Canadian supplier reps recognized with the Service with a Smile awards at Agents’ Choice Awards Gala
Along with celebrating the favourites across tour operators, airlines and tourist boards, the Agents’ Choice Awards Gala also highlighted the top supplier representatives from across the country, as selected by the travel advisors who voted.
“Without supplier service reps and BDMs, that vital personal connection would be lost,” highlighted Baxter Media’s executive vice president Wendy McClung on stage during the 2025 Agents’ Choice Awards Gala in Toronto. “It’s those real relationships that make the travel agent and supplier partnership thrive.”
Recognized on stage and in the Agents’ Choice Readership Survey, travel agents picked 32 of their favourite supplier reps from coast to coast.
“Once again, Canada’s travel advisors have spoken,” shared McClung. “Tonight, we honour 32 dedicated individuals from coast to coast, representing 26 outstanding companies. Congratulations to each of you.”
Reflecting on the award, Brian Joseph, business development manager, Toronto, GTA, Eastern Ontario & Niagara Region, Inclusive Collection, shared his excitement on social media and noted how humbling it was to imagine all the travel advisors that took the time to vote. “I attended the 2025 Baxter Media Agents’ Choice Awards, and was so happy and surprised to be voted by you, for the first time ever, along with several amazing BDMs in the Industry, as Favourite Supplier Representative,” he shared.
In conversation with Travel Courier, Joseph added, “I am so very grateful for this award, especially considering it came directly from travel advisors. I have immense respect for travel advisors. As a BDM I work hard to serve and support them to the best of my ability, often with great personal sacrifice, so for them to take the time to give back by voting and allowing me to feel their love and appreciation is humbling and brings me great joy.”
Even after taking home the award multiple times, Sean Russo, sales manager, Canada for Virgin Voyages says it means a lot to be selected by the travel advisor community across Canada.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognized as one of Canada’s favourite supplier representatives,” Russo told Travel Courier. “I truly love what I do and feel privileged to support our amazing First Mates [Virgin lingo for travel advisors] each day. Whether it’s answering questions, brainstorming strategies or sharing the latest updates, my goal is always to listen, support, and help grow their business. Together, we’re making Virgin Voyages the go-to cruise line for clients seeking an elevated, exclusively adult holiday at sea — and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of that journey.”
Notably, Colin Price, strategic business development manager, Western Canada & Pacific Northwest, said he often draws on his experience as a travel advisor to better understand the challenges advisors face.
“Being able to see things from both sides has helped shape my approach and reinforces how important it is to listen, show up, and be a true partner,” Price noted. “It’s a huge honour to be recognized by Canadian travel advisors, especially knowing how many talented and hardworking reps are out there. Being selected means a lot because it reflects the relationships we’ve built and the trust advisors place in us to support their business.”
Meanwhile, Fiona Schonewille, business development manager, Western Canada, Holland America Line & Seabourn Luxury Cruises & Expeditions, also shared her win online.
“To every agent who took the time to vote for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your recognition means the world. I have incredible passion for this business, and working in this industry, alongside such dedicated and inspiring professionals, is a reward in itself,” Schonewille posted. “This award is a reflection of the amazing partnerships I get to nurture every day. I genuinely love what I do, and I’m grateful to do it with all of you. Here’s to the journeys we continue to build together!”
Although not in attendance to accept the award in person, Ivan Mansanet, national sales manager, Railbookers Group was thrilled to be recognized.
“I’m truly honoured to be recognized among such inspiring industry colleagues,” said Mansanet. “It reflects the trust I have built, the collaboration I share, and the passion we all have for creating unforgettable travel experiences. I’m deeply grateful for their support and proud to represent a brand like Railbookers that empowers advisors with unique, flexible rail travel solutions around the world.”
Taking home the honours for the second year in a row was John Fallon, sales manager at Royal Irish Tours.
“To be recognized on stage alongside some of our industry peers was a huge honour,” Fallon noted. “I’m very grateful for the support of the travel advisors across Canada and to Jonathan Sargeant for his continued mentorship with this role.”
Meanwhile, Unique Vacations Canada Inc., the representatives of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, had two BDMs recognized.
“It is truly an honour to be recognized by my industry peers, and I’d like to extend a most sincere ‘thank you’ to the travel advisors in my region (and beyond) who voted for me this year,” Richard Todd, senior sales consultant, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. “Helping travel advisors achieve their best business success is gratifying enough to me and this award is simply icing on the cake.”
“To be included on the list of Favourite Supplier Representatives once again this year is very rewarding, especially since it’s voted on by Canadian travel advisors,” added Robert Smith, business development manager – Eastern Ontario. “It’s recognition and validation of the hard work, long days (and nights) on the road and so much more. I was honoured to be among such a distinguished group of my ‘competitive’ colleagues and stand on that stage with everyone together as one powerful collective.”
Notably, Neil Dudley, business development manager with AmaWaterways shared that the award is significant since the river cruise line relies on the travel trade for bookings.
“As a BDM working for AmaWaterways, who exclusively work with our travel advisor partners, recognition from them is the highest compliment one can receive in our industry and makes me want to work even harder for my travel advisor partners to always ensure they are successful as that is what resonates for them with their clients and for me in my job hearing it as well,” Dudley shared.
Calling it, “one of the most prestigious events in the travel industry,” Dianne Pedroso, area sales manager for Air Canada Vacations celebrated Air Canada and ACV’s six awards on a LinkedIn post.
“What an incredible honour to be recognized by our peers and the amazing travel professionals who make this industry thrive,” Pedroso said. “On top of that, I was absolutely over the moon to be recognized as one of the Favourite Supplier Representatives this year! This award felt especially meaningful because I got to celebrate it alongside my longtime colleague and one of my close friends, Judy Munden. After all these years, we continue to work with dedication and passion — because we truly love what we do and the clients that we serve.”
Her colleague Judy Munden, key accounts manager, told Travel Courier that she’s incredibly grateful for the recognition that she—as well as Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada—received at the awards.
“What an unforgettable night! These awards mean even more because they come from the travel advisors we work so closely with. To know that this recognition came from their votes makes it especially meaningful. For me, it’s a reminder of how important relationships are in our industry. I’ve always believed in picking up the phone instead of sending an email when I can—it’s those conversations and connections that help us truly understand and support our partners,” Munden noted. “As a proud East Coaster and someone who’s honoured to represent the maple leaf, I couldn’t be prouder to accept this award and be a part of this team. Thanks to Baxter Media for putting on such an amazing event and for celebrating the best of our industry.”
Another supplier rep recognized was Nancy Fernandes-Gallagher, business development – executive, Sunspots Holidays, who shared, “Being chosen by travel agents for the Supplier Rep award is an incredible honour. It’s a powerful reminder that the relationships we build, the support we provide, and the trust we earn every day truly matter. This recognition isn’t just about doing our job—it’s about making a real difference in the success of our partners.”
Meanwhile, Michael Sette, business development manager for TravelBrands told Travel Courier, “I am very humbled to be chosen as a favourite supplier representative by travel advisors for a second year in a row. This recognition speaks volumes about the strong relationships & partnerships we’ve built, the confidence you’ve placed in me and our ongoing promise at TravelBrands to be there for our industry partners every single day. “We’ve got your back!” Thank you for the continued support, it means everything.”
Another tour operator with multiple suppliers recognized was TTC Tour Brands.
“It is such a wonderful feeling to be selected by Canadian agents. To me it means that I have done my job and been there for them when they needed me,” said sales manager Ken Nickerson. “I love the relationships that I have developed with the agents. The people are the best part of this industry and my roll as a sale manager.”
And colleague, Jodine Clement added, “Being named the Favourite Supplier Representative by the Travel Advisors I serve is incredibly special. It validates the long hours and time away from family. It shows that the dedication, care, and hard work we pour into every sales call, consumer event, fam trip, and trade show etc. truly matter. Awards like these mean so much more because they reflect genuine appreciation from those we serve most.”
Patricia Di Benedetto, business relationship lead, national & key accounts – Canada for Explora Journeys noted, “I’m so grateful to have been recognized as a favourite supplier rep. It truly means the world to me and is a wonderful reflection of all the hard work we’ve done together to bring Explora Journeys to the Canadian market. As a new brand, it’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’re building together.”
Here are the full list of favourites:
- Dianne Pedroso, Air Canada Vacations
- Judy Munden, Air Canada Vacations
- Neil Dudley, AmaWaterways
- Colin Price, Azamara Cruises
- Daniel Ouellet, Blue Cross
- Paul Bachnivsky, Blue Cross
- Sandra Pennington, Celebrity Cruises
- Brad Gibson, Collette
- Maryanne Dubé, Exoticca
- Patricia Di Benedetto, Explora Journeys
- Jenna English, G Adventures
- Leslie Schaff, Globus family of brands
- Fiona Schonewille, Holland America Line
- Kent Phillips, HX Expeditions
- Brian Joseph, Hyatt Inclusive Collection
- Dan Hamilton, Jamaica Tourist Board
- Marc-Antoine Kamel, Norwegian Cruise Line
- Freddie Marsh, Playa Resorts
- Ivan Mansanet, Railbookers
- John Fallon, RIT – Royal Irish Tours
- Nate Allen, Royal Caribbean International
- Robert Smith, Sandals/Unique Vacations Canada
- Richard Todd, Sandals/Unique Vacations Canada
- Nancy Gallagher, Sunspots Holidays
- Lorraine Brisbois, Sunwing
- Ken Nickerson, TTC Tour Brands
- Charlotte Pedneault, Transat
- Michael Sette, TravelBrands
- Jodine Clement, TTC Tour Brands
- Paula Rizos, TTC Tour Brands
- Sean Russo, Virgin Voyages
- Jay Niranjan, Voyzant
