TORONTO — The ‘Viva Vibe’ was out in full effect last night in Toronto, with Viva Resorts by Wyndham hosting one unforgettable party for close to 200 travel advisors.

Taking place at The Vue @ Royal Woodbine Golf Club and hosted in partnership with Sunwing Vacations, the evening brought nonstop music, light bites and a packed dance floor as advisors celebrated well into the night.

It was the second stop on a four-city travel advisor appreciation tour, which also includes Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. Each stop, says Erika Sordo, Senior Director, Marketing & Communication, Viva Resort by Wyndam, is also an opportunity for the resort brand to celebrate its 24-year partnership with Sunwing. 

“Today, we are here together with Sunwing, our lifelong partner. We’ve been working with them ever since they first started 24 years ago,” Sordo tells Travelweek.  

For a company that has been in business for 39 years, that’s a significant relationship for Viva Resorts by Wyndham. And it comes with an important selling advantage for Canadian travel advisors: Sunwing is the only Canadian partner offering all nine Viva Resorts by Wyndham properties.

Those resorts span Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, with one exclusive to Sunwing travellers.

“Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham in Bahamas is exclusive to Sunwing. They’re the only ones that sell it,” says Sordo, adding that Sunwing offers weekly flights from both Toronto and Montreal.

Rounding out Viva’s portfolio of resorts are Viva Dominicus Palace, Viva Dominicus Beach, Viva Miches, Viva Heavens, Viva Tangerine and Viva Samaná in the Dominican Republic, and Viva Maya and Viva Azteca in Mexico.

“WE APPRECIATE YOU”

The appreciation tour, now in its second year, includes product updates, prizes, interactive photo opps and a sizeable delegation from the Caribbean, including dancers and even a DJ. 

The idea was to bring a little of the Viva experience to the people who help sell it.

“These events are our way of saying thank you to travel advisors for a great year. Thank you for their relationship and thank you for believing in us, pushing us, reviewing us and recommending us every year to their clients,” says Sordo.

Dave Wright, Director of Sales, Ontario & Atlantic Canada at Sunwing Vacations, and Gilda Noboa, Director of Sales & Marketing, USA & Canada at Viva Resorts by Wyndham

MORE ALL-INCLUSIVES, MORE COMPETITION

With major hotel companies like Hilton and Marriott increasingly moving into the all-inclusive space, we asked Sordo how Viva intends to stand out in a more crowded marketplace.

In short, she’s not losing much sleep over the competition.

“We’re not worried – not at all. We’re confident and feel good about how the all-inclusive industry is on the rise,” she tells Travelweek.

Viva also has history on its side, she adds. The company began its relationship with Wyndham in 2003, becoming the first all-inclusive hotel chain in the Wyndham portfolio.

And while other brands may be entering the sector with new concepts, Sordo says Viva knows exactly what its guests are looking for. First and foremost, it’s the beach.

“Before we even open a Viva, we know that it has to be on a great beach,” she says. 

Then there’s the all-inclusive offering itself, with buffet and à la carte dining, bars, cocktails, sports and entertainment included in the holiday experience. Entertainment, in particular, has long been part of Viva’s identity. Its Viva Vibe parties are held across the portfolio, with activities for different ages, from daytime foam parties to silent discos under the stars.

“We have parties for all ages under the sun or stars,” says Sordo. “When you arrive at a Viva, you don’t have to worry about anything. You have sports, you have entertainment, you have everything taken care of.”

And while the arrival of new all-inclusive brands means more competition, Sordo sees an upside.

“To have the all-inclusive package strengthened with new brands and new proposals is always a great thing because that is what keeps us pushing ourselves to always update what we offer,” she says.

A NEW FAVOURITE IN MICHES

One of Viva’s biggest recent developments is Viva Miches by Wyndham, which opened in December 2024. 

The property marks both a new resort and a new destination for the company, extending its presence in the Dominican Republic beyond its established locations.

And according to Sordo, it has exceeded all expectations.

“The resort has been selling incredibly well in the Canadian market – it’s been unbelievable,” she says. “It also helps that Punta Cana International Airport serves as a convenient gateway for Canadians.” 

But there’s one feature in particular that has caught guests’ attention – the beach.

Sordo says the shallow, calm water at Miches has become a major draw, particularly for families with younger children.

“You can walk and walk in the water without ever going too deep. So, for families with kids, it’s perfect,” she adds.

THE NEW LUXURY? DOING LESS

Looking ahead, Sordo sees another trend shaping Canadian vacation decisions, and it has less to do with where people travel than what they want to do when they get there.

Or, perhaps more accurately, what they don’t want to do.

Travellers, she says, are increasingly looking for opportunities to disconnect from their routines rather than fill every day with a packed itinerary.

It’s an interesting shift at a time when artificial intelligence and digital planning tools can put together detailed three-day or seven-day itineraries in seconds.

“People don’t want all of those planned things; they just really want to disconnect,” says Sordo.

For Viva, that fits naturally with its all-inclusive model. Guests have sports, entertainment and activities available throughout their stay, but there’s no requirement to participate in everything. They can spend the day on the beach, join an activity or simply do nothing at all.

And although guests can stay connected through Wi-Fi, Sordo says the real appeal is having the freedom to switch off. That may be particularly relevant for travel advisors selling to families and couples who want an easy holiday rather than another schedule to manage.

“People really want to just relax,” she says. “They want to live their life.”

For more information about Viva Resorts by Wyndham, go to www.vivaresortsbywyndham.com. For view Sunwing’s complete Viva Resorts by Wyndham offerings, click here. 

Lead image caption: Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s Erika Sordo, Senior Director, Marketing & Communication, (2nd from left), Patrizia Puggioni, Entertainment & Talent Development Director (5th from right) and Gilda Noboa, Director of Sales & Marketing, USA & Canada (far right) pose with dancers at the Toronto stop of the brand’s travel advisor appreciation roadshow, Oct. 27, 2026