This week: The Travel Agent Next Door honoured three key contributors, TRAVELSAVERS Canada makes two key appointments, AIC Hotel Group “rapped” up its annual Showstoppers Awards event, Transat Distribution makes a case for travel agents; and Nexion named its top performing Canadian advisor.
TTAND
At its VIP Supplier Event earlier this month, TTAND Founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl gave appreciation awards to three individuals who have been instrumental in the success for the agency since before it opened its doors 11 years ago: Jill Wykes, Brad Miron and Dan Galbraith (banner photo).
“Having worked with Dan since I was in my late 20s, (so a few days ago) I am so happy that he jumped on board with TTAND when we started together, along with his amazing wife Penny Martin. Dan truly is a master of AV and Videography and of course, photography,” said Friisdahl. “What he does from conferences to the VIP event, to the annual road shows across Canada makes a difference and he is so appreciated by our suppliers.”
Friisdahl said that Brad Miron, a well-known travel industry marketing guru, came up with the company name – The Travel Agent Next Door – and its distinctive logo.
“It was 100% Brad that came up with the name and the logo. He did the big reveal in his home in Guelph, I had Rhonda on What’s App and we both said it unfolded right there in front of us,” Friisdahl said. “Since then Brad introduced me to Raj Gautam, our CIO and if not for that introduction TTAND would not have the technology it has today.”
Friisdahl said that many people today may not know that he and Jill Wykes became colleagues when Sunquest purchased The Holiday Network (formally Nordic Tours, Network and Holiday House). “Jill was senior VP Sales at the time and I had the opportunity to learn many things from Jill. She has just done such an amazing job in making sure that TTAND is always in the press with her informative articles in the trade press that receive some of the highest readership. I have been very, very fortunately to have had Jill as part of TTAND since the start.”
TRAVELSAVERS Canada
TRAVELSAVERS Canada is strengthening its marketing leadership team with two strategic appointments designed to drive continued advances and sales performance amid rapid network growth.
Tim Paul joins the network as VP, Marketing for Canada and the US, bringing over two decades of leadership experience from prominent brands including WestJet and Expedia. Calgary-based Paul’s broad expertise spans brand strategy, digital marketing and platforms, marketing technology and sales enablement.
Meanwhile, Malia Vrooman, formerly VP, Marketing, has transitioned into the newly established role of VP, Creative Services for both Canada and the US. A cornerstone of the marketing team since 2005, Vrooman has been instrumental in developing inventive programs and user-friendly technologies that empower affiliated agencies and partners to grow their businesses. Her deep expertise in art direction, marketing strategy, and digital marketing will be key in shaping the network’s evolving creative vision.
“Tim and Malia bring exceptional expertise that enhances the value we deliver to agencies,” said Jane Clementino, Sr. VP and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “Their leadership strengthens our marketing capabilities and reinforces our commitment to providing advisors with the innovative tools, programs and support they need to succeed in today’s marketplace.”
AIC Hotel Group
The AIC Hotel Group honoured almost 200 of its highest-producing travel advisors and over 20 tour operator partners from the U.S. and Canada during its annual Showstopper Awards, held at the oceanfront, all-inclusive AVA Resort Cancun.
For more than a decade, the AIC Hotel Group team has organized this gala three-day event, which has become known in the industry for its elaborate programming and world-class live entertainment, as well as for its signature awards gala dinner and ceremony, which this year featured six-time Grammy Award nominee songwriter and rapper “B.o.B.”
“We are pleased not only with the strong turnout we had at this year’s event, but with the overall growth we are seeing in all-inclusive hotel sales throughout Canada, and the outlook is especially strong in markets like Toronto and Vancouver,” said Ash Tembe, VP of North American Sales.
The AIC Hotel Group portfolio includes Hard Rock Hotels, UNICO Hotel Collection, Nobu Hotels and AVA Resort.
To attend the invitation-only event, attendees must earn Platinum sales status or higher the previous year. The prestigious Black Diamond Awards goes to top advisors who sell more than 500 room nights across AIC Hotel Group’s portfolio of luxury all-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Caribbean.
“Congratulations to all the incredible achievers recognized at this year’s event,” adds Tembe. “We were thrilled to award Transat as this year’s Rising Star, and to celebrate Air Canada Vacations for earning two standout distinctions: Top Overall Tour Operator Sales Canada and Top Field Sales Support Canada.”
The 2026 Showstopper Awards, which will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Transat Distribution Canada
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), Canada’s largest network of travel professionals entirely Canadian-owned, has launced a national campaign for its Marlin Travel franchise network. The campaign reminds travellers of the invaluable expertise offered by its travel advisors. With the powerful message – “Making Your Vacation Our Job” – the initiative highlights the concrete benefits of professional support for a truly hassle-free vacation.
The campaign targets households that typically do not use a travel advisor. Running online in November, it takes a hyper-local approach by targeting audiences near existing Marlin Travel agencies. The goal is to clearly demonstrate the tangible benefits of using a professional advisor, including effortless planning, significant time savings, truly hassle-free vacations and comprehensive, up-to-date expertise.
“We want travellers to understand that a travel advisor handles all the work, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: enjoying their vacation,” says Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. She adds, “This campaign illustrates our unwavering commitment to offering a simple, secure, and personalized experience, and it builds upon the success of our previous campaign developed in 2023, which shared the same core objective.”
“The slogan cleverly juxtaposes two opposing concepts – vacation and job – to effectively highlight the professionalism and dedication of our advisors,” adds Marc Pelletier, Sr. Director, Marketing, Communications, and Events. “With compelling lines such as ‘For your vacation in the sun, ask us for the moon,’ and ‘To plan your vacation, switch to airplane mode,’ we aim to make a strong, memorable impression and create an emotional connection with the public,” he concludes.
Nexion Travel Group
Steve Cole of Sail with Steve & Co., based in London, Ont. has been recognized as a Celebrity Cruises Top Performer in 2025. The independent agent with Nexion Travel Group was honoured during the cruise line’s recent inaugural Canadian Top Performers Cruise – a six-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Silhouette.
“Steve’s recognition as a Canadian Top Performer for Celebrity Cruises is a tribute to his hard work and expertise in planning amazing journeys for his clients,” said Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group.
Having been with Nexion since 2017, the award marks Cole’s first recognition as a Celebrity Top Performer.
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