CANCUN — What a party! ACV’s team and plane loads of travel advisors and industry partners may have traded glitter for snow boots as they returned from the tour op’s ‘Celebration Under the Sun’ in Cancun – but the memories of this 50th anniversary trip will last for years to come.

Nearly 400 travel advisors from across Canada took part in ACV’s big event, gathering in Cancun for three days of discovery and celebration.

A GRAND CLOSING NIGHT AT THE GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya team rolled out the red carpet to host the grand finale of ACV’s anniversary celebration.

Juan Vela Ruiz, owner and general manager of Grand Velas Hotels, along with Sophie Raymond, Director of Sales for the Canadian market, said they were especially proud and happy to welcome so many Canadian travel advisors, plus more than 100 other suppliers and invited partners who took part in the evening’s trade show.

That night was also the first time that all participants — the nine groups of this ‘Mega Fam’ trip — were gathered in the same place: groups from Quebec, the Maritimes, Ontario and Western Canada.

Anna Teglasi, Rose Siu, and Suzanne Morgan and their ACV reps from the Western Canada delegation were particularly pleased with the trip.

The same went for Tara Parsons (Travel Agent Next Door), Laurie Keith (Romantic Planet Vacations), Brett Murden (En Voyage Wellness Travel), and Michelle Whalen (Michelle Whalen Travel by Uniglobe Enterprise Travel).

“The pace was perfect, and we visited some stunning properties,” said Whalen.

Kemp Travel Group’s Ranka Matejic said she loves working with ACV: “They offer a great selection of hotels and flights, a wide range of products that even includes Australia and Japan. Plus, they have an impressive variety of package deals, while also offering flexible options for those who want to build their own trips.”

THE RAIN ARRIVES – BUT THE PARTY GOES ON

“We’ve been dreaming about this celebration for a year — and no rain is going to stop us from partying!” said ACV’s VP Nino Montagnese, as the grand finale party got underway on the beach, rain began to fall.

He was quickly proven right. As soon as singer Karl Wolf took the stage, most of the guests stood up, singing and dancing in the rain throughout his performance. “You have to admit, there’s something magical about dancing in the rain,” Montagnese told the crowd.

Among the evening’s highlights was seeing Montagnese himself join Karl Wolf on stage — first playing drums with the percussion group, then showing off a few dance moves.

“There’s a special energy and excitement on this beach tonight,” said Montagnese.

Under a sea of umbrellas, guests enjoyed several live performances before the night ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

ACV COMMITS TO BECOMING GRAND VELAS’ BEST PARTNER

Montagnese thanked and congratulated Ruiz, whose Velas Resorts chain will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Nov. 20.

Before the assembled crowd of travel advisors, he reaffirmed a promise made to Ruiz: “Air Canada Vacations is committed to becoming your best client and your best global partner.”

As Montagnese told Profession Voyages earlier that day, “we’ve been working with them for over 25 years. Grand Velas is more than luxury — it’s a true experience. You have to be here to really feel it.”

He cited the staff’s warmth, the ambient scents, the food quality and especially the meticulous attention to detail. “Last night, after dining at their Italian restaurant, Luca, I even called my parents to tell them I’d just eaten the best tiramisu of my life,” he added with a laugh.

For his part, Ruiz expressed great pride in his brand, which includes seven properties — four of them Grand Velas resorts. “We’ve worked hard to create a truly luxurious all-inclusive experience that can stand alongside the finest European-plan hotels in the world,” he said.

DISCOVERY & EXPLORATION

Montagnese and the ACV team also warmly thanked their key partners: World2Meet (their local DMC) and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), for helping make the Canadian delegation’s week in Mexico possible.

As the largest fam trip ever organized by the tour operator, the travel advisors and media stayed in nine different resorts, including Xcaret Arte, Paradisus La Perla, Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen, Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive, Grand Palladium Kantenah, Mahekal Beach Resort, and Catalonia Playa Maroma (which replaced the originally planned Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres).

Each group had its own itinerary, but most also toured one or two other Riviera Maya properties and enjoyed some free time to explore their hotels.

A FAVOURITE: MAJESTIC ELEGANCE COSTA MUJERES

Accompanied by Marco Gagnon, ACV’S Director, Quebec, 45 participants from Quebec (including Profession Voyages) stayed in the renovated Privilege section of the Catalonia Playa Maroma. Many described it as a quiet, family-friendly resort – better suited for clients seeking nature and a beautiful beach rather than lively entertainment.

During the week, the group also toured and dined at the Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, which was a unanimous favourite. “It’s a true five-star property — and then some,” said Barbara Paquin, owner of Charterama agency in Trois-Rivières. Nathalie Dubois from Voyages Vasco in Saint-Jérôme added, “The service quality and attention to detail are absolutely top-notch.”

Many participants were impressed by the swim-up suites, jacuzzi rooms, and the Blossom Spa — which includes a cenote-inspired room that adds a striking ‘wow’ effect.

ACV’S PROMISES & PLANS

While allowing free time for exploration, ACV’s reps also held briefings for their respective groups.

Gagnon reviewed the company’s various product lines and highlighted several new initiatives, including …

• The highly anticipated new ACV Options
• The new Full Flexibility Plus program (offering 20% commission)
• The Cruise Promise (“the best-kept secret”)
• The enhanced Groups Department
• Long-stay packages (now including Thailand, Indonesia, and cruises of 21+ days)

Gagnon also announced ACV’s advisory committee and invited travel advisors to apply. “We love hearing from you — it’s a great opportunity,” he said.