SAINT-SAUVEUR, QC — It was an epic weekend for the Toronto Blue Jays and Uniglobe Travel (Canada), with both celebrating major highs amid a sea of blue.

Coinciding with the first two games of the World Series, Uniglobe Travel (Canada)’s annual conference took a page from the Jays’ playbook by lifting up its agents – many sporting their best game-day gear – and showcasing their full potential. Under the theme “The Power of You,” the event brought together 190 attendees from agencies across Canada and 73 key suppliers for an inspiring weekend in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, filled with networking and training sessions, panel discussions and even a few World Series watch parties.

In his opening address, Dean Dacko, Regional President, Uniglobe Travel (Canada), kicked off the weekend by leading a standing ovation for all attendees. “The success of our national company is really derived from the efforts of every single person in this room – all our owners and managers who invest their time and dollars into building their businesses, all our trade supplier partners who, without their efforts and support, none of this would even be possible. But most importantly, our agents on the front line of our business. You are the essence of what the Uniglobe Travel brand represents. And this weekend, we have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts we’ve all accomplished over this past year.”

Noting this year’s record-breaking attendance numbers, Dacko highlighted the company’s monumental growth in recent years, particularly since Uniglobe (Eastern Canada) acquired Uniglobe (Western Canada) in 2023, essentially creating a national entity. Considered the “fastest growing network of travel agencies in Canada,” Uniglobe Travel (Canada) now comprises 850 travel professionals and 58 agency members – more than double from 23 just three years ago – and rakes in just under a billion dollars in total gross sales from coast to coast.

“The steep incline of our growth is pretty dramatic – and we only see it continuing,” Dacko tells Travelweek. “Size matters, and when you can leverage the size of your network like we have, it makes you very unique in the marketplace.”

EXPANDING THE NETWORK

Since uniting its eastern and western regions in 2023, Uniglobe Travel (Canada) has been steadily growing its national footprint, attracting new agency partners from coast to coast. According to Dacko, that growth stems from the organization’s strong value proposition and trusted reputation. “What really attracts new people to come and join Uniglobe is the value that we provide as an organization,” he said. “Technology, supplier deals, marketing support and transparency are all part of that value. Our biggest asset when we look to attract a new owner is our existing members — they’ll tell you we’re a great organization to join.”

Regional owner Frank Dennis said the merger of east and west has opened new opportunities for expansion, particularly in the western provinces and the Maritimes. “We like the idea of becoming a national organization with representation in each city across Canada,” he said. “We’re getting closer and closer to that, and it’s exciting to see how our growth is working.” Dennis added that the company’s focus is on partnering with highly motivated agencies that understand Uniglobe’s value proposition and want to build their business under a shared vision.

Uniglobe Travel (Canada)’s Frank and Leanne Dennis, Regional Owners, and Dean Dacko, Regional President

For Regional Vice President Joel Kopstick, that value is clearly demonstrated through Uniglobe’s wide-ranging airline contracts, advanced technology tools and flexible partnership model. “We have over 35 airline contracts offering enhanced commissions, waivers and incentives,” said Kopstick. “We also provide access to technology like Concur, and support our agencies in corporate sales calls and presentations. It’s not an all-or-nothing model anymore — our agencies can maintain their independence and choose what works best for them.”

That flexibility helped attract Blowes & Stewart Travel Group, which joined the Uniglobe network in summer 2025. Based in Ontario, the family-run agency saw the advantages of Uniglobe’s strong air and GDS contracts, as well as its Canadian base. “We looked at a lot of different groups coming out of covid, but Uniglobe just made sense,” said agency co-owner Rob Blowes. “We’re already seeing more revenue from our contracts, and the networking opportunities are huge. It’s valuable to belong because it opens doors and connects you to other agency owners who want to help each other succeed.”

EMPOWERING & SUPPORTING MEMBERS

When travel came to a standstill during the pandemic, Uniglobe Travel (Canada) focused its energy on helping member agencies stay afloat. “Everybody was under stress. There was no business,” said Dacko. “So we focused on providing support wherever we could find it.” The company distributed trailing revenue streams, guided members toward government support programs, and encouraged collaboration between agency owners through weekly calls. The downtime, he added, also allowed Uniglobe to rethink its operations, bridging its East and West divisions and creating a unified national technology footprint to strengthen communication and efficiency.

Coming out of that period, Uniglobe used its renewed structure to drive new partnerships and strengthen retention. “We have such a very small attrition rate because once agencies join, they realize we offer so much more than what they came in for,” said Dacko. By expanding programs that help agencies grow in both corporate and leisure markets, Uniglobe has created long-term loyalty across its network. “We’re always focused on where the travel market is going and how to stay relevant to that audience,” he added.

One of the newest tools is the Uniglobe Cruise Desk, launched in March to support the fast-growing cruise segment. “We started from zero agents. Now we have 134 and we’re tracking to 300 or 400 by this time next year,” said Dacko. Through the Cruise Desk, agencies gain access to higher commission tiers with major cruise lines, faster support, and shared expertise. “You earn more money, save time and still keep your local relationships,” said Dacko. “All the benefit and no risk.”

SHIFTING TRAVEL PATTERNS

Over the past year, Uniglobe has seen significant shifts in how Canadians choose to travel, shaped by changing economic conditions, global events and consumer preferences. “We’ve had a number of different things that have challenged us,” said Dean Dacko, Regional President at Uniglobe Travel (Canada). “Transborder travel has reduced over the past 12 months, but we’ve seen an increase in international travel. More of our customers are saying, I still want to travel. I’m not going to go to Las Vegas, but I’m going to go to Paris or Barcelona or Peru.”

According to Dacko, this trend toward longer-haul and experiential travel is creating new revenue opportunities for agents who can adapt quickly. “It’s an opportunity to build our business and increase our revenue, which is why we’re all here,” he said.

At the same time, Dacko pointed out that the shift has required flexibility and creative problem-solving, particularly when responding to changes from suppliers. Airlines and tour operators are adjusting their business models, sometimes reducing staff or restructuring to remain competitive and profitable. “We obviously recognize that there’s stress in those businesses that are trying to manage through all of this,” he said. Yet, Dacko sees these changes as an opportunity for agencies to step up and demonstrate their value. By helping clients navigate complex itineraries, shifting airline policies and global uncertainty, travel advisors can strengthen relationships and reinforce their role as trusted experts. “There are all sorts of challenges in the rearview mirror,” he said. “But what is exciting is what we see coming ahead.”

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES & TRENDS

As the travel industry continues to rebound, both corporate and leisure sectors are facing new pressures that require flexibility and focus. Dacko cited Deloitte’s annual survey of 5,000 travel managers, which found that rising air and hotel costs are straining budgets. “Air travel costs have gone up, hotel costs have gone up, and that has challenged their budgets so now there’s less frequency,” he said. Still, he noted that this shift has some benefits. “The transaction rate may come down a bit, which causes less strain on operations, but the margins are higher because the destinations are longer and the price points are higher, which is good news for us.”

Dacko also cited key drivers in corporate travel as per the survey, saying that meeting formats continue to evolve, with smaller internal sessions moving online while in-person interactions remain essential for business growth. “Face-to-face meetings continue to be a growth driver. New business development, trade shows and large events are where corporate customers are investing their dollars.” On the leisure side, off-peak travel, private touring and experiential trips are gaining momentum, offering advisors opportunities to upsell and inspire. “All those trends represent an opportunity to really sell the dream of trave and to engage with customers who are truly excited about their next journey,” he said.

AI & THE HUMAN TOUCH

Technology continues to shape the future of travel, but Dacko believes its real power lies in how it complements – not replaces – the expertise of travel advisors. Citing a McKinsey study of 7,000 global travel executives who identified artificial intelligence as their number one concern, he said, “AI is not a threat. It is not going to take your business. What it’s going to do is empower you with additional tools and resources to make you even better at what you do.”

For Dacko, AI represents a chance to elevate customer engagement through smarter segmentation and personalization. “AI will allow you to identify – in your geography and in your marketplace – where and how to segment your audience so that you can really narrow in on how to identify that particular client and really have the opportunity to be an expert,” he explained. By understanding who their customers are and what motivates them, agents can fine-tune their marketing, build stronger loyalty and close more sales.

However, technology is only part of the equation. Dacko emphasized that human connection remains at the core of every successful travel business. “AI combines the skills and resources of technology with the human touch of customer service,” he said. “That’s where our power is. That’s where we deliver the value that our clients are looking for.” He reminded attendees that clients turn to their travel advisors when plans go awry, and that reassurance is something no algorithm can provide. “The reality is, the unexpected happens not once a month or once a week – our clients need us every single day and that is the power of you.”

Uniglobe Travel (Canada)’s Gold Award winners

AWARD WINNERS

The weekend culminated with an awards gala that honoured the top-performing travel advisors and agencies in Canada. The winners are:

• Manager of the Year: Shelley Toomer, Uniglobe Carefree Travel Group
• Administrator of the Year: Philip Choy, Uniglobe The Premiere Travel Group
• Business Development Manager of the Year: Concetta Di Pisa, Voyage Regence
• Corporate Counsellor of the Year: Rose Urbani, Uniglobe The Premiere Travel Group
• Leisure Counsellor of the Year: Joanne Pidwerbesky, Uniglobe Carefree Travel Group
• Independent Counsellor of the Year: Kelly Brow, Uniglobe CBO Travel
• Combination Counsellor of the Year: Diana Di Leta, Uniglobe Sunburst Travel
• Largest Sales Volume: Sportscorp/Charrisma Travel
• Largest Growth: Voyage Regence
• Frank Dennis Sr. Champions Award: Salma Siddiqui, Uniglobe CBO Travel
• Agency of the Year (Small Market): Uniglobe Sunburst Travel
• Agency of the Year: Uniglobe The Premiere Travel Group

Congratulations to all the winners!

Look for more coverage and photos from Uniglobe’s conference tomorrow in Travelweek Daily.