Air Canada celebrates top partners in Vancouver at Platinum Circle of Excellence event

STORY BY SANDRA SIROIS

A prestigious Platinum Circle of Excellence event hosted by Air Canada unfolded Monday (July 21) at the luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, bringing together around twenty hand-picked travel advisors along with key airline representatives from Western Canada.

This exclusive gathering was designed to celebrate the strong partnerships between Air Canada and its top-producing travel agents—those who sold the highest volume of Air Canada products over the past year—while providing a warm and elegant setting for networking and recognition.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception before receiving their well-earned trophies.

Recognizing loyalty & performance

Vincent Gauthier-Doré, managing director, Canada and USA Sales, flew in from Montreal to attend the event.

“As part of our Circle of Excellence program, the agencies here with us tonight have reached the highest tier,” he shared. “This evening is about celebrating the partnership between these agencies and Air Canada.”

To be selected for this prestigious award, three criteria must be met: brand loyalty to Air Canada, average ticket fare, and total ticket volume sold.

According to Gauthier-Doré, travel agencies contribute to approximately 50 per cent of Air Canada’s revenue. “This is a vital partnership. The clients we share with travel agencies are often high-value travellers who expect personalized service—whether for leisure or business trips,” he said.

This year, Air Canada decided to bring the celebration to its partners across Canada. Events have already taken place at the Calgary Stampede and in Vancouver on July 21, with upcoming galas scheduled in Montreal and Toronto.

“Last year, we brought everyone to Montreal. This year, it’s the Air Canada team that’s hitting the road,” said Gauthier-Doré.

A trusted brand in corporate travel

Ian Sinclair from We Union Travel, a corporate travel agency, said it’s easy to recommend Air Canada to clients.

“We’re always happy to be recognized by Air Canada. Over 90 per cent of our bookings are with them. I’ve been doing this for 37 years, and Air Canada is the national carrier. They serve the whole country—coast to coast and even up North. That’s incredibly convenient, and they’re excellent partners,” he said.

Liz Fleming from North South Travel agreed. “Air Canada is very special to us. We sell a lot of their products. It’s a prestige brand, and their loyalty program is very attractive to clients who want to maintain their status. They also love the Business Class experience and the Maple Leaf Lounges.”

Shifting travel trends in Canada

Several travel advisors noted changes in client travel habits.

Munesh Muttucomaroe, from Tripzter Travel, observed a slight “American boycott” trend this year—something confirmed by Marigold Frontuna, general manager, sales, Western Canada at Air Canada Vacations.

“Western Canadian travellers are moving away from the U.S. and instead choosing Europe and cruises. Since the pandemic, luxury destinations or trips offering unique or inspiring experiences—bucket list-style vacations—have become a major trend,” Frontuna said. 

READ MORE: Air Canada inaugurates new Vancouver-Manila route

Air Canada has been focusing on international growth in recent years. One major strategy involves catering to new immigrants returning home to visit family, according to Maria Lu, ambassador and sales and marketing at Air Canada.

A prime example is the new direct flights from Vancouver to Manila, which launched in April.

“The Filipino community is now the second-largest nationality of new comers in Canada. We’re seeing these demographic shifts, and we’re tailoring our services accordingly. We currently offer five weekly direct flights to Manila, year-round,” Lu said.

Air Canada’s expanded vacation offerings

Gauthier-Doré said Air Canada is significantly expanding its sun destination portfolio this year.

Starting in October, the airline will launch new direct flights to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from Toronto, Guatemala City, Guatemala from Montreal and Tepic, Mexico from Vancouver.

“All of these routes will be available as packages through Air Canada Vacations,” Gauthier-Doré said.

Air Canada Vacations will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. In September, the company will launch new vacation packages across the country. Then, in November, it will host a celebratory event under the sun in Mexico alongside key travel partners.

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