Globus family of brands’ Denise Harper on 40 years in travel, climbing mountains and leading with passion
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry. Did you always know you wanted to be in travel?
I was really born into travel. My father was a pilot with Air Canada for 30 years, so I’ve been seeing the world since I was a baby. I was hooked early and started in the industry over 40 years ago. I have a background in leisure and corporate sales, as well as meetings and events. I’m happiest when I’m talking about a product I’m so proud of — and leading a fabulous sales team here in Canada.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Working with our fabulous Canadian team and partners. They’re true professionals who are passionate about what they do. I love working with like-minded people who value partnership, support one another, and celebrate each other’s success.
Which Globus family of brands itinerary or destination is tops on your bucket list and why?
Our Small Group Discovery tour to Sicily and Malta. I’ve never been to either, and I’d love to try the Sicilian street-food cooking class with wine tastings, visit the Taormina seafront, experience a local farm, and walk around Gozo Island. Two beautiful countries immersed in culture, food, and wine — and I can’t forget the beautiful coastlines and beaches!
2026 is around the corner. What’s new and exciting?
We’ve launched Choice Tours on the majority of our Globus trips, giving guests the ability to personalize each day with a choice of excursions. For example:
- In Sorrento, make gelato or join a limoncello workshop.
- In Munich, take a walking tour of the old town or visit the Oktoberfest Museum.
- In Lisbon, visit the Jerónimos Monastery or enjoy a walking tour with a Ginjinha tasting.
- In Moab, go horseback riding or choose a boat cruise on the Colorado River.
- In San Francisco, bike the bridge or join a walking tour of Little Italy.
It’s all about choice, flexibility, and experiencing destinations your way.
What’s trending or selling well in the Canadian market right now?
Italy, Spain, Portugal, the U.K., Ireland, Switzerland, and France continue to be very strong. We’ve also seen significant growth in our Exotics portfolio, with travel to Japan, Eastern Africa, and Southern Africa. And travel within Canada grew more than 20%.
What’s something many people may not know about you?
I’ve climbed two mountains in the last eight years — Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Both are over 20,000 feet in elevation. They were the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. You definitely need to be mentally strong and dig deep when times get tough. It was an amazing lesson in resilience — and in understanding that hard is good!
How many days per year are you on the road? Window or aisle? Carry-on or checked bag?
I travel out of the country about 85 days a year. When I fly, I definitely want a window seat — I need to see the world underneath me at all times. I try to take a carry-on for most trips, although winter makes that a little harder.
Do you keep track of how many countries you’ve been to? If so, what’s your number?
I’m so grateful to work in an industry that lets me see the world, meet incredible people, and experience so many cultures and communities. I’ve visited 60 countries so far. My goal is 65 this year.
If you had to sing karaoke tonight, which song would you pick?
“Raise Your Glass” by Pink.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
Anything outdoors! I love spending time at our cottage, golfing, hiking, boating, being in nature, and exploring trails with my two dogs, Auston and Jack. I definitely have an addiction to sunshine. And time with family and friends warms my heart.
