Air Canada Vacations announced the winners of its first-ever ‘Travellers’ Top Picks Awards’ at the tour company’s gala product launch event in Toronto late last week – an event that saw a close to a thousand travel advisors be the first to learn the winners as voted on by 100,000 Canadians across the country.
Designed as “a celebration of Canadian wanderlust,” travellers voted in 10 categories curated by Air Canada Vacations experts.
“Canadians love to travel, which is what inspired us to create the Travellers’ Top Picks Awards,” said ACV Sr. Director of Marketing and Ecommerce, Selma Filali. “Travel is often influenced by third party recommendations and reviews, which is why it was important to us, as Canada’s leading vacation expert, to invite Canadian travellers to be a part of the narrative by sharing their unique perspectives on the destinations they love most.”
Bali, Indonesia emerged as the ultimate dream destination with over 21,500 votes, winning the Wellness category and topping the overall list for its immersive retreats and tranquil scenery.
Santorini, Greece followed closely in second place by dominating the Bucket List category. Coming in third, Rome, Italy earned praise for its rich history and vibrant arts scene.
Top 10 Winners by Category
- Beach Vacation: Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos tops this category for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
- Bucket List: Santorini, Greece known for iconic cliffs, whitewashed houses, and azure seas make it the definitive pick.
- Foodie Favourite: Naples, Italy earns this delicious crown, beloved for its authentic cuisine, especially as the birthplace of pizza.
- Adventure Travel: Kauai, Hawaii, distinguishes itself with lush landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities, making it an adventure lover’s paradise.
- Arts & Culture: Rome, Italy takes the lead thanks to its unmatched blend of ancient history, renaissance masterpieces and vibrant contemporary creativity.
- Wellness: Bali, Indonesia captivates as the champion with its holistic retreats and spiritual experiences.
- Romance: Paris, known as the eternal city of love, reaffirmed its status as the world’s most romantic escape.
- City Break: New York City, recognized for its boundless energy came out on top as the perfect city getaway.
- Hidden Gem: Singapore stands out with its rich cultural heritage and world-class food scene in a city where modernity and tradition blend beautifully.
- Family: Honolulu, Hawaii, shines for its beautiful beaches, calm waters and family-friendly attractions sure to please all ages.
The awards also feature detailed Top 10 lists across each category, showcasing a range of international destinations, from the thermal spas of Whistler to Venice’s canals, the colourful streets of Willemstad, Curacao, and Dubai’s round-the-clock energy.
Nino Montagnese, VP of Air Canada Vacations, said, “By inviting Canadians to share their dream destinations and favourite vacation experiences we’ve created a living map of what travel means to our community – the special memories it holds, and all the excitement of adventures to come.”
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