shoptravel launches across Canada with phased rollout of booking platform

A new Canadian travel platform is officially open for business.

shoptravel, a new travel booking platform founded by Canadian travel industry veteran Frank DeMarinis (formerly of TravelBrands) has launched across Canada, marking the first phase of a broader plan to deliver a full-service travel planning experience that blends technology with human support.

“shoptravel is built on a simple belief: travel should be inspiring, not overwhelming, and every Canadian deserves a knowledgeable companion from the first spark of an idea to the moment they land,” reads a press release.

The platform is now accepting bookings for pre-packaged vacations and hotels, with additional travel products, services and features set to roll out in the coming weeks.

The company said the phased launch is the beginning of a long-term vision that will eventually include expanded booking capabilities, AI-powered travel tools and enhanced customer experiences.

“Canadians deserve a travel platform built for them. I’ve spent my career in this industry, and what I keep coming back to is this: our job isn't just to help Canadians book travel; it's to inspire them to take it. shoptravel is your travel co-pilot— real expertise, real people, and a genuine love of travel guiding you the whole way,” said DeMarinis, president and CEO of shoptravel, in a release. 

The company positions itself as a "travel co-pilot" rather than a traditional booking engine, with a focus on helping Canadians throughout the travel planning process—from initial inspiration to returning home.

Human-centred service

According to shoptravel, the platform is built around four core commitments: human-centred service, a personalized travel companion experience, transparent value and curated travel recommendations designed to inspire travellers.

Unlike traditional booking sites that begin with a destination search, shoptravel says its approach starts with travel inspiration, using curated ideas and guidance to help travellers discover and plan trips.

The company is also launching solutions that enhance the experience for travel advisors.

"An exciting new chapter"

shoptravel says it combines more than three decades of Canadian travel industry expertise with technology aimed at making trip planning simpler, more personal and more engaging.

Recently, the company hired Kiru Thirukailayanathan (also from TravelBrands) as its chief technology officer.

While the initial launch is focused on vacation packages and hotel bookings, shoptravel said it will continue expanding its offerings in the weeks and months ahead.

“Canadians deserve a travel platform built with them in mind— not simply another version of what's already out there,” wrote DeMarinis on his LinkedIn page.

“From Canadian departure cities and transparent pricing to real human support, every decision has been guided by one goal: to make travel easier, smarter and more rewarding.”

“This launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, for our team, our partners and Canadian travellers.”

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