Spring Granite trade expos in Ontario “a resounding success”

The team that runs the Granite Travel Trade Expos says the first segment of its second year of events was “a resounding success,” with more than 375 travel agents and 28 suppliers in attendance last week

The series began April 22 in Windsor, ON and finished April 25 in Barrie, ON, providing opportunities in smaller markets that are often underserved.

"The feedback we've had this year from our suppliers and agents who attended, has been extremely positive," said Bradley Dean, Oakville Toronto Partner, Granite Productions, in a press release. "We knew our second year was going to be even better than the first and we're happy we achieved that, largely due in part to the support of all our suppliers who attended. Travel agents were very appreciative of our shows, numerous inquiries and requests from agents outside the markets we were in, to please hold one in their city. It's really been wonderful."

The events are designed to connect industry suppliers and top- producing travel agents, facilitating valuable and essential in-person interactive consultations and presentations.

Each city was MC'd by industry favourite Sal Buccellato and featured a presentation series featuring 15-minute segments by suppliers and was followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.

The Expos were sponsored by St. Kitts and Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts and in attendance were suppliers; Antigua and Barbuda, Auto Europe, Bahamas Tourist Office, Blue Diamond Resorts, BlueBay Hotels, Canada Jetlines, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts, Collette, Coming2, Cuba Tourist Board, Expedia TAAP, Hilton All-Inclusive & Hilton by Playa, Jamaica Tourist Board, Majestic Resorts, Oasis Hotels and Resorts, Playa Hotels & Resorts, Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica, Princess Hotels and Resorts Dominican Republic, Puerto Vallarta, Sandals, Sandos Hotels & Resorts, SATA Azores Airlines, Sirenis Hotels & Resorts, Tauck, Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, Visit Atlantic City, Visit Myrtle Beach, Visit Orlando, Viva Resorts by Wyndham and JacTravel.

Sense of ease to attend in terms of smaller venues, free parking and short drive times were among the positive feedback from agents in attendance, the company says.

"I really enjoyed the smaller venue, the conversations with the suppliers were more intimate and one on one," stated Sheryll Donovan, Northstar Travel, Kitchener. "There was less congestion at the supplier tables than in a bigger venue and the suppliers seemed less stressed. There is value in that. There were suppliers at the Granite Travel Trade Expo that I haven't seen in some time and it was nice to reconnect with them. Building relationships with suppliers is always a win-win for everybody."

"Attending the Granite Travel Trade Expo was an enriching experience," added Patrick Sullivan, Sullivan's Travels/Travel Edge, Windsor. "The valuable feedback received promises to propel my business forward. Engaging with suppliers at the event underscored the significance of fostering connections in the travel industry. Overall, this event was insightful and will play a role in the growth of my business."

Stay tuned for Fall shows

The Granite Travel Trade Expos are now gearing up for the Fall shows kicking off in Winnipeg October 7.

The full schedule is as follows:

• Winnipeg, MB: October 7, 2024
• Victoria, BC: October 9, 2024
• Langley, BC: October 10, 2024
• Ottawa: Nov. 4, 2024
• Richmond Hill Nov. 5, 2024
• London: Nov. 6, 2024
• Hamilton: Nov. 7, 2024

Multi-show discounts up to 20 per cent are available to vendors wishing to participate in the Expos.

For more information and registration, click here  or contact Bradley Dean at brad@graniteproductions.ca.