TORONTO — Canadian pride was on full display at Travelweek’s latest virtual conference, held yesterday, May 7, to coincide with Travel Advisor Appreciation Day.

As part of Travelweek’s hugely popular ‘Future of Travel’ series, launched during the pandemic to help advisors navigate through the crisis, the ‘Future of Travel: Proudly Canadian’ event celebrated all things red and white at a time when many are putting Canada first.

To watch the show, click here.

“Travelweek is proudly Canadian – Canadian to its core, born and raised in Canada,” said Devin Kinasz, Travelweek’s publisher during her opening remarks. “We’re very proud of our Canadian roots, and we’re also proud of how resilient this industry is. So, today’s event is going to showcase different products and destinations, all to help boost your selling power.”

In addition to product and destination updates from both speakers and key sponsors, the show also included several prize giveaways, including hotel nights at Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, and Warwick Le Crystal in Montreal. Gift certificates from The Keg and Air Canada were also up for grabs.

Here is a sample of what each speaker discussed during the show:

Colin C. James, CEO — Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

The twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda has plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline, including a new Nobu hotel to complement Barbuda’s Nobu Restaurant, the only one in the Caribbean, as well as a Nikki Beach Resort and Residence on the famed Jolly Beach, which broke ground last year. Moon Gate Antigua also opened its doors earlier this year on the eastern side of the island, while Royalton Chic Antigua – home to overwater bungalows – had its grand opening in 2024.

“There really is a lot of new and exciting product for Canadian visitors and agents to explore,” said James, who also noted the recent opening of a new airport in Barbuda that’s capable of receiving larger jets. “We have really positioned the destination to take advantage of all that’s happening in the travel trade, really positioning us on an upward trajectory.”

To thank travel advisors for their ongoing support of the destination, James announced that the Black Pineapple Awards – named after “the sweetest pineapple in the world, found only in Antigua – will return this year in late December, following the hugely successful inaugural event in 2024. The awards celebrate the destination’s top 100 travel advisors; last year’s event welcomed 25 advisors from Canada.

“We encourage our agents on our specialist website, https://antiguabarbudata.com/, to register all your bookings because we’ll be checking them to see who the top sellers are. Those top performers will also be eligible to come on the all-expenses-paid reward and recognition trip,” said James.

Also new this year will be the destination’s first Travel Agent Advisory Board – more details to come.

Wendy Paradis, President, & Avery Campbell, Director, Advocacy & Industry Relations — ACTA

Wendy Paradis and Avery Campbell

Although bookings are down to the United States amid the ongoing trade war, the good news is, Canadians are still travelling – they’re just going to alternative destinations. The Caribbean and Mexico are what’s hot right now, particularly in the winter months, plus of the 300-plus travel agency leaders and travel advisors who ACTA has met with over the last four weeks, many are reporting huge interest in Europe and Canada, says Paradis.

“We certainly have seen that our travel agencies and advisors that may be focused on group travel, specifically to the United States, have been impacted. But for the most part, including our business corporate travel agencies, they’re finding that so far, there has been very little impact on bookings and finances. It’s been more of a move, a change in where travellers are choosing to travel,” she adds.

When asked what his message would be to travel advisors at this time, Campbell stressed the importance of being adaptive.

“We really hope that the situation between Canada and the United States resolves soon. But in the event that it doesn’t, it’s really important that businesses look to diversify their book of business to alternative destinations, including Canada,” said Campbell. “Second, really take stock of your business. Can you leverage new technology to reduce your costs? Are there ways you can protect your business, perhaps through incorporation? Third, engage with ACTA, respond to surveys. We rely on information from you to support our advocacy work. And finally, speak to your federal, provincial and territorial politicians and representatives; hearing from them directly about your concerns is so impactful.”

Stephen Cotter, Managing Director — CIE Tours

At a time when Canadians are venturing further afield for their vacations, CIE Tours, which specializes in Ireland and Britain, is seeing an increase in both inquiries and bookings in recent months, said Cotter.

“There are a lot of distractions at home, and so there are opportunities for European destinations to capitalize on that. We’re here and we’ve got a big welcome ready,” he said.

Noting enhanced connectivity from Canada, Cotter added: “There have been a lot of flights added over the last number of years between Canada and Ireland, Scotland and the UK – so the connectivity is there.”

Addressing travel advisors, Cotter emphasized how important they are to CIE Tours, now in operation for over 90 years. Calling advisors the “backbone” of the business, contributing 80% of overall bookings, Cotter highlighted the many ways CIE shows its appreciation. These include up to 18% commission, a generous $800 booking bonus on groups, a 30% FAM discount for agents and a companion on any tour, a full suite of tools and marketing materials, two Canadian BDMs that offer full support, and a special draw for Travel Agent Appreciation Month whereby agents can win a spot on a new tour or daily prizes.

“These agent channels are very important to us, and we’re here to support and to work alongside them in whatever way we can,” said Cotter.

Christian Leibl-Cote, EVP Global Sales — Collette

Christian Leibl-Cote

Born in Quebec City, Leibl-Cote – who played college football in the United States and later in the CFL for the Ottawa Renegades and Montreal Alouettes – knows a thing or two about Canadian pride. When asked what’s new at Collette for 2025, he made sure to mention – in addition to the new destination of Albania – the ‘Charms of Quebec’ itinerary, during which his hometown is prominently featured.

“Canadians do travel within Canada and in their backyard, and Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities. There, it’s like going back to Europe 400 years ago and the food is fantastic. I always want to mention Quebec City because that’s where I was born,” he said.

Leibl-Cote also explained what agents can expect from the ‘Collette Premium Experience,’ which is perfect for travellers who want to savour the moment and avoid any hassles.

“What we’ve done is really slowed down the pace significantly – and that’s important to travellers. They’re looking for that to experience the destination and not necessarily go through it as fast as possible. So, you’ll see a lot more two-, three-, four- and five-night stays in the same areas. And this is coupled with the service levels we provide, which includes Cancel for any Reason so that travellers are protected in case of anything,” said Leibl-Cote.

Bruce Poon Tip, CEO and Founder – G Adventures

Bruce Poon Tip

When asked what kind of impact he’s seeing from the ongoing trade war and economic climate, Poon Tip said the company has seen “a little bit of softness” in the market for April following a hugely successful period from January to March. But this shouldn’t be a cause for concern, he added, saying that travellers are taking a wait-and-see approach.

“We’ve seen this historically, like when Brexit happened or where there’s a major market shift. Travellers will hold onto their dollars as they wait and see it out. It doesn’t stop them from travelling, but they will take their time and won’t book as far out in advance so booking patterns change. And we’re starting to see that now,” said Poon Tip.

As for where travellers are heading to in the current climate, Poon Tip says the best-selling countries right now are Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, South Africa, Japan and Morocco, which has seen a near 80% increase in bookings. Canada, too, has seen a slight increase, with more Canadians choosing to travel in their own backyard.

Poon Tip also noted that the company’s Geluxe Collection, launched in 2023, has been “incredibly successful,” as well as its National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures program. The company’s Solo-ish trips, launched in 2024, have also been selling well, particularly those to Egypt.

Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP, Sales & Marketing, Canada — Unique Vacations Canada Inc. Affiliate of Unique Travel Corp, worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Maureen Barnes-Smith

When addressing the current trade and economic climate and how that can impact travel, Barnes-Smith reassured travel advisors that “this, too, shall pass.”

“We have seen the gamut of everything, from SARS to trade wars. But I want to say to our Canadian travel advisors: stick with it, stay true to yourself, stay true to your craft and remember that the Caribbean is here for you and that we have everything you need.”

To help advisors boost their selling power, Barnes-Smith noted several promotions for the Canadian market, including Instant Savings on a variety of resorts. Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, for example, is offering up to $900 in savings on a single vacation when booking through Air Canada Vacations.

As for advisor perks, Barnes-Smith noted that advisors can earn Points to Paradise – points they earn when making any Sandals or Beaches booking – as well as exclusive ACV&Me points on every single booking they make with Air Canada Vacations.

“We’re having a Canadian moment – we have shown, as Canadian travel experts, that we’re going to get through this and come out stronger than ever,” she said. “I’m excited to not only welcome our customers, but also our Canadian travel advisors to our resorts in the Caribbean.”

Armando Mendonça, Trade Liaison, Vienna Tourist Board and President, AMpm Canada

Armando Mendonça

There’s a reason why Vienna had its best-ever year in 2024, with nearly 19 million overnight stays, said Mendonça. Coupled with excellent lift from Canada (Toronto-Vienna with Air Canada and Montreal-Vienna with Austrian Airlines), the city is perfectly situated in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries, making it an ideal starting point for a multi-country getaway.

This year is expected to be even better, with massive celebrations planned for the 200^th anniversary of Johann Strauss’ birth. These include various indoor and outdoor installations and shows at 69 locations throughout the city, tours of the refurbished House of Strauss and more. A full calendar of events can be found at https://www.wien.info/en/now-on/johann-strauss.

But aside from arts & culture, which Vienna is well known for, Mendonça shared his insider tips that travel advisors can pass on to clients, both first-time and returning visitors. During a recent visit in November 2024, he became fully immersed in the city’s thriving culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming vineyards. His two must-eat spots?

“My favourite café restaurant is in the Fine Arts Museum in Vienna – it’s my go-to every time I go to Vienna. And also, Café Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace – the views are spectacular,” said Mendonça.

While visiting in summer 2024, Mendonça also did something he’d never done before in all his prior visits: renting an e-boat on the Old Danube.

“It’s about half an hour outside of the city, you can have up to eight people on the boat. You have lunch on them and you’re cruising along the Danube with spectacular views of the city and surroundings – I’ve never rented an e-boat anywhere, and I thought it was really cool,” he said.

Travelweek thanks all of its key sponsors for their ongoing support, including: Globus, G Adventures, Visit Atlantic City, Quark Expeditions, Myrtle Beach, Railbookers, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Jamaica Tourist Board, Nassau Paradise Island and Spectacular NWT.

To watch ‘Future of Travel: Proudly Canadian’ in its entirety, click here.