OAKVILLE, ON — Granite Travel Trade Expos has wrapped its 2025 fall season on a high note, bringing more than 1,500 travel agents together across 15 Canadian markets.

Now in its third year, the cross-country series continues to expand its footprint, offering in-person connections between agents and key suppliers in regions that often see fewer industry events.

The 2025 schedule began with the spring series in Windsor on April 7 followed by stops in Kitchener, Barrie, Oshawa, St. Johns, Halifax and Moncton. The fall series resumed in Winnipeg on Oct. 20 with additional shows in Red Deer, Kelowna, Surrey, Ottawa, Kingston and Vaughan before concluding in Hamilton on Nov. 6.

The Expos are earning strong praise for delivering supplier access to agents in underserved markets and for fostering in-person engagement that supports stronger business relationships. “The Expos are designed to bring a much more intimate, engaging experience for agents, giving them the ability to speak directly and in-depth with the experts from the destination,” said Bradley Dean of Granite Productions. “Granite’s differentiator in the market is selecting key secondary markets where agents are eager for face-to-face interaction with suppliers without having to jeopardize selling time to attend events in long distance locations.”

Nicole Perez, Director of Sales with Princess Hotels and Resorts, highlighted the importance of the format. “Granite Travel Trade Expos remain a cornerstone of our Canadian Travel Trade sales strategy. These events offer invaluable access to travel agents from coast to coast, particularly in high-potential secondary markets that are essential to our continued growth and outreach”.

Agent response has also been strong, with attendees emphasizing the importance of supplier access close to home. “We’re incredibly grateful that suppliers have gone the extra mile to visit travel agents in our communities,” said Sonya Thomas, Belleville-based Travel Concierge with Journeys by Elizabeth, part of The Travel Agent Next Door. She added that the Expos make it easier for agents in smaller centres to connect with the brands they sell. Thomas attended the Kingston Expo on Nov. 5.

Each event included supplier presentations, interactive consultations, a trade show, dinner and prize giveaways, hosted by Sal Buccellato. Supplier participation was limited to maintain an intimate and productive environment.

Granite is now preparing for the 2026 series, which begins April 13 in London, Ontario. Participation remains capped at 36 suppliers per show, with multi-show discounts of up to 20% and sponsorship opportunities available.

The Spring 2026 schedule includes London, Kitchener, Barrie and Oshawa. The Atlantic Canada series follows in St. Johns on May 25 with stops in Halifax and Moncton. The fall series then heads west to Winnipeg, Red Deer and Kelowna before returning to Ontario for shows in Ottawa, Kingston, Markham and Hamilton.

Suppliers for the 2025 season included destinations, hotel chains, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and tourism boards from across Canada and abroad.

For information on participating in the 2026 Expos, registration details are available at GraniteTravelExpos.com or by contacting Bradley Dean at brad@graniteproductions.ca.