Insight toasts authentic local cuisine in Toronto

Insight Vacations CEO John Boulding was in attendance as the company held a media lunch at Toronto’s Adega restaurant this week, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering unique memories on its range of worldwide itineraries.

Cris David, president of Insight, began proceedings by raising a glass to International Women’s Day and the variety of dynamic women who have made a difference in The Travel Corporation – including Lucille Sive, the CEO of its Africa division, and TreadRight Foundation ambassador Céline Cousteau. He noted the important role played by the Foundation for women’s rights across the globe, such as its efforts to continue the practice of textile weaving in the Cusco region of Peru.

The high quality and rich variety on offer at the restaurant, David said, reflected the type of culinary experience that was commonplace across Insight’s range of tours. Adega’s authentic Portuguese fare matched the genuine, immersive experience of local cuisine provided on an Insight vacation. “Instead of dining repeatedly in hotels,” David commented, “we make sure that people go out and experience cuisine that is local and authentic.”

Boulding also noted the company’s strong focus on delivering lasting memories for travellers seeking an authentic taste of local lifestyles, achieved in part by its collaboration with locals in each of its destinations. “We deliver an amazing product that features these unique signature experiences,” he commented.

Boulding welcomed the fact that business in Europe appeared to have rebounded after recent uncertainty over terrorist threats and the immigrant crisis. “We are having our best year for several years out of Canada and globally,” he declared. “Now is the time to go to Europe. The Euro is in a good place for travellers, as is the pound sterling. We’ve caught the wave.”

While baby boomers constitute the majority of Insight’s business – 66 per cent – the company has also seen growth in its appeal among seniors, Boulding reported. They have formed 19 per cent of Insight’s clientele in 2017 so far, up from 18 per cent last year. Meanwhile, plummeting demand for travel to Turkey and Egypt has been offset by the company’s expansion of destinations in South America, Asia and India, in addition to the popularity of its Luxury Gold collection – which, he said, “offers the best locations at the best level.”