussions on best practices, industry challenges and new opportunities, while also enjoying and exploring the stunning surroundings of Lake Louise, Alberta.

During the event’s Opening Session, Virtuoso’s Vice Chair and Sustainability Strategist Jessica Hall Upchurch welcomed attendees. “Our efforts to educate advisors and amplify the work of our partners to Virtuoso travelers started 15 years ago,” she said. “Our principals when it comes to implementing sustainability in travel have always been ‘no shame, no blame’ and ‘start where you are,’ meaning we’d rather see 95% of the world take one step forward than five percent trying to get it perfect.”

TTAND

The Travel Agent Next Door was again awarded Key Account of the Year 2024 by Celebrity Cruises – as well as being named again to the Top 50 Travel agencies in North America (photo above). “We are so proud of winning two years in a row” said Jeff Element, TTAND COO. “This validates our commitment at TTAND to get behind our preferred suppliers and support our agent partners with all the tools they need to succeed in sales.”

“The Travel Agent Next Door has done it again! Winning both Top Canadian Key Account and once again made the Top 50 Account list in North America. These are both some of the most prestigious awards given by our brand,” said Allan Brooks, National Director, Sales – Canada.

TRAVELSAVERS CANADA

At its recent Travel Market on Orlando TRAVELSAVERS Canada recognized the organization’s top agencies and preferred partners at a gala dinner attended by over 900 advisors and suppliers.

“These award-winning agencies and partners exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and passion,” said Jane Clementino, Sr. VP and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “Their commitment to service excellence, strategic growth, and partnership within the network not only drives results but also inspires the entire TRAVELSAVERS Canada community to reach new heights.”

Winners included (banner photo):

Chairman’s Award – Agency: This is the highest accolade for affiliated agencies, recognizing outstanding partner sales resulting from dedication to driving growth. This is presented to the top-producing agency for the previous calendar year. The winner sets a benchmark for excellence and motivates others to attain new heights.

• Total Advantage Travel & Tours

President’s Award: Awarded to the agency that has attained remarkable preferred partner production in the previous calendar year. The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting our suppliers and a pursuit of excellence in elevating their revenue.

• Enjoy Travel

Soaring Eagle Award: This honours the agency that has achieved the most significant increases in preferred partner sales when comparing last year to the year before. This award celebrates superior growth and a noteworthy ability to cultivate revenue.

• justtraveldeals.ca

Horizon Award: This is presented to an up-and-coming agency that continues to build on its early success. Its entrepreneurial vision, innovative approaches, and pursuit of progress makes it the agency to watch as it sets a new pace for achievement.

• Timeless Travel

Inspire Awards: These honour agencies that are highly engaged with their network and the industry overall. They support network programs, products and services and encourage others to employ them to reach higher levels of achievement. Respected by peers, these agencies empower and inspire others.

• Ocean Breeze Cruise & Travel; GOwithHIPPO Travel; Voyages Concierge Deluxe Travel

Brand Champion Awards: New this year, these awards recognize agencies dedicated to supporting and enhancing their networks. Brand Champions foster collective success and promote the network’s brand. They engage with network initiatives and serve as ambassadors of network values and vision.

• Ventresca Travel Agency; Luv to Travel; Voyages Recreatif

Chairman’s Award – Preferred Partner: The Chairman’s Award recognizes a partner who has excelled at building strong relationships, offering innovative solutions, and delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with both clients and advisors. This year’s winner, presented by the TRAVELSAVERS Canada Leadership Team, is Manulife.

The Partner of the Year Awards: Nominated and selected by TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors, the awards honour suppliers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, outstanding service, and strong support of the advisor community: Cruise Partner of the Year – Celebrity Cruises; River Cruise Partner of the Year – AmaWaterways; Hotel Partner of the Year – IHG Hotels & Resorts; OnLocation Partner of the Year – Memorable Travel Group; Destination Partner of the Year – Dominican Republic Tourism; Air Partner of the Year – Delta Air Lines; Guided Tour Partner of the Year – G Adventures; ITC Tour Partner of the Year – Transat; Specialty Partner of the Year – Rocky Mountaineer; Best Educational Program – Virgin Voyages; Best Sales & Service Partner – Collette.

ACV

Air Canada Vacations will host its third annual ‘Simply the Best Awards,’ on June 25, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of Independent Travel Advisors within the ACV@Home program.

Launched in 2023, ACV@Home is a program created by Air Canada Vacations to support Independent Travel Advisors who work from home. The program provides a complete range of resources including innovative tools, expert training, and a strong support network to help advisors succeed remotely.

“We’re incredibly proud of the innovation and dedication shown by our Independent Travel Advisors,” said Erminia Gallina, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations. “This year is extra special as Air Canada Vacations celebrates its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a special announcement will be made live during the event.”

The celebration will include games, prizes, and, most importantly, well-deserved recognition. Advisors will be awarded in the following categories:

• Top Diversified Sales – Recognizing those selling across Air Canada Vacations’ Sun, Europe, USA, Cruise, and ePackage offerings.
• Top Group Awards – Honouring top-producing group agents across all six partner networks. Top Overall Sales – Highlighting the highest performing agents, with the Gold winner receiving two air seats to any ACV sun destination.
• Rising Star – Celebrating those who have shown significant growth year-over-year.

The awards highlight exceptional agents within host agencies including TravelOnly, Trevello, Centre Holidays, Nexion, Independent by Flight Centre, and The Travel Agent Next Door.

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