Magical Night: The 2023 TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards

Thousands of travel advisors across Canada placed their votes and nearly 300 members of the Canadian travel industry gathered at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto to hear the results and celebrate each other.

The night began with mesmerizing magic from Nick Wallace, who has been described as "pure evil, wrapped in a Mr. Rogers sweater." There was no evil on this night, just a stunning display of illusion and manipulation that held the audience in rapt attention.

Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations were big winners on the night, with the carrier winning awards for Traditional Airline of the Year and Best Business Class/First Class Service, while AC Rouge won for Airline of the Year -- Leisure. Air Canada Vacations took home several honours, including Best Digital Interactive Brochure, Best Sales Team in Canada and Best Tour Operator of the Year -- Packaged Vacations. ACV's Erminia Gallina was also honoured as Social Media Superstar.

Royal Caribbean International was honoured by Canadian travel advisors as Cruise Line of the Year -- Large Ship. The line also took home the prize for Best Cruise Line Groups Department.

The SoftVoyage crew joyously celebrate the company's selection as Best Travel Technology Innovator/Provider. No geeks here!

Sunwing Vacations was a big winner at the 2023 TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards. The company earned honours for Best Groups Department, Best Reservations Department and Best Travel Advisor Loyalty Program.

The Readers' Choice Awards crowd offered a big ovation to Jacques Gilbert, who recently retired from Manulife after a long career of dedication, strong relationships -- and dance floor domination.

Recently retired from Transat, Susan Bowman was named to the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame for a 40+ year career where she made a mark at many different companies across the industry.

Stranded by mechanical issues in Vancouver, CruiseShipCenters and BranchUp founder Mike Drever was unable to get to Toronto in time for the event. Undaunted, he filmed an acceptance speech in his city's beautiful harbour.

The Jamaica Tourist Board won awards for Best Tourist Board Caribbean/Mexico and Best Tourist Board overall. The island of Jamaica took the coveted honour as Best Honeymoon Destination.

When all the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards had been handed out, the evening didn't end. Visit Barbados sponsored an after party that saw a filled dance floor and a few glasses of Mount Gay rum.

It's a passion for the team at TravelPulse Canada to report on Canada's travel industry. We offer a huge thank you to the sponsors of the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards, and the thousands of travel advisors across Canada who took part in the voting. We're a lucky group to work in the best industry there is.