Sophie Raymond departs role at Velas Resorts

Sophie Raymond is no longer regional sales director in Canada for Velas Resorts, PAX has learned. Raymond fulfilled her responsibilities at Velas Resorts, with mastery, for six years.

"My heart is so heavy to tell you that, given the circumstances, I will no longer represent Velas Resorts (temporarily I hope)," she announced Monday (Feb. 1) on Facebook. 

This message immediately led to dozens of messages of solidarity.

The "circumstances" Raymond's referenced are not only linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, but more precisely, the announcement of new travel restrictions made last Friday by the Government of Canada. 

It was the suspension of flights to Mexico that was the tipping point for Velas Resorts.  Raymond knows, however, that this moment could have occurred earlier and she is grateful to Velas for keeping her in office until this time.  

"I was so apprehensive about this announcement because I am leaving a company and people who have been wonderful to me, who have become friends and family that I will never forget," she said.

She leaves the company on the best of terms, she said. 

“I have no bitterness. On the contrary, I am extremely grateful for everything they have given me," she told PAX.

In the message she posted on Facebook, Raymond pays tribute to the general manager of sales and marketing of Velas Resorts, Denys Montes de Oca "who believed in me from day one and who did not has stopped encouraging me to go above and beyond to present you these wonderful hotels which are beyond any comparison."

And now ?

In an ideal world, Raymond would, without hesitation,  resume her duties - which she adored - at Velas. Moreover, she does not resign herself to closing her professional page "Sophie Velas" on Facebook. 

Pragmatic, Raymond is aware that the long months could pass before the situation allows a return to Velas. She is, therefore, open to the possibility of taking up new challenges. Obviously, she aspires to stay in the industry, where she enjoys a good reputation and a good network.

A graduate of the ITHQ, Raymond has been active in the tourism industry since 1990, having worked for several companies - Nouvelles Frontières , Royal Vacances / Signature Vacances and Air Canada Vacations - before being recruited by Velas Resorts in 2014.

Sophie Raymond can be reached at soraymond12@gmail.com., 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today