VIDEO: Don’t say the F-word at ACV’s 50th – Interview with Nino Montagnese at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

As the famous saying goes: “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.”  

And that’s exactly what some 450 travel advisors, suppliers, tourism board partners and media did Thursday night (Nov. 6) at Air Canada Vacations’ (ACV’s) 50th anniversary bash, a highly-anticipated event that took place in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region from Nov. 4-7.

Held on the postcard-perfect beachfront of Grand Velas Riviera Maya—an ultra-luxe, all-inclusive resort renowned for its gourmet cuisine, sprawling suites, and three-steps-ahead-of-everything service—the event carried on through intermittent drizzle, with guests occasionally reaching for umbrellas.

But the show must go on—and go on it absolutely did—as Lebanese-Canadian singer Karl Wolf popped up for a surprise performance, hyping up the crowd with a hands-in-the-air set that, yes, included his iconic 2007 pop-hip-hop spin on Toto’s “Africa.”

“I bless the rains down in… Mexico?’ Wolf quipped, ever the showman, in between Dubai-inspired bangers, Snoop Dogg covers, and one salty-tongued track that only seemed to crank the crowd’s energy higher.

On Location: “Truly inspiring”: ACV’s 50th anniversary party heads to Cancun, Mexico

ACV’s “Golden” event, which includes two chartered flights, began Tuesday morning with festivities at airports in Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR).

The fun-filled affair offered days of connection, learning, and celebration over site inspections, training sessions and dinners.

Attendees were hosted at nine unique resorts: Hotel Xcaret Arte, Paradisus La Perla, Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen, Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive, Grand Palladium Kantenah, Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres, and Mahekal Beach Resort.

Last night’s ‘Grand Celebration’ at Grand Velas—with a red, black, white, and gold dress code—beautifully brought everything together.

And, for the record, the rain did let up, making way for an electrifying fireworks show.

“Having our advisors together in one place is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to the strength of our community and our shared passion for travel,” said Nino Montagnese, vice president at Air Canada Vacations.

PAX had its cameras rolling at ACV’s event and captured some of the action. 

Here, watch our interview with Montagnese, filmed on the beach at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, where he reflects on ACV’s 50th year, the secret to the brand's longevity, the importance of travel advisors and why the “F-word” had no place on this special, celebratory trip.

Click here to see more pictures from ACV's 50th anniversary bash! 

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