Nino Montagnese on what agents can expect during ACV's milestone 50th year
Air Canada Vacations is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a number of notable initiatives like a special sold out FAM trip to Cancun and by recognizing top-performing travel advisors with the Top 50 Ambassador Program.
To find out more about the milestone and what’s in store for agents, Travel Courier caught up with ACV’s Nino Montagnese.
Tell us a bit about the significance of hitting a milestone 50 years and how are you celebrating and marking this accomplishment?
We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this incredible milestone, 50 years of inspiring travel, creating unforgettable experiences, and building lasting relationships across the industry. It’s a moment of pride and deep gratitude, not just for what we’ve accomplished, but for the people who made it all possible.
This year is all about celebrating with our partners and customers. One of our most exciting initiatives has been our “50 Years, One Golden Celebration Event” FAM trip, launched to honour our valued travel advisor partners. The response was overwhelming, it sold out in under 48 hours, a true testament to the enthusiasm and loyalty of our network. That energy fuels us.
We also launched the Top 50 Ambassador Program, recognizing and elevating the top-performing advisors who have continuously championed Air Canada Vacations. It’s our way of saying thank you and shining a light on those who go above and beyond for our brand.
And we’re just getting started. We’re currently deep in the planning stages of several major product launches and activations that will continue to showcase our innovation and commitment to our customers and partners alike. From new experiences to expanded support tools, there’s more to come, and we can’t wait to share it all as we move through this unforgettable anniversary year.
What can you share some insights into how much ACV has grown over the past 50 years?
It’s truly incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come. Air Canada Vacations started 50 years ago with a strong focus on sun destinations, bringing Canadians to the beaches of the Caribbean and Mexico. That was our foundation, and we built it with care. But today, we are proud to say we’ve grown into a global vacation provider. We now offer hundreds of carefully curated itineraries across more than 70 countries worldwide, from immersive tours across Europe and Asia to new and exciting destinations like Australia, Portugal’s Azores, and even striking locations like Thailand and the Maldives.
Our reach has evolved from simple sun-soaked escapes to complex, experience-rich journeys that meet the needs of every kind of traveller. And it’s not just about where we go, it’s about who we are. Our team has grown significantly over the decades.
From a small but passionate group, we now have a national team of dedicated professionals across Canada, all aligned with one goal: delivering seamless, memorable vacation experiences. The evolution of Air Canada Vacations isn’t just in numbers; it’s in our mindset. We’ve become more dynamic, more responsive, and more global in how we approach travel. And as we celebrate 50 years, we’re not slowing down, we’re setting the stage for even greater things to come.
What are some of the biggest ways the industry has changed since then? Does that make it easier or harder to do business?
The industry has undergone a massive transformation over the past 50 years, and while it’s more complex, it’s also more exciting and fuller of opportunity than ever before. One of the biggest shifts has been in how we support our travel advisors. Business development has evolved from simple sales calls to strategic, consultative partnerships.
Today, our teams are more proactive and equipped with tailored tools, training, and insights to help our partners grow their business in real, measurable ways. We’re no longer just selling vacations; we’re co-creating success stories with our advisor community.
Another major game changer is, without a doubt, technology. It’s reshaped everything from how travellers research and book, to how we connect with our partners. We now have platforms that provide real-time information, faster quoting, seamless booking tools, and access to insights that allow advisors to better understand and serve their clients. It’s allowed us to be more agile, more informed, and more responsive.
Of course, with these advancements comes complexity, more competition, more choices, and higher expectations. But we see that as a positive challenge. Because at Air Canada Vacations, we’ve adapted by staying customer and partner focused, embracing innovation, and continuing to invest in people, product, and partnerships. So yes, it’s different. It’s faster. But it’s also filled with potential and we’re ready for what’s next.
Where do you think the next 50 years will take you?
The next 50 years for Air Canada Vacations are all about evolution with purpose, building on the strong foundation we’ve created while continuing to meet the ever-changing needs of both our travellers and our travel advisor partners. We’re focused on making booking our products simpler, faster, and smarter.
Whether it’s through enhanced digital tools, AI-powered personalization, or seamless integration across platforms, we’re investing in technologies that reduce friction and make the booking experience more intuitive than ever, both for our partners and the end consumer. But while technology plays a key role, we know our travel advisors remain at the heart of our success.
That’s why the future will also bring more dedicated strategic support, more educational resources, and more exclusive programs designed to empower advisors to grow with us like our Top 50 Ambassador Program, which is just the beginning.
We also see the next 50 years filled with continued expansion into new destinations and experiences, offering even more diverse and immersive travel options.
Whether it’s exploring new continents, designing niche travel experiences, or deepening our presence in emerging markets, growth is firmly on the horizon. In short, the future of ACV is bright, bold, and full of opportunity. We’re committed to keeping things simple, supportive, and forward thinking because we’re not just planning for the next trip, we’re building for the next generation of travel.
What’s new and exciting with ACV this year and beyond?
There are many to mention, and we want to keep you on the edge of your seat with what we have in store, but to name a few, we’re introducing new destinations and cruise lines to our portfolio.
Currently, we are working on our September launches, coming to a city near you, where we’ll share a lot more with you, but you’ll just have to attend to hear what else we have in store for the trade.
