ORLANDO — The best of the best were honoured by TL Network Canada during the 2017 Travel Leaders Network International Conference, which took place last week at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando in Florida.

Top Affiliate Member agencies in Canada were celebrated on stage as the organization handed out its ‘Power of the Partnership’ (POP) Awards. The Chairman’s Awards were presented to the agencies with the highest supplier sales in 2016, while recipients of the President’s Awards are those with the largest supplier sales growth last year.

“By continually putting their clients’ needs first – while also taking advantage of TL Network’s technology, tools, and trusted supplier partnerships – these Canadian travel agencies have achieved tremendous business success over the past year,” said TL Network Canada Vice President Christine James. “This illustrates, once again, that working diligently to provide the best value and customer service for every client makes good business sense. I am extremely proud to present the awards to each of these TL Network Canada Member agencies. Their successes are extremely deserving of this honour.”

The winners included:

2017 Chairman’s Award

• Chairman’s Pinnacle Award – Robert Q Travel; Nancy Woodworth (London, ON)
• Chairman’s Elite Award – Centre Holidays; Carlton Montaut (Mississauga, ON)
• Chairman’s Host Award – Nexion Canada; Mike Foster (London, ON)

2017 President’s Award

• Marco Polo Travel Ltd; Jackie Ma (Vancouver, BC)
• The Destination Experts; Deanna Byrne (Windsor, NS)
• Cruise Holidays of Clarkson; Joe and Zaneta Rochemont (Mississauga, ON)

In addition, TL Network Canada honoured the Affiliate Member agency with the highest level of bookings in the Worldwide Hotel program, which is an exclusive hotel program offering the best available rates, added amenities and guaranteed commissions at over 33,000 global hotel brands and independent properties. This year’s winner of the 2017 Top Worldwide Hotel Program Booking Agency was Custom Travel Solutions Company, Beth Gardener of Calgary.

The Top Newcomer Member of the Year award was given to Rostad Tours, Jean Pierre Rukenbesha, also of Calgary, for demonstrating the highest level of support for the organization by adopting its programs, embracing its supplier partners, giving valuable feedback and attending key events.

An award for the 2017 Top Distinctive Voyages Booking Agency was also presented to KVI Travel, Kyle Oram of Kelowna, B.C. who utilized the organization’s ‘Distinctive Voyages’ program.

2017 Supplier POP Awards were also handed out to winners for exceeding overall needs and providing supreme support in marketing, technology, sales and education. Winners included:

• Overall Partner of the Year Award – WestJet Vacations
• Sales Support Partner of the Year – Manulife Insurance
• Sales Achievement Partner of the Year – Sunwing Vacations / Signature Vacations