It’s always an extremely difficult task for Travel Courier’s selection committee to narrow down the winner of the annual Travel Agent & Beyond Award since each year brings such high calibre nominations. This year was no different as there are remarkable advisors nominated in the special Travel Agent Appreciation edition of Travel Courier and Canadian Travel Press.
The award was first launched six years ago to recognize one of travel advisors nominated by their industry colleagues and peers in the Travel Agent Appreciation with some extra recognition — like the name of the award indicates — for going above and beyond for their clients, the travel industry or their community during Travel Agent Appreciation Month.
Past recipients of the Travel Agent & Beyond Award include Shari Tucker of Love the Way You Travel, Kemi Wells-Conrad of Wells Luxury Travels, Chen Yu of The Travel Agent Next Door, Mary LaRocque of Marlin Travel/Travel n Style Boutique and Shalene Dudley from Latitude Concierge Travels, exemplary agents known for making a difference in the travel industry… and beyond.
All of the advisors in the 2026 edition stood out in their own way, whether it was training new agents, volunteering in their community or advocating for LGBTQ+ travellers.
After careful selection, the time has come to meet the contenders for the 2026Travel Agent & Beyond Award:
Nominated by Ana Santa Maria of G Adventures for her innovation, creativity, and commitment to supporting her community. Tannis focuses her efforts on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting local travel professionals across Western Canada.
Her efforts have earned her notable recognition like the Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s Be Amazing Award for creative and innovation in travel for her successful “Fu*k-It List” campaign and the “Mile High Cocktails” podcast series. Tannis is known to think outside of the box and strives to make the travel industry a better place.
Nominated by Francine Allen of Couples Resorts for her outstanding client service, attention to detail, integrity and building client trust. Lois also mentors new agents and gives back to the community. While she has reached many sales accolades like being a multi-year winner at the Sandals STAR Awards, being a top seller for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia, and being recognized by her host agency, Lois is also known to give back.
She is recognized for consistently stepping up to provide relief and aid during crises impacting both Canadian communities and international destinations like Jamaica; supporting Frontline Workers by partnering with resort brands to gift luxury vacations to Canadian frontline healthcare workers and for training younger and newer travel agents entering the tourism industry.
Nominated by Ivan Mansanet of Virgin Voyages for exceptional client dedication, creating seamless, personalized travel, and actively building inclusive, welcoming communities worldwide for LGBTQ travellers through advocacy and education.
Dean has earned many accolades including the Pioneer Award, presented by the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) for his work raising awareness of LGBTQ+ tourism and advancing the industry.
He also gives back through initiatives like founding Pride House, the original Pride House at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. This initiative created a vital, safe space for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies, fighting homophobia at major sporting events globally. He has partnered with volunteer groups like the Foundation of Hope to raise money during events for the safe migration of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees.
Receiving a thoughtful nomination from Gina Goranson of Norwegian Cruise Line, Lori is recognized for embodying the reasons why guests value and trust travel advisors. She works tirelessly to provide seamless, detailed service and memorable vacations for her clients.
Lori’s accolades include being a top seller for NCL for her host agency, Fareconnect.
And the winner of the Travel Agent & Beyond is…
LOIS BARBOUR, Travel Time Agency
Congratulations and thank you for helping to make the travel industry a better place!
Now let’s hear more insight from her nominator, Francine Allen, Director of Sales for Canada, Couples Resorts, “She consistently demonstrates outstanding attention to detail, dedication, integrity, and care for her clients. She is knowledgeable, extremely thorough in her work, highly organized, and always honest in her recommendations, which builds strong trust and long-term client relationships. She holds the hands of younger/newer agents entering the industry, which speaks volumes. She gives back to the community in Canada and Jamaica where we operate during any crisis. She represents the industry exceptionally well.”
Lois has earned a ticket to attend TravelPress Live! this June at Evergreen Brickworks valued at $289 plus a $500 travel bursary and a commemorative Travel Agent & Beyond award courtesy of Baxter Media.
