The travel industry lost a bright light this month with the unexpected death of Tina Seminara. She was a veteran of the Canadian travel business, with more than 26 years of experience doing what she loved. She enjoyed working in a variety of roles starting out as a destination representative for ALBATours in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, moving on to become destination services director for Sunquest Vacations. Six years ago she joined Air Canada Vacations, as product director and manager for Hawaii, western coast Mexico and Costa Rica.
Along the way, Tina established many warm working relationships and lasting friendships in the industry. Her extensive travel career helped feed her wanderlust and strong work ethic and her engaging personality earned her a deep respect and affection among her industry colleagues.
Tina’s nurturing personality was also evident in her other professional pursuits, which included owning and operating her own yoga business in Osoyoos, B.C., for several years. Her gentle nature also extended to her lifelong devotion for pets and championing of animal rescue efforts.
All who knew Tina, from hoteliers and industry personnel from Canada, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and Spain, are deeply saddened at her loss – and her ACV family is heartbroken. Nino Montagnese, ACV’s Managing Director said, “we are saddened by the news of Tina. My deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and colleagues, and especially to our Product Department who had the privilege to work with Tina every day”.
Dina Bertolo, VP Product said, “She will be remembered as a beautiful, compassionate and caring individual who raised the bar for those seeking to have a career in the travel business. Tina had a special knack for negotiating the best deals with the consumer’s interest at heart – she knew that would keep travellers coming back, a win-win for the industry and our clients. Her business savvy and ability to be diplomatic and respectful of all parties at the table helped to land those deals. Colleagues will miss her wit, her generous mentorship skills, her intelligence and kindness”.
People could not resist Tina’s infectious giggle and delightful sense of humour. It belied a serious depth of technical knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. She was always ready to solve a problem and was passionate about her work and the people in the industry.
Ornella Osborne, who wrote this tribute to her lifelong friend, also remembered Tina as a free spirit and fiercely independent, but also a helpful team player who was genuinely interested in others.
One of her Mexican hotelier colleagues describe her as “gentle as a lamb, with the courage of a lion.”
Clearly, writes Osborne, Tina Seminara left us all too early and will be deeply missed. She will be remembered as a special person who was full of joy and love.
Editor’s Note: Shockingly, Tia Seminara was the victim of an apparent domestic dispute at her home in Osoyoos and subsequently died in hospital. Her husband, Rod Flavell, has been charged with aggravated assault and is behind bars awaiting a bail hearing April 21 in Kelowna.