TORONTO — Two Canadian travel advisors are heading to Costa Rica after being named the winners of Travelweek’s recent Costa Rica Specialist contest.

Leslie White of Onvigo in Barrie, Ont., and Sheryl Stewart of Bains Travel have each won a spot on an exclusive Costa Rica FAM trip taking place in late September 2026.

The contest, offered in partnership with the Costa Rica Tourism Board, invited Canadian travel advisors to complete the Costa Rica Specialist Program between July 20 and Aug. 31. Advisors who successfully completed the online training were automatically entered into a draw for one of two places on the FAM.

White, a Travel Advisor with Onvigo, has a particular interest in Central and South America and says Costa Rica has long been a favourite destination.

“I’m excited to return, discover new areas and experiences, and bring that firsthand perspective back to my clients while planning their Costa Rica adventures,” she said.

Stewart, a Travel Advisor with Bains Travel, has worked in the industry for 22 years and is also a Tahiti Specialist.

“I absolutely love helping my clients plan their dream vacations,” she said. “Being in the travel industry is an incredible journey where I get to learn about somewhere new every single day.”

During the upcoming FAM, White and Stewart will have the opportunity to explore Costa Rica firsthand, visit key regions, connect with local tourism partners and deepen their destination knowledge.

The Costa Rica Specialist Program is designed to help advisors build expertise across the destination’s beaches, rainforests, wildlife, luxury accommodations, wellness offerings, adventure tourism, culture and sustainable travel experiences.

For more contests, click here. 

Lead image caption: Leslie White (left) and Sheryl Stewart