After featuring such high caliber travel advisors in our special Travel Agent Appreciation edition of Travel Courier and Canadian Travel Press, it’s always a challenge for our selection committee to narrow down which one of the nominees should take home the annual Travel Agent & Beyond Award.
The award was launched five 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 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.
This year was once again a difficult choice as all the 15 advisors in the edition stood out in their own way, whether it was training new students, volunteering in their community or having a positive attitude after 40 years on the job.
After careful selection, the time has come to meet the contenders for the 2025 Travel Agent & Beyond Award!
Dawn has made a name for herself by taking groups on music-themed trips to international destinations and by not taking no for an answer when it comes to getting her clients what they deserve. This year she stood out amongst the other 150 agents at NorthStar Travel for being there for 80 plus clients following the snow storms and plane crash at Pearson, which caused a massive wave of trip delays and flight cancellations. She worked hard to make sure everyone in the group got home from Panama… even some people staying at the resort who weren’t even her clients.
Described as the travel agent’s travel advisor, LeoPaul earned high praises from his colleagues for his 40 dedicated years in the travel industry maintaining a positive attitude even while navigating through highs and lows and many challenges in the industry. LeoPaul was praised for his ongoing enthusiasm, quest for knowledge and his caring nature.
During the pandemic, Shari rebranded her travel agency to focus on sustainable and responsible travel for clients to make a difference as they travel around the world. She prioritizes trips and tour operators who make sure that tourism can be a force for good. The agency is on a mission to educate and empower travellers to make responsible travel choices.
Rachelle was nominated by her peers for going above and beyond for her clients for the past 25 years. She always jumps in to mentor new hires in the agency and is there to lend a helping hand when someone needs it. She is described as always comes to work with a smile on her face and a phenomenal attitude. Rachelle also stands out in her community for her volunteering efforts through various sports and dance programs.
And the winner of the Travel Agent & Beyond is…
Congratulations for your efforts to make the travel industry better by supporting responsible and sustainable travel.
Now let’s hear more insight from her nominator, Nathan Bowler, Business Development Account Manager at Adventure Canada, “I’d like to nominate Shari for her dedication to promoting responsible tourism. She is a passionate advocate for educating travellers on how tourism can be a force for good, fostering meaningful connections between people, places, and cultures. Her commitment to supporting tour and cruise companies that prioritize sustainability and cultural appreciation is truly inspiring. It’s a pleasure to work with Shari and witness the impact she has in guiding people toward transformative and enriching travel experiences.”
Shari has earned two round trip tickets with Porter Airlines courtesy of Baxter Media and a commemorative Travel Agent & Beyond award.
