On Location: "I’m super excited": Canadian travel advisors land in Rio, kicking off Air Canada’s FAM

After a long journey (and a few missed connections in São Paulo), a spirited group of Canadian travel advisors finally arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday (Oct. 22), kicking off a much-anticipated FAM hosted by Air Canada.

The trip comes just weeks before Air Canada launches its new seasonal, non-stop Toronto–Rio service on Dec. 4, 2025, running through March 28, 2026 — perfectly timed to capture Réveillon (New Year’s Eve) and Carnaval (Feb. 13–21, 2026), two of the city’s most iconic celebrations, along with the winter vacation season.

The airline last operated this route in 2016, when Rio hosted the Summer Olympics.

Nearly a decade later, Canada’s flag carrier is bringing travellers back to Brazil’s “Marvellous City” (a nickname given to Rio for its stunning beaches, towering mountains and lush forests.

“A redo” in Rio

PAX is also in Rio, with the advisors, capturing the magic firsthand.

Among the attendees this week are Ola Honeysett of Jet Lag Voyages from Barrie, ON, and Beth Beier of TierOne Travel from Calgary, AB.

For Honeysett, Rio is a reunion. Her last visit was 15 years ago. 

READ MORE: On Location: PAX in Rio – A first look at Brazil’s Marvellous City with Air Canada

“I love visiting destinations that I’ve previously seen because places change,” she said.

This trip, notably, will give her a second chance to see Christ the Redeemer (a colossal statue of Jesus, overlooking the city from the summit of Corcovado mountain).

“When I last went, it was in scaffolding, so I didn’t get to see it properly,” Honeysett told PAX. “This will be my redo.”

That said, Honeysett remembers Rio as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

For Beier, it’s her first taste of Brazil — and South America altogether.

“I’m super excited to get my first Brazilian and South American stamp in my passport,” she said. “This opportunity was presented to my agency and I was the lucky one chosen to go.”

Also joining the trip are boldfaced Air Canada names: Edna Ray, senior manager, regional sales (the “Queen of Rio” – she arrived last night) and the dynamic Ana Paula De Souza, director, sales – Canada and global accounts (who arrives today). 

Both ladies hail from Rio de Janeiro and they’re thrilled to showcase their beloved hometown to the group.

Codfish croquettes & Sugarloaf photo-ops

Wednesday’s arrival wasn’t without a few bumps. Some advisors missed their regional connection to Rio in São Paulo — where Air Canada currently operates daily service from Toronto — and arrived a little later in the night. But spirits were high.

(If anything, the hiccups only reaffirmed Air Canada’s decision to launch a direct route!)

READ MORE: Air Canada gets ready to launch Toronto–Rio de Janeiro service

Those that arrived in the afternoon dove immediately into lunch at Baleia, a gorgeous waterfront restaurant, where slowed-down samba versions of popular rock and pop songs – from Coldplay to Green Day to Madonna – grooved over the sound system.

The local fare? Codfish croquettes, tangy ceviche with apple and hearty mains like plantain gnocchi with fresh shrimp.

It was the perfect introduction to the city’s exciting coastal cuisine.

The venue also sits directly beside iconic Sugarloaf Mountain—named for its resemblance to the traditional conical shape of refined loaf sugar—so photo ops were a must.

From there, they checked into the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, a glam five-star hotel – known for its nightly live music and activities like beach tennis, paddleboarding and outrigger boat rides at sunrise.

The 375-room property sits directly on famous Copacabana Beach, offering sweeping views of the trendy neighbourhood, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Atlantic’s roaring waves.

Click here to read PAX’s first impression of this upscale, down-to-earth hotel, which opened in 2019 as the first Fairmont in South America.

Why Air Canada’s new route matters

Air Canada’s upcoming Toronto–Rio route is more than just another pin on the map — it’s a game-changer for agents and their clients.

“Rio is destination I already sell quite a bit,” said Honeysett. “To have a direct gateway is so important because it’s faster and more convenient. Sometimes not having a direct flight is a make-or-break for clients. It’s also such a great gateway to open people’s interest in South America.”

Beier agreed.

“Right now, people are looking at other destinations — especially when the U.S. isn’t being travelled to quite as often,” she said. “To have another hot destination to sell outside of Mexico and the Caribbean during winter? It’s a nice complement. The direct flight is a huge bonus.”

The route also rounds out Air Canada Vacations, which already offers tour packages in Rio de Janeiro.

Selling the skies

When it comes to product confidence, both advisors know their stuff. 

“Air Canada is already my number one seller,” said Honeysett. “I know the Aeroplan program well, I’m able to educate my clients about it. The airline is offering more destinations every year, more direct and interesting routes. They’re constantly upping their program.”

For Western Canada, Beier sees the opportunity — even if a Toronto overnight is sometimes required when connecting.

“We don’t have Air Canada connectors as frequently in the West, but I’m also not opposed to spending the night in Toronto. Sometimes it works out better,” she said.

Looking ahead: beaches, music & flavours

After a long travel day, both agents are eager to dive into Rio’s rhythm.

As previously reported, some of this week’s activities include a jeep tour along the beaches of Barra da Tijuca and the West Zone, live music and dancing at Rio Scenarium, and a Carnaval experience.

There’s also a wellness day planned at MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel.

Beier’s goal? “A picture with Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf,” she said (which is doable – those attractions are on the agenda, too).

As for Honeysett, she plans to finally revisit Christ the Redeemer — this time, without the scaffolding – in addition to peeling back the layers of the real Rio.

“I’m really excited to experience the local dining and music…all the flavours that reflect what Rio really is,” she said.

 Stay tuned for more of PAX’s dispatches from Rio de Janeiro this week with Air Canada.

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