Direct Travel advisors celebrate GEMS awards in Costa Rica

Direct Travel is celebrating its North America-based advisors who are receiving the 2024 GEM awards.

The company’s GEM (“Going the Extra Mile”) awards are given each year to leisure advisors who go above and beyond their roles to improve the organization in pursuit of Direct Travel’s goals, said Joelle Goldman, vice-president, host services and luxury hotel program.

Forty attendees from the U.S. and Canada, including leaders and advisors from Direct Travel as well as important partners, gathered recently at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. 

To show appreciation for these top-producing advisors, Direct Travel organized a program that was both fun and educational. Coffee making and tasting, cold plunges, water sports, zip lining, spa opportunities, a Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands Boat Tour, and rum and cultural experiences sponsored by A&K were all memorable highlights.

The GEM incentive program, introduced in 2016, is an opportunity for Direct Travel to show appreciation for the company’s top performers. 

There are multiple categories for advisors to qualify from each geographic region: Highest Strategic Supplier Sales; Highest % Strategic Supplier Sales; Highest Single Strategic Sale; Highest Strategic Insurance Sale; Highest Strategic Air Sale; Highest Average Yield; and the Spirit of Lynda Sinclair Award. The Lynda Sinclair Shining Star Award is given each year to an individual in leisure travel who demonstrates perseverance while maintaining positivity and passion for travel.

“We are delighted to recognize the 150 GEM Awardees from across North America this year,” said Toronto-based Stephen Smith, Direct’s Senior VP of leisure strategy and marketing. “This is a testament to how exceptional they are at their craft.”

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