TORONTO — The 2018 ‘Air Canada Race’ started in fine style last night with 45 travel professionals catching an Air Canada Rouge flight out of Toronto to Kissimmee for the first-ever North American edition of the popular industry competition.

The Amazing Race-style national travel agent event is now in its eighth year. 

From Aug. 26 – 30 agents will compete in teams of five for a chance to win prizes including air seats for two to Orlando, a vacation home rental courtesy of Global Homes along with theme park tickets for the winner and one travelling companion.

And just like in The Amazing Race, the competition is fierce but the contests are fun, including classic Kissimmee-area activities, from a footgolf tournament to zip line courses, plus scavenger hunts and visits to area theme parks so agents can learn first-hand about the Central Florida area.  

This year’s lineup of teams is a true cross-country mix of participants, says the airline, with agents hailing from as far west as Prince Rupert, B.C. to Goose Bay in Labrador and every province in between. 

The industry is invited to follow along with the race on social media using the official hashtag #ACRaceKissimmee.