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ACV@Home hosts virtual Simply the Best Awards – see the winners here!
Michael Pihach
Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show.
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) held its third-annual “Simply the Best” awards Wednesday night (June 25), drawing more than 600 registered travel advisors, marking a record-breaking turnout.
The virtual party, which unfolded over Zoom in front of a red-carpet backdrop, recognized the achievements of independent travel advisors within the ACV@Home program.
Launched in 2023, ACV@Home was created by ACV to support independent travel advisors who work from their home office.
READ MORE: ACV hosting 50th anniversary bash in Cancun – register now!
The program provides all kinds of resources, including innovative tools, expert training, and a strong support network, to help advisors succeed remotely.
Since its inception, ACV@Home has played a vital role in supporting and empowering travel advisors nationwide.
This year’s awards highlighted advisors from TravelOnly, Trevello Travel Group, Centre Holidays, Fareconnect, Envoyage, Go Travel, Go With Hippo, Nexion, Onvigo, The Travel Agent Next Door, TierOne Travel and Transat@home.
The online ceremony was hosted by Marigold Frontuna, general manager of sales, alongside Andrea Arkell and Tina Kensett, key account managers for independent advisors for ACV@Home.
Also logged in from ACV was Erminia Gallina, director of sales, and Nino Montagnese, the tour operator’s vice president.
“We are all thankful for your support…50 years in business? We would not be here without you,” Montagnese said, addressing the virtual room. “That is the honest-to-god truth. The backbone of our company is travel consultants. We appreciate everything you do.”
Party of the year
Montagnese touched on “Celebration Under The Sun,’ ACV’s upcoming 50th anniversary bash, taking place in Cancun, Mexico, from Nov. 4-7, 2025.
The exclusive event will bring together travel advisors (two planes full – so far!) from across Canada for an inspiring few days of connection, learning, and celebration.
Montagnese urged travel advisors to register for the event – if they haven’t already done so.
“We’re going to take close to 400 of you,” he said. “And we’re trying to get more space, by the way.”
Travel professionals are invited to join from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with optional connector flights available at an additional cost. (Click here for details)
“You’ll really want to attend – especially if you’re new to ACV@Home,” said Arkell. “It will be a great way to see Cancun and meet our key account managers.”
Updates from Sandals
Donné Nixon from Unique Vacations Canada Inc. (the sales and marketing arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts) also joined in to share two exciting announcements.
First, this year’s 10 ACV@Home winners will be heading to Sandals South Coast in Jamaica from August 17–21, with both accommodations and flights included.
“We appreciate the support – you’re true partners in every word,” she said.
She also revealed that Sandals will be hosting a home-based travel advisor conference at Sandals South Coast, also running from August 17–21.
There are 30 spots available, with complimentary accommodations provided—agents only need to cover their airfare.
The event will include a marketing forum, networking time with the Sandals executive team, site inspections of nearby resorts, like Sandals and Beaches Negril, and other exciting surprises along the way.
Agents were advised to contact their ACV@Home key account managers for more details.
And the winners are…
So, who were the night’s big winners? See the list here!
Top 10 Winners
Top Overall Sales – Janice Bell, Envoyage
Highest Passenger Growth – Ruth Guiry, The Travel Agent Next Door
Top Groups Agent – Sharlene Philipchuk, The Travel Agent Next Door
Top Diversity Agent – Bessie Petrou, The Travel Agent Next Door
Top Cruise Agent – Natalia Zawierucha, Trevello Travel Group
Rising Star – Imran Ali, The Travel Agent Next Door
Social Media Star – Annalise Roberts, Envoyage
Top Sandals Agent – Kimberly Hartlen, Trevello Travel Group
Top “Care” Rockstar – Lise-Anne Brazeau, Trevello Travel Group
Air Canada – Highest Revenue – Angela Randall, Trevello Travel Group
Runner Ups (who received a $100 gift card, Maple Leaf lounge passes and special socks)
Overall Sales – Renee Winsor, Trevello Travel Group
Passenger Growth – Tanya Bara, The Travel Agent Next Door
Groups Agent – Martin Poirier, TravelOnly
Diversity Agent – Jody Strauss, Fareconnect
Cruise Agent – Rachel Hong, Nexion
Rising Star – Donna Turner, GoWithHippo
Social Media Star – Deseree Dobson, Fareconnect
Sandals Agent – Caitlin Lajeuness, Envoyage
“Care” Rockstar – Michael Cull, GoTravel
Air Canada – New Frontier – Scott Waldron, The Travel Agent Next Door
For the trailblazers
Marigold Frontuna closed the night with words of thanks and gratitude.
“We are so proud to be the pioneers of a program that's specifically for independent advisors. You’re all entrepreneurs – trailblazers, leading the way in our industry,” she told the room. “We’re all here to support and collaborate with you to grow your business.”
“We’re all winners tonight. Your success is our success.”
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