Collette celebrates 25 years in Canada

In celebration of its 25th anniversary in Canada, Collette marked the occasion by going back to where it all began.

Joined by travel industry partners and friends, representatives from the Canadian team and Rhode Island-based head office came together for a special event at the Fairmont Royal York, which happens to be the location of Collette's first office in Toronto and the first place that Dan Sullivan Jr., president and CEO, first met Brett Walker.

Walker, who is the tour operator's general manager in Canada, has been with Collette since the office opened here. In a short presentation, both he and Sullivan took turns recounting similar versions of their first encounter, which was largely facilitated by the hotel's concierge and friend of Walker, Andy Gaudet.

"On this particular day, Andy knew I'd be coming to meet him," Walker said, explaining how he was working at a local brewery and would often walk over to meet his friend before they'd head over for a beer at the Strathcona Hotel. "Dan had come up to his desk to inquire because they were looking to open an office here and hire Collette's first international district sales manager. So Andy did all he could to corral Dan and stall until he saw me coming through the door, and I guess, as they say, the rest is history."

Established by Jack Collette in 1918, the company started out offering east coast tours in the U.S. and Canada. As the years passed, Collette enjoyed continuous growth, expanding its offerings across the two countries, and in the 60s, Sullivan's father bought the company with his brother-in-law, Arthur McWilliam. The tour operator introduced international touring options in the 1970s to destinations throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

In Canada, there is a sales force of about 12 people from coast-to-coast who are on the ground to support travel agent partners and clients. The tenure of much of the team is impressive, with Walker being with the company for over 25 years; Ron Lonsdale, director of strategic accounts, for 20; and some of the call centre team for 15.

Business is booming for Canadian operations as well, with sales up 22 per cent in 2014, and 15.7 per cent so far this year.

Sullivan told PAX that it's thanks to the talent within the company and a creative team that Collette continues to enjoy this success,

"Twenty-five years is a long time and we couldn't have done it without all of your help and support," Walker said.

"We love our Canadian partners, we love our tradition here," Sullivan added. "We want to continue to grow and not just another 25 years, but generations and generations."

A major proponent of giving back, Collette used the occasion to present a cheque of $5,000 (plus an additional sum on behalf of every attendee) to The Breakfast Club of Canada.

PHOTO: Of Collette: Brett Walker, general manager - Canada; Dan Sullivan IV, VP sales; Dan Sullivan, Jr., president & CEO; Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, VP, product development; Ron Lonsdale, director of strategic accounts; and Christian Leibl-Cote, VP, service & international business